Literature Review
Annual Golf Marathon raises $120K to benefit Hope Hospice
11/15/24 at 03:00 AMAnnual Golf Marathon raises $120K to benefit Hope Hospice The Independent, Livermore, CA; 11/14/24 Hope Hospice, a nonprofit that provides support services for patients with terminal illnesses and their caregivers, reported raising almost $120,000 during the 10th annual Hope 100 Golf Marathon last month at Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton. Event organizers said 28 golfers took on the challenge of playing 100 holes in one day on the club’s Valley Course, while another 20 participated in an inaugural skills competition that included putting, trick shots and long drives. “The Hope Hospice team is deeply grateful to all the players, sponsors and donors who made this event a success,” said Jennifer Hansen, Hope Hospice senior vice president.
[United Kingdom] After tragedy, NJ doctor finds renewed purpose working—and living—at a hospice
11/15/24 at 03:00 AM[United Kingdom] After tragedy, NJ doctor finds renewed purpose working — and living — at a hospice My Central Jersey - NorthJersey.com; by Scott Fallon; 11/14/24 Even though she was on hospice care for terminal cancer at a New York hospital, Sandy Cattani’s last days were marred with pain and suffering. At one point, she began flailing so much in her hospital bed that her husband, Dr. Charles Vialotti, and other family members had to help hold her arms and legs down. This is not how any patient should die, Vialotti thought. He ought to know, having helped pioneer hospice care at three New Jersey hospitals. About a year after Sandy's death, Vialotti took the unusual step of moving into the Villa Marie Claire hospice in Saddle River, where he has spent 14 years attending to the terminally ill.
Executive Personnel Changes - 11/15/24
11/15/24 at 03:00 AMExecutive Personnel Changes - 11/15/24
It's not just pumpkin spice time--it's time for the family conversation!
11/15/24 at 03:00 AMIt's not just pumpkin spice time--it's time for the family conversation! Dunlap Bennet & Ludwig; by George Reilly; 11/13/24 “Quality family time” is a phrase often heard in the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, sometimes even with air quotes, to describe what many people believe to be a necessary, but not necessarily enjoyable, time of family togetherness. ... Whatever your perspective on this “quality family time,” chances are that for most of you, it was/will be a missed opportunity to discuss very important matters with your loved ones—namely what happens in the event of disability or death; who takes care of what; a parent’s (or grandparents, or your own) wishes on the end of life medical care and funeral/burial/cremation choices; your wishes on guardians for minor children; and other critical, but admittedly sensitive and gloomy topics. ... Consider these statistics from surveys conducted by the Conversation Project: ... 92% of Americans say it’s important to discuss their wishes for end-of-life care, but only 32% have had such a conversation! [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]
The future of AI in hospice care
11/15/24 at 03:00 AMThe future of AI in hospice care Hospice News; by Elizabeth Ecker; 11/13/24 As a high-touch, highly human care delivery type, hospice care may seem in a sense removed from the fast-paced, high-tech world of artificial intelligence. Yet in many ways AI is giving rise to exactly what hospice professionals set out to do in the first place: provide patient care. It also supports hospice professionals and patients in several other important ways, from reducing hospitalizations to providing scheduling efficiencies for staff and providing significant time savings. It can even be a key to providing the right care at the right time, and improved accuracy of patient data. ... It also supports hospice professionals and patients in several other important ways, from reducing hospitalizations to providing scheduling efficiencies for staff and providing significant time savings. It can even be a key to providing the right care at the right time, and improved accuracy of patient data.
Death is a natural part of life, but our society struggles to support those who are grieving.
11/15/24 at 03:00 AMDeath is a natural part of life, but our society struggles to support those who are grieving. Iowa Public Radio (IPR); host Charity Nebbe; 11/14/24 After a profound loss, the instinct is often to try and ease the pain for those who are grieving, but grief counselor Lynette Jordan says the pain of grief needs to be felt. This hour, host Charity Nebbe speaks with Jordan as well as mother and son Brianna and Grayson Wills about how they developed an open dialogue of grief in the seven years since the death of Grayson's twin brother, Calder. She also speaks with CL Lepley, who through experiencing many difficult losses since age five has become an expert in supporting those who are grieving. Guests:
Today's Encouragement: What we see depends mainly on ...
