Literature Review

Barry Goldberg, blues-rock keyboardist whose work with Bob Dylan included controversial Newport '65 Concert, dies at 83 [with hospice care] Variety; by Chris Willman; 1/23/25 Barry Goldberg, a blues-rock keyboard player whose work with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band led to playing with Bob Dylan in the 1960s, including the notorious 1965 Newport Folk Festival concert dramatized in "A Complete Unknown," died Wednesday [1/23] at 83. Bob Merlis, a representative, said that Goldberg died in hospice care after a 10-year struggle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with his wife of 53 years, Gail Goldberg, and son, Aram, at his bedside.

Caring for communities in needHospice Foundation of America email; 1/22/25Hospices can play a significant role in supporting communities in the aftermath of natural disasters and other tragic situations. This program will feature speakers from western North Carolina, who will share lessons learned and response strategies they employed to support families, patients, staff, and first responders while faced with death, flooding, mudslides, property destruction, and communication and power outages caused by Hurricane Helene.Presenters include Chris Comeaux, Vern Grindstaff, and Sheila Crane.

The question is not what you look at, but what you see. ~ Henry David Thoreau

How it feels to be a hospice nurse Post Independent; by Oanh Hoang, Hospice of the Valley; 1/22/25 If someone had asked me this question seven years ago, when I was a new graduate nurse, I would have said it felt terrifying, depressing, frightening, and sad. However, my feelings have changed since I became a hospice nurse 4.5 years ago. ... If someone were to ask me how it feels to be a hospice nurse now, I would tell them to grab a soda, popcorn, and snacks, and get comfortable because I could talk for hours about what it’s like. My feelings start with gratitude. I am grateful to be a part of the final phase of my patients’ lives, walking alongside them and their families toward a peaceful end. For all my hospice patients, time is the most valuable thing they have. ... Along with all these rewarding feelings, I also feel sadness when my patients pass away. But this sadness is different from the sadness I felt seven years ago. 

Los Angeles wildfires leave older patients vulnerable Direct Relief - California Wildfires; by Talya Meyers; 1/22/25 The radio announcer said nursing home residents were being evacuated to the Pasadena Convention Center, so Dr. Laura Mosqueda headed over. Older adults were arriving at the evacuation shelter with hair and hospital gowns covered in ash. People urgently needed to be on oxygen — in a large convention hall with few electrical outlets — or their catheters were getting full but responders didn’t have gloves. ... Some patients were in hospice and end-of-life care, and getting them placed more comfortably was an urgent priority. ... The wildfires that ripped across Southern California communities this month will hurt the health of millions — causing everything from short-term respiratory symptoms to long-term adverse outcomes from chronic disease — but older adults will likely be among the most vulnerable. ... [And with that,] Dr. Mosqueda cautioned that while older adults may be more likely to be medically fragile, many aren’t. Many have perspectives that help them navigate frightening, uncertain situations like the wildfires. “Older adults…were among the most calm and circumspect people I spoke with,” she recalled. “They just had a lot of wisdom and life experience, and they weren’t getting freaked out. They had so many internal resources.”

Hospice of Santa Barbara surpasses $1 million  Legacy of Compassion Campaign goal Santa Barbara Independent, Santa Barbara, CA; by Hospice of Santa Barbara; 1/21/25 Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is thrilled to announce that it has reached and surpassed its 2024 Legacy of Compassion Campaign goal raising $1,155,410 during the year-long campaign which launched, in part, in celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary. The campaign initiated a multi-stage effort to ensure the continued sustainability of HSB’s free compassionate care services, helping to meet current demand while building a stronger foundation for years to come. 

