November, 2023

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CMS: Concurrent Hospice Care Improves Quality, Reduces Costs

Hospice News

Allowing patients to receive concurrent hospice and curative care reduces health care costs and improves quality. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its fifth and final report on the Medicare Care Choices Model (MCCM), which studied the effects of allowing individuals to receive hospice care without foregoing other treatments.

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Relationship Completion and the Power of a Song

Life & Death Matters

Guest Contributor – Bev Foster I have always had a strong sense that music is my close companion along the journey of life. Music continues to accompany me through various life passages giving me a deeper sense of connection and belonging, rekindling old bonds and forming new ones. Music’s ability to connect people whether it’s […] The post Relationship Completion and the Power of a Song appeared first on Life and Death Matters.

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Grief & the holidays: Practical advice when you have experienced the loss of a loved one

HopeHealth

If you’ve lost a loved one, your grief may feel particularly intense around the holidays. Here are tips to get through the season. The post Grief & the holidays: Practical advice when you have experienced the loss of a loved one appeared first on HopeHealth.

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Tips for Checking on Aging Loved Ones during Holidays

Aging Life Care Association

Whether you live down the block or across the country, holiday visits are a great opportunity to take a closer look at your aging loved one and their surroundings. Take time to observe any changes in an aging family member’s behaviors or lifestyle during dinners, gift exchanges, parties, etc. Changes may vary widely – from … Continue reading Tips for Checking on Aging Loved Ones during Holidays → The post Tips for Checking on Aging Loved Ones during Holidays appeared first on Aging L

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The Evolution of Communication in Healthcare Settings

Healthcare communication has evolved from handwritten notes and paper charts to digital tools like EHRs, telemedicine, and AI-powered platforms. This blog explores how these advancements improve patient outcomes, streamline care delivery, and enhance provider collaboration. Learn about the role of mobile health (mHealth) apps, secure messaging, and social media in bridging communication gaps.

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The Future of Geriatrics: A Podcast with Jerry Gurwitz, Ryan Chippendale, and Mike Harper

GeriPal

Summary Transcript Summary What does the future hold for geriatrics? I’ve seen this question come up a lot since finishing fellowship nearly two decades ago. Historically, answers generally lamented the ever increasing need for geriatrics without a corresponding growth in the number of specialists in the field. But, it’s also hard not to be bullish on the future of the field to see the consistent strides geriatrics has made in the last two decades in improving care for older adults.

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Ready for the Future: Your opportunity to shape the content presented at EAPC 2025 in Helsinki!

EAPC (European Association of Palliative Care)

EAPC has launched the call for proposals for themed sessions for the 2025 World Congress in Helsinki (29-31 May, 2025). All the information about the call can be found at this page In the past we would have referred to these sessions as ‘parallel sessions’. For 2025 we are seeking proposals for sessions that can be delivered in a variety of formats.

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Reflecting on Remembrance Day and Three Important Things I Learned

Life & Death Matters

My heart is full as I remember – Remembrance Day. And my heart is full as I consider – today – the news – wars, deaths due to toxic drug supply, intimate violence, racism, poverty, climate change, fear. Loss and grief are not just personal. We experience loss and we grieve individually, in community, nationally […] The post Reflecting on Remembrance Day and Three Important Things I Learned appeared first on Life and Death Matters.

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Hospice program honors 92-year-old veteran for military service

HopeHealth

Over his military career, “Buzz” Tilton flew everything from fighter jets to transport planes. At age 92, his community and hospice team honored him with a veteran pinning ceremony. The post Hospice program honors 92-year-old veteran for military service appeared first on HopeHealth.

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Nurse Burnout and Technology: Finding the Balance

Daily Nurse

Burnout impacts approximately 38% of nurses each year. Burnout isn’t a small issue, either. It can lead to a lack of empathy, a sense of dread as they head into work, and extra stress that could impact their physical and mental well-being. Countless factors contribute to nurse burnout, from a busy schedule to difficult patients and demanding daily tasks.

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Should you have a coach? Greg Pawlson, Beth Griffiths, & Vicky Tang

GeriPal

Summary Transcript Summary Coaching is in. During the later stages of the pandemic, it seemed every other person, and particularly the junior faculty in our Division, were either being coached, in training to coach, or coaching others. When I was a junior faculty, coaching wasn’t a thing. Sure, Atul Gawande wrote about coaching in surgery – having someone observe you and coach you on your technical skills- but that’s a far cry from the coaching programs focused on empowerment that are e

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3 Reasons to Retire Pagers from Healthcare Settings

Let's discuss the trusty pager—an old favorite that’s losing its shine in hospitals and clinics. While once a staple in hospitals and clinics, pagers now present significant limitations that hinder rather than facilitate communication among healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals are constantly on the move, and they need communication tools that can keep up with their fast-paced lives.

