Literature Review
Behavioral symptoms in patients with dementia are associated with care partner abusive behaviors
08/23/25 at 03:20 AMBehavioral symptoms in patients with dementia are associated with care partner abusive behaviorsJournal of Elder Abuse & Neglect; by Emily LeRolland, Francesca Falzarano, Karen L. Siedlecki; 8/25Abuse of older adults with dementia is an increasingly prevalent public health concern in the United States. The current study examined whether care recipient behavioral symptoms (e.g. aggressive or agitated behaviors) predicted abusive behaviors by care partners. Results indicate that most participants reported engaging in at least one abusive behavior toward their care recipient. Behavioral symptoms in care recipients were a significant predictor of abusive behavior perpetrated by the care partner, even after controlling for a large number of covariates. Care partner depressive symptoms significantly mediated the relationship between care recipient behavioral symptoms and care partner abusive behavior. Our results suggest that physician screening for depression in care partners and referral to appropriate resources may be one avenue for decreasing the risk of abuse toward care recipients.
The Faith Care Family Project: A pilot intervention for African American dementia family caregivers
08/23/25 at 03:15 AMThe Faith Care Family Project: A pilot intervention for African American dementia family caregiversAmerican Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias; Noelle L Fields, Ling Xu, Ishan C Williams, Fayron Epps, Samantha Tinker; 8/25The Faith Care Family (FCF) Project was a telephone based, volunteer-led intervention for African American Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) family caregivers that was piloted in one predominantly African American church. Church volunteers indicated overall significant improvements knowledge of AD/ADRD after the training as well as after the intervention. Quantitative results indicated that caregivers increased their knowledge of dementia, reported improved coping skills, and reported increased positive aspects of caregiving. Feeling a connection, normalizing the challenges of caregiving, gaining or reinforcing knowledge, and sharing community resources were themes from qualitative interviews with the family caregivers.
Clinician and caregiver perspectives on managing dementia behaviors in hospice
08/23/25 at 03:10 AMClinician and caregiver perspectives on managing dementia behaviors in hospiceMedpage Today; by Elethia W. Tillman; 7/25New research reveals a gap in training and resources for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in hospice settings, impacting both patient well-being and caregiver burden. Key points include:
[Iceland] Medication causes and treatment of delirium in patients with and without dementia
08/23/25 at 03:05 AM[Iceland] Medication causes and treatment of delirium in patients with and without dementiaBrain and Behavior; by Anita Elaine Weidmann, Rut Matthíasdóttir, Guðný Björk Proppé, Ivana Tadić, Pétur Sigurdur Gunnarsson, Freyja Jónsdóttir; 7/25This summary offers the most detailed summary of medication-related information for delirium in patients with and without dementia to support prescribing decisions. While the detailed results can be used to support a multicomponent approach to delirium care, they also support the call for categorizing delirium into distinct etiological subgroups. The effect of medication on gut microbiome diversity and composition should be considered.
Proportional sedation for persistent agitated delirium in palliative care-A randomized clinical trial
08/23/25 at 03:05 AMProportional sedation for persistent agitated delirium in palliative care-A randomized clinical trialJAMA Oncology; David Hui, Allison De La Rosa, Jaw-Shiun Tsai, Shao-Yi Cheng, Egidio Del Fabbro, Anita Thankam Thomas Kuzhiyil, Kendra Rowe, Ahsan Azhar, Thuc Nguyen, Michael Tang, Chien-An Yao, Hsien-Liang Huang, Jen-Kuei Peng, Wen-Yu Hu, Sonal Admane, Rony Dev, Minxing Chen, Patricia Bramati, Sanjay Shete, Eduardo Bruera; 7/25Neuroleptic and benzodiazepine medications are often considered for patients with persistent agitated delirium in the last days of life; however, the risk-to-benefit ratio of these medications is ill-defined and benzodiazepine medications have not been compared to placebo. The results of this randomized clinical trial indicate that proactive use of scheduled sedatives, particularly lorazepam-based regimens, may reduce persistent restlessness and/or agitation in patients with advanced cancer and delirium in the palliative care setting.
[Canada] Palliative care access and use among homeless individuals: A scoping review
08/23/25 at 03:00 AM[Canada] Palliative care access and use among homeless individuals: A scoping reviewBMC Palliative Care; by Ashley Rodericks-Schulwach, Ravi Gokani, Lynn Martin; 7/25Homeless individuals experience unique needs and challenges when PC. Many of the challenges experienced are related to the stigma of homelessness– it negatively impacts the relationship people have with PC professionals as well as creates barriers to access. Implementation of integrated and intersectoral PC programs that employ harm reduction approaches is needed to ensure that people experiencing homelessness receive PC that promotes dignity and comfort. Specialized staff training to work with this population is also needed to improve quality of PC care provided. Future research that employs an intersectional lens to better understand the needs of sub-groups within the homeless population is needed, as is use of consistent terminology related to PC services to ensure both understanding and generalizability of findings.
