Literature Review

[United Kingdom] Rethinking palliative care for people affected by homelessness Nursing in Practice; by Karita Razzell; 8/5/25 Well-timed palliative intervention can be a game-changer for people affected by homelessness facing advanced ill health, says Karita Razzell, palliative care manager at the charity St Mungo’s. ... There are various reasons behind the stark health disparities faced by people experiencing homelessness. ... Many individuals are living with serious mental health conditions, substance use issues, undiagnosed neurodiversity, and chronic physical illnesses – all of which can make clinical environments like hospitals particularly challenging for them. ... There are also digital hurdles: appointment systems and prescription services are increasingly online, yet many people without stable housing lack access to mobile phones or the internet. ... As a result, treatable conditions in people affected by homelessness often go undiagnosed until they reach an advanced stage.Editor's Note: People experiencing homelessness in the U.S. face similar challenges. Organizations such as The Hildegard House in Louisville, KY, and others in the national Omega Home Network of “comfort care homes” quietly provide palliative and hospice care for them. Click here to see a national map of these homes.

AI Code of Conduct for Health and Medicine presented in new NAM special publication National Academies - Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Washington, DC; News Release; 5/19/25 A new special publication from the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) provides a framework to guide responsible, effective, equitable, and human-centered use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health and medicine. The development and deployment of AI in health are accelerating, and the promise for transformative gains is substantial. Yet without close attention to risks posed by these technologies, the possibility exists for unintended, potentially harmful consequences, the publication says. The AI Code of Conduct framework is intended as a touchstone for organizations and groups developing approaches for use in their specific contexts. The publication presents six commitments and 10 principles to align the field around responsible development and application of AI. 

Heart to Heart Hospice broadens reach with new Kalamazoo location to serve patients Third News; Press Release; 8/12/25 Heart to Heart Hospice is taking significant steps to enhance its service delivery in southwestern Michigan with the official opening of a new facility in Kalamazoo. This strategic expansion positions Heart to Heart among the premier hospice care providers in the region, offering critical support to patients and their families during challenging times. ... Headed by Executive Director Stacy Sturgeon, RN, the Kalamazoo facility is operated with a focus on patient comfort and dignity.

Emerald Coast Hospice hosts Annual Back-to-School Drive-Thru Jackson County Times; by Shelia Mader; 8/4/25 Emerald Coast Hospice Care once again stepped up to support the community it serves, hosting its third annual back-to-school drive-thru supply event this past Friday morning. Though not held consecutively each year, the effort continues to grow in impact, reaching nearly 140 children this year with essential school supplies and a few extra treats. ... Through their ongoing efforts, Emerald Coast Hospice Care continues to be a vital presence not only in healthcare but also in the daily lives of families across the region. Editor's Note: How inspiring. Due to the philanthropic nature of our hospice work, giving to a hospice organization is an easy norm. This out-of-the-box example of a hospice supporting the community--and for children instead of senior adults--encourages us all to see needs, creatively respond. Make a difference. Thanks Emerald Coast Hospice!

Midland Butterflies in the Park event raises $10,000 for hospice care Northern Michigan 9 & 10 News, Midland, MI; by Olivia Fellows; 8/7/25 More than 400 painted lady butterflies were released across three locations in Central Michigan on Sunday, Aug. 3, as part of the annual Butterflies in the Park event hosted by MyMichigan Home Care. Per an Aug. 7 news release, the symbolic release, held in Clare and Midland parks and at Woodland Hospice House in Mount Pleasant, honored and remembered loved ones lost. The ceremonies included brief commemorative presentations and musical performances. This year’s event raised more than $10,000 to support hospice patients in need of home care services, medications and medical supplies.

Enhabit CEO Barb Jacobsmeyer announces departure Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 8/7/25 Enhabit Inc. (NYSE: EHAB) President and CEO Barb Jacobsmeyer is stepping down after four years at the company’s helm. Jacobsmeyer will continue to serve in her current role and as a board member until July 2026, or upon the appointment of her successor. She previously served as president of inpatient hospitals at Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC). Jacobsmeyer transitioned to CEO of home health and hospice in 2021, shortly before Encompass spun off those business lines in 2022 to form Enhabit.

