Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Clinical News | Caregivers - Caregiving.”
How Lower Cape Fear LifeCare built its Memory Care affiliate
04/23/25 at 03:00 AMHow Lower Cape Fear LifeCare built its Memory Care affiliate Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 4/22/25 Lower Cape Fear LifeCare built from the ground up a program dedicated to serving dementia patients. A growing number of operators have developed programs tailored to patients with specific diagnoses, providing specialized care tailored to their specific needs. Examples include dementia, heart failure and other cardiac conditions, as well as diseases of the lungs. At Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, the program started small and rapidly expanded. The North Carolina-based hospice provider six years ago launched a support group for dementia caregivers, called Memory Partners. This over time bloomed into a full-fledged dementia services subsidiary called LifeCare Memory Partners, Evan Dressel, director of strategy, development and innovation at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare said at the Hospice News ELEVATE conference in Orlando, Florida.
“It’s an homage”: Noah Wyle quietly sneaked in a tribute in one of the best episodes of ‘The Pitt’
04/23/25 at 02:00 AM“It’s an homage”: Noah Wyle quietly sneaked in a tribute in one of the best episodes of ‘The Pitt’ FandomWire; by Arian Cruz; 4/18/25 In the fourth episode of The Pitt titled 10:00 A.M., Noah Wyle’s Dr. Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch monitored Mr. Spencer during his final hours while dealing with his own thoughts about the death of his beloved mentor, Dr. Adamson. He remembers the advice he received from him and shared it with the children of the dying patient as they waited for their father to pass. The phrases ‘I love you,’ ‘Thank you,’ ‘I forgive you,’ and ‘Please forgive me’ are words that need to be heard when someone is at the end of their life. Wyle revealed that he took these lessons from palliative care physician and author Ira Byock when he was writing the screenplay. Wyle said these short phrases are profound and hold deep meanings beyond their simplicity. He made sure to weave them in on the show while taking inspiration from his own mother for the emotional scenes. He shared via USA Today: "A very similar event had played out with my mother and her brother when saying goodbye to my grandfather. After she shared this with me, I just said ‘Thank you,’ went right back to my typewriter and wrote the scene. It’s an homage to my mother, my uncle and my grandfather.Editor's and Publisher's note: And we thank you, Dr. Ira Byock, for your profound, immeasurable influence for so many of us--professionally with those we serve, and personally with our own families and friends.
Closing the hospice care coverage gap in Florida
04/22/25 at 03:00 AMClosing the hospice care coverage gap in Florida Naples Daily News, Naples, FL; by Nichole Goble; 4/20/25 For too many Floridians living with serious illness, accessing high-quality hospice care remains a challenge. Families are left struggling to find the support they need, and patients are forced to navigate complex medical decisions without adequate guidance. In Florida, this gap is especially pronounced, leaving thousands without the specialized care that could improve their quality of life. Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is dedicated to advocating for caregivers and their loved ones. ... Living in a rural area, bringing in hospice support to the home ensured that family could more easily be with him on a continuous basis. ... This year, CAN has engaged over 65,000 caregivers across the state of Florida to better understand their priorities when it comes to hospice care and the benefits of integrated health systems, with over 28,000 of those being in Hendry, Lee, Pinellas, Glades, and connected counties.
[Netherlands] A care ethical perspective on family caregiver burden and support
04/19/25 at 03:00 AM[Netherlands] A care ethical perspective on family caregiver burden and supportNursing Ethics; Maaike Haan, Jelle van Gurp, Marianne Boenink, Gert Olthuis; 3/25Family care-when partners, relatives, or other proxies care for each other in case of illness, disability, or frailty-is increasingly considered an important pillar for the sustainability of care systems. Especially in a palliative care context, however, family care can be challenging. Witnessing caregivers' challenges may prompt compassionate nurses to undertake actions to reduce burden by adjusting tasks or activities. The question is then whether self-sacrifice is a problem that nurses should immediately solve. Therefore, we suggest that caregiver experiences should always be interpreted in an explorative dialogue, focused on what caring means to a particular family caregiver. Nurses do not have to liberate family caregivers from the situation but should support them in whatever overwhelms or drives them in standing-by their loved ones until the end.
