Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Hospice Provider News | Operations News | Challenges.”
Snowline rethinks donation policy
06/20/25 at 03:15 AMSnowline rethinks donation policy Mountain Democrat, Placerville, CA; News Release; 6/18/25 ... Operated in support of Snowline’s nonprofit mission, its thrift stores raise crucial funds to provide palliative care, hospice services, bereavement and veteran support to individuals and families throughout our region. Recently, in response to feedback from the community about donation limitations, Snowline opened its doors to accept a broader range of donated items. The goal was simple: to be more accommodating and say “yes” more often to those wanting to give. ... While the outpouring of donations was generous and deeply appreciated, this well-intentioned shift led to a significant rise in items that simply could be resold, things that were broken, torn, incomplete or nonfunctional. As a result, waste removal costs have skyrocketed in the thousands due to an increased number of trash runs and landfill fees. These unexpected expenses threaten Snowline’s ability to direct maximum funds toward the care programs that are at the heart of its mission. “We want to be a resource for our community and also remain good stewards of the donations we receive,” said Director of Thrift Operations Daron Hairabedian. “But we also have a responsibility to ensure the dollars raised through our thrift operations go where they matter most, supporting patients and families in the most vulnerable times of their lives.” To preserve the long-term sustainability of Snowline’s vital programs, including palliative care and grief support services, Snowline Thrift Stores will return to a more selective donation process.
Hospice: Relatable language, cultural humility key to grow rural utilization
06/20/25 at 03:00 AMHospice: Relatable language, cultural humility key to grow rural utilizationHome Health Line; by MaryKent Wolff; 6/18/25 Agencies in rural communities that make information about their care more accessible to community members who may be isolated or lack trust in health care services could see both increased hospice utilization and patient engagement. [Subscription required for full access.]
How AI tools help home health providers dramatically lessen OASIS time burden
06/20/25 at 03:00 AMHow AI tools help home health providers dramatically lessen OASIS time burdenHome Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 6/18/25 As home health leaders continue to identify areas where artificial intelligence (AI) can be most beneficial to their businesses, some are beginning to utilize these tools to reduce the time burden of the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS). Payment and outcomes are directly impacted by OASIS data collection, making accurate OASIS data collection crucial for home health providers. Yet for many clinicians, OASIS data collection can be a major pain point due to its complexity and time demands. Providers who have turned to AI-powered tools report “dramatic” efficiency gains. Still, experts note that some “fine tuning” remains to be done before the technology reaches its full potential.
“Her toes fell off into my hand”: 50 moments that changed healthcare workers forever
06/20/25 at 02:00 AM“Her toes fell off into my hand”: 50 moments that changed healthcare workers forever BoredPanda; by Dominyka; 6/18/25 When we go through traumatic events, our brain can shut out feelings and thoughts as a way to protect us from emotional or physical damage. This can make people go numb in stressful situations, so our bodies have time to figure out the best course of survival. Healthcare workers are frequently exposed to traumatic experiences, so when they were asked what event made them go permanently numb, they shared many devastating stories. Scroll down to find them below, and don’t forget to share similar ones if you have any.
HCS Home Care/Hospice Salary & Benefits studies underway
06/18/25 at 02:00 AMHCS Home Care/Hospice Salary & Benefits studies underway American Health Care Association (AHCA) and National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL); by Lisa Hohenemser; 6/17/25 Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS) has announced the 2025 Home Care and Hospice Salary & Benefits studies are now underway. The Reports are recognized as the authoritative source for comprehensive marketplace data for home health + hospice agencies. Last year’s Home Care Report contained data from 1,079 home health agencies. The Hospice Report had data from 797 hospice agencies. Both studies include questions on staffing issues, nursing turnover/vacancy rates, and sign-on bonuses used by agencies to attract new employees. The results cover salaries/bonuses and hourly/per visit rates for 60 positions, with job data reported by auspice type, revenue size, region, state, and CBSA. Also included are 19 fringe benefits, planned salary increases, productivity/caseload, and data on visit and shift differentials. Directions to Participate in the HCS Home Care or Hospice Salary & Benefits Study: ... There is no cost to participate.