Hospice volunteers recognize local floral donors Uvalde Leader News, Uvalde, TX; 7/27/25 Uvalde Memorial Hospital hospice volunteers recently recognized the Flower Patch and Uvalde H-E-B for their weekly donations of fresh flowers for hospice patients. Hospice volunteers deliver the gifts, valued at approximately $1,950 annually from each business, to patients, brightening their homes and hospital rooms while providing emotional comfort during difficult times.

Enhabit Home Health & Hospice announces CEO transition plan Business Wire, Dallas, TX; 8/6/25 Enhabit, Inc. (NYSE: EHAB), a leading home health and hospice provider, today announced that Barb Jacobsmeyer, president and CEO, and a member of the board of directors, intends to step down from these roles in July 2026, or upon the appointment of a successor. The company has initiated a leadership succession plan with Jacobsmeyer’s full support to ensure a smooth transition. The board has retained Russell Reynolds Associates, a leading executive search firm, to assist in a comprehensive search process to identify the company’s next CEO.

Arkansas Hospice to rebrand as LifeTouch Health Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 8/5/25 Arkansas Hospice Family of Care will soon rebrand as LifeTouch Health to better reflect its evolving mix of services. The nonprofit’s rebranding will take effect in October. The move marks a period of revitalization for the hospice provider, according to its recently named President and CEO Brian Bell.

Swimmers raise $37,000 for Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley North Country Now, Norwood, NY; 8/5/25 A total of 42 swimmers took to the water Saturday, and raised over $37,000 for Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley. They were participating in the 15th Annual Swim A Mile for Hospice at Norwood Beach August 2. The fundraiser gave options of 1 mile and  1/2 mile courses. The top individual fundraiser was first-time participant Fonda Adderly, of Potsdam, who raised about $6,000 for Hospice.

How proposed home health cuts could impact hospices  Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 8/1/25Proposed cuts to home health payments for 2026 could have somewhat of a ripple effect on hospices. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has called for a 6.4% aggregate cut to home health payments for 2026 in a proposed rule. The total reductions amount to $1.135 billion. This is the fourth straight year in which CMS has cut or proposed to cut home health payments. Due to this proposed rule, the agency has “failed” providers, according to Dr. Steven Landers, CEO for the National Alliance for Care at Home.

Chapters Health System expands care in Richmond, VA and surrounding counties PR Newswire; by Chapters Health System; 7/31/25 Chapters Health System, the nation's leading chronic illness innovator and largest nonprofit hospice provider, announces the opening of its newest program offering comprehensive hospice services and grief support to Richmond, VA – and the surrounding counties of Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico and Powhatan. Operating under Chapters Health Hospice, this new program will leverage the resources, infrastructure, and best practices of the nation's largest nonprofit network, while remaining grounded in the leadership of a team that is deeply rooted in the Richmond community. ... The opening of Chapters Health Hospice in Richmond, VA expands the Chapters Health System presence in the state following the 2023 affiliation of Capital Caring Health, which serves the Northern Virginia Region.

Nathan Adelson Hospice celebrates ‘Make A Will’ Month: The trusted hospice facility to offer free will-planning resources throughout the month of August Nevada Business; by Nathan Adelson Hospice; 8/1/25 ... For the month of August, Nathan Adelson Hospice aims to help inspire individuals to recognize the people closest to them in their lives, articulate their final desires, and ensure that all wishes are granted when the time comes, by offering a free resource, FreeWill. This resource aims to guide the community through the necessary steps of outlining a will and handling all wishes with dignity and care. “At Nathan Adelson Hospice, we understand that topics surrounding end-of-life care are always challenging. However, we believe in the power of communication and planning ahead,” says Lori Towsend, Executive Director.