Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Headlines.”
[UK] Students face the realities of hospice care in powerful visit
06/01/25 at 03:55 AM[UK] Students face the realities of hospice care in powerful visitDevonLive; by Lewis Clarke; 5/27/25 A visit to Exeter Hospice gave South Devon UTC students a moving insight into care careers—and the deep compassion behind them. Students from South Devon UTC in Newton Abbot have been given a rare glimpse into the realities of end-of-life care during a visit to Exeter Hospice, in what educators described as an eye-opening and inspiring experience. The visit formed part of the students’ health and social care curriculum and broader enrichment programme. Involving pupils from Years 10 to 13, the day provided an in-depth look at the range of careers within the hospice setting—from nursing and palliative care to occupational therapy, physiotherapy, counselling, and volunteer coordination.
Veteran’s Last Patrol joins NVBDC’s MVO Task Force to support veterans in hospice care
06/01/25 at 03:50 AMVeteran’s Last Patrol joins NVBDC’s MVO Task Force to support veterans in hospice care Eurozone.Newswire, Detroit, MI; by EIN Presswire.com; 5/27/25 The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) proudly welcomes Veterans Last Patrol as the newest member of its Military and Veteran Organization (MVO) Task Force. This collaboration expands the Task Force’s ability to reach and support Veterans during one of the most critical moments in their lives—end-of-life care. Founded by retired military officer Claude Schmid, Veterans’ Last Patrol is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing companionship and support to Veterans in hospice care. With a mission to “befriend, honor, and support,” the organization works to ensure that no Veteran faces the end of life alone, offering meaningful connection and comfort during their final days, or their “Last Patrol.”
Proposed California budget calls for prior authorization for hospice in Medicaid
06/01/25 at 03:45 AMProposed California budget calls for prior authorization for hospice in Medicaid Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 5/22/25 The proposed California budget would require prior authorizations for hospice care within the state’s Medicaid program. Currently, Medicaid managed care plans who provide coverage through the state’s Medicaid system, Medi-Cal, may not perform prior authorizations for hospice. California’s Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) indicated in a 2025-2026 budget revision that this could save $25 million over the next two years and more than $50 million in the long term. If enacted, this would make California the first state in the nation to implement such a rule, according to the California Hospice & Palliative Care Association (CHAPCA). The association contends that the anticipated $25 million in cost savings is “speculative and fails to account for the downstream costs and systemic burdens this proposal would create,” according to a position paper shared with Hospice News. ... CHAPCA recommended to the state government three alternative approaches: ...
I quit my healthcare job to take care of my grandmother. It’s a mix of happy and sad moments, but ultimately has been life-changing for us.
06/01/25 at 03:40 AMI quit my healthcare job to take care of my grandmother. It’s a mix of happy and sad moments, but ultimately has been life-changing for us. DNYUZ; "as-told-to essay based on a coversation with Kristina McDonald"; 5/26/25My grandmother is 80, and my grandfather is 83. I quit my full-time job to care for my grandmother as I noticed that her undiagnosed dementia was worsening. ...
Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes
06/01/25 at 03:35 AMGulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes ABC News WFTS, Tampa Bay, FL; by Gulfside Healthcare; 5/27/25 Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes serves a greater purpose than providing affordable gently used goods: all net proceeds fund charity care for hospice patients. Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes has a new and improved online shop for easy access and including shipping. To learn more about Gulfside Hospice, visit Gulfside.org. To shop Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes online visit gulfsidethrift.myshopify.com/ or stop by one of four convenient locations in New Port Richey, Hudson, Dade City or Zephyrhills. Follow Gulfside on social media for updates and sales.Editor's note: This online access opens up a world of engagement with those who cannot visit the shop in person, especially long distance donors and family members/friends acquainted with Gulfside Hospice.
[United Kingdom] Hospice cuts staff and beds to secure its future
06/01/25 at 03:30 AM[United Kingdom] Hospice cuts staff and beds to secure its future BBC News, Yorkshire, UK; by Alex Moss; 5/23/25A hospice in Huddersfield has announced it has made 19 staff redundant and reduced the number of inpatient beds in order to save its future. The Kirkwood provides end-of-life care to about 2,000 patients each year but its chief executive Michael Crowther said it had faced a "perfect storm" of rising operational costs over the past few years. ... He said: "This has been the single hardest decision we have ever had to make." Another nine staff members have agreed to cut their hours and several others have decided to retire to help reduce the annual costs by £1.7m, the hospice added. ..."As you can imagine, this has been one of the most difficult periods in The Kirkwood's history. ..."Editor's note: Read more--directly from The Kirkwood--at "Securing Our Future Together: A New Way Forward."
