November, 2024

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House Passes Gerald’s Law to Establish Burial Benefits for Veterans in Hospice

Hospice News

Congress has passed Gerald’s Law, which would close a hospice-related loophole in veterans’ benefits. When eligible veterans die, many of their families are entitled to a financial benefit from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to defray some of the costs of funerals and cremation or burial. However, when a veteran transitions from a VA facility to hospice, they lose access to that benefit.

Hospice 279
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7 Holiday Sustainable Caregiving Strategies

Sustainable Caregiving

The holiday season brings unique challenges for caregivers, often amplifying the stress, emotions, and responsibilities that come with both caregiving and festivities. This time of year can evoke a mix of joy and uneasiness, with caregiving adding layers of complexity to holiday plans. Yet, it’s possible to create meaningful moments while prioritizing well-being.

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Falls and Fractures: A Podcast with Sarah Berry

GeriPal

Summary Transcript CME Summary Falls are very common among older adults but often go unreported or untreated by healthcare providers. There may be lots of reasons behind this. Patients may feel like falls are just part of normal aging. Providers may feel a sense of nihilism, that there just isn’t anything they can do to decrease the risk of falling.

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“This is my love letter to you”: Healing after the loss of a partner

HopeHealth

When her husband died, “I was simply frozen,” Pamela says. “The pain was unrelenting.” Now, she opens up about her grief journey in the months since. The post “This is my love letter to you”: Healing after the loss of a partner appeared first on HopeHealth.

Grief 222
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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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Supporting Family Caregivers

Aging Life Care Association

Aging Life Care Professionals™ Help You Avoid the Pitfalls of Caregiving by Jullie Gray, MSW, LICSW, CMC — Aging Life Care Association™ Member and Fellow of the Leadership Academy Caregiving for an aging loved one can be both rewarding and challenging. Unpaid family members who provide substantial caregiving support by managing medical appointments, medications, and daily … Continue reading Supporting Family Caregivers → The post Supporting Family Caregivers appeared first on Aging L

Caregiver 188
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Marking National Grief and Bereavement Day: Palliative Care Training and Resources to Support Compassionate Community Caregiving

Life & Death Matters

National Grief and Bereavement Day is a time to reflect on the profound impact of loss and the vital role of community support during times of grief. This day prompts us to recognize the universal nature of loss, the individual experience of grief, and the power of collective empathy and care facilitated by communities. This […] The post Marking National Grief and Bereavement Day: Palliative Care Training and Resources to Support Compassionate Community Caregiving appeared first on Life an

More Trending

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A Day in The Life: Family Nurse Practitioners

Daily Nurse

As of February 2024, 88% of nurse practitioners are certified in primary care, and 70.3% deliver primary care every day. A substantial number of nurse and family nurse practitioners fall within this category. Family nurse practitioners have a significant role in the delivery of healthcare. They positively impact their patients and patient outcomes and also meet the needs of those living in rural communities.

Nursing 105
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Dialysis vs Conservative Management for Older Adults: Manju Kurella Tamura, Susan Wong, & Maria Montez-Rath

GeriPal

Summary Transcript CME Summary We recently published a podcast on palliative care for kidney failure, focusing on conservative kidney management. Today we’re going to focus upstream on the decision to initiate dialysis vs conservative kidney management. As background, we discuss Manju Kurella Tamura’s landmark NEJM paper that found, contrary to expectations, that function declines precipitously for nursing home residents who initiate dialysis.

2009 230
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Hospital, clinic, home: Understanding the settings of palliative care

HopeHealth

Palliative care is one of medicine’s fastest-growing specialties, which means it will soon be available in more settings. Here’s a guide. The post Hospital, clinic, home: Understanding the settings of palliative care appeared first on HopeHealth.