Empath revamping physical, digital workspace for improved employee experience
06/17/25 at 03:00 AMEmpath revamping physical, digital workspace for improved employee experience Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 6/16/25 ... [Empath is updating] its physical locations to enhance the workspace for employees. “Some of this workspace design that we’re doing is innovative. We’ve invested in common workplace environments. We have quiet rooms, where people can go and focus on rest, relaxation and ease in the middle of the day. We leave your laptops, leave your phones out of that room,” Fleece told Hospice News. “We’ve invested in common kitchen areas and gathering places that are like a workplace cafe, with coffee, lounge chairs, TVs and things like that, so people can get together and socialize while they are in the office.” Florida-based Empath Health is the parent company of 17 affiliates and four philanthropic foundations. The organization provides care to more than 81,000 patients annually.
Tricentis’ Adam Rosenbaum discusses key factors on Electronic Health Record modernization
06/17/25 at 03:00 AMTricentis’ Adam Rosenbaum discusses key factors on Electronic Health Record modernization ExecutiveBiz - Healthcare IT News; by Miles Jamison; 6/13/25 Modernizing electronic health records is a complex, high-stakes initiative for any healthcare organization, according to Adam Rosenbaum, director of public sector at Tricentis. In a column published Monday on Future Healthcare Today, Rosenbaum likened EHR transformation to a grand symphony, where “technical mastery and flawless coordination” are necessary for its success. ... Rosenbaum stressed the significance of risk management, thorough testing, change management strategies, and proper coordination among teams for an EHR modernization project to succeed.
Medicare Home Health Care is the ideal platform for home-based palliative care at the end of life
06/16/25 at 03:00 AMMedicare Home Health Care is the ideal platform for home-based palliative care at the end of lifeJournal of Palliative Medicine; by Tessa Jones and Sean Morrison, with Guest Editor note by Ira Byock, MD; 6/10/25Recognizing the central role of HH as a de facto means of providing home-based palliative care—and strategizing how to integrate palliative care principles and education into it—holds the potential to expand access to palliative care services and improve the quality of end of life for older Americans. The authors identify four main barriers to successfully integrating HH into the suite of palliative care delivery models. First, the HH workforce lacks training in fundamental palliative care. Second, the current lack of ongoing physician involvement in the HH setting. Third, reimbursement. Palliative care services are often excluded from traditional payment models, particularly in the HH setting. Lastly, financialization of the HH sector. They say that integration of palliative care within for-profit HH agencies may require a strategic emphasis on financial incentives.Guest Editor Note, Ira Byock, MD: This academic oped extends the drumbeat toward alternatives to hospice care. Overcoming barriers to home-based palliative care requires steps that are strikingly similar to those needed to make hospice programs successful. The authors repeatedly refer to HH interdisciplinary teams. In fact, home health is a multidisciplinary model of service delivery that lacks the clinical synergy of high-functioning interdisciplinary hospice teams.
Providence announces 'difficult but necessary' restructure cutting 600 positions
06/16/25 at 02:00 AMProvidence announces 'difficult but necessary' restructure cutting 600 positions Fierce Healthcare; by Dave Muoio; 6/13/25 Providence said it launched a restructuring this week that will bring a reduction of 600 full-time-equivalent positions. The major nonprofit, which employs 125,000 people across seven Western states, said it will be shifting those affecting into other open positions “where possible.” There are more than 5,000 open roles across the system, it said. Affected roles are “primarily in non-clinical, administrative functions, though some patient-care roles are also impacted,” Providence said in its Thursday announcement. Transitional resources are being provided to impacted employees, it said.