"It may cost you your money, it costs you your life": A framework for financial hardship in dementia
08/23/25 at 03:00 AM"It may cost you your money, it costs you your life": A framework for financial hardship in dementiaGerontologist; by Krista L Harrison, Emily R Adrion, Juliana Friend, Sarah B Garrett, Madina Halim, Michael Terranova, Alissa B Sideman, Nicole D Boyd, Georges Naasan, Joni Gilissen, Pei Chen, Melissa D Aldridge, Daniel Dohan, Michael D Geschwind, Alexander K Smith, Christine S Ritchie; 7/25Care for persons with dementia costs ∼ $500 billion annually in the United States. Few qualitative studies or conceptual frameworks of the financial experiences of people impacted by dementia exist. This study examined how patients and caregivers impacted by different types of dementia and at different points in the disease journey described financial issues within a palliative care context... Even in a well-resourced population, the financial toll of dementia can be substantial. The Direct-Emotional-Logistical framework of dementia financial hardship can be used to assess financial impacts in palliative care settings.
Hospice Research Information, 8/23/25
08/23/25 at 02:00 AMResearch study participation, 8/23/25
The new state of HR: Pressures, systems and skills
08/22/25 at 03:00 AMThe new state of HR: Pressures, systems and skills IBM Corporation; by Molly Hayes; 8/18/25 To prepare for the workforce of the future, HR leaders should face these challenges-head on. Recently, I spoke to Kimberly Morick, Global Technology Practice Leader at IBM, about how HR can create new paradigms within their organizations.
Hospice AI - Summarize the CMS Final Rule
08/22/25 at 03:00 AMHow can AI help hospice?Hospice & Palliative Care Today staff; 8/21/25
Advocate Health investing $3B across rural footprint: 8 things to know
08/22/25 at 03:00 AMAdvocate Health investing $3B across rural footprint: 8 things to know Becker's Hospital Review; by Alan Condon; 8/15/25 Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health is investing more than $3 billion across its rural operations to preserve care access, expand services and build a sustainable pipeline of providers for the future. The investment comes at a time when nearly half of rural hospitals are operating at a loss and 800 are at risk of closure, according to an analysis by the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. Twenty-one of Advocate Health’s nearly 70 hospitals are located in rural counties across six states, along with more than 320 rural clinics and a network of mobile and virtual programs [including hospice care].
Local foundations' grants support comfort and safety upgrades at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House
08/22/25 at 03:00 AMLocal foundations' grants support comfort and safety upgrades at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House Chester News & Reporter, Rock Hill, SC; Press Release; 8/19/25 Hospice & Community Care is proud to announce the completion of phase two of the hospital bed replacement project at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, made possible through a $24,000 grant from The Herbert and Anna Lutz Foundation and a $15,000 grant from the Chester Healthcare Foundation. The new beds, which replace original hospitals beds from 2008, meet all hospital-grade safety standars while offering advanced positioning features and enhanced comfort for patients.
Letter to the Editor: Hospice needs the state’s support
08/22/25 at 03:00 AMLetter to the Editor: Hospice needs the state’s support Mid Hudson News, Hudson Valley / Catskill Region, NY; by Mid-Hudson News Staff; 8/19/25 Dear Editor: Hospice care can greatly enhance life for patients and families during an incredibly difficult time, but it is, unfortunately, underfunded and underutilized in New York State. As the leader of a hospice program serving Rockland and Orange Counties for 38 years, I have seen firsthand the undeniable, positive impact hospice can have. ... Understandably, New Yorkers struggle to understand the benefits of hospice because hospice providers themselves have faced decades of underfunding and limited government support. ... The consequences of this cannot be understated. ... Cara Pace, Chief Executive Officer of United Hospice
NorthStar Care Community announces partnership with Beads of Courage
08/22/25 at 03:00 AMNorthStar Care Community announces partnership with Beads of Courage Fox 17 - West Michigan;by Nicole Stoner; 8/19/25 Beads Of Courage is an organization that helps pediatric patients document their health journey through beads of different sizes, shapes, and colors. ... NorthStar Care Community, already established for their compassion in pallative and hospice care, has announced a partnership with Beads Of Courage. This time, the partnership honors patients entering hospice care through their own treatment stages, milestones, and moments of courage. ... In addition, the Carry A Bead Initiative invites the public to support these patients on their journey during end-of-life care by carrying a NorthStar Bead with them, then returning it with a message of encouragement. The bead is then gifted to someone in hospice care, ensuring that these patients are not alone in their health journey.
Today's Encouragement: Some people feel the rain. Others ...