What it’s like to be … a hospice nurse
06/01/25 at 03:25 AMWhat it’s like to be … a hospice nurse Behavioral Scientist; by Dan Heath; 5/22/25 Comforting patients as they prepare to transition, navigating end-of-life regrets and frayed relationships, and providing support and advice for fearful families with Heather Meyerend, a retired hospice nurse. How does she know when the end is imminent? And what has the work taught her about the different ways we deal with death? In each episode of What It’s Like to Be…, bestselling author Dan Heath speaks with someone about what it’s like to walk in their (work) shoes.
Trend Report: Artificial Intelligence In Health Care
06/01/25 at 03:20 AMTrend Report: Artificial Intelligence In Health CareHealth Affairs; 5/25/25For our first Insider trend report, we explore the ways that artificial intelligence could impact the health care landscape. The report highlights:
Music as medicine: Jenny Chen, Tyler Jorgensen, & Theresa Allison
06/01/25 at 03:15 AMMusic as medicine: Jenny Chen, Tyler Jorgensen, & Theresa AllisonGeriPal podcast; by Eric Widera, Alex Smith; 5/22/25As you know, dear listeners, I love music. We start each podcast with a song in part to shift the frame, taking people out of their academic selves and into a more informal conversation. Well, today’s guests love music at least as much if not more than me, and they each make a strong case for music as medicine. Jenny Chen is a palliative care fellow at Yale who regularly sings for her seriously ill patients... Tyler Jorgensen not only plays music for his patients, starting out with just pulling up a tune on his iPhone, he and others at UT Austin and Dell med now wheel a record player into patients rooms and play vinyl, taking patients back to the sounds and routines – think taking the record out of the sleeve, placing the needle in the groove – of younger days... And Theresa Allison is a geriatrician and ethnomusicologist who studies the role of music for people with dementia.
Hospice volunteer donates 10,000 gift cards to cancer patients
06/01/25 at 03:10 AMHospice volunteer donates 10,000 gift cards to cancer patients AZ Family - CBS-5, Phoenix, AZ; by Tianna Morimoto; 5/20/25 One Valley man has made a difference in times of need for those who may be losing hope by donating thousands of gift cards, and that’s Something Good. Jeff Lewis volunteers with Hospice of the Valley and was recently recognized for donating 10,000 grocery gift cards to help cancer patients in need. Jeff is a cancer survivor and has made it his mission to help those going through treatments with no family or support. He created a nonprofit called the Froth and Bubble Foundation. Every month, the foundation provides gift cards to more than 100 people in the Valley who are struggling financially. Often, these patients have to decide between paying for food, medicine or doctor bills, and these gift cards can help them with their bills or other necessities to survive. ... “These gift cards help families bridge the gap when they need food and are juggling bills and feeling stressed,” said Hospice of the Valley Executive Director Debbie Shumway. “He is a servant leader who quietly gives back and makes a huge difference, one person at a time.” Thank you, Jeff, for all you do to help others!
"Taps" Bugle Call: USMC Drum & Bugle Corps [YouTube]
06/01/25 at 03:05 AM"Taps" Bugle Call: USMC Drum & Bugle Corps [YouTube]YouTube filmed at the National Mall's Vietnam Memorial, Washington DC; compilation by Joy Berger, Editor in Chief; retrieved from the internet 5/22/25We invite you to begin this Memorial Day with this reflective playing of "Taps." Its simple, 24 notes evoke poignant memories and emotions for persons of all generations. Ongoing, we share with you these resources below for the veterans and their families whom you serve.
