Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Hospice Provider News | Culture.”
[United Kingdom] 'The word hospice can be terrifying - but this is why it's giving us extra life'
08/29/25 at 03:00 AM[United Kingdom] 'The word hospice can be terrifying - but this is why it's giving us extra life' Verve Times, story from Wetherby, UK; by Craig Fedirighi; 8/27/25 The word “hospice” often conjures up images of people living out their final days in a room surrounded by nurses. But one mother says the hospice she goes to with her family has given them a life they could never have imagined would be possible. ... The 32-year-old said: “It’s one of those things where obviously the word hospice, everyone finds it scary. One thinks it’s the worst-case scenario, but it’s not. It’s giving you that extra life that you didn’t know you could have. ..."
Marine veteran’s hospice wedding celebrates love and compassion
08/21/25 at 03:00 AMMarine veteran’s hospice wedding celebrates love and compassion Greater Good; Guest Contributor; 8/18/25 When Marine Corps Veteran Ivson Shelley entered hospice care at the Lebanon VA Medical Center in Pennsylvania, he had one final wish: to marry his lifelong love, Wanda Rivera. Their story, shared by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is a testament to enduring love, the compassion of caregivers, and the power of community. As a Vietnam War Veteran, Shelley’s journey is already marked by service and sacrifice. But it is this deeply personal moment—his wedding in hospice—that has touched hearts across the country and highlighted the dedication of VA staff in honoring Veterans' final wishes.
Is Gen Z changing the culture of medicine?
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMIs Gen Z changing the culture of medicine? Medscape; by Kelly K. James; 7/9/25 ... In the workplace, Boomers are often assumed to have strong work ethics, while Millennials tend to value their free time more than preceding generations. While generational generalizations have shortcomings (as do all generalizations), the incoming crop of Gen Z doctors will likely affect the culture of medicine in significant ways. ...
Black and white older adults’ end-of-life experiences: Does hospice use mitigate racial disparities?
08/16/25 at 03:15 AMBlack and white older adults’ end-of-life experiences: Does hospice use mitigate racial disparities? The Journals of Gerontology; by Clifford Ross, Brina Ratangee, Emily Schuler, Zheng Lian, Benmun Damul, Deborah Carr, Lucie Kalousová; 7/25Racial disparities in end-of-life care are well documented, but less is known about how these inequalities shape assessments of death quality. Proxies for Black decedents reported higher perceived death quality than those for White decedents, despite evidence of greater structural disadvantage. However, perceived care concordance was significantly lower among Black decedents. Hospice care was associated with improved perceived death quality for Black decedents but not for Whites. When accounting for socioeconomic and death experience controls, hospice care did not moderate perceived care concordance.
Family Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association partner on ‘Check In’ program for dementia patients
08/14/25 at 03:00 AMFamily Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association partner on ‘Check In’ program for dementia patients Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 8/11/25Family Hospice is working with the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter, to improve safety for dementia patients through a new collaborative campaign. The #ICheckedIn campaign calls on community members to check on seniors in their community, particularly those who suffer from dementia or memory loss, through phone calls, visits or other modes of communication. Editor's Note: This article by Hospice News was reposted by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) under the title, "Hospice encourages public to check on older neighbors."
Monastery dig uncovers details about 8th century end-of-life care
08/12/25 at 03:00 AMMonastery dig uncovers details about 8th century end-of-life care Care Home Professional; by Stephen Hall; 8/4/25 Archaeologists have picked up their trowels to learn more about how people lived, died and were cared for at the site of an 8th-9th century monastery in Cookham. The remains of the monastery were first discovered in 2021 in a test excavation by staff from the University of Reading’s Archaeology Department and volunteers from local archaeological societies. ... Thomas Hayes, director of the university’s field school, told the BBC this year they had found evidence of illness and treatment in human remains, including bedsores, suggesting palliative care may have taken place.
Benefis’ Life After Support Group helps families heal after traumatic loss
08/12/25 at 03:00 AMBenefis’ Life After Support Group helps families heal after traumatic loss Times-Leader, Great Fall, MT; by Joee Taylor; 8/8/25 The grief that follows the sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one is overwhelming and isolating. For those navigating that painful reality, Benefis Peace Hospice of Montana offers a place to turn with the "Life After" support group. "We offer a private, confidential, safe place to gather people who have experienced this particular type of loss because these losses tend to be much more difficult because the losses were sudden and they were unexpected." said Jeanne Dussault, a volunteer who facilitates the group. The Life After Support Group is designed specifically for individuals who have experienced a death by suicide or another traumatic loss.Editor's Note: Bravo to Benefis Peace Hospice for providing this crucial service. Though bereavement support for traumatic, non-hospice deaths had been a standard service for many hospice bereavement services, this has be being cut. For extensive traumatic grief counseling education and resources, go to www.ADEC.org and enter "trauma" in its search engine.
