Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Hospice Provider News | Community Outreach.”
Your children or spouse might not be the best power of attorney — what you can do about it
11/26/24 at 03:00 AMYour children or spouse might not be the best power of attorney — what you can do about it Medical Economics; by Howard Enders; 11/25/24 It’s easy to assume that your spouse or children will be the most suitable candidates for this role, but that isn’t always true. Family members may be emotionally compromised or lack the expertise needed to handle complex medical or financial decisions. So, how can you ensure that your health, finances and legacy are protected? Let’s explore the key elements of estate planning, including setting up the right power of attorney, maximizing savings for future medical expenses and preventing unnecessary financial burdens on your loved ones. ... [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]
If my dying daughter could face her mortality, why couldn’t the rest of us?
11/26/24 at 03:00 AMIf my dying daughter could face her mortality, why couldn’t the rest of us? DNYUZ, appearing first in The New York Times; Ms. Wildman; 11/25/24 The first week of March 2022, I flew to Miami with my 13-year-old daughter, Orli; her 8-year-old sister, Hana; and my partner, Ian. We were, by all appearances, healthy. Robust, even. In reality, we were at the end of a reprieve. Orli’s liver cancer had by then been assaulted by two years of treatments — chemotherapy, a liver transplant, more chemotherapy, seven surgeries. Now new metastases lit up a corner of one lung on scans, asymptomatic but foreboding. We asked her medical team if we might show her a bit of the world before more procedures. Our oncologist balked. Hence, this brief weekend away. When we arrived at the beach Orli ran directly to the water, then came back and stretched out on a lounge chair. She turned to me and asked, “What if this is the best I ever feel again?” Three hundred and seventy-six days later, she was dead. In the time since she left us, I have thought often of Orli’s question. All that spring, Orli asked, pointedly, why did we think a cure was still possible, that cancer would not continue to return? Left unspoken: Was she going to die from her disease? It was a conversation she wanted to have. And yet what we found over the wild course of her illness was that such conversations are often discouraged, in the doctor’s office and outside it. ... [Click on the title's link to continue reading this profound story.]Editor's note: While families are gathered for Thanksgiving, many health changes will be observed since this time last Thanksgiving, with countless unknowns to unfold until Thanksgiving next year. Tune into the wide scope of conversations that people do want to have, don't want to have, and--perhaps--that your own family needs to have, with grace and care for all.
Caring for all stages of life: The legacy of VNA Health
11/25/24 at 03:00 AMCaring for all stages of life: The legacy of VNA Health Good for Santa Barbara, CA; by Noozhawk; 11/21/24 VNA Health provides Home Health Care, Palliative Care, Hospice Care, Bereavement Care, and more. The holiday season is more than just a time for celebrations—it’s a chance to make a real difference. This Giving Tuesday, let’s focus on the power of local generosity and how it can transform lives in our community. At Noozhawk, we believe that every act of kindness counts. Our Giving Guide is your gateway to discovering local organizations doing incredible work and in need of support. Whether it’s a small donation or volunteering your time, your contribution can spark positive change as we wrap up the year. ... In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Easter Moorman, Director of Marketing & Communications at VNA Health, to learn more about the nonprofit’s mission to care for our community with compassion and integrity. ...Editor's note: This article provides a great example of community outreach for Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024.
Veterans enjoy early Thanksgiving meal
11/25/24 at 03:00 AMVeterans enjoy early Thanksgiving meal ABC KOLO 8 NewsNow, Reno, NV; by Terri Russell; 11/22/24 More than 250 Veterans and their families gathered at the Washoe County Senior Center to eat an early Thanksgiving meal courtesy of several local businesses and organizations. ... With such a large crowd it was all hands-on deck. But those who came to help say they were more than willing to lend a helping hand. “I knew it was above and beyond fabulous,” says Katie Hurst, with St. Mary’s Hospice of Northern Nevada. “And being in hospice business it is really important to reach out to those who are on this side of their journey. And we couldn’t find a better calling.” Plenty of donations came in to pay for the meal. ... This won’t be the last time Veterans get together for the holidays. Another meal is planned for Christmas on December 19th at the Washoe County Senior Center.