National Alliance for Care at Home publishes CONNECT to Care Report
06/01/25 at 03:00 AMNational Alliance for Care at Home publishes CONNECT to Care Report National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 5/27/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) published the results of new research conducted by Transcend Strategy Group exploring perceptions of hospice care among underserved communities. This research compiles findings from a series of surveys of 2,000 people and explores perceptions of hospice care among Black, Hispanic, Asian American, LGBTQ+, and rural communities. Using the CONNECT acronym – Communication, Outcomes, Network, Nurture, Engagement, Collaboration, and Transparency – the report aims to help providers support equitable, inclusive, and comprehensive access to care and is part of the Alliance’s ongoing commitment to increasing access to hospice and home care through knowledge sharing, data collection, and collaborative discussion. Along with key research findings, CONNECT to Care offers recommendations for hospice providers to help increase understanding of hospice care and help overcome barriers to access.
LeadingAge, Hospice Associations seek delay in HOPE implementation
05/30/25 at 03:05 AMLeadingAge, Hospice Associations seek delay in HOPE implementation LeadingAge; Press Release; 5/28/25 LeadingAge, along with the National Alliance for Care at Home and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, on May 19 urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to delay implementation of the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation, or HOPE tool. In the letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz the associations outline concerns with technology implementation in preparation for the HOPE tool. The letter specifically asks CMS to waive the HOPE timeliness submission requirement for two calendar quarters post implementation. The letter further requests that CMS delay the HOPE implementation date until at least six months after CMS education, training, and final validation specifications are available and the application for iQIES access has been opened for hospices.
MLN Fact Sheet: Creating an effective hospice Plan of Care
05/30/25 at 03:00 AMMLN Fact Sheet: Creating an efffective Hospice Plan of CareCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare Learning Network (MLN); 5/10/25 The hospice plan of care (POC) maps out needs and services given to a Medicare patient facing a terminal illness, as well as the patient’s family or caregiver. CMS data shows that some hospice POCs are incomplete or not followed correctly. This fact sheet educates on creating and coordinating successful hospice POCs. The primary goal of hospice care is to meet the holistic needs of an individual and their caregiver and family when curative care is no longer an option. To support this goal:
National Alliance for Care at Home publishes CONNECT to Care Report
05/28/25 at 03:00 AMNational Alliance for Care at Home publishes CONNECT to Care Report National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 5/27/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) published the results of new research conducted by Transcend Strategy Group exploring perceptions of hospice care among underserved communities. This research compiles findings from a series of surveys of 2,000 people and explores perceptions of hospice care among Black, Hispanic, Asian American, LGBTQ+, and rural communities. Using the CONNECT acronym – Communication, Outcomes, Network, Nurture, Engagement, Collaboration, and Transparency – the report aims to help providers support equitable, inclusive, and comprehensive access to care and is part of the Alliance’s ongoing commitment to increasing access to hospice and home care through knowledge sharing, data collection, and collaborative discussion. Along with key research findings, CONNECT to Care offers recommendations for hospice providers to help increase understanding of hospice care and help overcome barriers to access.
Memorial Day: 3:00 pm National Moment of Remembrance
05/26/25 at 03:00 AMMemorial Day: 3:00 pm National Moment of RemembranceUSMilitary.com - A non-government, privately sponsored website; retrieved from the internet 5/22/25The day is not just about looking back but also about engaging with the present and future. It provides an opportunity for communities and individuals across the nation to come together in a shared spirit of remembrance. ... This year, as we commemorate Memorial Day, we invite you to join us in honoring the legacy of our heroes through active participation and thoughtful reflection. ... At 3:00 PM local time on Memorial Day, Americans are encouraged to pause for a moment of silence to remember and honor the fallen. The National Moment of Remembrance is a collective act of unity, acknowledging the sacrifices made for our country. Whether you are at home, at a parade, or spending time with family, take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the day. This simple yet profound gesture serves as a nationwide expression of gratitude and respect.
What is at-home hospice care and how it works near NYC
05/25/25 at 03:55 AMWhat is at-home hospice care and how it works near NYC Medical Device News Magazine; 5/19/25
Navigating the Future: HOPE, Wage Index, and CMS Quality Measures
05/25/25 at 03:50 AMNavigating the Future: HOPE, Wage Index, and CMS Quality Measures Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN; podcast by Chris Comeaux with Annette Kiser and Judi Lund Person; 5/21/25 What happens when ancient philosophical questions about "the good life" collide with modern healthcare regulations? In this compelling episode of TCNtalks, host Chris Comeaux welcomes Hospice leaders Annette Kiser, Chief Compliance Officer with Teleios, and Judi Lund Person, Principal, Lund Person & Associates LLC, for a deep dive into the regulatory crossroads facing hospice providers. In this episode, we discuss the FY 2026 Proposed Rule, which focused on implementing the HOPE initiative, and two RFIs (Requests for Information) that were part of it.
