Literature Review
All posts tagged with “General News | Changing the Culture of Dying.”
Man in hospice had final wish of attending his 80th Kentucky Derby, and it's coming true
05/01/26 at 03:00 AMMan in hospice had final wish of attending his 80th Kentucky Derby, and it's coming true WLKY-32, Louisville, KY; by Addie Meiners; 4/30/26 An 89-year-old Louisville native in hospice care wants to get in one final Kentucky Derby before he dies. Bob Weihe has been to 79 Derbies in a row. But in a wheelchair, unable to walk and unable to afford it, he feared his dying wish would not come true. But after a public appeal, it looks like he'll get that wish. Journalist David Begnaud shared a video online asking for help to grant it. Weihe’s passion for the Derby began in 1946 when he attended his first race at the age of 8 with his mother. ... Weihe’s wife, Barbara, has been his date to 62 Derbies, starting in 1957. ... Churchill Downs responded to Begnaud’s video, providing tickets to make Weihe’s wish come true.
OHSU grapples with falling rank on patient safety measures
04/30/26 at 03:00 AMOHSU grapples with falling rank on patient safety measures OPB, Oregon Health & Science University; by Amelia Templeton; 4/27/26 [The context begins with an "abrupt firing" of the CEO for OHSU Health. The excerpt below is further into the article, with relevance for hospice providers and your partnerships with hospitals.] Mortality — the number of observed patient deaths versus the number expected — was the other major contributing factor to OHSU slipping in Vizient’s ranks. Edwards shared several caveats with the board as to why she believes OHSU is performing better than its ranking indicates, particularly on the mortality score. For example, some patient deaths may have been counted differently by Vizient due to the closure of a hospice program. That could account for up to a third of the change in OHSU’s mortality grade, she said. And an internal review of the mortality data suggested that some OHSU patients’ medical charts weren’t accurately capturing how sick or complex they were.
Mercy film starts dialogue on end-of-life care and dignity in dying
04/30/26 at 03:00 AMMercy film starts dialogue on end-of-life care and dignity in dying The News Mill; 4/21/26 Director Mitul Patel revealed that his film ‘Mercy’ draws inspiration from actor Paresh Rawal’s account of his mother’s prolonged illness and coma, shared during an interview. This real-life story shaped the film’s exploration of end-of-life decisions and moral conflict. Patel told ANI, “As a writer, I look for conflicts in stories. I couldn’t find a bigger conflict than this where a son has to face this choice of letting go of his mother. ... “It will be better when we talk about mortality openly. End of life care, dignity in dying. We will start a conversation about all this. This is the goal of the movie.”
20 high-performing healthcare web designs that get results
04/30/26 at 03:00 AM20 high-performing healthcare web designs that get results just digital; 4/29/26 As healthcare continues its digital shift, an optimized web presence is no longer optional it’s the digital front door to your health system or practice. With search queries frequently driving direct engagement and appointments across healthcare verticals, your site’s usability and clarity are non-negotiable. [Scroll down to "Top 20 Healthcare Website Designs" for identified websites with descriptions.]
Butterfly Release brings solace after loss
04/30/26 at 03:00 AMButterfly Release brings solace after loss Pahrump Valley Times; by Robin Hebrock; 4/29/26 Butterflies carry many meanings and their symbolism of both transformation and hope is something that Nathan Adelson Hospice draws inspiration from each year as it hosts its annual Celebration of Life – Live Butterfly Release. A chance for community members to come together in honor of the husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, siblings and friends who are no longer in this world, the 2026 Pahrump Live Butterfly Release took place on Sunday, April 19 at the Calvada Eye. ... In addition to their patients who have passed, Nathan Adelson officials were also honoring three of their own, Dr. William Craig, Stan Cuaresma and Vivian McCuneo.
Hospice volunteer finds his 'happy place' tending the roses
04/28/26 at 03:00 AMHospice volunteer finds his 'happy place' tending the roses LNP | LancasterOnline; by Karyl Carmignani; 4/24/26 The warmth and colors of springtime prompt many eager gardeners to get their hands back in the soil. Rich Braine, a volunteer with Hospice and Community Care where he tends to the rose gardens on Good Drive, is one of those people. “It is respite for me,” he says. “I love to work in the flower beds.” ... Serving the community is not new to Braine, 76. He volunteered as a firefighter for 27 years, but that’s “a young man’s job” he says. ... Volunteering at Hospice and Community Care is near and dear to his heart, as the organization has taken care of many of his family members, including both of his parents.