Palliative care and advanced cardiovascular disease in adults: Not just end-of-life care: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association
04/18/25 at 03:00 AMPalliative care and advanced cardiovascular disease in adults: Not just end-of-life care: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association AHAIASA Journals - American Heart Association; by Lucinda J. Graven, PhD, APRN, FAHA, Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, Martha Abshire Saylor, PhD, MSN, BA, RN, Larry Allen, MD, MHS, FAHA, Angela Durante, PhD, RN, Lorraine S. Evangelista, PhD, RN, CNS, WAN, FAHA, Amy Fiedler, MD, James Kirkpatrick, MD, Lakeisha Mixon, MSW, and Rachel Wells, PhD, MSN, BA on behalf of the American Heart Association Complex Cardiovascular Nursing Care Science Committee of the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; and Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia; 4/17/25 ... This scientific statement (1) discusses the application of effective communication, shared decision-making, age-friendly care, and advance care planning in advanced cardiovascular disease palliative care; (2) provides a summary of recent evidence related to palliative care and symptom management, quality of life, spiritual and psychological support, and bereavement support in individuals with advanced cardiovascular disease and their care partners; (3) discusses issues involving diversity, equity, and inclusion in cardiovascular disease palliative care; (4) highlights the ethical and legal concerns surrounding palliative care and implanted cardiac devices; and (5) provides strategies for palliative care engagement in adults with advanced cardiovascular disease for the care team.
Three things Florida’s family caregivers need right now
04/14/25 at 03:00 AMThree things Florida’s family caregivers need right nowTampa Bay Times; by Marvell Adams, Jr.; 4/9/25With Florida having one of the highest senior populations, there is a critical need for comprehensive hospice care. Caring for a loved one with a serious illness is one of the most difficult experiences a family faces. In today’s complex healthcare environment, several key factors can help alleviate the burden of caring for loved ones at home.
Heart & Soul: Nikki Harris
04/11/25 at 03:00 AMHeart & Soul: Nikki HarrisCharleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, WV; 4/8/25 Nikki Harris is a Charge Nurse on 4 West at Memorial Hospital. Harris’ coworkers say she always provides excellent care but went out of her way for one man who wasn’t even her patient. The man’s wife was near the end of life in Hospice at Memorial Hospital. He had not been able to see or visit her since his own hospitalization. Recognizing the importance of this moment, Harris went above and beyond by personally escorting him to his wife’s side. She ensured that he had the time he needed to hold her hand, express his love and say goodbye before her passing. Harris’ compassion and selflessness in providing this extraordinary gesture of care during such a difficult time was deeply appreciated. She made a meaningful difference in this patient’s life and honored the final moments of his wife’s life.
Caregiving can test you, body and soul. It can also unlock a new sense of self
04/11/25 at 02:00 AMCaregiving can test you, body and soul. It can also unlock a new sense of selfNPR; by Kat McGowan; 4/1/25Amanda Cruz took care of her mother, who died of cancer late last year. The experience changed her sense of identity. She is still sorting through what that means. When it was all over, Amanda Cruz felt like a phoenix, a new person rising from what had been. First, though, she had to go through the fire... In 2009, two researchers proposed an explanation for why caregiving for an adult who is ill or disabled can be so profound. Their argument, simply called "caregiver identity theory," is now widely accepted among psychologists and social workers who study and help caregivers.
A hospice nurse made a promise—and found homes for 1,300 pets
04/10/25 at 03:15 AMA hospice nurse made a promise—and found homes for 1,300 pets Miami Herald, Miami, FL; by Jen Reeder; 4/7/25Working as a hospice nurse, Joanne Bonicelli spent years offering comfort to dying people. Then, in 1998, a request from one patient changed her life. A young woman in her 40s had a fluffy white dog named Jasper, who never left her side while she was at Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care in Colorado Springs, Colorado. One day, the woman called Joanne to her bedside. “I don’t know where Jasper will end up or who will care for him when I am gone…it’s just too painful to bear,” she told Joanne as tears streamed down her face. “I can’t die in peace worrying what will happen to him…can you euthanize him in my arms as I pass?” The heart-wrenching request stunned Joanne. She asked a veterinarian about what they could do, and after meeting Jasper, the vet’s eyes welled with tears at the prospect of putting down a healthy dog. There has to be a better way, they both agreed. [Continue reading ...]