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Innovative Nurse Practitioners Can Turn the Tide

Minority Nurse

Nurse practitioners have been valuable members of the healthcare ecosystem for decades. As providers with increasing practice autonomy, NPs fill significant healthcare delivery gaps. With a growing shortage of primary care physicians , the need for NPs could not be more dire. When NPs approach patient care innovatively, everyone benefits from their creativity.

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[UPDATED] CMS Finalizes Hospice Special Focus Program, 36-Month Rule

Hospice News

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized its 2024 home health rule, including the implementation of a hospice Special Focus Program (SFP). The rule also finalizes the proposed “36-month”rule for hospice providers. The requirement mirrors a regulation that has existed for several years for home health agencies. The final rule forbids any change in majority ownership during the 36 months after initial Medicare enrollment, including acquisitions, stock transactions

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The Powerful Legacy of Thanksgiving Day Laughter

Life & Death Matters

Guest contributor: Rebecca V. Hoden, DNP, RN, CHPN She knew it would be her last Thanksgiving. Her family gathered with her and conversations flourished. There were stories, laughter and tears shared – all while new memories were being made. I visited the home on Thanksgiving day and was greeted by laughter. And I heard the […] The post The Powerful Legacy of Thanksgiving Day Laughter appeared first on Life and Death Matters.

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Home-based palliative care helps patients with advanced illness

HopeHealth

HopeHealth’s Advanced Illness program provides palliative care to patients in the later stages of serious illness — right in the comfort of home. The post Home-based palliative care helps patients with advanced illness appeared first on HopeHealth.

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The Ultimate Guide to Improving Caregiver Engagement & Retention

Want to learn how to retain your caregivers & improve caregiver retention X3? The home care industry is experiencing turnover rates of over 80%. How are you ensuring your agency is retaining caregivers? This FREE eBook from Smartcare Software is packed with industry secrets needed to keep your caregivers happy, engaged, and retained, unlocking the full potential of your agency.

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The Nurse Martyr Helps No One

Daily Nurse

Recently, on LinkedIn, a heartfelt nurse colleague wrote that a nurse had posted something so painfully wrong-headed that she just had to respond. The nurse had written that nursing is not a career; it’s a calling and that any nurse who leaves the bedside is committing murder against patients. This shocking statement belies a sentiment that all too many nurses walk the earth feeling: that they must sacrifice everything for patients, even their health and peace of mind.

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National Hospice Organizations Against CMS’ Final Design of its Special Focus Program

NHPCO

For Immediate Release November 1, 2023 (Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC) – The four preeminent national hospice organizations – LeadingAge, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) – strongly oppose the final design of the hospice special focus program (SFP) as presented in the CY2024 Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update (CMS

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Meet the New President of the AANP: Stephen A. Ferrara

Minority Nurse

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) welcomed Stephen A. Ferrara , DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, as the organization’s new president, taking the reigns from former AANP President April Kapu, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FCCM, FAAN in late-June. Ferrara is a busy man, wearing many hats. He’s an actively practicing NP in New York and a member of the senior leadership team at Columbia University’s School of Nursing, serving as the associate dean of clinical affairs and assistant profes

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Hospice Industry Groups Lobbying Congress to Change CMS’ Special Focus Program

Hospice News

The four largest hospice industry organizations are urging congressional lawmakers to mandate changes to the Special Focus Program (SFP) currently set to begin in 2024. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) last week issued its 2024 home health payment rule , which contained several hospice provisions. Among them was the Jan. 1 implementation date for the SFP.

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The Role of Technology in Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is transforming healthcare by enabling providers to track patient health outside traditional clinical settings. This blog explores the role of technology in RPM, including wearable devices, mobile apps, and connected medical tools that collect and share real-time data. Discover how RPM expands care access, improves outcomes, enhances patient engagement, and reduces costs by shifting from reactive to proactive care.

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Transforming Healthcare and Higher Education with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Evidence-Based Nursing - BMJ blogs

This blog comes from Alwin Puthenpurakal, an experienced senior lecturer and researcher working at The University of Greenwich. @AlwinP13 @UniofGreenwich In September 2021, the UK’s Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) unveiled the inaugural Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy, charting a 10-year course to position the UK as a “global AI superpower” 1.

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12 music activities & tips for someone with dementia

HopeHealth

If your loved one has dementia, music can be a powerful tool to connect with them, calm them, and support their activities of daily living. The post 12 music activities & tips for someone with dementia appeared first on HopeHealth.

