Literature Review

Minnesota family featured in new Amazon docuseries covering end-of-lifeCBS News WCCO (MN); by Mackenzie Lofgren, Derek James; 6/12/24A Blaine woman and her family will be featured in Amazon Prime's new six-episode docuseries, "Take Me Out Feet First." The docuseries follows individuals advocating for end-of-life options. The series was created by New York City native, Serene Meshel-Dillman, who was inspired to make the docuseries after she witnessed both of her parents end their lives in the comfort of their home. "Take Me Out Feet First" is a six-part docuseries made in partnership with the nonprofit advocacy group Compassion & Choices. Each episode will follow a different individual or family who has, advocated for, or is actively exploring end-of-life options. The docuseries is available to stream now on Amazon Prime.

Lindon woman’s dream of having her music on the radio comes true KSLTV 5, Salt Lake City, Utah; by Alex Cabrero; 4/26/24 With weeks left to live, a Lindon woman’s dream of her music airing on the radio is becoming a reality. “They are experiences I have had, but there are no words ever that will describe my journey,” Gracelyn Wilkinson said. Gracelyn Wilkinson’s music, specifically the words to her songs, is about as remarkable as it gets. While she is only 19 years old, she has had the kind of life experiences many people will fortunately never have. ... Gracelyn Wilkinson is now home in Lindon on hospice, where precious time is now measured in days.

'The Grief Lady:' NC woman uses mother's funeral flowers to create art, help others heal WRAL News, Raleigh, NC; by Heather Leah; 4/18/24 Grief is a journey--and you never know for sure where it'll take you. When Janet Willis' mom passed away from small cell lung cancer in her 70s, Willis said she felt like she lost more than a mother; she lost a piece of herself. The loss launched her on a 100 day journey, creating art with the dried flower petals saved from her mother's funeral and sharing her grief experience with her followers. Each day she created a new piece of art – and each day it's as much a surprise for her as it is for her viewers. Editor's Note: Click on the title's link to view photos and read more of this inspiring story.

World's Strongest Firefighter from Toledo lifts spirits of woman at hospice care facility CBS TV WTOL 11; 4/3/24 Marcus Waugh from TFRD went bak to a nursing home to visit a woman after she recognized him as the "World's Strongest Firefighter" during a lift assist last month.

Touching graduation ceremony for Fulton County student at her grandfather’s bedside in hospice WSB-TV 2 Atlanta, by Berndt Petersen; 3/27/24 A graduating senior from Cambridge High School wanted to give her grandfather, who is in hospice care, one last gift. He wanted to attend her graduation ceremony. Channel 2’s Berndt Petersen shares how they brought the ceremony to him.

Hospice of Southern West Virginia receives grant WVNS Bluefield, WV; by Ashley Davidson; 2/26/24The Hospice of Southern West Virginia received a grant from the Beckley Area Foundation. The grant totals $33,962.15. “We’ve had numerous awards from them over the years that allow us to grow and achieve… It allows us to innovate and advance and all in the names of service to our patients and their families,” said Jeri Knowlton, Director of Public Relations for HOSWV.

Why long-term hospice care might be goodNBC KPRC TV, interview with Joseph Rotella, MD MBA HMDC FAAHPM, Chief Medical Director American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine; 2/21/24Most people receiving hospice care don't live for more than a few weeks. Doctor explains why receiving hospice care earlier can be beneficial.

Atlanta’s health care system is strained by major hospital’s closing, doctors and patients sayNBC News, by Bracey Harris and J.J. McCorvey; 2/7/24At Emory University Hospital Midtown in downtown Atlanta, two mobile pods have been stationed outside the emergency room. Doctors have been called in during extra busy “surge” times, and an administrator described patients on stretchers lining the halls. ... Nearby, Grady Memorial Hospital is so packed that ambulance traffic is sometimes routed to facilities miles away. ... These are the aftershocks from the closing in 2022 of Atlanta Medical Center in a city that already struggled to meet demand for services and provide accessible care. 

New movie out today based on true story in Pinellas County10 Tampa Bay; by Jenny Dean; 2/2/24CLEARWATER, Fla. — "Suncoast" is based on a teen girl coming of age while her brother is dying in hospice care. There's a new movie hitting theatres Friday and coming soon to Hulu based on a true story out of Pinellas County.

Lions fan in hospice care dyes hair Honolulu Blue to support the teamABC 12 News WJRT, Saginaw Townshiop, MI, by Terry Camp; 1/17/24... Larry Benjamin, 83, has entered hospice care, but this Lions season and now the playoff win has given him a lot of joy. He wants everyone to get behind the Lions, and his show of support has gone viral.

Man 'accidentally' fires gun in Iowa hospital: policeBecker's Clinical Leadership, by Mackenzie Bean (Twitter); 1/2/24 Police are investigating an incident in which a gun was discharged at MercyOne Waterloo (Iowa) Medical Center Dec. 29, according to NBC affiliate WHO 13 News. Authorities found damage from a single gunshot in a restroom after responding to a report of a gun being fired at the hospital around 9:40 a.m. CST. No injuries were reported.

El Dorado hospital announces new inpatient hospice care serviceKTVE-TV (El Dorado, AR)December 18, 2023El Dorado, AR—South Arkansas Regional Hospital has announced that their new services of hospice inpatient service. The hospital has partnered with Arkansas Hospice, the state’s largest non-profit provider of hospice care. 

End-of-life clinicians are trying to shift Hollywood’s depiction of deathDeath is often depicted in TV and movies, but some clinicians say not very accurately. They’re trying to shift the way Hollywood represents it.NPRDecember 3, 2023YESHA RASCOE, HOST: We’re used to seeing death on TV and in the movies, but some clinicians who work with people at the end of life say the most common depictions aren’t representative of what happens in the real world. They’re trying to shift the stories we tell about death to help people cope better.[Editor’s Note: The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funded a similar effort 20 years ago called “Last Acts.”][Editor’s Note: To listen to the 4-minute report, click here.]