Family Hospice partners with Alzheimer’s Association to expand educational outreach
04/10/25 at 03:10 AMFamily Hospice partners with Alzheimer’s Association to expand educational outreach EIN Presswire.com, Atlanta, GA; by Brittany Brown; 4/8/25 Family Hospice announces an official partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter, to enhance educational outreach and raise awareness of available resources for individuals facing Alzheimer’s or other dementia.This collaboration will provide families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with critical information on hospice and Alzheimer’s and dementia-related support. As part of this effort, Family Hospice and the Alzheimer's Association are planning an upcoming statewide initiative in Georgia aimed at expanding awareness and support. Both organizations will share educational materials at community events and through social media to ensure families and caregivers have access to the guidance they need. [Continue reading ...]
Art meets history, grief, boots and landscapes at First Friday Artwalk
04/09/25 at 03:00 AMArt meets history, grief, boots and landscapes at First Friday Artwalk Steamboat Pilot & Today, Northwest Colorado; by John Componeschi; 4/3/25 April’s First Friday Artwalk will celebrate artistic diversity and storytelling, both of which form the framework of the Yampa Valley’s creative arts community. [Published 4/3/25, before Fri. 4/4/25] ... An emotionally powerful exhibit entitled “Good Grief” will open at the Depot Art Center, ... The works of Krystal Mackey will be presented in partnership with Northwest Colorado Health’s Hospice program. Mackey, who has a background in design and architecture, created the series as an emotional coping outlet. Her pastel on sanded paper and digital drawing pieces offer the viewer an honest and vulnerable exploration of grief. Selected works were displayed during “Tuesdays with Morrie” at Perry-Mansfield in March. “Grief may be scary, sad and hard to look at,” said Mackey. “But it’s worth it.” Influenced by artists Chagall, Kandinsky, Warhol and Lichtenstein, Mackey’s style combines vibrant color with feeling- and grief-based introspection. The exhibit invites viewers to reflect on whether grief has affected them and if they would benefit from talking about their experiences with it.
What happens when someone passes at home? It depends
04/08/25 at 03:00 AMWhat happens when someone passes at home? It depends Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Bozeman, MT; Chris Remely "discussions with a funeral director"; 4/5/25 One of the most common questions we get asked as funeral directors is, “What happens if I pass away at home?” The answer is ... it depends. Home death is fairly common in the context of someone being on hospice care. For many individuals who have been given a difficult medical diagnosis that is terminal, they often prefer to be at home surrounded by loved ones for as long as possible. ... In this scenario, hospice will pronounce the death and work with the funeral home to transfer the individual into their care. ... However, when someone passes away at home and they are not on hospice, this is considered an “unattended death” — meaning a medical professional is not involved. In this case, the coroner’s office is required to investigate the death to determine the cause and manner of death — as well as pronounce the death. ... When someone from the coroner’s office arrives, they will do several things. They will visit with the next of kin and ask them questions about their loved one’s medical history and investigate the scene where the death occurred. Editor's note: Too often, hospices gloss over this all-important information for caregivers and families. Death is traumatic enough. Families are left in a lurch. Conflicts can erupt at the family's most vulnerable moments. Yes, timing and delivery for such sensitive information is important. Our sponsor Composing Life Out of Loss provides empathic, sensitive videos for hospice teams to use with caregivers and families, with interdisciplinary team guides for tending individuals' different readiness for education and preparation.
Practical tools and heartfelt hope: How Nancy Y Treaster is empowering dementia caregivers worldwide
04/07/25 at 03:00 AMPractical tools and heartfelt hope: How Nancy Y Treaster is empowering dementia caregivers worldwide Thrive Global; by Stacey Chillemi; 4/2/25 In this empowering interview, dementia care expert Nancy Y Treaster shares practical strategies, emotional insights, and vital resources to help family caregivers navigate the challenges of caregiving with confidence and compassion. ...
‘The most someone wants is to be heard’: Students foster connection, create memoirs for hospice patients
04/07/25 at 03:00 AM‘The most someone wants is to be heard’: Students foster connection, create memoirs for hospice patients The Daily Texan - University of Texas, Austin, TX; 4/3/25 ... Brought to UT in 2023, Last Writers is a service organization where student volunteers interview hospice patients over the course of several months to write a memoir that is then printed and given to the patients and their families. The process is intended to bring comfort to hospice patients and create a physical memento for the families, representing their lives once they pass. ... “It’s not often that you’re a college student and you get to meet someone who is going to pass away in the next few months,” Nguyen said. “To be with them in that very vulnerable point, it gives you a lot of perspectives. A lot of our members come out of it realizing how much they have to live for. … It makes us more grateful in life and puts our mortality into perspective.” [Continue reading ...]