8 years later, Ohio takes another look at ‘medical aid in dying.’ Will this time be different?
04/28/26 at 03:00 AM8 years later, Ohio takes another look at ‘medical aid in dying.’ Will this time be different? Cleveland.com, Columbus, OH; by Mary Frances McGown; 4/26/26 Eight years after similar legislation stalled at the Statehouse, Ohio lawmakers are again weighing whether terminally ill residents should be able to determine the timing of their death. Rep. Eric Synenberg this week introduced legislation to legalize “medical aid in dying” in Ohio, allowing mentally competent adults with a terminal diagnosis and six months or less to live to hasten their deaths by taking a lethal dose of medication prescribed by a physician. ... Recent public polling has shown that most Americans are open to medical aid in dying, and advocates say that public education on the subject has improved since the last legislative battle. Yet opposition to such legislation is also strong, particularly among the religious.
A father's dying wish comes true at special graduation ceremony
04/27/26 at 03:00 AMA father's dying wish comes true at special graduation ceremony YouTube | ABC WNEP-16, by Michelle Charlesworth; 4/23/26 It's one of his last wishes, to see son Cooper Crawford graduate from Northwest area high school. It's one wish that came true Wednesday night. "I think it was really cool that we have a community that size that can come together to support my father and my family. ... I wish I could be half the man my dad is." ... The school district put together this ceremony for Cooper a little over a month before his graduation date. ... Cooper's older sister gave a speech. His younger siblings were given honorary diplomas so that their dad could be there. Jess's mother, "I'm realizing the finality of what's happening." Editor's Note: Against the backdrop of hospice fraud headlines, this story reflects what hospice care can hold at its best—a father’s wish honored, a community leaning in, a moment this family will carry forward. May it inspire us all to create space for what matters, when it matters most.
The operation was successful and the patient died: Processes for achieving a good death
04/25/26 at 03:00 AMAlzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures - Annual Report
04/24/26 at 03:00 AMAlzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures - Annual Report Alzheimer's Association; Press Release; 4/22/26 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures (PDF), an annual report released by the Alzheimer's Association, reveals the burden of Alzheimer's and dementia on individuals, caregivers, government and the nation's health care system. Download the following:
What is a ‘green burial’? Plainfield Township is now offering them
04/22/26 at 03:00 AMWhat is a ‘green burial’? Plainfield Township is now offering them MLive, Palinfield Township, MI; by Danielle James; 4/14/26 Plainfield Township will soon allow “green burials” in its cemetery located at 6205 Packer Drive NE. The alternative method of burial has been described by some as more natural and environmentally conscious. Township leaders said when approving it, they also had to weigh the potential for additional complications. At a March meeting, Plainfield Township Board members signed off on a resolution that amended the cemetery ordinance to allow for green burials. On April 13, the board approved designated areas in the cemetery where the burials could take place. The alternative burials will still require township approval on a case-by-case basis.Editor's Note: We provide this in light of today's "Earth Day 2026" awareness and the growth of alternative burial processes. Related articles we have posted include:
Giving back gives purpose to local woman
04/17/26 at 03:00 AMGiving back gives purpose to local woman The Hinsdalean; by Ken Knutson; 4/15/26 Those nearing the end of life and their loved ones may not know Bonnie Walk. But her longstanding, dedicated behind-the-scenes volunteer service for St. Thomas Hospice has helped deliver resources and comfort to untold families during difficult seasons. ... "I work anywhere from one hour to six hours a week," she said. "It just depends on what needs to be done." ... How long will she stick with it? "Until I can't, I suppose," said Walk, not keen on passive entertainment. "You've got to do something. I'd rather help than not."
Strategies to promote the dissemination of psychosocial digital health resources for those affected by cancer: scoping review
04/16/26 at 03:00 AMStrategies to promote the dissemination of psychosocial digital health resources for those affected by cancer: scoping review Supportive Care in Cancer; by Isabel Ronan and Olinda Santin; 4/15/26 Conclusion: This paper presents the first review consolidating research on psychosocial digital resource dissemination targeting those affected by cancer. ... When considering the dissemination of an online resource in the future, researchers should focus on creating co-designed digital interventions for caregivers and targeting more diverse populations using both traditional and digital dissemination materials.