Closing the gap: Addressing social determinants of health and racial disparities in hospice care
08/06/25 at 03:00 AMClosing the gap: Addressing social determinants of health and racial disparities in hospice care Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); by Alyson Cutshall; 8/4/25... While Americans’ health trajectories are inevitable at the time they become eligible for hospice services, SDOH (Social Determinants of Health) still play a major role for the patients and families our field is privileged to serve. ... [To] fully impact health equity, we must be cognizant of other examples of SDOH, such as racism and implicit bias. Unfortunately, our collective field has not been as successful in addressing access to hospice care across differing racial and ethnic groups. ... Certainly, there are some pockets of improved access. One Teleios member organization, Ancora Compassionate Care, recognized the alarming disparities within its community and set about to create change. Ancora leaders recognized that the Black community in their service area typically placed high trust in their religious leaders. To better understand their needs and preferences regarding end-of-life care and services, Ancora embarked on a "listening tour" to gather feedback and insights from these religious leaders. Using the wisdom imparted, Ancora adapted their care delivery to be more inclusive to the Black community. As such, the organization is making incremental improvements in lessening the racial divide in access to hospice care.
Hospice of Wichita Falls hosts ceremony for Wall of Service
07/29/25 at 02:00 AMHospice of Wichita Falls hosts ceremony for Wall of Service KFDX /KJTL Wichita Falls, TX; by Aaron Gonders; 7/24/25 The Hospice of Wichita Falls’ Wall of Service is empty following a first-of-its-kind ceremony in the hospice’s garden. The Wall of Service was created as part of a Texoma Gives project. It has room for 54 individual plaques, each recognizing a veteran or first responder who entrusted their end-of-life care to Hospice of Wichita Falls. Sheppard Air Force Base was also involved in the ceremony, with service members acting as volunteers and providing a guest speaker. Wichita Falls Hospice hopes to do more of these ceremonies, but only once the wall is filled again.
'A long, beautiful time together': Photo exhibit 'Til Death Do Us Part
07/23/25 at 02:00 AM'A long, beautiful time together': Photo exhibit 'Til Death Do Us Part'KUT 90.5, Austin, TX; by Michael Lee; 7/21/25“Well, we have to go back five years to the beginning of the pandemic,” says photographer Becky Wilkes, recalling how she came to create the exhibit Til Death Do Us Part. ... Wilkes and her siblings found themselves making frequent trips to Waco to care for their almost-90-year-old parents, and then the looming threat of a global pandemic made an already-difficult situation worse. ... She’d already started snapping some cell phone photos to share with her siblings, but seeing her parents together again, with what seemed like a renewed sense of love and togetherness, Wilkes decided to capture more and better photos. “And then I did have a conversation with them very quickly and I requested permission to photograph them,” she says. The resulting photography exhibit, Til Death Do Us Part, chronicles that last year of her parents’ lives. ... The story ultimately ends in their death and our understanding of their death. But the story is really about their living. And, that's really… that's really beautiful.” Editor's Note: Click here for Becky Wilkes' website page with her descriptions and photos.
Online reputation management crucial for hospices, home-based care providers
07/21/25 at 03:00 AMOnline reputation management crucial for hospices, home-based care providers Hospice News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 7/18/25 Hospice and home-based care providers cannot put online reputation management on the back burner. That’s a key takeaway from a recent report from Transcend Strategy Group. While all businesses should be concerned about maintaining a good online reputation, this is especially important for home-based hospice care providers due to their unique care delivery setting, according to Tony Kudner, chief strategy officer at Transcend. A hospice provider’s digital presence can give patients and their families greater insight when it comes to the quality and depth of their services, Kudner said. “When you are dealing with the intimacy of someone coming into your home, the personalization and how you feel about the agency that you open the door for matters more,” Kudner told Hospice News.