Alliance bolsters advocacy impact with two new strategic leadership appointments
05/25/25 at 03:45 AMAlliance bolsters advocacy impact with two new strategic leadership appointments National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 5/19/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is excited to announce two new leadership roles to expand its Advocacy team: VP of Policy & Regulatory Affairs and VP of Research & Analytics. ...
[Australia] Overtreatment of older people near end of life: A qualitative scoping review of modalities, drivers, and solutions
05/25/25 at 03:40 AM[Australia] Overtreatment of older people near end of life: A qualitative scoping review of modalities, drivers, and solutionsOmega-Journal of Death and Dying; Samantha Fien, Emily Plunkett, Daniel Wadsworth, Magnolia Cardona; 4/24This study aimed to understand the drivers better to help minimise further risks of overtreatment for older people near the end of life (dysthanasia). Determinants included healthcare system factors, patient-centered care, family and caregiver, and clinician perspectives. This review confirms that despite almost two decades of recognition of the potential harms of overtreatment near the end of life, society, patients, and health systems have a role to play in reducing and addressing the determinants. We offer a range of solutions for clinicians, health service managers, and members of the public to consider.
Hospice visits and perceived hospice quality among Assisted Living residents
05/25/25 at 03:35 AMHospice visits and perceived hospice quality among Assisted Living residents Journal of the American Geriatrics Society; by Wenhan Guo, Shubing Cai, Yue Li, Brian E. McGarry, Thomas V. Caprio, Helena Temkin-Greener; 5/19/25 Background: Hospice services are widely used by assisted living residents at the end of life, yet concerns exist about the adequacy and quality of hospice care in this setting.Conclusions: Higher frequency of hospice staff visits was associated with better perceived hospice quality. Policies supporting greater hospice staff engagement, including nonclinical staff, may enhance end-of-life care experiences for assisted living residents.
Proposed bill would require MA to pay for hospice care
05/25/25 at 03:30 AMProposed bill would require MA to pay for hospice care Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 5/21/25 Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) has introduced the Medicare Advantage Reform Act, which among other provisions would require health plans to pay for hospice care. If enacted, the bill, numbered H.R. 3467, would make wholesale changes to the Medicare Advantage program. It would mandate capitated payment models, change risk adjustment methodologies and create new exemptions for physician self-referrals, among other provisions. The potential impacts of moving hospice into Medicare Advantage at this time would be “devastating,” according to the National Alliance for Care at Home.
Transitions LifeCare receives $2.5 million gift to support Transitions Kids Program
05/25/25 at 03:25 AMTransitions LifeCare receives $2.5 million gift to support Transitions Kids Program Tranisitions LifeCare, Raleigh, NC; Press Release; 5/15/25 Transitions LifeCare is honored to announce a generous $2.5 million gift from a family who wishes to remain anonymous. This heartfelt contribution, pledged over the next five years, comes from a family profoundly impacted by the care they received and is designated to support Transitions Kids—our program providing hospice and palliative care for children. “This gift is incredibly moving,” said Dr. Adam Wolk, CEO of Transitions LifeCare. “It reflects not only the power of compassionate care but also the lasting bond that forms between our team and the families we walk alongside. We’re so grateful for this family’s trust and belief in our mission.”
Home health use remains high among beneficiaries with dementia, study finds
05/25/25 at 03:20 AMHome health use remains high among beneficiaries with dementia, study findsMcKnight's Home Care; by Adam Healy; 5/19/25Medicare beneficiaries who have dementia increasingly are using home healthcare, according to a new study published Friday in JAMA Network Open... Home health utilization increased by roughly 17% among beneficiaries with dementia between 2010 and 2019 and decreased slightly between 2020 and 2022, the study found. Beneficiaries with dementia were also more likely to initiate home healthcare from community-dwelling settings, rather than from post-acute care settings.