New Hampshire woman’s father dies in hospice care [in fire evacuation zone] when California fires broke out
06/13/25 at 03:00 AMNew Hampshire woman’s father dies in hospice care [in fire evacuation zone] when California fires broke out CBS News WBZ, Boston, MA / YouTube; 1/15/25, published in our newsletter 1/15/25Just two hours before the fire evacuation--Merle Fetter--Barbara's husband of 64 years died in Royal Oaks Hospice Care, with Barbara holding his hand until the end . … As the fire moved through Altadena towards Monrovia Barbara was forced to leave Merrill's body, unable to be evacuated. ... [Daughter in New Hampshire:] “I didn't know where my mother was. I didn't know what happened to my father's body.” Barbara's daughter—Joy—thousands thousands of miles away in New Hampshire couldn't fly to Los Angeles until Friday. When she finally landed she received a reassuring call from Royal Oaks her mom was OK and her father's remains taken to the coroner's office. Staff feel like residents here are their family.
The healthcare customer of the future, with Marcus R. Escobedo
06/12/25 at 02:00 AMThe healthcare customer of the future, with Marcus R. EscobedoTeleios Collaborative Network (TCN); video/podcast by Chris Comeaux with Marcus R. Escobedo; 6/11/25 In this episode of TCNtalks, Marcus Escobedo, Vice President of Communications at the John A. Hartford Foundation, joins Chris Comeaux to discuss the future of healthcare for aging populations. Marcus shares how the Foundation’s Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative transforms care for older adults through the evidence-based 4Ms framework: focusing on what matters to older adults, medication management, cognitive health, and mobility. The conversation dives into the impact of ageism in healthcare and the importance of reshaping language and practices to serve older adults better.
National Alliance: Proposed 2.4% hospice payment update would create shortfall
06/12/25 at 02:00 AMNational Alliance: Proposed 2.4% hospice payment update would create shortfall Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 6/11/25 The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed 2.4% hospice base rate increase is woefully inadequate, and new physician attestation requirements may place undue burdens on providers, according to comments from the National Alliance for Care at Home. The Alliance on Tuesday released its public comments on the 2026 hospice payment rule, which stated that the proposed increase will not adequately cover hospices’ rising costs for supplies, labor, travel and other expenses.
Bayada lays off 10% of headquarters staff, citing reimbursement challenges
06/11/25 at 03:30 AMBayada lays off 10% of headquarters staff, citing reimbursement challenges Home Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 6/9/25 Bayada Home Health Care — one of the largest U.S. providers of home-based care — has reduced its headquarters staff by 10%, or roughly 100 jobs. The company stated that the layoffs are the result of operating in a difficult reimbursement environment. “While Bayada is stable, strong and growing, we operate in a challenging environment where the costs of providing care are growing faster than the ability of governments and insurance companies to pay for that care,” the company said in a statement. ... Bayada provides home health, home care, hospice and behavioral health care services in 23 states, as well as in several other countries.
7 browser extension rules every organization should follow to stay secure
06/11/25 at 03:00 AM7 browser extension rules every organization should follow to stay secure PI - Programming Insider; by Mar Berman; 6/9/25 Browser extensions have become essential for workplace productivity. Yet, they pose serious security risks that many organizations ignore. These small programs can access sensitive data, alter web content, and create openings for cyberattacks. ... This article presents seven important rules for organizations to manage risks effectively. Whether you work in IT or lead a team, these steps keep your network safe and easy to use. ...
5 real world lessons from using AI to transform legacy software
06/11/25 at 02:00 AM5 real world lessons from using AI to transform legacy software Forbes - Innovation; by Muamer Cisija; 6/10/25 AI is not the future—it is already shaping our present. According to a recent Forbes survey, AI and machine learning represent the top tech spending area in 2025, capturing 42% of IT budgets. Moreover, an NTT survey conducted by WSJ Intelligence shows that 89% of global CEOs consider AI crucial for future profitability. ... Drawing from real-world use cases I've seen across sectors, here are five critical lessons for applying AI to transform legacy software and unlock growth.