Cyclist to ride coast-to-coast for hospice care
07/21/25 at 03:00 AMCyclist to ride coast-to-coast for hospice care MyMotherLode.com, Calaveras, CA; by Nic Peterson; 7/27/25 John Silva, a 66-year-old retired Amador County Sheriff’s deputy and longtime Calaveras-area resident, is preparing to bike 4,700 miles across the United States to raise money for Hospice of Amador & Calaveras. The journey begins Aug. 1 at Cape Flattery, Washington — the northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S. — and will end at West Quoddy Head in Lubec, Maine, the nation’s easternmost point. ... The trip is entirely self-funded and performed alone. Silva’s route will take him through Washington, Idaho, Montana, a stretch of Canada, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, New York, and Maine. More than a test of physical endurance, Silva says the ride is a personal mission. Each week of the ride will honor a community member who received hospice care, transforming every mile into a tribute to those who faced death with dignity.
Understanding the influence of culture on end-of-life, palliative, and hospice care: A narrative review
07/18/25 at 03:00 AMUnderstanding the influence of culture on end-of-life, palliative, and hospice care: A narrative review Cureus; by Veena Hira, Sainamitha R. Palnati, and Saajan Bhakta; 7/15/25 ... This narrative review included 25 relevant publications related to influence of culture and patient demographics on end-of-life care, hospice, and palliative care. As each culture has its own unique views on death and dying, it is crucial to note these cultural differences when assisting with end-of-life care to best align with patients’ beliefs and values. Themes such as cultural barriers, communication preferences and family roles emerged from the publications. ... This narrative review offered a snapshot of how culture influences end-of-life decisions worldwide, specifically in East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, while highlighting themes of 1) truth disclosure and communication preferences, 2) patient autonomy and family involvement, and 3) perception of illness and death. ... Central to providing effective end-of-life care is open, culturally tailored communication that respects patients’ and families’ values, facilitated through shared decision-making discussions. ... Ultimately, integrating cultural understandings of death and dying into end-of-life care planning is not simply a matter of sensitivity, but it is a matter of quality and equity. Health systems must not only provide choices but ensure those choices are intelligible, meaningful, and respectful within the patient’s worldview.Editor's Note: Pair this today's post, My health and my politics walk into a doctor’s office …
World Hospice & Palliative Care Day 2025 Achieving the Promise: Universal access to palliative care
07/15/25 at 02:30 AMWorld Hospice & Palliative Care Day 2025 Achieving the Promise: Universal access to palliative care ehospice; by Stephen Connor; 7/7/25 This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of World Hospice & Palliative Care Day (World Day). ... World Day is organised by the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance each second Saturday in October, this year on 11 October 2025, on behalf of the global palliative care community, including international, national, and regional palliative care organisations such as the IAHPC, ICPCN, PallCHASE, APCA, EAPC, ALCP, APHN, and including national organisations such as the IAPC. ... This year’s theme, Achieving the Promise: Universal Access to Palliative Care, builds on last year’s to explore what is needed in the coming 5-10 years to build toward universal access to palliative care, especially as part of universal health coverage. The subthemes this year are:
Elderly people look at their younger reflections in this beautiful photo series by Tom Hussey
07/11/25 at 03:00 AMElderly 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
07/08/25 at 03:00 AM5 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.”
Celebrating our veterans this Independence Day
07/03/25 at 03:00 AMCelebrating our veterans this Independence DayCity SunTimes, Phoenix, AZ; by Lin Sue Flood; 7/2/25 Apple pie and hot dogs often take center stage on the Fourth of July, but the real stars are the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. That’s why Hospice of the Valley care teams are delighted to honor veteran patients in meaningful ways — whether that is a tribute visit by another veteran, a birthday party or even sharing a unique recognition for their years of service. That recognition came in the form of an emotional reception and book signing for Korean War veteran Bob Withers. He was excited to share his story with Imprints of Honor for the Library of Congress’ Veteran History Project. The proud 96-year-old Marine asked his Hospice of the Valley chaplain, Kody Kness, and daughter, Lauren, to attend the recent event with him at Scottsdale Stadium to commemorate the 3,000th veteran interview for this national endeavor. “It was a great opportunity to honor so many veterans,” Bob shared. “I won’t ever forget this wonderful day.”
Community Hospice & Palliative Care launches “Mail Call” program to honor veteran patients
07/03/25 at 03:00 AMCommunity Hospice & Palliative Care launches “Mail Call” program to honor veteran patients ehospice - USA edition, Jacksonville, FL; 6/24/25 Community Hospice & Palliative Care® is proud to announce the launch of its new “Mail Call” program, designed to honor and appreciate our veteran patients in a deeply personal way. This initiative expands upon our existing veteran recognition ceremonies, enriching the end-of-life care experience for those who have served our country. The “Mail Call” program invites volunteers, students, and community members to write heartfelt letters to our veteran patients. These letters, reminiscent of the cherished mail from home during their service years, offer messages of gratitude, encouragement, and personal reflections. Participants can choose to include their name or school, allowing students to share their appreciation directly with our veterans.