11/15/24 at 03:00 AMWhat we see depends mainly on what we look for. ~ John Lubbock
Growing palliative care team expands access into ambulatory setting
11/15/24 at 03:00 AMGrowing palliative care team expands access into ambulatory setting UConn Today; by Jennifer Walker; 11/13/24 Palliative care is a medical subspecialty focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family. Palliative care is appropriate at any age and stage of illness and can be provided along with all other medical treatments. Eight years ago, UConn Health began outpatient palliative care at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center with a cancer center supportive care clinic. The supportive care clinic includes two full-time nurse practitioners and support from an interdisciplinary team. The service has continued to grow since it was started with volumes increasing 250%. As the Cancer Center grows, volume and need for palliative care is also anticipated to increase.
Carolina Caring celebrates fourth graduating class of CNA Training and Job Placement Program
11/15/24 at 03:00 AMCarolina Caring celebrates fourth graduating class of CNA Training and Job Placement Program Focus, Newton, NC; 11/13/24 On the evening of Thursday, October 24th, Carolina Caring recognized the seven graduates of its latest Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Training and Job Placement Program. ... This state-approved CNA Training Program runs for eight weeks at Carolina Caring’s Newton campus on 3975 Robinson Road. Led by licensed nursing instructors, these courses provide expert hands-on education which prepares students to pass the intensive North Carolina Nurse Aide certification exam. Students receive financial aid throughout the program, and all graduates who successfully complete their certifications are offered positions with Carolina Caring. ... “Carolina Caring blessed me by selecting me for this program and providing me with an opportunity that I otherwise would not have been able to financially invest in at this current moment,” said Allison Ackley, class valedictorian. “They poured into me, and so I’m going to be pouring back into them.”Editor's note from Carolina Caring's website: "In 1979, Carolina Caring was established as one of North Carolina’s original three hospice providers. We were a small group of grassroots volunteers with a mission: to help our parents, grandparents and neighbors walk through their final moments with dignity and respect." We congratulate you on this innovative, mission-driven educational and staffing initiative.
HomeCare & Hospice receives Renodin Grant
11/15/24 at 03:00 AMHomeCare & Hospice receives Renodin Grant Olean Times Herald, Allegany, NY; 11/14/24 HomeCare & Hospice announces it has received a generous grant from the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation to support its comfort care basket initiative for hospice patients. This funding will enable HomeCare & Hospice to provide comfort care baskets filled with thoughtfully selected items that promote relaxation, comfort and dignity for those facing end-of-life care. Each basket is designed to offer a bit of respite, bringing a sense of warmth and care to patients during a vulnerable time. The Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation, affiliated with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, is committed to supporting projects that uplift individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, food insecurity and other vulnerabilities. “We are deeply grateful to the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation for their support,” said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of HomeCare & Hospice. “This grant will allow us to provide meaningful and comforting items to our hospice patients, helping to ease their journey and providing support that reflects the compassion and respect at the heart of our mission.”
CMS to surveyors: Keep eyes open for hospice fraud
11/15/24 at 03:00 AMCMS to surveyors: Keep eyes open for hospice fraud Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 11/14/24 The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a memo to accreditation bodies and state agencies advising surveyors to watch out for potential hospice fraud. The memo directs surveyors to refer issues to CMS if they suspect fraudulent activity. These actions were spurred by a rash of fraudulent hospices that have emerged primarily in California, Texas, Nevada and Arizona. “While the primary purpose of [state agencies and accreditation organization] surveys is to determine compliance with the Medicare Hospice CoPs, there are several elements of the survey process that can uncover concerns that would necessitate a referral to CMS for potential fraud,” CMS indicated in the memo.