Experiences of family caregivers of children aged 1–23 months who have received pediatric palliative care: A systematic review with qualitative metasynthesis
04/03/25 at 03:00 AMExperiences of family caregivers of children aged 1–23 months who have received pediatric palliative care: A systematic review with qualitative metasynthesis Sigma Global Nursing Excellence - Journal of Nursing Scholarship; by Juan Manuel Vázquez Sánchez, Manuela Rodríguez Sánchez, Emilio Mota Romero, Ana Alejandra Esteban Burgos, Rafael Montoya Juárez, César Hueso Montoro, Daniel Puente Fernández; 4/1/25 This study underscores the importance of addressing the unique needs of family caregivers of children aged 1–23 months receiving pediatric palliative care (PPC), highlighting their struggles with social isolation, neglected self-care, and disrupted family life. Healthcare providers should prioritize age-specific approaches to PPC, focusing on improving communication, care coordination, and understanding of palliative care principles to better support these caregivers. [Continue reading ...]
The most personal column I’ve ever written
04/03/25 at 03:00 AMThe most personal column I’ve ever written The Times, United Kingdom; by Professor Tanya Byron; 3/31/25 ... This column will be more personal than any other I have written in my now 20 years writing for The Times. I write it four days after my sister Katrina and I lost our beloved mum, Elfie, who ... had advanced end-stage dementia. Where do we start when trying to describe the many moments of heartbreak and the challenges that come with the long goodbye we have faced with our parents? Dementia is unpredictable. We say goodbye more than once and so the pain of bereavement does not begin at the time of death. Instead it is a prolonged pain marked by gradual losses. Watching a loved one slowly fade away over months or years brings grief, exhaustion and deep emotional turmoil. Amid all this is the experience of being on a rollercoaster of loss and hope, an experience that creates huge lurches between perceptions and emotions. There are moments of clarity and regression, ... [Continue reading ...]
Hospices must ‘evolve’ to better support next generation of caregivers
04/03/25 at 03:00 AMHospices must ‘evolve’ to better support next generation of caregivers Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 3/31/25 Individuals in the millennial and generation Z (Gen Z) age groups represent a swelling proportion of today’s family caregivers. They face unique challenges when providing support for hospice patients compared to others, recent research has found. ... Understanding the competing, complex priorities of these generations is pivotal for hospices’ ability to deliver quality care, according to Nicole McCann-Davis, senior client advisor and research director at Transcend Strategy Group. [Continue reading ...]
Study raises questions about GUIDE model’s helpfulness for caregivers of loved ones with dementia
04/02/25 at 03:00 AMStudy raises questions about GUIDE model’s helpfulness for caregivers of loved ones with dementia McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 4/1/25 The Guiding an Improve Dementia Experience may need to be fine-tuned to better serve caregivers of those living with dementia, according to a new study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia. The researchers identified 565 older adults and 555 caregivers eligible for GUIDE using data from the 2022 National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving. They found that approximately half of GUIDE-eligible people with dementia received care from two or more caregivers, and about a third of these caregivers reported experiencing high caregiving strain. [Continue reading ...]
Stetson University professor joins millions of Americans as she embraces caregiver role for her aging parents
04/02/25 at 02:00 AMStetson University professor joins millions of Americans as she embraces caregiver role for her aging parents Spectrum News 13, Orlando/Deland, FL; by Nicole Griffin and Devin Martin; 3/31/25 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 10 million Americans act as unpaid caregivers for an elderly parent on a regular basis. Millions in that group not only have a full- or part-time job, they are also part of the so-called “sandwich generation” — people who find themselves supporting their children and parents at the same time. ... Stetson University professor Wendy Anderson is part of that group. ... She has moved in with her parents to help care for her elderly father and mother, who is in at-home hospice care. [Continue reading ...]
[UK] Play 'humanizes' pediatric care and should be key feature of a child-friendly NHS, report suggests
04/01/25 at 03:30 AM[UK] Play 'humanizes' pediatric care and should be key feature of a child-friendly NHS, report suggests Medical Xpress; by University of Cambridge; 3/30/25 The report, by University of Cambridge academics for the charity "Starlight," calls for play, games and playful approaches to be integrated into a "holistic" model of children's health care—one that acknowledges the emotional and psychological dimensions of good health, alongside its physical aspects. ... Both internationally and in the UK, health systems have, in recent decades, increasingly promoted play in pediatric health care. There is a growing understanding that making health care more child-friendly can reduce stress and positively improve younger patients' experiences. Despite this recognition, play often remains undervalued and inconsistently integrated across health care contexts. For the first time, the report compiles evidence from over 120 studies to make the case for its more systematic incorporation. [Continue reading ...] Editor's note: Click here to access the report, Playing with children's health?