Sacramento hospice for terminally ill homeless people to open after decade-long effort
06/11/25 at 02:00 AMSacramento hospice for terminally ill homeless people to open after decade-long effort Sacramento Business Journal; by Chris Campbell; 6/9/25 A new hospice facility in Sacramento will open its doors to terminally ill homeless people on June 18. Joshua's House Hospice ... will provide end-of-life care for up to 15 residents. The project, a decade in the making, was funded by more than $3.5 million in contributions from individual donors, local foundations, the city of Sacramento and Sacramento County. "This project began with simple but profound conversations I had with people living on the streets," said Marlene Von Fredericks-Fitzwater, founder and CEO of Joshua's House. "They weren't afraid of dying, they were afraid of dying alone." The facility consists of six residential units, each approximately 670 square feet ...
Palliative care advocacy at the World Health Assembly 2025
06/10/25 at 03:00 AMPalliative care advocacy at the World Health Assembly 2025 ehospice; by Stephen Connor, Executive Director WHPCA; 6/5/25 Once again, palliative care advocates ensured that the voice of palliative care was heard at the premier event for global health, the World Health Assembly (WHA). The WHA is the governing body of the WHO where resolutions are passed that direct the Global Programme of Work for WHO. ... This year there were resolutions and actions involving non-communicable disease, cervical cancer, lung health, the pandemic response, mental health and social connection, the healthcare workforce, women’s health, universal health coverage, health emergencies, and so forth. WHO’s funding has been significantly reduced due to withdrawal of the US from WHO and global health funding generally. However, during the meeting other countries are stepping up to support WHO.
A World War II hero is facing his final battle - with Medicare | PennLive letters
06/09/25 at 02:00 AMA World War II hero is facing his final battle - with Medicare | PennLive letters PennLive Patriot News; by PenLive Letters to the Editor; 6/5/25 “Is this how one treats a 100-year-old World War II Army veteran?” I am such, having defended my country in the Philippines and then as one of the first GIs to step on Japan’s shores when it surrendered. Today, I am a widower, living alone under hospice care in the same small, comfortable home my wife and I cherished for so many years. My health condition has deteriorated dramatically, due to the ravages of ESRD, bladder cancer, anemia, high blood pressure, depression, and loss of balance. I am mostly bedridden, waiting for the inevitable. And yet, just now, I have received a Notice of Discharge from hospice because of an “extended prognosis,” literally meaning in lay terms that, “I’m living too long for hospice and Medicare purposes.” They argue that I’m now able enough medically to make it on my own without hospice care! ... I know I have only weeks, perhaps a month to live, but their rejoinder is simply, “Thank you for your service, but get out of our sight.”Editor's note: Click here for a similar related article and my editor's note, Dementia patient discharged from hospice over Medicare requirement. Here’s why it happened. (One of our "most read" Sunday posts.) These cases are too common. Basic communication, information, and coordinated care planning can mitigate much of the distress and pain. How does this dynamic play out with the patients and families you serve?
The Alliance champions community-based solutions at Senate palliative care briefing
06/06/25 at 03:00 AMThe Alliance champions community-based solutions at Senate palliative care briefing National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 6/4/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) played a lead role in [Wednesday's] Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus briefing, which focused on expanding access to palliative care services for patients with serious illness. The bipartisan event, hosted by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Barrasso (R-WY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Deb Fischer (R-NE), underscored the need for innovative models that deliver person-centered care in the home and community. Hillary Loeffler, Vice President of Policy & Regulatory Affairs for the Alliance, moderated the panel discussion, guiding thoughtful conversation on access, workforce, and innovation in care delivery.