LP Quinn Elementary students raise nearly $13K for High Peaks Hospice; Each grade chose a different way to fundraise
07/01/25 at 03:00 AMLP Quinn Elementary students raise nearly $13K for High Peaks Hospice; Each grade chose a different way to fundraise The Sun, Tupper Lake, NY; News Report; 6/24/25 The students of LP Quinn Elementary School have once again proven the power of community, creativity, and compassion. During May, the entire school united in their annual fundraising campaign and raised an incredible $12,600+ for High Peaks Hospice. Each grade level chose a unique fundraising strategy, highlighting the ingenuity and heart of LP Quinn students:
Wisconsin author discusses her mother’s aging, dying in the American health care system: The long-term care system failed both her and her mother, she writes
07/01/25 at 02:00 AMWisconsin author discusses her mother’s aging, dying in the American health care system: The long-term care system failed both her and her mother, she writes Wisconsin Public Radio; by Colleen Leahy; 6/27/25At age 99, Judy Karofsky’s mother was kicked out of her Wisconsin hospice facility. Within 48 hours of that decision, Karofsky became her mother’s default nurse. “I had to find a wheelchair for her. I had to keep track of her meds. I had to buy all the bandages and supplies that she would [need],” Karofsky told WPR’s “Wisconsin Today.” Karofsky is the author of “Diselderly Conduct: The Flawed Business of Assisted Living and Hospice.” In it, she chronicles nightmare scenarios as her mother aged and died in the American healthcare system: making her way through independent living, six different assisted living facilities, memory care, skilled nursing and hospice.
A sacred commitment: Eden Memorial Jewish Funeral Home and Chapel in New Jersey upholds Jewish burial traditions
06/20/25 at 03:00 AMA sacred commitment: Eden Memorial Jewish Funeral Home and Chapel in New Jersey upholds Jewish burial traditions The MarCom Journal, Fort Lee, NJ; by Frank Patti; 6/17/25 As contemporary life continues to evolve, Eden Memorial Chapel in Fort Lee remains dedicated to honoring Jewish burial traditions that have guided generations. Located at 327 Main Street, this New Jersey Jewish funeral home and chapel serves communities across New Jersey and New York, including Englewood, Manhattan, Harlem, Yonkers, and Newark, offering a full range of funeral services grounded in halachic practice and compassionate care. The funeral home’s approach reflects a balance between tradition and modern needs. Its services are structured around sacred Jewish customs, including Tahara (ritual purification), Shmira (guarding the deceased), and the use of a traditional Aron (plain wooden casket without metal parts). These practices are carried out in accordance with rabbinical standards and in coordination with Chevra Kadisha organizations, ensuring religious integrity throughout.
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.]
Celebrating Father’s Day when Dad is on hospice
06/13/25 at 03:00 AMCelebrating Father’s Day when Dad is on hospice Roze Room Hospice, Culver City, CA; retrieved from www.rozeroom.org on 6/12/25Father’s Day is often synonymous with backyard cookouts, gifts, cards and large family gatherings. Honoring your father or a father figure means celebrating the role this important person has played in your life. It can be a sentimental day where we slow down and consider the gift this person has been in our lives. But if your father is in hospice care, Father’s Day can take on even more significance. You may believe the day will be filled with sadness and unease. But truly capturing this day will be a gift to your dad and all those who love him. Here are five ways to celebrate Father’s Day when your dad is on hospice.
‘It’s going to be the expectation’: Alternative care models reshape home-based care
06/12/25 at 03:00 AM‘It’s going to be the expectation’: Alternative care models reshape home-based care Home Health Care News - Hospital at Home; by Joyce Famakinwa; 6/10/25 At-home care providers are looking to the future. This means seriously investing in alternative home-based care models, such as hospital-at-home and Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). DispatchHealth, Contessa Health and Alivia Care are some of the organizations that have jumped headfirst into alternative home-based care models, enabling the creation of more comprehensive care delivery models. While alternative care models come with inherent challenges, including a complex regulatory environment and higher capital investments, these models are set to become an expectation for home-based care providers.
Revolutionizing health in South Florida: The benefits of IV therapy and inclusive hospice care
06/11/25 at 03:00 AMRevolutionizing 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.