Literature Review
Making Halloween S.A.F.E.R. for individuals with dementia
10/28/26 at 03:00 AMMaking Halloween S.A.F.E.R. for individuals with dementia Alzheimer's Foundation of America; press release; 10/26/26 Frightful sights, scary sounds, and costumed strangers might be Halloween traditions, but they can be unsettling for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. With October 31 approaching, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering tips to make Halloween S.A.F.E.R. for loved ones living with dementia. ...
What the dying dream about, and why a Buffalo doctor wants the world to listen
10/28/26 at 03:00 AMWhat the dying dream about, and why a Buffalo doctor wants the world to listen The Buffalo News, Buffalo, NY; by Jon Harris; 10/;27/26 When Dr. Christopher Kerr and his research team at Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo began studying the end-of-life experiences of their patients, the work was intended to convince skeptical doctors that they should recognize predeath visions and dreams as medically important to improve the care provided to the dying. But after years of research, interviews with more than 1,400 patients and a published book, many of Kerr’s fellow physicians remained uninterested. Kerr’s findings, however, seeped out and reached an even wider audience. Since his TEDx Talk in Buffalo in 2015, Kerr has been interviewed by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Oprah Winfrey for The Oprah Podcast and, just recently, by Steven Bartlett for the popular podcast, The Diary of a CEO.
ArcHouse CEO: ensuring safe, speedy hospice admissions
10/28/26 at 03:00 AMArcHouse CEO: ensuring safe, speedy hospice admissions Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 10/26/26 Effective and speedy admissions processes can have a significant influence on the quality of hospice care. This October, the Hospice News Elevate podcast explores the value of effective and efficient admissions, as well as the role of technology in that activity. Hospice News spoke with Paul Mocur, Jr., co-founder and CEO of ArcHouse, a pre-admission platform for care-at-home serving hospice, palliative, and home health providers.
If you light a lamp for someone, it will also ...
10/28/26 at 03:00 AMIf you light a lamp for someone, it will also brighten your path. ~ Buddha
Physician organizations back new challenge to Medicaid work rule
10/28/26 at 03:00 AMPhysician organizations back new challenge to Medicaid work rule American Medical Association (AMA), Chicago, IL; Press Release; 10/27/26 The American Medical Association (AMA) and the Maryland State Medical Society (MedChi), joined by several national physician organizations, filed an amicus brief in Taylor v. Kennedy, a new lawsuit challenging federal regulations that make it harder for people with serious or complex medical conditions to qualify for an exemption from Medicaid work requirements. The brief, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, supports the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment and argues that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) exceeded its statutory authority by imposing narrow restrictions on the medical frailty exemption established by Congress under H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
HHS drops expired 2025 Alzheimer's treatment goal in new dementia plan focused on prevention and early detection
10/28/26 at 03:00 AMHHS drops expired 2025 Alzheimer's treatment goal in new dementia plan focused on prevention and early detection Medical Daily; by Cole Mercer; 10/27/26 The federal government has rewritten its national dementia strategy, shifting the focus toward prevention and earlier detection. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the updated national plan on Alzheimer's and related dementias on Oct. 22 at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The new plan replaces six long-standing goals with four. ...
Competencies and barriers in the role of palliative nursing in cancer care
10/28/26 at 03:00 AMCompetencies and barriers in the role of palliative nursing in cancer care Oncology Nurse Advisor; by Vicki Moore, PhD; 10/27/26 Nurses working in palliative oncology generally must integrate technical competence, emotional capacity, and cultural awareness across various stages of illness, according to a recent literature review published in the International Journal of Palliative Nursing, which also outlined challenges nurses may experience in this process. “While nurses demonstrate important strengths in symptom management and patient-family support, gaps remain in psychosocial, spiritual, cultural and ethical preparation,” the study’s authors wrote in their review. This integrative literature review was a synthesis of evidence regarding how competence, compassion, emotional labor, and educational preparation intersect in palliative oncology nursing.
