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.

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Stump the VitalTalk Communication Experts: Gordon Wood, Holly Yang, Elise Carey

GeriPal

Summary Transcript CME Summary Serious illness communication is hard. We must often deliver complex medical information that carries heavy emotional weight in pressured settings to individuals with varying cultural backgrounds, values, and beliefs. That’s a hard enough task, given that most of us have never had any communication skills training. It feels nearly impossible if you add another degree of difficulty, whether it be a crying interpreter or a grandchild from another state who shows up a

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Dying on the Street – Reflections of a Street Nurse, written by Shelley Tysick

Life & Death Matters

In the quiet moments between life and death, I’ve witnessed the raw essence of humanity. It’s not just about symptom management and care planning; it’s about holding space for souls who have lived experience with trauma, substance use disorders, and homelessness—the marginalized, the racialized, the invisible. It is meeting them where they are at and […] The post Dying on the Street – Reflections of a Street Nurse, written by Shelley Tysick appeared first on Life and Death Matters.

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Seven Signs That an Aging Parent Needs Help

Aging Life Care Association

Does your aging parent need help? As an Aging Life Care™ advisor, I know how fiercely older adults cling to their independence. Many feel that their adult children don’t understand them or are making something out of nothing — a fall, a burnt pot, a call from the police station. They make promises to ask for … Continue reading Seven Signs That an Aging Parent Needs Help → The post Seven Signs That an Aging Parent Needs Help appeared first on Aging Life Care Association.

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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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Statement on the closure of Zoe’s Place Liverpool Hospice

Together for Short Lives

Commenting on Zoe’s Place’s decision to close its Liverpool hospice at the end of 2024, Andy Fletcher, Chief Executive of Together for Short Lives, said: “This is very difficult news for the children and families who receive care from the hospice, the staff who tirelessly provide it and all those in the local community who […] The post Statement on the closure of Zoe’s Place Liverpool Hospice appeared first on Together for Short Lives.

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Announcing the 2024 EAPC Researcher Award Winners!

EAPC (European Association of Palliative Care)

The EAPC Researcher Awards have been established to acknowledge those individuals who have made significant contributions to research and clinical practice in palliative care. There are three award categories: Early Researcher Award – Awarded to a candidate who demonstrates excellence in the early stages of a research career. Post Doctoral Award – Awarded to a candidate who has performed independent research and has demonstrated evidence of impact through high quality, highly cited publications

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Celebrating National Physical Therapy Month: Transforming lives and raising awareness

Rehab Realities by Renee Kinder

It’s that time of year again! Time to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month (NPTM) , when we take the month of October to recognize the significant contributions of physical therapists (PTs), physical therapist assistants (PTAs) and students who work tirelessly to improve lives. It’s also a time to raise public awareness about the benefits of physical therapy, from pain management and recovery to improved mobility and overall quality of life.

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Meet a Champion of Nursing Diversity: Dr. Selena Gilles

Minority Nurse

Selena Gilles, DNP, ANP-BC, CNEcl, FNYAM, is a Clinical Associate Professor and Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Programs at New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing. She’s also an Affiliate Faculty member of the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing (HIGN), where she serves as Co-Director of the HIGN Scholars Program, an Affiliate Associate Professor at Howard University College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, and a Volunteer Associate Professor for the State University o

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Steve Landers, MD, MPH, Named Inaugural Chief Executive Officer of NAHC-NHPCO Alliance

NHPCO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2024 (Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC) — Steven Landers, MD, MPH , has been named the inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the newly merged NAHC-NHPCO Alliance (The Alliance). A recognized national leader and innovator in home health, primary care and aging services, Dr. Landers brings almost two decades of experience as a physician, executive leader and health policy advocate to The Alliance, which represents care at home and community providers across t

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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.

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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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What Hospices Need to Know About Whistleblower Lawsuits

Hospice News

Hospices need to understand the range of risks involved in qui tam cases and how best to navigate whistleblower concerns amid an evolving regulatory landscape. Qui tam actions occur when a whistleblower, called a “relator” by the courts, files a False Claims Act suit on behalf of the government. The relator has the potential to receive a portion of any funds recovered by the government via the lawsuit, with amounts typically ranging from 15% to 25%.

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What is going on with MAID in Canada? Bill Gardner, Leonie Herx, & Sonu Gaind

GeriPal

Summary Transcript Summary Four percent of deaths in Canada are due to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). Four percent. The number of people who have used MAID in Canada since it was legalized in 2016 has increased year on year from about 1,000 people in the first year to over 13,000 people in 2022. California, which has a similar population size as Canada and legalized MAID around the same time, has fewer than 1000 deaths per year from MAID.