10 notable ERP implementation failures and why they failed
06/06/25 at 03:00 AM10 notable ERP implementation failures and why they failed TechTarget; by George Lawton; 6/4/25 There are a lot of ways ERP systems can fail. Many businesses rush into rolling out new functions without careful consideration of details -- or knowing the common reasons for ERP implementation failure. ... John Belden, chief of strategy and research at Boston-based UpperEdge, an IT negotiations consultancy, commonly sees three key characteristics of these projects that often contribute to ERP implementation failure:
Home health provider Intrepid USA files for bankruptcy
06/05/25 at 03:00 AMHome health provider Intrepid USA files for bankruptcy Home Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 6/3/25Home health and hospice provider Intrepid USA has recently filed for bankruptcy. The company filed a petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the Southern District Court of Texas in late May, according to court documents. Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy results in a straight liquidation, according to Adam Stein-Sapir, a bankruptcy expert at Pioneer Funding Group LLC. ... In 2024, New Day Healthcare acquired Intrepid USA’s hospice operations in Missouri and Texas. Prior to these sales, Dallas-based Intrepid USA operated more than 60 home health and hospice locations across 17 states.
TCN/HPC Today: Storm clouds on the horizon for reimbursement
06/05/25 at 03:00 AMTCN/HPC Today: Storm clouds on the horizon for reimbursement - Top news stories, May 2025 Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast by Chris Comeaux with Cordt Kassner, 6/4/25 What happens when artificial intelligence meets end-of-life care? How do we reconcile private equity's profit motives with hospice's mission-driven ethos? These questions took center stage in this month's roundup of hospice news with host Chris Comeaux and guest Cordt Kassner. The May edition of TCNtalks' top news stories reveals a healthcare sector at a fascinating crossroads. AI has emerged as both a tantalizing promise and a practical challenge for hospice providers. ... In this episode of TCN Talks, hosts Chris Comeaux and Cord Kassner reflect on Memorial Day and discuss significant news stories from May, including the complexities of thanking veterans for their service, the role of artificial intelligence in hospice care, and the importance of honest conversations about racism in healthcare.Editor's note: This monthly podcast combines quantitative data and qualitative discussion from articles gleaned from the 400+ posts we provide each month. Do you seek to make sense of it all? Tune in and learn. We welcome your feedback via our newsletter's Contact page.
Hope Hospice Center celebrates in Missoula ahead of July opening
06/05/25 at 03:00 AMMissoula community celebrates opening of Hope Hospice Center NBC-KULR, NonStop Local Billings, MT / Missoula, MT; by Taylor Richardson; 6/3/25 The Hope Hospice Center celebrated its opening with a ceremony in Missoula, marking a significant milestone for elder care in Western Montana. The new facility will provide critical end-of-life care for people across the region. The state-of-the-art center spans 15,200 square feet and offers 24-hour end-of-life services. It includes 12 private patient rooms, spaces for family visits, and areas for religious and cultural practices. Amanda Yeoman Melro, Executive Director of Partners Hope Foundation, expressed her excitement about the center. "I think it has exceeded our wildest dreams of what a hospice center could possibly be," she said. The facility was made possible through community fundraising efforts led by the Partners Hope Foundation, which raised more than $15 million.
Hospice provider MiraSol Health launches new Behavioral Health Program
06/05/25 at 03:00 AMProvider MiraSol Health launches new Behavioral Health Program Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 6/3/25 MiraSol Health has launched a new behavioral health program designed to amplify emotional and psychological support for its hospice and palliative care patients. Branded as Rays of Hope Behavioral Health, the program offers individual and group therapy sessions, both in person and via a secure telehealth platform. Through Rays of Hope, MiraSol’s licensed therapists will help address anticipatory grief, caregiver stress, loss and other struggles that patients and families face during a time of chronic, serious or terminal illness.
CMS’s Hospice Star Rating System limited by missing data
06/04/25 at 03:00 AMCMS’s Hospice Star Rating System limited by missing data Health Affairs; by Amanda C. Chen and David C. Grabowski; 6/3/25 Two-thirds of US hospices were not given a star rating when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced its hospice star rating system in 2022. Since then, the share of hospices without a star rating has steadily increased, including through the most recent reporting period of 2024. This suggests that the CMS hospice star rating is having limited impact. We provide recommendations for CMS and other policy makers to improve the value for hospice patients of publicly reported star ratings.