South Jersey organization helps families caring for ailing loved ones by delivering Thanksgiving meals
11/25/24 at 02:00 AMSouth Jersey organization helps families caring for ailing loved ones by delivering Thanksgiving meals Fox 29 Philadelphia; by Marcus Espinoza; 11/23/24 Haddonfield, N.J. - The holiday season and stress go hand-in-hand for many, but for some, like the Esposito family, holidays like Thanksgiving can be especially challenging. Thankfully, organizations like Samaritan step up with efforts like a food drive in South Jersey. "Samaritan for years has been delivering meals to hospice, palliative and bereaved families all around our five-county area," explained Volunteer Coordinator Lisa DiCerto. DiCerto is a long-time Volunteer Coordinator and says give back days really highlight their mission as an organization to provide not just a hot meal during Thanksgiving, but a chance for families to worry about one less thing. ... It’s a large operation full of volunteers committed to helping their neighbors. "We are delivering to about 140 different locations today," DiCerto said. Editor's note: Giving thanks year-round, Samaritan Hospice (and its other services) provides a beautiful, simple way to thank their staff: click here to view. "Fill out the form to send us a message. We welcome your thoughts about the care you and your loved one received. We’ll make sure to share it with the hospice team, palliative care professionals, or grief counselors who took care of you, your family member, or friend."
United Hospice celebrates success with “A Night in the Catskills” [$215,000]
11/25/24 at 02:00 AMUnited Hospice celebrates success with “A Night in the Catskills" [$215,000] MidHudson News, Hudson Valley, NY; by News Staff; 11/24/24 In late October United Hospice held its annual gala, “A Night in the Catskills” and a silent auction at the Hilton Pearl River which drew more than 300 attendees and was the most successful gala in the organization’s history, raising more than $215,000. During the event, CEO Cara Pace recalled all of United Hospice’s achievements this past year, including the successful start of a new and innovative program, Living Well New York, in which palliative physicians make recommendations to patients’ primary care teams that will ultimately improve the quality of life for every patient and their families who participate in the program.
Generations of legacy: The Meyer family returns for 21st Annual Hospice Golf Tournament
11/22/24 at 03:00 AMGenerations of legacy: The Meyer family returns for 21st Annual Hospice Golf Tournament Advent Health Palm Coast; by Michelle Bartlome; 11/21/24 The 21st annual Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House golf tournament on Oct. 23 was a celebration of community support and a touching tribute to the enduring legacy of Stuart F. Meyer. Among the 144 players was one of Meyer’s grandsons, Bryan Ashley, 34, of Fenton, Missouri. He, along with his cousins and brother-in-law, represented his family and honored his grandfather’s memory at the event. ... Stuart F. Meyer, former president of the St. Louis Cardinals and Flagler County resident, spent his final days in the compassionate care of hospice. In his memory, his family supported the construction of a hospice house on the AdventHealth Palm Coast campus more than two decades ago. ... This year’s Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House Golf Tournament raised $56,000, with 36 golf teams signed up.
Lamar Area Hospice’s grief programs are made possible from BBB donations
11/21/24 at 03:00 AMLamar Area Hospice’s grief programs are made possible from BBB donations The Prowers Journal, Lamar, CO; by Barbara Crimond; 11/20/24 The words “good” and “grief” don’t commonly go together. At the Lamar Area Hospice, however, they not only go together but, when combined, embrace the idea of a place to go which allows children and adults to normalize their grief, receive support from others experiencing similar emotional struggles and education in healthy ways to move through their grief. They learn that they can tell their stories in a safe, loving and nurturing environment. I recently met with Deb Pelley (Executive Director of Lamar Area Hospice). Roni Vallejos (Children’s Good Grief Coordinator) and Kelsie Cedeno (Adult Bereavement Coordinator) to learn more about these programs. I could immediately sense the compassion and love for their jobs that all three women have. Before telling me about the programs though, they told me that it was only because of the generous donations from the BBB each year that the programs can even exist. They wanted to express how extremely grateful they are to BBB for enabling them to continue Jillian Sweet Tinnes’s legacy. ...
Local hospice organization announces dementia care program for patients and caregivers
11/20/24 at 03:15 AMLocal hospice organization announces dementia care program for patients and caregivers Southern Maryland News Net; 11/19/24 Hospice of the Chesapeake has launched a new and innovative dementia care program for dementia patients and their caregivers. The program, in collaboration with The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), The Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) and Aliviado Health, includes free access to the “Dementia Care Patient & Caregiver Resource Guide,” which provides the best-in-class resource for dementia care. The goal is to improve the quality of life for dementia patients, reduce hospitalizations and ease burdens for families and caregivers.Editor's note: The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) is a sponsor for our newsletter.
Stella Maris raises $110K at 40th annual Crab Feast and Hospice Day of Giving
11/19/24 at 03:00 AMStella Maris raises $110K at 40th annual Crab Feast and Hospice Day of Giving Maryland Daily Record; 11/18/24 The 40th annual Stella Maris Crab Feast and Hospice Day of Giving raised approximately $110,000 in support of Stella Maris hospice care Oct. 13 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. More than 100 individuals and businesses donated to the auctions, game wheels, raffles and more. Ninety bushels of crabs were steamed on site by Conrad’s Crabs & Seafood Market. There were 50 sponsors (individuals and organizations), including M&T Bank, the presenting sponsor. Stella Maris is one of the first facilities established in Maryland providing compassionate care for terminally ill patients. It services patients in Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties as well as the city of Baltimore.
