Literature Review

Human composting is rising in popularity as an earth-friendly life after death CNN; by Ella Nilsen; 12/29/24 The first time Laura Muckenhoupt felt a glimmer of hope after the death of her 22-year-old son Miles was the drive home from the Washington state facility that had turned his body into hundreds of pounds of soil. There was an empty seat in the family pickup truck where Miles should have been sitting. But riding with her husband and daughter on the 12-hour drive home, Laura felt her son’s presence clearly. ... Human composting turns bodies into soil by speeding up “what happens on the forest floor,” according to Tom Harries, CEO of Earth Funeral, the human composting company the Muckenhoupt family worked with. “What we’re doing is accelerating a completely natural process,” Harris told CNN. Human composting is emerging as an end-of-life alternative that is friendlier to the climate and the Earth — it is far less carbon-intensive than cremation and doesn’t use chemicals involved to preserve bodies in traditional burials.

In Memoriam: Jimmy Carter helped build the hospice community Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 12/30/24 ... During his tenure as president, Carter was essential to the establishment of the Medicare Hospice Benefit. His administration launched the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ demonstration project to test the model, leading to passage of a law establishing the benefit during the subsequent Reagan presidency. Prior to these efforts, hospice care was delivered predominantly by volunteers who relied on philanthropy to operate. The scale of these early providers was very limited due to lack of payment, as was access to their services. “For decades, the Carter family has championed open dialogue about the needs of patients at the end of life,” Dr. Vicki Jackson, board president of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), told Hospice News in an email. “Their vocal support for hospice care over the past year has made an immeasurable impact and brought information about this essential subspeciality of medical care to a national audience.”

Why 2025 will be a recovery year for providers' finances Modern Healthcare; by Caroline Hudson; 12/19/24 2025 is expected to be a recovery year for hospitals and health systems' finances. Providers’ financial performance has vastly improved since the COVID-19 pandemic stunted the healthcare industry a few years ago. In 2024, many hospitals and health systems benefited from higher patient volumes, wider operating margins and more favorable financial markets that drew investment returns. ... Here’s a look at five trends to expect in the new year and how they could affect financial performance.

Where 74 health system leaders are focused to prepare for 2025 Becker's Hospital Review; Mariah Muhammad; 12/23/24 Becker's asked C-suite executives from hospitals and health systems across the U.S. to share the areas they're focusing on for 2025. The 74 executives featured in this article are all speaking at the Becker's Healthcare 15th Annual Meeting on April 28 - May 1, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. ...  Question: What are the top headwinds you're preparing for in 2025? Editor's note: Click on the title's link for this lengthy list. Key themes include (but are not limited to):

Hospice volunteering isn't for everyone but a rewarding way to give back News Talk 830 WCCO; by Susie Jones; 12/27/24 Volunteering is big part of the holiday season for some, with people wanting to help others even in difficult times. Being a hospice volunteer isn't for everyone.  It can certainly be scary to sit with someone who is dying. "It's not just a job, it's not just a volunteer gig, and I can always, always welcome new volunteers," says Allina Health hospice program administrator Erika Schuld. However, Schuld says it can be very rewarding. "You're in these really intimate, vulnerable settings, and you just form bonds really quickly, and it really is our honor in hospice to walk along with patients and families," explains Schuld. Doctor Glen Varns is the medical director of the program and he says volunteers do not administer medication. Instead they do other things to support families. Editor's note: The CMS standard 42 CFR §418.78(e) requires hospices to use volunteers for at least 5% of patient care hours. This was waived during the COVID-19 pandemic, and then reinstated May 11, 2023 when the Public Health Emergency (PHE) officially expired. CMS's volunteer requirement is unique to hospice care. Ensure that your hospice provides appropriate selection, background checks, required TB tests, job descriptions for different volunteer roles, matching of the volunteer to the best role, training, supervision, and tracking of hours for CMS's requirement. Additionally, your hospice must adhere to applicable state laws and internal HR Policies and Procedures regarding volunteers. Click here for the CMS standard.

Statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), Washington, DC; by Matt Wilkinson; 12/29/24 With profound sadness, Tom Koutsoumpas, CEO of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), the leading advocate for not-for-profit advanced illness, hospice, and palliative care providers, today released the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter: “With heavy hearts, NPHI joins the nation in mourning the passing of former President Jimmy Carter — an incredible statesman and humanitarian. His long and impactful life, spanning almost a century, is reflective of a steadfast dedication to service. As a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, he will be remembered for his persistent efforts in seeking peaceful solutions to conflicts, advancing democracy and human rights, and promoting economic and social development. When President Carter chose to receive hospice care in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, he and his family made the decision that countless others do — to receive care in the comfort and solace of their homes, surrounded by the love and support of family. President Carter’s nearly two-year journey in hospice care highlights its profound value, challenging the misconception that hospice is solely for the final days of life. His experience illustrates how hospice can provide comfort, dignity, and compassion for those navigating life’s final chapter. Our heartfelt condolences are extended to the entire Carter family and to those who drew inspiration from his life’s extraordinary work.” 