Spread some love to seniors this Valentines Day WKBN Youngstown, OH; by Dave Sess; 1/21/25 As you’re making Valentine’s Day plans, consider spreading some love to local seniors. You can make special cards or buy a thoughtful card and share the love. Home Instead is organizing the collection again this year. It has three schools already committed to making cards as it hopes to double last year’s total of 1,000. Each of the Valentine’s Day cards will carry a heartfelt message to seniors in nursing homes and assisted living communities that they’re loved, appreciated and remembered. ... The seniors will also receive flowers from Harmony Hospice. “These seniors appreciate anything from a simple smile to a card or a flower and just a simple hello,” said Sara Stevens with Harmony Hospice.Editor's note: Calling community outreach professionals--what a simple, meaningful way to engage your community for meaningful, intergenerational engagement and support. Now's the time! What can you do?

Keep leadership training specific to company needs, McLean advises HR Dive; by Kathryn Moody; 1/21/25 Studies show that a lack of communication skills and change readiness is keeping leaders from reaching their potential. ... To build a solid and effective leadership training program, employers should start by establishing what gaps currently exist in leadership development and the competencies the company wants to build.Then, an employer can craft the program with proper mapping of activities and measurements of success and define how it will be maintained in the future. ... Notably, one leadership skill that may be lacking is communication, according to research published in November by the Association for Talent Development — and communication skills are considered critical for that employee group, according to talent development professionals surveyed.

More AI, GUIDE implementation, market recovery in the cards for LTC providers this year: experts McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Zee Johnson; 1/22/25 Implementation and expansion of artificial intelligence may be the most powerful trend facing long-term care providers in 2025, according to a panel of experts who identified seven key topics providers should be aware of this year. ... An HDG whitepaper [Health Dimensions Group] found that 2025 will bring more progress in the areas of predictive analytics, or using data to predict falls; hospitalizations and other significant medical events; improved care integration; and generative AI. [Key areas described include:]

TCN podcast: The need for innovation with Meg Pekarske Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); hosted by Chris Comeaux; 1/22/25 In this episode of TCNtalks, host Chris Comeaux interviews Meg Pekarske, a partner and head of the Hospice and Palliative Care Practice Group at Husch Blackwell.  They discuss Meg's extensive expertise in Hospice Care, the significant challenges, and promising opportunities for growth and diversification.  Meg makes it clear that strategic planning is essential.  Adapting to shifts in the payer market and implementing legal restructuring to support new care models are critical to success.  The conversation boldly addresses the need for innovation and collaboration to navigate the ever-changing landscape of Hospice and Palliative care.  It also touches on surprising facets that reveal Meg's unique approach—she is not your average attorney.[Teleios Collaborative Network is a sponsor of our newsletter.]

Where have all the doctors gone?AARP Magazine; by Howard Zucker; 1/8/25The average wait for new patients to see a physician is 26 days, and that's for most healthy people. In a medical emergency, the situation can become even more frightening: twenty-two percent of acutely ill patients 65 or older who sought medical attention had to wait six days or more for an appointment...Publisher's note: An interesting article that may be behind a paywall for some readers.

Big Bend Hospice opens new resale boutique benefiting local families Apalachicola The Times; by Bill Wertman; 1/15/25 At Big Bend Hospice (BBH), every decision we make is guided by our commitment to serving families across North Florida with compassion and care. For more than 40 years, we have been a cornerstone of support for patients with advanced illnesses and their loved ones. Today, I am proud to share an exciting new chapter in our story: the opening of Oak Tree Treasures, a resale shop located at 3260 Mahan Drive in Tallahassee. ...  Oak Tree Treasures embodies our mission of ensuring every family has access to the highest quality hospice care, regardless of financial barriers. All proceeds directly support our hospice services and therapeutic programs, bringing comfort and dignity to families during life’s most challenging moments.

Wildfire emergency: Health facility evacuation details California Department of Public Health; Press Release; page updated 1/21/25Wildfires can lead to emergency evacuations and it’s important to follow your local officials when evacuations are ordered. If you’re looking for current evacuation information, monitor local news outlets (television, radio, etc.) as well as official social media sites for emergency responders (sheriff, police, fire). Be sure to follow the directions of safety personnel to ensure your safety and the safety of first responders. If you are ordered to evacuate your home or the area, do so immediately. Time is crucial!​ The table below contains the latest health facility evacuation ​information: [Click on the title's link to view the list.]