Translating evidence into practice: implementing caregiver burden assessments in palliative care clinic
10/28/26 at 03:00 AMTranslating evidence into practice: implementing caregiver burden assessments in palliative care clinic American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care; by Nasreen Bagwan Malik, Sherief Ghozy, Kitty Fan, Cheryl Green, Denise Mohess; 10/13/26 Background: Caregiver burden assessments lack clinical uniformity in palliative care. Existing evidence-based interventions often impose resource demands that are prohibitive for smaller programs. Objectives: (1) Demonstrate the practical utility of routine caregiver screening paired with an interdisciplinary team (IDT) response protocol. (2) Identify patient and caregiver factors influencing burden. Conclusion: This workflow provides a replicable roadmap to transition caregivers from “invisible patients” to actively supported extensions of the care unit, reinforcing dyadic assessments as standard practice in outpatient palliative medicine.
Austin nonprofits and philanthropists making a difference
10/28/26 at 03:00 AMAustin nonprofits and philanthropists making a difference Modern Luxury, Austin, TX; by The Editors; 10/26/26 In Austin, generosity runs deep. Meet the individuals and organizations who lift lives across the city and invite all of us to share in the rewarding work. ... Project Transitions, a nonprofit founded in 1988 that provides housing, recuperative care, and hospice for people living with HIV, operates a 61-unit supportive housing community called Burnet Place. Austinite Terry Eaton, the president and chief curator of Eaton Fine Art, recently collaborated with Austin artists to curate a pro bono art collection there, extending more than two decades of support ahead of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1. projecttransitions.org
As Compassus marks two decades, the organization continues expanding access to home-based care
10/28/26 at 02:00 AMAs Compassus marks two decades, the organization continues expanding access to home-based care American Healthcare Leader; by Stella Nolan; 10/27/26 Reaching a 20-year milestone is significant for any healthcare organization. Doing so while reshaping a business model, expanding across 33 states, and caring for more than 180,000 patients each year is something else entirely. Few leaders have witnessed that transformation as closely as Laura Templeton, Chief Operating Officer. [Read Laura's reflections on two decades of changes.] ... Looking ahead, Compassus focuses on expanding access to home-based care, strengthening coordination across the healthcare continuum, and finding new ways to improve the patient and family experience.
Free webinar for physicians and healthcare professionals: Veterans nearing the end of life - distinct needs, specialized care
10/28/26 at 12:00 AMFree webinar for physicians and healthcare professionals: Reducing hospital readmissions and reducing Hospital Readmissions and Length of stay in advanced illness patients VITAS Healthcare; Press Release; 9/14/26
Daymark Health Oncology, palliative model reduces hospitalizations, costs
10/27/26 at 03:00 AMDaymark Health Oncology, palliative model reduces hospitalizations, costs Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 10/26/26 An in-home and virtual supportive oncology care program by Daymark Health was associated with fewer hospital admissions and lower overall healthcare spending among patients undergoing active cancer treatment. This is according to a clinical study presented at the 2026 ASCO Quality Care Symposium on October 16. Daymark Health, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) and Brown University Health conducted the research, with co-authors from the University of Pennsylvania and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Palliative care is essential to the model, according to Daymark Health Co-Founder and Medical Director Dr. Angela Taber.
Please all, and you will please ...
10/27/26 at 03:00 AMPlease all, and you will please none. ~ Aesop
Santas prepare to perform with compassion during holidays
10/27/26 at 03:00 AMSantas prepare to perform with compassion during holidays Marietta Daily Journal, Marietta, GA; by jlinder; 10/25/26 It may be the middle of the spooky season, but at the Hilton Marietta Conference Center, it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas as dozens of Santa Clauses gathered to create holiday magic in a new kind of workshop. Smyrna couple Michelle and Paul Smith, longtime Christmas performers and cofounders of a new nonprofit called The Sleigh Society, hosted their first compassionate performer workshop to help fellow Santa Claus performers prepare for more sensitive interactions they may encounter during the holiday season. During the workshop, the Smiths invited medical and healthcare professionals to give advice for how performers can interact with their facilities’ most vulnerable patients, such as terminally ill children and elderly hospice patients.