The room where my father died changed how I see architecture
04/16/26 at 03:00 AMThe room where my father died changed how I see architecture Time; by Michael P. Murphy; 4/15/26 ... Life had taught me that architecture was the business of making and designing structures. But my father showed me that architecture is brought to life through the stories we tell ourselves, and in the memories of the consequential acts that take place in and around the buildings we share. In this way, architecture becomes more verb than noun as it shapes us. It is a living thing. Maybe this is why my mother later said, all things considered, that my father had “built a beautiful death.” He had also built a beautiful life.
[Global] Compassionate communities in action: global stories of care, loss and connection
04/16/26 at 03:00 AM[Global] Compassionate communities in action: global stories of care, loss and connection Taylor & Francis Group, London, UK; edited by Emma Hodges and Manjula Patel; ebook published 1/1/26 Compassionate Communities in Action: Global Stories of Care, Loss and Connection brings together practical examples of compassionate cities and communities from around the world. Together they provide a practical road map, highlighting what has worked and what has been challenging, alongside reflections from the communities profiled. ... Demonstrating public health palliative care in practice, this guide is an essential read for people working in the field of palliative and end‑of‑life care, as well as academics, students, and policymakers with an interest in the area. ... The Open Access version of this book, available at https://www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Licence CC-BY-NC-ND. Editor's Note: This 334 page book is available for free download via the links above.
‘We provide end-of-life care. Here is the advice we often hear from terminally ill patients’
04/15/26 at 03:00 AM‘We provide end-of-life care. Here is the advice we often hear from terminally ill patients’ Independent; by Rosie Shead; 4/13/26 For the fundraising drive, Capital radio DJ Kemi Rodgers met with nurses from the end-of-life charity. They showcased placards adorned with wisdom from patients at a Superdrug store in London. One placard urged individuals to embrace the present and release past grievances. Further counsel included not dedicating too much time to work at the expense of life experiences, cherishing memories made with loved ones, and utilising money to create happy moments rather than saving it all for a future contingency, the charity stated.
The power of showing up: how families can support loved ones who are aging or ill
04/15/26 at 03:00 AMThe power of showing up: how families can support loved ones who are aging or ill Good Men Project; by Harvey Max Chochinov; 4/14/26 For many families, visiting a loved one who is aging or seriously ill can feel surprisingly hard. ... What if the problem is not that families have too little to offer, but that we misunderstand what truly helps? ... By emphasizing presence over fixing, dignity over distraction, and meaning over outcomes, it helps families:
Sew Blessed honors Vietnam veteran with patriotic quilt
04/15/26 at 03:00 AMSew Blessed honors Vietnam veteran with patriotic quilt The Herald, Roanoke Rapids, NC; 4/13/26 April 9 was a special Sew Blessed day for the quilt makers as they thanked Russell Crotts, a local U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, for his military service and presented him with a patriotic quilt. ... Crotts spoke to the group about some critical events during his military service, how they affected him and how eventually those events led him to the training of Flo, his service dog. ... This past year, as a veteran pet support volunteer with Liberty Hospice, Russ and Flo have traveled multiple counties, visited 27 hospice patients, and provided an opportunity for a unique connection of comfort between Flo and Liberty Hospice patients.
Art Dash draws crowd, raises funds for Oregon’s Serenity Hospice and Home
04/13/26 at 03:00 AMArt Dash draws crowd, raises funds for Oregon’s Serenity Hospice and Home Shaw Local News, Oregon, IL; Press Release4/10/26 The fifth annual Art Dash benefiting Serenity Hospice and Home was held April 8 at River’s Edge Experience, drawing more than 200 attendees for an evening of art, community, and philanthropy. ... Serenity CEO Suzanne Ravlin reflected on the event’s impact: “The Art Dash brings together art, community, and fundraising, but it has become much more. It is a celebration of generosity, connection, and the incredible impact we can make when we come together with purpose. Each piece of art tells a story – of humanity, love, struggle, beauty, and the moments that matter most.