Hospice of the Panhandle veteran volunteers reflect on their service to veteran patients
11/19/24 at 03:00 AMHospice of the Panhandle veteran volunteers reflect on their service to veteran patients The Journal, journal-news.net, Martinsburg, WV; by Hospice of the Panhandle; 11/17/24 In recognition of Veterans Day, we asked our veteran volunteers at Hospice of the Panhandle to talk about why they perform this service for their fellow veterans. Hospice performs Veteran Recognition ceremonies to all veteran patients and families who wish to take part. ... Leroy James — Being a Veteran who served during the Vietnam era, I can appreciate the importance of the work that Hospice does when recognizing a veteran’s service to our country. Several of the veterans who I have had the honor of recognizing served during the Vietnam War years. They were grateful that we took the time to show our appreciation when the country did not do so upon their return from serving overseas. [Click on the title's link to continue reading volunteers' stories.]
CMS ramps up efforts to root out ‘door knocker’ hospice schemes
11/18/24 at 03:00 AMCMS ramps up efforts to root out ‘door knocker’ hospice schemes Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 11/15/24 The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently elaborated on its plans to expand public education campaigns designed to help protect hospice beneficiaries from fraudulent actors in the space. ... “One of the areas we’re working with right now is to enhance education — beneficiary education specifically,” Pryor said during a recent CMS webinar. “We have hospice beneficiaries who are unfortunately fraudulently signed up for the benefit in these kind of, what we call, ‘door knocker scams.’” The scams include bad actors reaching out to beneficiaries with offers of free goods and services, such as groceries, TVs, reclining chairs and furniture, Pryor explained. The fraudulent marketing tactics are posing significant complications for Medicare beneficiaries, he said.
Navigating the aftermath of natural disasters
11/18/24 at 03:00 AMNavigating the aftermath of natural disasters Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); by Lara McKinnis; 11/15/24 This morning I woke up to two bears outside, a little cub sitting on our front steps eating the pumpkin that my daughter recently carved, the mom nearby completely sprawled out lounging in the sun in a bed of freshly fallen yellow and orange oak leaves. This is the “fall” that I look forward to every year in Asheville. I wanted to hold onto this feeling, all of us standing at our screened-in window talking to the bears as if they understood us, our dog enthusiastically joining in the conversation. This feeling is alive and vibrant; however, so is the visceral awareness of the horrific despair that has engulfed my beloved community and so many communities in Western North Carolina. ... Adjusting to a natural disaster is nuanced and layered. [Click on the title's link to continue reading this hospice leader's reflections and professional guidance.]
Area hospice starting new charitable tradition
11/18/24 at 02:45 AMArea hospice starting new charitable tradition CBS News 6, Wichita Falls, TX; by Cecil Witherspoon; 11/15/24 Complete Hospice & Palliative Care of Wichita Falls is hoping to kickstart a new holiday tradition to help those in need. The organization is hosting its first annual Winter Coat Drive and is asking community members to donate coats, gloves, scarves and other warm winter apparel. Donations can be dropped off at the Homeless Lives Matters building at 921 7th St., Wichita Falls. From there, donations will be handed out to those in need on Dec. 9. That day will also feature a chili cookoff.Editor's note: Beautiful. Thank you Complete Hospice & Palliative Care of Wichita Falls for engaging your community and giving back in such an easy, meaningful, practical way. May your "new charitable tradition" spark similar ideas and actions by other hospice organizations.
$11,650 raised by October’s Annual United Hospice Service luncheon
11/18/24 at 02:35 AM$11,650 raised by October’s Annual United Hospice Service luncheon Sanilac Broadcasting Company - WMIC/WTGV/WBGV, Sandusky, MI; 11/15/24 The Annual United Hospice Service Luncheon, held on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at the Marlette Elementary School was a success with a total of 130 tickets sold. The event included a delightful afternoon featuring a catered lunch, a prize-drawing raffle, a silent auction, and a lively fundraising auction hosted by Aspire Rural Health System’s own co-CEO, Andy Daniels. Businesses donated over 120 items for the fundraising auction such as Holiday-themed baskets, quilts, gift certificates, ground beef, a chartered fishing day, merchandise, crafts, and more. The event raised a total of $11,650 for United Hospice Service.
Beacon Hill resident contributes to [$220,000] success of VNA Care’s annual Gala
11/18/24 at 02:15 AMBeacon Hill resident contributes to success of VNA Care’s annual Gala Patch, Beacon Hill, MA; by Deborah Corkum; 11/14/24 Sold-out Heroes in Health Care raised essential funds for home health and hospice care. VNA Care, the first organized visiting nurse association in the United States, raised $220,000 for patient care services during the sold-out annual Heroes in Health Care Gala at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston. Heroes in Health Care is VNA Care’s signature fundraising event and has raised nearly $4.5 million in essential funding for home health and hospice care in Massachusetts.