Mom of 4 is placed in hospice care 2 weeks before son's wedding. On his big day, she's on the dance floor with a smile (exclusive)
11/15/24 at 02:30 AMMom of 4 is placed in hospice care 2 weeks before son's wedding. On his big day, she's on the dance floor with a smile (exclusive) People; by Jordan Greene; 11/14/24 ... In October, before entering hospice care, Liv recalls how her mom was in the hospital, and all she could talk about was attending the wedding. With Olivia's health deteriorating, Liv says her brother Salvatore and his fiancée Kelsey had even considered holding the wedding ceremony in the hospital room if necessary. But that contingency plan quickly became unnecessary. On Nov. 2, their mom defied expectations and arrived at Basilica Hudson in Hudson, New York, alongside the other 105 guests to watch her son walk down the aisle — turning the hopes of her kids and everyone else in attendance into a reality. In fact, Liv says her mom exceeded even the best-case scenario the family had imagined. ...
Tech executive's moving goodbye as he enters hospice goes viral: ‘I love that we existed together’
11/15/24 at 02:15 AMTech executive's moving goodbye as he enters hospice goes viral: ‘I love that we existed together’ NBC Today Show; by Alex Portée; 11/13/24 In the final stages of Stage 4 cancer, former Postmates executive James Butts shared a heartfelt message that is resonating with thousands: “Be principled, be an idealist. Most importantly, be a decent human.” In a post shared on his X account Nov. 13, Butts confirmed that he was entering hospice. Butts was a senior vice president of product and design at Postmates for nearly six years and is a co-founder of OrderAhead, according to his LinkedIn page. “I’m entering hospice today. Will probably update (very) little if at all,” Butts announced on X regarding his transition to end-of-life care. ... Butts’s words have received nearly 7.6 million views on the platform and over 98,000 likes within the day of being posted. “I don’t know you, but I am moved by your message,” one user wrote in response to his X post. “Sending you and your loved ones strength.”
VITAS seeking large acquisitions in hospice CON states
11/15/24 at 02:00 AMVITAS seeking large acquisitions in hospice CON states Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 11/13/24 As it considers potential acquisitions, VITAS Healthcare is focused on large assets in certificate of need (CON) states. VITAS is a subsidiary of Chemed Corp. (NYSE: CHE). The company this year made its return to the M&A market after a hiatus of several years. In April, VITAS acquired Covenant Health and Community Services’ hospice operations as well as one assisted living facility in an $85 million deal. With that transaction under its belt, more are likely on the way, according to Mike Witzeman, vice president and CFO for Chemed. “We are fairly optimistic on a pipeline of potential Covenant-size deals, but there are a few hurdles from an internal perspective that we would certainly want to keep in mind. First is we like CON states or states where there are restrictions on barriers of entry,” Witzeman said during a presentation at the UBS Healthcare Conference. “The second would then be locations that, generally speaking, have some size to them. That’s important, obviously, from a patient flow perspective, but also from a staffing perspective.” The third major consideration is the price tag. The Covenant deal was sealed at a multiple of 6x to 8x EBITDA. ...
In 2023, the majority of home health aides and personal care aides were women
11/15/24 at 02:00 AMIn 2023, the majority of home health aides and personal care aides were women U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - TED: The Economics Daily; 11/13/24 In honor of National Home Care and Hospice Month, we are highlighting data about two of the most common occupations that provide care to people with illnesses or disabilities in a home or community-based setting—home health aides and personal care aides. In 2023, women accounted for 87 percent of all home health aides and 80 percent of personal care aides. Workers in these two occupations assist people with activities of daily living (such as feeding or bathing), though home health aides generally focus more on their patients’ health and safety, while personal care aides often assist with other tasks (such as errands and housekeeping). Across all occupations, 47 percent of workers were women. Home health aides and personal care aides were more likely to be Black or African American (30 percent and 25 percent, respectively) than were workers overall (13 percent). Forty-two percent of home health aides and 27 percent of personal care aides were foreign born, higher than the average of 19 percent for workers overall. ... [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]
Nebraska inmates provide hospice care for fellow prisoners
11/14/24 at 03:20 AMNebraska inmates provide hospice care for fellow prisoner ABC KETV 7, Omaha, NE; by Mary Regli; 11/12/24 When you're in prison, there comes a point when either your sentence or your life comes to an end. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services has come up with an idea to help inmates in either situation-- at no additional cost. They're transforming the prison from the inside out with a new program that's providing palliative and end-of-life care for incarcerated individuals. The prisoners we met are all serving time for heinous crimes. The purpose of the program is to have other inmate volunteers provide final care for dying or critically ill prisoners and help with their rehabilitation. "In the end of life, it doesn't really matter what you've done or what reason you're here; you're still a human, and you still deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. And this program embodies that," said Lori Palik, the department's director of nurses. Volunteers go through a ten-week program where they learn what they need to be able to care for their fellow inmates.