Improving quality for gender-diverse hospice patients
04/13/26 at 03:00 AMImproving quality for gender-diverse hospice patients Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 4/8/26 Various factors impede the ability of transgender and gender-diverse individuals to receive goal-concordant care at the end of life. Individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community often face greater risks of privacy violations, cultural suppression, disrespect and trauma compared to others, according to Amanda Monteiro, palliative care social worker at Mount Sinai Hospital. ... LGBTQIA+ individuals are often referred to hospice or palliative care later in their disease trajectories compared to others, according to Dr. Alexis Drutchas, palliative care physician at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. ... Clinicians need better tools to help guide end-of-life conversations with gender-diverse patients and their loved ones, said Dr. Ramón Rodriguez, palliative care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital.Editor's Note: For a definitive, groundbreaking resource, examine LGBTQ-Inclusive Hospice and Palliative Care : A Practical Guide to Transforming Professional Practice, by Kimberly D. Acquiva.
Racial disparities in non-stigmatized supportive care medication use in pancreatic cancer
04/11/26 at 03:25 AMRacial disparities in non-stigmatized supportive care medication use in pancreatic cancerJournal of Pain & Symptom Management; by Olga Monika Trejos Kweyete, Chardaé Whitner, David L. Deremer, Yi Guo, Jiang Bian, Lisa Scarton, Sherise C. Rogers, Diana J. Wilkie, Xiwei Lou, John M. Allen; 3/26Pancreatic cancer (PC) is associated with a high symptom burden that contributes to reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and adverse clinical outcomes. This study examined racial and ethnic differences in the use of non-stigmatized SCMs [supportive care medications] during end-of-life care among patients with PC. SCM use was defined as at least one outpatient prescription claim for antiemetics, appetite stimulants, cognitive aids, headache aids, or sleep aids. Racial and ethnic disparities persist in the use of non-stigmatized SCMs among patients with PC at the end of life. These findings extend prior evidence on inequities in cancer symptom management and underscore the need for interventions that promote equitable access to supportive care medications across diverse populations.
Families face identity theft following a death
04/10/26 at 03:00 AMFamilies face identity theft following a death Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 4/8/26 When a loved one dies, the specter of identity theft can loom large, particularly through unclosed digital accounts that family members may not be aware of. Approximately 2.5 million deceased Americans have their identities stolen annually, with roughly 800,000 of these cases specifically targeted because they have died, according to the State of California Department of Justice. Managing and closing digital accounts can help mitigate the risk of identity theft, according to Donnell Beverly, Jr., CEO of Eazewell.
Death smiles at us all; all we can do is smile back
04/10/26 at 03:00 AMDeath smiles at us all; all we can do is smile back U.S. Medicine - The Voice of Federal Medicine; by Cheters Buckenmaier II, MD, COL (ret), MC, USA; 4/9/26 ‘Death smiles at us all; all we can do is smile back.’ — Marcus Aurelius (121 AD-180 AD) The word hospice is derived from the Latin hospitum, meaning “a place of rest and shelter for the ill and weary.” As I have aged, the reality of death and dying has occupied more of my time as aging parents and friends enter the twilight of their lives. ... When my father died suddenly, he had a brand-new car in the driveway and a new suit hanging on the bedroom door for my first daughter’s wedding. ...
Saad Healthcare’s ‘The Retreat’ offers comfort for hospice patients and families
04/08/26 at 03:10 AMSaad Healthcare’s ‘The Retreat’ offers comfort for hospice patients and families Fox10 News - WALA, Mobile, AL; by Lee Peck; 4/3/26 Behind Saad Healthcare sits a place for families seeking comfort and support during end-of-life care. They call it “The Retreat” — Saad’s inpatient hospice center. Gloria Massingill recalls her first visit three years ago, when her husband Kenny was looking for hospice care for his 93-year-old father. ... Saad’s The Retreat has 24 hospice beds on site and an additional 15 at their Providence location.
Westhampton teen's care packages honor her late father
04/08/26 at 03:00 AMWesthampton teen's care packages honor her late father WN.com - Newsday; by Michael R. Ebert; 3/29/26 ... Elizabeth Sultan, a junior at Westhampton Beach High School, recently spearheaded a program called Peter's Packages, named in honor of her father, Peter, who died last year at 54 after suffering a heart attack while competing in the Jamesport Triathlon. Sultan's initiative provides curated care packages that contain items ranging from books to blankets. She said she was inspired to launch the effort after she and her brother, William, received similar comfort items from community members following their father's death.