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.]
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:
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.”
99-year-old World War II veteran in Sioux City attends Hospice of Siouxland Veterans Luncheon
11/14/24 at 02:00 AM99-year-old World War II veteran in Sioux City attends Hospice of Siouxland Veterans Luncheon KTIV 4, Sioux City, IA; by Taylor Deckert; 11/12/24 Siouxland veterans were busy on Nov. 11 as many businesses and organizations celebrated their service to our country. Hospice of Siouxland hosted their luncheon the following day on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Each year, they host it around Veterans Day so these veterans can enjoy all the other events in the area. Veterans and their families were celebrated with a pinning ceremony by Veteran Volunteers with Hospice of Siouxland. “I enjoy them. I’ve been going to these for many years. ...” said WWII Veteran, Robert Irwin of Sioux City who got pinned on Tuesday. He continued, “There are only one or two of us left. I got drafted in 1943, sent me to Europe as a machine gunner. We got shot down, but, were able to make it back to England. We made the rest of our tour. From that, I came back and helped start the Air National Guard,” said Irwin. “I had my windshield shot out.” He also served in Korea as a pilot. “I spent 24 years in,” said Irwin.
Older Americans living alone often rely on neighbors or others willing to help
11/13/24 at 03:00 AMOlder Americans living alone often rely on neighbors or others willing to help California Healthline; by Judith Graham; 11/12/24Donald Hammen, 80, and his longtime next-door neighbor in south Minneapolis, Julie McMahon, have an understanding. Every morning, she checks to see whether he’s raised the blinds in his dining room window. If not, she’ll call Hammen or let herself into his house to see what’s going on. Should McMahon find Hammen in a bad way, she plans to contact his sister-in-law, who lives in a suburb of Des Moines. That’s his closest relative. Hammen never married or had children, and his younger brother died in 2022. Although Hammen lives alone, a web of relationships binds him to his city and his community — neighbors, friends, former co-workers, fellow volunteers with an advocacy group for seniors, and fellow members of a group of solo agers. ... American society rests on an assumption that families take care of their own. But 15 million Americans 50 and older didn’t have any close family — spouses, partners, or children — in 2015, the latest year for which reliable estimates are available. Most lived alone. By 2060, that number is expected to swell to 21 million. ... [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]Editor's note: This important article includes "a noteworthy study published by researchers at Emory University
Hospice organizations honor veterans for Veterans Day
11/13/24 at 02:00 AMHospice organizations honor veterans for Veterans Day
Veterans guest house to open a hospice home: Serving veterans through their final journey
11/12/24 at 03:00 AMVeterans guest house to open a hospice home: Serving veterans through their final journey ABC 8 KOLO, Reno, Nevada; by Rebecca Kitchen; 11/11/24 For the last 30 years, the Veterans Guest House has made a commitment to serve veterans and their families as they seek medical care in our area. And over those 30 years, the need has grown tremendously. In fact, the Guest House has regularly been at capacity this year. To accommodate the increased need, the Veterans Guest House has also expanded on the services it offers. ... Every day, veterans and their families are confronted with end-of-life decisions. Some, have the resources to live out those days in comfort. But others face those last moments with uncertainty. “So, our solution is providing a home so they can get the hospice care and the 24-hour care that they need when they can’t get that where they live,” said Froslie. The current home and mission remain the same. This is a second home that will offer a cost-free, private residence for veterans in their final days. It is not a medical facility. Veterans will enroll with a hospice provider of their choice, who will oversee their medical needs.
Local veteran continues to serve by visiting hospice veterans
11/11/24 at 03:05 AMLocal veteran continues to serve by visiting hospice veterans Lundington Daily News, Lundington, MI; by Shanna Avery; 11/9/24 With love of service to their country, some veterans continue to find ways to serve and make a difference, and Ludington veteran Dick Gregaitis does just that when he visits other veterans as they approach the end of their lives. Gregaitis has been volunteering with Hospice of Michigan in the local area for eight years, where he visits veteran patients. Gregaitis served in the U.S. Navy from Aug. 1962 to 1965, then the U.S. Air Force until he retired in 1986 as senior master sergeant. Gregaitis said he has been around this area, and met his wife of 55 years at Round Lake. He traveled all over while in the military. It is through his own experiences, he shares a bond with other veterans. “To me, it is a way to give back to the community,” he said. “A lot of veterans don’t get people stopping by or talking. They like someone there that knows about the military. I even designed a badge that says, ‘military outreach.’ It is a win/win. I like to do it and I have the time to do it, and they like someone to say hi to.”