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Top 5 things therapists should know about the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule for 2025

Rehab Realities by Renee Kinder

The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) is the system through which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services determines payment rates for services provided by physicians and other healthcare professionals. At first glance, it might not appear so important to us, but rest assured, it is. Established in 1992, the MPFS is a comprehensive payment system that accounts for the costs of delivering care in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, physician offices and outpatien

2025 105
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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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The Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association (CPCNA) Position Statement on Grief and Grief Literacy

Life & Death Matters

I am proud to be a member of the Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association (CPCNA). CPCNA wrote a position statement on Grief and Grief Literacy to help strengthen the competence and confidence of all nurses to provide the best care possible for patients, families and communities facing life-limiting situations. Though addressing nurses, this is a […] The post The Canadian Palliative Care Nursing Association (CPCNA) Position Statement on Grief and Grief Literacy appeared first on Life a

Grief 130
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Hospice Researchers Seek to Untangle Possible Relationships Between Tax Status and Outcomes

Hospice News

Stakeholders and policymakers who shape the hospice industry are making connections between a provider’s tax status and quality indicators. Their perceptions could have significant repercussions on the outlook of hospice investments. More private equity (PE) investors have stepped into the hospice and home health space in recent years. This trend extends across the broader health care continuum, as certain types of owners — notably private equity entities — have come under scrutiny from lawmaker

Hospice 299
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Online safeguarding training: Where is the evidence of its effectiveness?

Evidence-Based Nursing - BMJ blogs

Dr. Rosemary Godbold, Dr. Lisa Whiting, Honey-Anne Greco, Dr. Anthony Herbland R.Godbold@herts.ac.uk This week’s blog comes from a group from Hertfordshire who have been working to develop a greater understanding of the efficacy of online safeguarding training. Safeguarding training has always underpinned health and social care practices and has been mandatory for those working with at risk people in all health, care, and education environments 1.

2004 101
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10 Strategic Steps to Eradicating Racism in Nursing Education

Daily Nurse

Nursing schools are the gateway to the profession. But when racism is prevalent at the collegiate level , the racial, structural, and institutional inequities entrenched in these programs have a profound impact. Workforce composition, the development of future educators and administrators, student success, and the overall health and well-being of society are at risk when racism in nursing education persists.

Nursing 104
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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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Twitter is Dead. Long live Bluesky!

Pallimed

by Christian Sinclair (@ ctsinclair.bsky.social ) Are we back? Maybe, eh, I don’t know. But I do know I'm back long enough to tell you the great site I told you about in February 2009. You know, Twitter…well.sad to say but it is no longer a good site for multiple reasons. I even deleted my personal account. Yeah it was that bad. I share this with you to say, if *I* deleted Twitter and I am OK, you can too.

2009 98
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United in Compassion

Adobe Hospice & Home Health

United in Compassion: Enhancing Care for Those Facing a Terminal Condition During National Hospice & Palliative Care Month, we recognize the vital partnership between medical providers and hospice care teams. Together, we form a seamless bond, ensuring that patients facing terminal conditions receive the most compassionate, personalized, and effective care possible.

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Military Nursing: A Path with Unique Benefits and Opportunities

Diversity Nursing

The role of a Nurse is one of dedication and service, and for some, that calling extends to military service. Nurses in the military not only provide critical care to service members but also to civilians in crisis situations around the world. Serving as a Nurse in the military offers unique opportunities, excellent benefits, and a chance to be part of something greater than oneself.

Nursing 90
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Longer Hospice Stays Among Dementia Patients Save Medicare Dollars

Hospice News

Hospice utilization has tripled among patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) during the past two decades. The trend has ignited concerns about these patients’ lengths of stay, as well as praise for hospices’ cost-savings potential. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers analyzed Medicare fee-for-service claims spanning between 1999 and 2019, including data on hospice billing, patient enrollment, hospitalizations, health costs and chronic conditi

Medicare 293
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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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Home Health for COPD

AT Home Care & Hospice

Home Health Care: A Vital Lifeline for Patients with COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive condition that significantly impacts the ability to breathe and leads to frequent hospitalizations. For those living with COPD, managing symptoms, maintaining independence, and avoiding exacerbations are key to improving quality of life.

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Creating a Culture of Kindness and Gratitude in Healthcare

Healthy Workforce Institute

As healthcare professionals, we understand the value of caring for others, but we often overlook the power of kindness and gratitude in the workplace for transforming our work environment. National Gratitude Month and World Kindness Day are timely reminders to reflect on how kindness and gratitude in the workplace not only impact our teams but also enhance patient care.

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When Nurses Are Caught Between Hospital Policy and Frustrated Family Members

AJN Off the Charts

A difficult exchange Photo by Riccardo Chiarini on Unsplash She was one of those patients who remind me of my own daughters, who make me consider up close what it would feel like to watch a terrible disease process insidiously take over my own child’s body. Her cancer had spread and she was struggling to breathe. The team had told the parents it was likely we might have to give her a breathing tube before my shift was over.

