Literature Review

Community turned-out for 7th annual Hoedown for Hospice in Dickinson The Dickinson Press, Dickinson, ND; by Press Staff; 7/11/25 The spirit of community and compassion was on full display June 19 as families, friends and neighbors gathered at Veterans Memorial Park for the 7th Annual Hoedown for Hospice. This beloved fundraising event benefits the Dickinson hospice program offered through CHI Health at Home.A crowd of all ages turned out, making the event a resounding success. Attendees enjoyed a lunchtime filled with activities and entertainment. Children laughed and played in colorful bouncy houses, met furry new friends at the petting zoo, and everyone enjoyed delicious food and ice cream.

Elderly people look at their younger reflections in this beautiful photo series by Tom Hussey Digital Synopsis; photos by Tom Hussey; retrieved from the internet 7/10/25 'Reflections of the Past' is an award-winning photo series by commercial advertising photographer Tom Hussey. The photographs show an elderly person looking pensively at the reflection of his/her younger self in the mirror. Hussey was inspired by a World War II veteran who said "I can't believe I'm going to be 80. I feel like I just came back from the war. I look in the mirror and see this old guy." It's beautiful, touching ... Editor's Note: Click here to view this touching series. The phrases "every photo tells a story" and "a picture is worth a thousand words" come to life. This award-winning campaign was used in a marketing campaign by Novartis for a treatment of Alzheimer's disease. [Our newsletter has no disclosures to report.] These photos are under strict copyright laws with strict enforcement. They can be shared easily via social media links at the top of its webpage. 

5 ways to have a ‘good death’ — including one of the biggest mistakes people make New York Post; by Reda Wigle; 7/3/25 No one gets out of life alive — but one expert says we can take steps to make sure we leave the earthly plane riding the high of a “good death.” “While 80% of people want to die at home surrounded by loved ones, only 30% actually do,” End Well founder Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider told The Post. “This massive gap reflects our system’s inability to honor what patients actually value.” As our cultural relationship to mortality has changed, Ungerleider notes that we have become disconnected from the process of death and, in turn, fail to plan appropriately for it. But if you’re not sure where to start, she has a helpful checklist of everything you should be doing to avoid a “bad death.”

[United Kingdom] Grandson to run 120km over 24 hours for hospice BBC News, Bristol, UK; by Clara Bullock; 6/28/25 A 31-year-old man is training to run 120km (75 miles) in 24 hours, in memory of his grandmother and to raise awareness of palliative care. Mary Lerway died in October 2023 and now Josh Galea, her grandson who lives in Bristol, is running the equivalent of almost three marathons to support St Peter's Hospice. Mr Galea, who became Ms Lerway's informal carer when her health declined, said: "Unfortunately, the end of my Nan's life was very difficult, not only for her, but also for the wider family who had to care for her. ... Ms Lerway was first seen by nurses from St Peter's Hospice 48 hours before she died. Mr Galea said that within an hour of them arriving the whole situation improved and the family could "breathe a sigh of relief"."It put us at ease knowing that she was being looked after, and it allowed us to say goodbye to her peacefully," he said.

[England] Developing a palliative care service for the homeless community Nursing Times; by Mark Pedder; 6/18/25 To help address inequalities in the provision of palliative care, a hospice set up a service focusing on the unique care needs of Luton’s homeless community. The outreach initiative addresses the logistical and emotional barriers that often prevent homeless individuals from seeking care. Initially conceptualised as a weekly outreach clinic, the service evolved into a more flexible model that adapts to the unpredictable nature of the community it serves. By reframing the conversation and addressing the stigma surrounding homelessness, the service aims to improve health outcomes and extend life expectancies for this vulnerable population, while avoiding unnecessary hospital attendances and improving end-of-life conversations.

Families demand end to Medicare waiting period for early-onset Alzheimer’s patients Washington Examiner; by Elaine Mallon; 6/15/25 Jason Raubach was diagnosed at 50 years old with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease — a diagnosis that affects nearly 200,000 Americans. He received the diagnosis in 2018, completely upending life for his family. His youngest child was just a freshman in high school. ... Shortly before receiving an official diagnosis, Jason Raubach lost his job, having to move his family onto a consolidated omnibus budget reconciliation act health plan, or COBRA plan, which allows a person to keep their health insurance even after losing their job. “It wasn’t cheap,” Elizabeth Raubach said.However, once diagnosed, Jason Raubach had to wait two and a half years before he could receive coverage under Medicare, health insurance for those 65 years and older or those with qualifying disabilities. But Elizabeth Raubach, along with dozens of other caretakers for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, called on Congress in a letter to eliminate the 29-month waiting period required for those under the age of 65 to receive coverage under Medicare. ...

Revolutionizing health in South Florida: The benefits of IV therapy and inclusive hospice care South Florida Reporter; by southfloridareporter.com; 6/8/25 ... South Florida is known for its multicultural population, making the expansion of hospice care to diverse groups particularly significant. Traditionally, certain cultural or community groups may have had hesitations or lacked access to hospice care due to language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, or lack of awareness. Increasingly, hospice organizations are focusing on outreach and education within these communities, breaking down barriers and encouraging patients and families to consider hospice as a valuable option for quality end-of-life care. 