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NJ ICU Nurse Joyce Park Saves Life of Car Accident Victim

Daily Nurse

Joyce Park, an ICU nurse at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, was on her way home from a family dinner at a restaurant in Closter when a vehicle two cars ahead of hers began zigzagging across the road. Park watched as the car swerved off the right side of the road, struck a utility pole, and told her husband to stop their car so she could rush to the wrecked vehicle.

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Tips for Managing Seasonal Depression | Caring Senior Service

Caring Senior Service

As the seasons change, many individuals find themselves struggling with seasonal depression. This mood disorder was formally known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It typically occurs during the fall and winter, when daylight hours grow shorter and colder weather keeps us indoors.

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Real-Life Examples of HIPAA Violations and How to Avoid Them

Speaker: Jack Clough, Chief Growth Officer

Download our 30-minute webinar where we delve into real-life examples of HIPAA violations and preventative measures every organization should know! You will learn: The critical factors that lead to HIPAA violations and how to identify them. Three compelling real-life cases of organizations that faced severe HIPAA penalties. Proven strategies to safeguard YOUR organization against HIPAA violations.

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Building a Powerful Personal Brand 

Minority Nurse

In the 21st century, everyone has a personal brand; if they don’t, they want one or are told they need one. From TikTok stars to athletes, the brand seems to be the thing. However, many of us — nurses and healthcare professionals included — have no idea what that means for us. As a nurse, do you need a brand? Do you already have one and don’t know it?

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Choice Health at Home Acquires Lumicare Hospice

Hospice News

Texas-based Choice Health at Home LLC has inked a deal to acquire Lumicare Hospice, growing its presence in two current markets while establishing services in a new state. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Lumicare Hospice has locations in Texas and Arizona, two states in Choice’s existing service region. The hospice also has operations in Colorado – a new state in Choice’s geographic pipeline.

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Texas Enacts Ban on COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates from Private Employers

Healthcare Law Insights blog

In the ever-evolving landscape of COVID-19 regulations, Texas has taken a unique stance with Senate Bill 7, which was signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on November 10, 2023. This legislation specifically addresses COVID-19 vaccination mandates in the private sector, introducing a series of measures aimed at protecting employees’ rights while balancing public health concerns.

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5 medication management tips for seniors

Living Assistance Services

Seniors often have a variety of prescription medications to manage throughout the week—a task that can be difficult for anyone and is.

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Best Practices for Sharing Protected Health Information (PHI)

Explore essential topics in this ebook, including what constitutes PHI and how to identify it using 18 indicators. Gain insights into the importance of safeguarding PHI to protect patient privacy and learn about the severe consequences of HIPAA violations. Discover practical strategies for securely exchanging PHI within your healthcare organization, including assessing risks and implementing effective safeguards.

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5 Ways to Make a Positive Impact in the Nursing Profession

Daily Nurse

Nursing does not always get the glory that it deserves and sometimes gets portrayed in a negative light, but it is one of the best professions in the world. If you are a nurse looking to make an impact, you surely can. Here are five ways you can make a positive impact in the nursing profession. 1. Join a Nursing Organization There are many nursing organizations, from local, state, and national.

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10 Early Signs of Alzheimer's

Caring Senior Service

Memory loss may be part of normal aging, but it can also be a sign of something more serious. Alzheimer’s and dementia include memory loss and other symptoms, so it’s important to be aware of changes in your loved ones memory, behaviors, and abilities. While Alzheimer’s disease may be hard to detect early on, there are several things that family members and caregivers can look for to help medical professionals make an early diagnosis and improve treatment.

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Why We Need to Talk About Racial Disparities In Fertility Care

Minority Nurse

Black women are almost twice as likely to experience infertility as their white counterparts, but only 8% of Black women seek fertility treatment, compared to 15% of white women. Statistics like these, compounded by the fact that Black women are three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, highlight inequalities in reproductive healthcare that the medical community must address.

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Senate Bill Would Reallocate Nearly $1B in Hospice Funding to Pharmacy, Behavioral Health Programs

Hospice News

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee is holding a markup meeting today on a bill that would, among other provisions, reallocate close to $1 billion hospice dollars to other programs. When it comes to legislation, a few words can make a big difference. A couple of sentences in a 120-page set of amendments to the Social Security Act would make adjustments to the hospice payment cap for 2033 that would free up $927 million.

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The Essential Guide to HIPAA-Compliant Messaging for Home Care Teams

Explore the risks posed by non-compliant consumer apps like Instagram and WhatsApp in healthcare settings. Learn about potential HIPAA penalties and use a self-evaluation flowchart to determine your organization's need for HIPAA-compliant messaging. Discover straightforward steps to implement secure communication solutions efficiently, ensuring compliance and protecting patient data effectively.