Literature Review

Coming to terms: Female veterans' experience of serious illnessJournal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing, by Brandon M. Varilek and Mary J. Isaacson; 1/16/24Female veteran populations are growing internationally and are more likely than men to develop certain serious illnesses, including some cancers. ... This study reports the qualitative findings from a multimethod study using qualitative inquiry to explore female veterans' experiences of living with a serious illness. 

Hospice receives giftThe Journal (Martinsburg, WV)December 26, 2023Martinsburg, WV—Maria Lorensen, development director of Hospice of the Panhandle; Patrick Broderick, trustee; Mark Jordan, senior vide; Matt Butts, surgeon; Bob Affeldt, trustee; Linda Snidemiller, Ladies Auxiliary president; Pete Faith, junior vice; Steve Luthardt, quartermaster; and Art Schur, commander of the VFW Post 4019. The VFW presented Hospice with a $10,000 gift right before the holidays in gratitude for the agency’s care for veterans.

Awareness, Education Keys to Trauma-Informed Hospice CareHospice NewsDecember 7, 2023Having a greater understanding around the impacts of trauma and abuse can help hospices improve end-of-life experiences for patients and working conditions for staff. Training and education are keys to caring for patients and employees with unique needs impacted by trauma and abuse. ... Abuse and trauma experiences impact those delivering and receiving hospice care in many ways, some evident and some less apparent, according to Carole Fisher, president, National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation. ... "The impacts of trauma and abuse are important to include in staff training and education, as well as patient care delivery approaches and employee policies," Fisher stated. ... "Trauma-informed care involves having a complete understanding of a person’s overall life experiences and orienting health services toward healing," according to Lara McKinnis, professional development specialist at Teleios Collaborative Network.

In key home care victory, House passes Elizabeth Dole Home Care ActMcKnight’s Home Care DailyDecember 7, 2023Providers, industry organizations and advocates applauded the House’s passage of the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act on Tuesday evening. “It’s a good recognition, especially on the House’s part, that reinforces home care as an industry,” Jason Lee, chief executive officer of the Home Care Association of America, said in an interview on Wednesday with McKnight’s Home Care Daily Pulse. “They see the value in the services, and that is so critically important.” The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act would introduce various provisions to make home care more accessible for veterans. Among the key ones: The cost of providing veterans noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home services, such as home care, may not exceed 100% of the cost that would have been incurred if they had received Department of Veterans Affairs nursing home care. ... Of course, the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act still has to win Senate approval.