The HAP Foundation partners with Communities in Schools of ChicagoHAP Foundation press release; 12/16/24The HAP Foundation has partnered with Communities in Schools of Chicago to fulfill the need for grief workshops for students in Chicago Public Schools. Through HAP’s Missing Pieces program, we have provided support for nearly 10 students and families that have experienced a death of a sibling or friend through this partnership. Missing Pieces provides grief navigation support for families who experience the loss of a child. This year, over 350 families have been served.

Increasing awareness of hospice services among Latinos on the border YouTube - Borderzine Reporting across fronteras; features Hospice El Paso; 12/25/24 El Paso's Latino Community is seeing a rise in the use of hospice care ... Hospice in Mexico is a place and so a lot of Hispanics--true Mexicans--feel that you're going to take a loved one out of their home when it comes to hospice care. ... Latino families make up a growing portion of hospice users, reflecting national efforts in bilingual outreach and cultural sensitivity programs I had heard. The term "hospice"--I didn't know I didn't know what it meant. I didn't know what it involved but after my dad was enrolled in hospice ... I realized [that it] provided emotional and medical support ... [and] comfort that respects their cultural values. We were very fortunate that the individuals that came in that met with us beforehand and after were bilingual. I noticed that they spoke in English and in Spanish so that they would look between myself, my mom my sister to make sure we were nodding, agreeing, listening, hearing. I think that made a difference. It was very comforting. My dad at one point even said, "They gave me a bath but they didn't get the bed wet." That was our big joke and the fact that he was very comfortable. As more Hispanic families turn to hospice they're finding it offers not just medical care, but a way to honor their loved ones with dignity respect and familiar comforts in their final days.Editor's note: For data on the Hispanic population in the areas you serve, click here for the 

Gilchrist’s 39th annual Taste of Howard County raises $230,000 for local hospice care Maryland The Daily Record; by Daily Record Staff; 12/23/24 Gilchrist, Maryland’s leading nonprofit provider of serious illness and end-of-life care, raised more than $230,000 at its 39th annual Taste of Howard County on Oct. 20 at Turf Valley Resort. Over 400 guests attended the 1950s-themed fundraiser, which benefits Gilchrist Center Howard County, the county’s only hospice center. The event featured live and silent auctions led by guest auctioneer Creig Northrop, an appearance by Miss Maryland, and culinary offerings from more than 20 local restaurants.

Hospice sues Medicare over alleged recouped overpayment errors Bloomberg Law; by Ganny Belloni; 12/23/24 A hospice sued the Biden administration over allegations an agency unlawfully attempted to recoup millions in purported overpayments through inaccurate sampling and extrapolation methods. The complaint, filed in the US District Court for the Western District of Missouri, claims that a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services contractor had extrapolated the amount the Medicare program incorrectly paid to a handful of beneficiaries under the agency’s hospice benefit to the full “universe” of claims made to Kansas City-based Crossroads Hospice from Nov. 1, 2008, through Oct. 31, 2010.

Foundation raises money for Hospice Home Campaign, Patient Needs Fund WBBJ-TV ABC & CBS 7 Eyewitness News, Jackson, TN; by WBBJ Staff; 12/20/24 West Tennessee Healthcare presented two checks through its Hope and Healing Foundation Friday.  The foundation hosted a ‘Sip and Savor’ event to raise funds for the Hospice Home Campaign and the Patient Needs fund. The Hospice Home Campaign plans to build a space where hospice patients can obtain enhanced end-of-life services for patients and their families. Through this fundraiser, each campaign was presented a $64,000 check. This was made possible through numerous donations and support.

Delaware Hospice to move to scattered bed model at Saint Francis in Jan. Delaware Live; by Jarek Rutz; 12/19/24 Just two months after celebrating its 100-year anniversary, Wilmington’s Saint Francis Hospital is making a logistical shift for its hospice patients. This week, Delaware Hospice announced it will shift its Saint Francis-based operations from a centralized In-Patient Unit (IPU) to a scattered bed model.  The move is to increase both patient and hospital flexibility as well as create more financial and operational efficiency. A scattered bed model involves distributing General Inpatient (GIP) Hospice Care across various rooms within the hospital rather than maintaining a centralized unit. Closing the IPU means Delaware Hospice continues to live its mission of providing compassionate, expert care without the costs of maintaining a centralized unit. 

The Denver Hospice delivers holiday meals to 347 Coloradans; initiative ensured Coloradans facing hardship can celebrate with a holiday meal GlobeNewswire, Denver, CO; by The Denver Hospice; 12/20/24 The Denver Hospice, in collaboration with dedicated staff, provided 76 meals to patients and their families facing hardship during the holiday season. Over 347 people will enjoy a festive dinner as a result of the nonprofit’s healthcare organization’s holiday initiative. “At this time of the year, it can be especially hard for people to admit that they need help,” stated Susan Finke, director of clinical services at The Denver Hospice. “I want to thank everyone who helped deliver dinners today as we are caring for more people than just our patients. Hundreds will now have the opportunity to gather next week and enjoy being with their loved ones.” ... This is an annual event held by The Denver Hospice in support of their hospice and palliative care patients. Working in tandem with social workers, clinical and administrative staff, the nonprofit identifies and supports vulnerable patients across the Denver metropolitan area. The holiday season can be an especially difficult time of year for those facing life-limiting illnesses.