Health systems are building for 2030
10/27/26 at 03:00 AMHealth systems are building for 2030 Becker's Hospital Review; by Laura Dyrda; 10/26/26 Health systems have spent years building organizational infrastructure around the work of gathering information, compiling reports and moving data between functions. Artificial intelligence is beginning to automate that work and in some systems, the displacement is already underway. Peter Banko, president and CEO of Baystate Health in Springfield, Mass., has said he expects AI to displace significant categories of work including roles in finance, law and administrative functions, and his system is already building retraining programs in response. Executives planning for the next three years are examining the existing organizational structure and questioning whether their purpose is still relevant, or needs a reboot.
Hidden consciousness in coma patients: researchers unlock direct communication
10/27/26 at 03:00 AMHidden consciousness in coma patients: researchers unlock direct communication TakeToNews; by David Miller; 10/23/26 Patients who lie motionless in bed following severe brain injuries and show no reaction to external stimuli are clinically classified as unconscious. However, groundbreaking new research reveals that a significant portion of these individuals may perceive much more of their surrounding environment than previously assumed—and may even possess the capability to communicate. These revelations stem from comprehensive studies led by neurologist Dr. Jan Claassen and his colleagues at Columbia University in New York. The team successfully developed a non-invasive brain-computer interface designed to establish contact with patients presumed to be completely unresponsive.
ACG Hospice opens Martinsville office, adds local care option
10/27/26 at 03:00 AMACG Hospice opens Martinsville office, adds local care option Martinsville Bulletin, Martinsville, VA; by Bill Wyatt; 10/24/26 A ribbon-cutting Wednesday marked the opening of ACG Hospice's Martinsville office at 156 E. Market St. The company provides in-home hospice care and support for patients and families facing end-of-life illnesses. "We specialize in providing that one-on-one care for the family and the patient," said Renee Martin, director of the Martinsville office. ... "We're already working hard and seeing patients," Latimer said. "We're excited to be able to serve more." ACG is new to Martinsville, Martin said, but has offices elsewhere in Virginia and other states. The company is part of Agape Care Group, a multistate hospice provider.
Run to Remember Hospice raises over $11K in run and walk event
10/27/26 at 03:00 AMRun to Remember Hospice raises over $11K in run and walk event NBC 10 News, Rochester, NY; by Hunter Wright News; 10/25/26UR Medicine Home Care held its inaugural Run to Remember Hospice, a 5K to raise funding for hospice care in the Rochester area, on Sunday morning. ... The 5K and a 1.25-mile walk both started at 9:30 a.m. Organizers say the event provided people with a way to honor loved ones who have received end-of-life care. The event included memorial signs honoring loved ones near the finish line, along with event shirts that had fingerprints of kids. ... The 5K and a 1.25-mile walk both started at 9:30 a.m. Organizers say the event provided people with a way to honor loved ones who have received end-of-life care. The event included memorial signs honoring loved ones near the finish line, along with event shirts that had fingerprints of kids.
Self-disclosure pilot offers home-based care providers more clarity, but risks remain
10/27/26 at 03:00 AMSelf-disclosure pilot offers home-based care providers more clarity, but risks remain Home Health Care News; by MK Manoylov; 10/23/26 A new federal pilot program will allow healthcare companies, including home-based care providers, to self-report and rectify conduct, such as compliance issues. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Division announced the six-month self-disclosure pilot program on Thursday. The pilot provides more clarity on resolving certain civil billing violations, though concerns about repayment costs and risk exposure for small providers remain, home-based care industry experts told Home Health Care News.
LTC ACO Partner Summit brings long-term care leaders together to turn insight into action
10/27/26 at 03:00 AMLTC ACO Partner Summit brings long-term care leaders together to turn insight into action bluegrasslive; by GlobeNewswire; 10/26/26 LTC ACO brought participating practices, clinical leaders, external experts and industry partners together in Louisville, Kentucky, October 5-6 for its 2026 LTC ACO Partner Summit, a two-day event focused on translating shared insight into practical strategies for success in long-term care value-based care. Across the Summit, participants explored the clinical, operational and performance priorities shaping long-term care value-based care and preparation for the performance year ahead.