Aroostook Hospice Foundation achieves $150,000 matching grant campaign goal
11/14/24 at 03:05 AMAroostook Hospice Foundation achieves $150,000 matching grant campaign goal The County, Presque Isle, ME; 11/13/24 The Aroostook Hospice Foundation is thrilled to announce the success of its recent Matching Grant Campaign, which raised an astounding $150,000 for the Aroostook House of Comfort. This achievement was made possible through the community’s generosity and a $75,000 match pledged by an anonymous donor. Launched in June, the campaign quickly gained momentum, with individuals and organizations coming together to meet the matching goal. These funds will directly support the Foundation’s mission to provide compassionate, inpatient hospice care when patient needs exceed what home hospice care can offer. Established in 2009 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Aroostook Hospice Foundation was created to establish and sustain an inpatient hospice facility for the region. After years of dedicated fundraising and community support, the Aroostook House of Comfort opened its doors in 2018, becoming one of only four inpatient hospice facilities in Maine. Since then, it has delivered quality end-of-life care to approximately 1,000 individuals and their caregivers in partnership with Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, a Medicare-certified hospice provider. Together, they ensure patients receive comfort, dignity and compassionate support on one’s journey through hospice, serving both the patient and their caregivers.
Today's Encouragement: Always be you ...
11/14/24 at 03:00 AMAlways be you--and learn to let go in order to grow. You owe it to yourself. ~ Vivian Martinez-Stachura
Strengthening nondiscrimination protections and advancing civil rights in health care through Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act: Fact sheet
11/14/24 at 03:00 AMStrengthening nondiscrimination protections and advancing civil rights in health care through Section 1557 of the Affordable Care ActHHS press release; 11/13/24Publisher's note: While the final rule was released this Spring, compliance deadlines begin this month and might be burdensome for some providers to implement. In addition to the link above, guidance can be found here: final rule, press release, fact sheet.
Baystate Health eliminates 134 leadership positions
11/14/24 at 03:00 AMBaystate Health eliminates 134 leadership positions Modern Healthcare; by Hayley Desilva; 11/13/24 Baystate Health [in Massachusetts] has eliminated 134 leadership positions as part of a larger cost-saving effort amid financial challenges. The cuts will affect less than 1% of the system's workforce, the system said in a statement Wednesday. Some of the affected positions are vacant roles that will not be filled. Baystate accumulated an estimated $300 million in operating losses between 2020 and 2023, which led it to reevaluate finances and eliminate the leadership positions. "As a system, we are driving toward transformational change to deliver core operations improvements of more than $225 million over the next two years," Baystate Health said. "Our transformation will allow us to invest $1.2 billion back into our team members, renovations, growth, access, and our community over the next six years."
Onslow Caregivers Inc. donates $400,000 to Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville for hospice care
11/14/24 at 03:00 AMOnslow Caregivers Inc. donates $400,000 to Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville for hospice care WITN, Jacksonville, NC; by Olivia Dols; 11/12/24 One eastern Carolina hospital received a donation to help it continue serving the community with hospice services. Healthcare centers like Onslow Memorial Hospital are used daily for a plethora of services, including hospice care. That’s why Onslow Caregivers Incorporated donated $400,000 to the hospital to continue helping the community. Thomas Giffin who is the Executive Director for the Onslow Memorial Hospital Foundation says this gift is all about the community. “It’s more than just a great $400,000 gift,” said Giffin. “It opens up a number of doors in a number of different directions.”