A special tribute given to a special nurse Scottsdale Progress, Scottsdale, AZ; by Lin Sue Flood; 6/7/25 One of the original founders of Hospice of the Valley back in 1977 recently received an extraordinary visit from the Arizona Nurse Honor Guard, an organization that honors fellow nurses who have dedicated their lives to the profession. “I am just flattered and overwhelmed,” said Mary Audrey Mellor, who turns 92 in July. “Hospice of the Valley has always had my heart because it’s so compassionate and caring and loving.” Friends and family gathered together at her home at Vi at Silverstone in Scottsdale as she received a Florence Nightingale coin symbolizing comfort, gentleness, courage and an unwavering devotion to duty. Nurse Honor Guard volunteer Cindy Loucel then presented her with a second gift. “We have a quilt to cover you with our love and gratitude and to recognize all those patients you covered in kindness,” she said. “May it bring you comfort, as you gave so many others comfort.”

Terminally ill woman, 35, cancels plans - best friend’s reaction backed Miami Herald, Miami, FL; by Lydia Patrick, Newsweek Life; 6/5/25 A woman has sparked an outpouring of support online after admitting she felt relieved when her terminally ill best friend canceled their remaining plans. The anonymous Reddit user, ... shared her emotional experience ... where her confession received over 8,000 upvotes and hundreds of comments. She explained that her best friend, Sarah, 35, had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer and her condition rapidly worsened. ... In an effort to make the most of her time, Sarah created an ambitious bucket list, which included a trip to the coast, a party, and a final hike to her favorite mountain. However, after halting treatment, she transitioned into hospice care and most of the planned activities were either canceled or significantly scaled back. ... [Serving as primary caregiver, she wrote,] "And I'm relieved. I'm utterly, profoundly ashamed to admit it, but I'm exhausted. Mentally, emotionally, financially. ..." ... Dr. Terri Daniel, a grief counselor and hospice chaplain at Forest Park Hospice, told Newsweek the Redditor's experience is not uncommon and far from selfish.

Hospices facing a US caregiving ‘crisis’ Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 6/2/25 Family caregivers in the United States are being challenged by a swelling aging population inneed of greater support and stronger policy infrastructures. Much room for improvement exists at both state and federal levels when it comes to recognizing the important roles that family caregivers play, according to Steven Lee, co-founder and CEO of ianacare, a Boston-based patient and caregiver resource company. More innovative care models and disease-specific reimbursement options have widened pathways for hospice providers to improve family caregiver support, Lee said in a recent Hospice News Elevate podcast. But these fall short of addressing the diverse scope of practical, emotional and financial needs, he stated. Editor's note: This article has an excellent map of US states with caregiver categories for "Well-Supported," "Safe for Now," "High Risk," and "Critical" (courtesy of Otsuka America Pharmaceutical). Additionally, our sponsor Hospice Analytics provides the National Hospice Locator, for caregivers/families to find hospices that serve in each US county, and sorted by their quality scores. And, our sponsor Composing Life equips hospice organizations with caregiver/family video libraries that span the continuum of serious illness, hospice, and grief care. 

Hard conversations, celebrations accompany AANHPI Heritage Month Public News Service; by Roz Brown and Suzanne Potter; 5/30/25 Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders are a rapidly growing population in California and across the nation - but as they age, research indicates they're less likely to use hospice care or be familiar with end-of-life options. Nationwide, the group makes up about 6% of the population - and 15% in California - but like many minorities, they face greater health-care disparities. Ben de Guzman, director of the Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs in the Washington, D.C., mayor's office and the son of Filipino immigrants, said cultural beliefs can hinder conversations about death and dying, and language also is a barrier.

Finding Solutions: Local group makes flowers for everyone WRDW-12 & WAGT-26, Augusta, GA; by Zayna Haliburton; 5/21/25 Flowers are something that can put a smile on someone’s face, whether you’re receiving or giving them. For one local group, they’re making bouquets to bring to nursing homes, shelters and hospitals. They’re now finding solutions in asking the community to consider donating their leftover flowers from weddings and events in order to brighten someone else’s day. “These are going to go to hospice patients that a part of Enhabit Augusta, ..." said Patricia Proctor, co-owner of El Rey and founder of non-profit Corazón Bonito ... which translates to "beautiful heart" in English. 

[Australia] Overtreatment of older people near end of life: A qualitative scoping review of modalities, drivers, and solutionsOmega-Journal of Death and Dying; Samantha Fien, Emily Plunkett, Daniel Wadsworth, Magnolia Cardona; 4/24This study aimed to understand the drivers better to help minimise further risks of overtreatment for older people near the end of life (dysthanasia). Determinants included healthcare system factors, patient-centered care, family and caregiver, and clinician perspectives. This review confirms that despite almost two decades of recognition of the potential harms of overtreatment near the end of life, society, patients, and health systems have a role to play in reducing and addressing the determinants. We offer a range of solutions for clinicians, health service managers, and members of the public to consider.