Dana Trabulsy bill aims to help families get death certificates faster
03/31/25 at 03:00 AMDana Trabulsy bill aims to help families get death certificates faster Florida Politics; by Gabrielle Russon; 3/27/25 'This will solve a problem and be able to help these families move on sooner with the things that they need to do to start healing.'Families whose loved ones die in hospice are often stuck waiting for death certificates because of a backlog. One lawmaker wants to speed up the process to help them get the documents they need. Fort Pierce Republican Rep. Dana Trabulsy is pushing a bill that would allow advanced practice registered nurses providing hospice care to sign death certificates with a physician’s protocol. HB 647 passed its first committee stop Thursday with a 17-0 vote in front of the Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee.
Honoring a young girl’s love of nature on her final day
03/31/25 at 03:00 AMHonoring a young girl’s love of nature on her final dayMayo Clinic News Network; by Mayo Clinic Staff; 3/27/25 On a Saturday evening in September of 2024, Mae Helgeson arrived at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, her small body reeling from the trauma of a life-threatening accident. Although she was intubated and sedated, it didn't take long for the care team to learn what made this little girl special. ... "I often ask parents to tell me about their child. Is there anything you think is important or that I should know about your family?" says Paige Dighton, one of the Child Life specialists who partnered with Mae's family. "This allows them to share the special things — those unique qualities that make them a family. You learn more than just what's in their chart." ... It was only a couple of days later that Mae's family was faced with the devastating decision they'd hoped to avoid. ... The question shifted from "Can we save her?" to "How do we say goodbye?" Following their lead, the team began focusing on end-of-life care. "Dr. Schiltz gave us the space to think and process our emotions — it didn't feel rushed," says Matt.
Hospital workers share 26 deathbed regrets they’ve heard that changed their lives
03/31/25 at 02:00 AMHospital workers share 26 deathbed regrets they’ve heard that changed their lives Boredpanda; by Ruta Zumbrickaite; 3/28/25 While painful, regret can also be a motivator for learning and growth, encouraging us to avoid repeating past mistakes and make better decisions in the future. We guess that’s why self-help author Debbie Ford once said, “Pain can be our greatest teacher.” Someone on the web asked hospital workers, “What regrets do you hear from dying patients?”, and folks who’ve been there in people’s last moments shared the words that hit them the hardest. Here’s a list of some of their most profound responses.
Mitchell Hospice House celebrates upcoming grand opening
03/28/25 at 03:00 AMMitchell Hospice House celebrates upcoming grand opening KTIV-4 News, Sioux City, IA; by Acacia Phillips; 3/25/25 ... On Tuesday, Mitchell Hospice House celebrated its grand opening, which is less than a week away. At the celebration, members of the community had the opportunity to tour the facility. ... Mitchell Hospice House has a total of 9 rooms. ... They also have rooms for family members so they can be close to their loved ones. The goal is to provide a space for those who need that end-of-life care but want a place that feels like home. They officially open next Monday, March 31. [Contintue reading ...]
Saying goodbye to Dad
03/28/25 at 03:00 AMSaying goodbye to Dad MidlandsLife; by Jeff Becraft; 3/27/25 I know my last article talked about my Dad moving on to Higher Ground, but while it is still fresh on my mind, I’m going to delve into the process of saying goodbye. Perhaps it will resonate with someone who has already been down this path… or maybe someone who will be going down this path. I know that many people have been on a longer road than what I am going to describe. I won’t try to cover everything and there are some very significant things that are left out because of space; I will be simply giving my perspective on the overall experience of the last days. [Continue reading ...]Editor's note: If you have to dive into only one article today, this is the one. If you have experienced the vigil of a loved one's final days, this likely gives voice to your journey: "Each day we thought was going to be Dad’s last. It was certainly a time of changing emotions." If you have not experienced this, read to learn common rhythms and themes, dissonances harmonies, and final release into death. Thank you Jeff Becraft for your meaningful reflection.