Former employees speak out after 89-year-old woman disappeared from care facility, then died
11/14/24 at 03:00 AMFormer employees speak out after 89-year-old woman disappeared from care facility, then died WSB-TV 2 Atlanta, GA; by WSBTV News Staff; 11/12/24 An 89-year-old woman died after she disappeared from the facility that was supposed to keep her safe. ... Lee worked for the Marietta Police Department when he and his team searched for a woman who disappeared from the Greenwood Place Assisted Living and Memory Care facility on Whitlock Avenue. ... Police reports reveal more than a dozen investigations at the facility over the past four years. Of those, two arrests were made for two different alleged crimes which include larceny and assault. “I didn’t think the care was at the level I was told it would be at,” Anthony Argano, who removed his dad from the facility, said. Argano said he pulled his dad out of the facility after staff forgot to turn his dad’s oxygen tank on, which he said resulted in a trip to the hospital and eventually a stay in hospice. ...
Meals on Wheels substantially reduces risk of senior hospitalizations: report
11/14/24 at 03:00 AMMeals on Wheels substantially reduces risk of senior hospitalizations: report McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 11/8/24 Home-delivered nutritious foods programs can help keep seniors out of the hospital and reduce their feelings of social isolation, according to a new report by Meals on Wheels and home care technology firm WellSky. The report examined how Meals on Wheels programs helped seniors recover after being discharged from a hospital stay. Each meal delivery also involved a social determinants of health assessment, which allowed Meals on Wheels staff to engage with participants and gauge their wellness and safety. After 30 days of the program, the researchers observed an 85% decrease in hospitalizations among participants. Approximately 98% of meal recipients said that Meals on Wheels helped their recovery, and 61% said it lowered their feelings of social isolation.Editor's note: While we know hospice patients experience a significant decline in appetite, the person's changing needs for nutrition continue. Pair this data with several recent articles we've posted regarding seniors' struggles compounded by living alone, isolation, and depression. We invite you to explore this educational/support video for caregivers/families of persons experiencing serious illness, palliative, or hospice care: Small Words - Big Meanings: EAT. Disclosure: Composing Life Out of Loss is a sponsor of our newsletter.
This one skill turns managers into great leaders
11/14/24 at 03:00 AMThis one skill turns managers into great leaders Makeda Andrews - YouTube; by Makeda Andrews; 11/12/24 Have you ever thought about what the secret sauce is that turns a decent manager into great leader? Well it’s probably not what you think. Which is why in this video, I’m sharing the one game-changing skill that will elevate your leadership capacity and significantly impact the results you get. [Short-cut: the answer is "Emotional Intelligence," with excellent practical examples.]
Teen honored with Meritorious Civilian Award after rescuing grandparents in house fire [grandmother in hospice care]
11/14/24 at 03:00 AMTeen honored with Meritorious Civilian Award after rescuing grandparents in house fire [grandmother in hospice care] Chattanoogan.com, Chattanooga, TN; 11/12/24The Whitfield County Fire Department awarded the Meritorious Civilian Award for Bravery to 15-year-old José Fernando Espinoza on Monday in recognition of his exceptional courage during a house fire on Oct. 19. The award honors civilians who show extraordinary heroism in life-threatening situations, celebrating Fernando’s selfless actions that saved his grandparents. Shortly after midnight on Oct. 19, firefighters were dispatched to a fire on Ricky Drive, where flames had rapidly overtaken the home. Though most of the family managed to escape safely, Fernando’s grandparents remained trapped inside. His grandmother, bedridden and in hospice care, and his grandfather, who chose to stay with the grandmother, were unable to make it out on their own. In an extraordinary display of bravery, Fernando reentered the burning home through a window and, pushing through thick smoke and flames, managed to pull both grandparents to safety.