Sacramento Hospice lets homeless residents die with dignity, not alone on the street
10/27/26 at 02:30 AMSacramento Hospice lets homeless residents die with dignity, not alone on the street hoodline, Sacramento, CA; by Michelle Johnson; 10/25/26 Curtis Burdan lived on the streets of Sacramento starting in 2012, and for years he carried congestive heart failure that eventually left his heart functioning at about 10%. Today he has a private room, daily necessities and professional hospice care at Joshua’s House, a South Natomas facility built specifically so people experiencing homelessness do not have to die in a hospital bed or on the pavement. ... Joshua’s House opened in summer 2025 and is operated by YoloCares, according to CapRadio. As KCRA 3 News reports, the facility hosts six cottages with capacity for 15 patients, and each cottage includes three private rooms along with shared kitchen, dining and bathroom spaces.
CMS and states launch $275 million initiative to recruit and retain nurses in nursing homes
10/27/26 at 02:00 AMCMS and states launch $275 million initiative to recruit and retain nurses in nursing homes CMS Newsroom; Press Release; 10/23/26 The new Nurses for Nursing Homes initiative is expected to support more than 4,000 nurses and nursing students nationwide, including those serving rural communities. Nursing students and licensed nurses interested in working in a nursing home may now qualify for up to $40,000 in student loan repayment and/or a $10,000 stipend in exchange for a three-year commitment to serve in a qualifying nursing home in a rural or higher labor-shortage area through a new $275 million nationwide initiative announced today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Miss Brevard, St. Francis Hospice launch flag campaign for veterans
10/27/26 at 02:00 AMMiss Brevard, St. Francis Hospice launch flag campaign for veterans Hometown News, Melbourne, FL; by D. Warren; 10/25/26 Miss Brevard County Florida 2026 Kayleigh Mollycheck is partnering with St. Francis Hospice Foundation on a countywide campaign to provide American flags to veterans served by St. Francis Hospice. Through “Stars, Stripes & Service: 1,000 Flags for Veterans,” community members, businesses and organizations can sponsor a flag with a $20 donation. Each flag will be presented to a veteran served by St. Francis Hospice and their family as a symbol of gratitude and respect for their military service. With more than 70,000 veterans living in Brevard County, this initiative is more than a fundraiser.
Do industry payments influence end-of-life cancer care?
10/26/26 at 03:00 AMDo industry payments influence end-of-life cancer care? Medscape; by Megan Brooks; 10/23/26 Patients treated by oncologists who receive personal payments from drug manufacturers are more likely to receive aggressive end-of-life care, a large Medicare study found. ... The analysis raises questions about whether financial relationships between oncologists and drug manufacturers may contribute to potentially burdensome care near the end-of-life, although the observational study cannot establish causation. The possibility that industry relationships may influence treatment decisions near the end-of-life is “profoundly upsetting, but not at all surprising,” Kerin Adelson, MD, of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, commented during the session.
Attorney General Bonta: 103 criminal cases filed in statewide Medi-Cal fraud enforcement efforts
10/26/26 at 03:00 AMAttorney General Bonta: 103 criminal cases filed in statewide Medi-Cal fraud enforcement efforts Office of the Attorney General - California Department of Justice, Los Angeles, CA; Press Release by Rob Bonta, Attorney General; 10/22/26 California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the results of a statewide effort over the last year targeting fraud in California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. As a result of these efforts, felony charges were filed against 103 individual IHSS providers for allegedly defrauding the Medi-Cal program out of over $4.5 million dollars. “By enabling parents to care for their adult children with disabilities and allowing elderly individuals to age in place, IHSS provides a vital lifeline for families across the state. We are here to protect that lifeline,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “This isn’t a political game for us. This is about protecting taxpayer dollars, protecting the programs that sick and vulnerable Californians rely on, and protecting our state. ..."