08/22/25 at 03:00 AMSome people feel the rain. Others just get wet. ~ Bob Marley
Make training more effective with microlearning and AI
08/22/25 at 03:00 AMMake training more effective with microlearning and AI Training Industry; by David Resendes; 8/20/25 When people think of microlearning, it’s often viewed as a tool for reinforcement of longer form training, something used after the main event to help employees retain what they’ve learned. And while microlearning is incredibly effective in that role, it’s time to expand that view. ... More organizations are using microlearning as the primary delivery mechanism for critical learning content. When designed intentionally, it’s one of the most engaging, effective ways to introduce concepts, drive early understanding and encourage immediate application.
Marine veteran volunteers to ensure no veteran dies alone
08/22/25 at 03:00 AMMarine veteran volunteers to ensure no veteran dies alone Greater Good; by Guest Contributor; 8/18/25 At the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, a quiet act of service is taking place—one that speaks volumes about dedication, compassion, and the enduring bonds of military brotherhood. Marine veteran Frank Steffel has spent the past nine years volunteering with the “No Veteran Dies Alone” program, a national initiative designed to ensure that veterans in hospice care are not left without companionship in their final moments. This powerful mission reflects a solemn promise: no service member should ever be forgotten or left behind. Steffel’s work is part of a broader effort that has been active at the Milwaukee VA for about a decade.
Amid growing 'scandal' of elder homelessness, health care groups aim to help
08/22/25 at 03:00 AMAmid growing 'scandal' of elder homelessness, health care groups aim to help NPR, Bristol, RI; by Felice J. Freyer; 8/16/25 At age 82, Roberta Rabinovitz realized she had no place to go. A widow, she had lost both her daughters to cancer, after living with one and then the other, nursing them until their deaths. Then she moved in with her brother in Florida, until he also died. ... Rabinovitz joined the growing population of older Americans unsure of where to lay their heads at night. But Rabinovitz was fortunate. She found a place to live, through what might seem like an unlikely source — a health care nonprofit, the PACE Organization of Rhode Island.
Unity Hospice receives $20,000 from the Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer
08/22/25 at 02:30 AMUnity Hospice receives $20,000 from the Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer The Chamber - Manitowoc County, De Pere, WI; Press Release; 8/18/25 For the tenth consecutive year, Unity Hospice has been chosen as a recipient of funds from the Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer. These contributions help Unity provide compassionate hospice care, palliative care, and grief support to individuals and families across Northeast Wisconsin. The Jerry Parins Cruise for Cancer, a motorcycle ride to benefit cancer patients and families throughout Northeastern Wisconsin, presented checks totaling $185,000 to eleven local cancer support organizations at Vandervest Harley-Davidson.
Statement from MNA President on Essentia supervisor’s threats to workers
08/21/25 at 03:30 AMStatement from MNA President on Essentia supervisor’s threats to workers Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA), Duluth, MN; Press Release; 8/20/25 The following is a statement released by Minnesota Nurses Association President Chris Rubesch, RN:
BAYADA Home Health Care announces CEO succession plan: Board Succession Committee launches a thorough CEO search
08/21/25 at 03:30 AMBAYADA Home Health Care announces CEO succession plan: Board Succession Committee launches a thorough CEO search BAYADA Home Health Care, Moorestown, NJ; Press Release; 8/19/25 BAYADA Home Health Care (“BAYADA”), a nonprofit organization and one of the nation's largest providers of home health, personal home care, private duty nursing, and hospice services, today announced the start of a leadership transition that will conclude with current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Baiada moving into a new role on the BAYADA Board of Directors (“Board”) upon the appointment of the company’s next CEO. The Board’s Succession Committee has initiated a comprehensive search for BAYADA’s next CEO—the first non-family member to lead the organization. As the search progresses, David will continue in his role as CEO and will serve as an advisor during the transition.
Research Institute for Home Care and National Alliance for Care at Home ink affiliation agreement
08/21/25 at 03:00 AMResearch Institute for Home Care and National Alliance for Care at Home ink affiliation agreement National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 8/20/25 The Research Institute for Home Care (the Institute) and the National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) have entered into an affiliation agreement to strengthen and expand research efforts while further unifying the care at home movement. The agreement is effective immediately. ... With this affiliation, the Institute will remain an independent research organization, ... The Institute’s Board of Directors will continue to independently oversee its research agenda and initiatives. The Alliance will provide comprehensive management support for the Institute’s operations. At the launch of the affiliation, Dr. Steve Landers, CEO of the Alliance, will also serve as the President of the Institute. Jennifer Schiller, the former Executive Director of the Institute, has joined the Alliance leadership team and will continue to support Institute initiatives along with other Alliance leaders. Jennifer Sheets, Founder and CEO of Carezzi, will remain the Board Chairman of the Institute.