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Hospice for End-Stage COPD

Adobe Hospice & Home Health

Hospice Care for End-Stage COPD: A Path to Comfort and Dignity Understanding COPD at End-Stage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive condition that often leads to a significant decline in lung function. In the final stages of COPD, individuals may experience severe breathlessness, frequent hospitalizations due to exacerbations, and a reduced quality of The post Hospice for End-Stage COPD appeared first on Abode Hospice & Home Health.

Hospice 98
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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.

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Mom

Today's Caregiver

I was a family caregiver for ten years to the most wonderful mother ever. She was beautiful, witty, and extremely articulate.

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Reps. Van Duyne, Panetta Introduce Bill to Reform Hospice Special Focus Program

Hospice News

Reps. Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) and Jimmy Panetta (D-California) have introduced a bill that would reform aspects of the hospice Special Focus Program (SFP). If enacted, the Enhancing Hospice Oversight and Transparency Act also would increase the penalty for hospices that do not report quality measure data to 10% by 2027, up from 4% currently. The SFP has the authority to impose enforcement remedies against hospices with poor performance based on its algorithm.

2027 284
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Family Caregivers in Home Care

AT Home Care & Hospice

The Importance of Family Caregivers in Home Health Care Family caregivers play a crucial role in the home health care setting. Their involvement not only strengthens the support system for the patient but also enables collaboration between home health care clinicians and the family unit. As the primary advocates for their loved one’s health, family The post Family Caregivers in Home Care appeared first on AT Home Care & Hospice.

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Caregiver Stress Relief Strategies to Build Emotional Resilience

Responsive Home Care

You have just settled Mom into bed after a lengthy day. You’re spent—physically and emotionally—and there is still a list of tasks waiting for your attention. Maybe it was the struggle with getting her to take her medication today, or perhaps the call from a relative who offered well-meaning but unrealistic advice that caused that […] The post Caregiver Stress Relief Strategies to Build Emotional Resilience appeared first on Responsive Home Care.

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The Cost of Inefficient Communication in Home Care & Beyond

This eBook explores the critical issues of using consumer-grade messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and SMS in healthcare, especially home care. It highlights the negative impacts on patient care quality, data security, and HIPAA compliance and provides practical solutions to enhance communication efficiency! You will learn how to: Consolidate Messaging Platforms: Streamline communication by reducing the use of multiple apps, improving efficiency in patient care.

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Pertussis Rates Have Been Rising: What Nurses Need to Know

AJN Off the Charts

Pertussis, or whooping cough, remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths worldwide, with most deaths occurring in young babies who are either unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the infection prevention and control measures such as masking, social distancing, and remote learning for children resulted in decreases in reported cases of pertussis.

Nursing 85
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Family Caregivers in Home Care

Adobe Hospice & Home Health

The Importance of Family Caregivers in Home Health Care Family caregivers play a crucial role in the home health care setting. Their involvement not only strengthens the support system for the patient but also enables collaboration between home health care clinicians and the family unit. As the primary advocates for their loved one’s health, family The post Family Caregivers in Home Care appeared first on Abode Hospice & Home Health.

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Gratitude in Aging: Embracing Thankfulness in Senior Care

Community Home Health Care

As Thanksgiving approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on the importance of gratitude. Aging brings many changes, but it also offers an opportunity to focus on the blessings of the present and the joy of meaningful connections. For seniors, cultivating gratitude can significantly improve emotional and physical well-being. This makes gratitude a vital practice during this season of thankfulness— and all year long.

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Amedisys Sees Hospice Admissions Dip Despite Revenue Growth

Hospice News

Amedisys Inc.’s (Nasdaq: AMED) hospice segment has seen headwinds impact admissions growth as the company awaits its pending acquisition by the UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) subsidiary Optum. The company’s hospice segment revenue reached $207.9 million in Q3, a rise from $200.2 million during the same period last year. Gross margin for the hospice segment fell slightly to 42.9% from 44.3% year-over-year.

Hospice 278
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The Secret to Supercharging Your Organizations Communications

Effective collaboration among all care team members is critical to delivering better patient outcomes. A key element to achieving effective collaboration is through the implementation of a clinical communication and collaboration platform. In a fast-paced, high-stress and critical environment, people tend to do whatever gets the job done. Therefore will scramble and use the systems, people, or processes around them to get an outcome more quickly - which can often be at the expense of quality.