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The Future of Palliative Care: The AAHPM Next Gen Scholars for Equity in HPM Program

AAHPM (American Academy of Hospice and Palliative)

The AAHPM Next Gen Scholars for Equity in Hospice and Palliative Medicine Program is a fantastic opportunity for early-career individuals who are passionate about advancing hospice and palliative medicine. It is specifically designed for those who are historically marginalized and underrepresented in the field and want to make a difference. The program offers a transformative experience that focuses on leadership development, innovation, and deepening understanding in hospice and palliative care

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The Critical Role of Nurses in Intravenous Fluid Conservation

AJN Off the Charts

Image credit: AHVAP.org (Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals) Baxter International’s North Cove Facility in North Carolina was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene on September 26, 2024. The temporary closure of that facility and production interruption has resulted in significant shortages in intravenous, dialysis, and irrigation fluids and supply disruption impacting health care facilities across the United States.

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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 Amazing Alpine Andy: dad takes on five-mountain-challenge in memory of his son

Together for Short Lives

In what would have been his son’s sixth birthday month, Andy, from The Wirral, will be a few thousand metres above us in an epic fundraising challenge in memory of his little boy Charlie. The post The Amazing Alpine Andy: dad takes on five-mountain-challenge in memory of his son appeared first on Together for Short Lives.

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Sense of Place

Chicago Caregiving

Studies show that hearing loss increases a person’s risk of falling. Why might that be — and what can you do about it? No matter where Louis is — working downtown, riding his bike, traveling — his thoughts drift to his 95-year-old mother. More than anything, he worries about her falling. Louis (whose name has been changed for privacy) has seen his mother go from sitting on a couch, to sliding off.

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Why are Nurses at Particular Risk of Chronic Exhaustion?

Evidence-Based Nursing - BMJ blogs

This week’s blog comes from Alison McGrath, a nurse now working as an independent wellbeing coach, and explores whether nurses may be at risk of chronic exhaustion. Why do nurses smoke? Because the doctors have eaten all the chocolate. So went the joke when I was a student nurse in the early 1990s. We all laughed wryly at the unspoken reality underpinning the joke: a job that drove us to smoke or comfort-eat just to get through a shift.

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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

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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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Why Finding a Nursing Community Is Important

Minority Nurse

Busy nurses don ’ t always seek out professional organizations or groups dedicated to nursing, and for valid reasons. They need more time or energy to devote to a group, the meetings are inconvenient, or they see it as an extension of work. However, joining a nursing community is one of the most powerful personal and career moves a nurse can make. “The importance of community is relevant to nurses at all levels of their careers,” says Gloria E.

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How to Strengthen Bones and Joints at Home

Freedom Home Care and Medical Staffing

Maintaining strong bones and joints is crucial for overall health and mobility. It’s not just about preventing conditions like osteoporosis. Strong bones and joints also mean a better quality of life, allowing you to stay active and independent. But how can you achieve this at home? This article will guide you through practical methods to strengthen your bones and joints.

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Is Nursing Heading for Collapse?

Daily Nurse

Concerns of a nationwide nursing shortage have loomed for decades, and the COVID-19 pandemic only fast-tracked the profession toward crisis. Nursing is integral to safe healthcare delivery, and the threat of a nursing shortage should concern everyone. When it comes to patient safety, nurses are the nervous system of a hospital. They sense, perceive, connect, communicate, and solve.

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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

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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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Substance Use Disorder in Aging and Serious Illness: A Podcast with Katie Fitzgerald Jones, Jessica Merlin, Devon Check

GeriPal

Summary Transcript Summary The CDC’s Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain excludes those undergoing cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care. In doing so, it seems to give the impression that pain seen in cancer is inherently different than pain seen in other conditions and that those with cancer may not have the same risk for opioid use disorder as compared to other conditions.

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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.

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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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Sustainably funded children’s palliative care no closer despite ‘long-term decisions’ Budget

Together for Short Lives

The UK Government’s Spring Budget provides no clarity on future funding for seriously ill children. Despite some positive news, Budget 2024 was a missed opportunity for the Chancellor to provide sustainable, long-term funding to fill gaps in underfunded and understaffed children’s palliative care services across the UK. With the annual NHS funding gap for children’s […] The post Sustainably funded children’s palliative care no closer despite ‘long-term decisions’ Budget appeared first on T

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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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Exploring the Link Between Nutrition and the Aging Process

Today's Caregiver

As a physician of over 25 years, I have observed that as people grow older, their bodies change, and with it, so do their nutritional needs.

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International Day of the Midwife 2024; reflecting on midwifery’s position in the global community in the era of climate change.

Evidence-Based Nursing - BMJ blogs

By Elizabeth Bailey, EBN’s Associate Editor for Midwifery and Women’s Health The 5 th May marks International Day of the Midwife. This is an opportunity to reflect on the contribution the profession of midwifery makes to the global community. For midwives, it is an opportunity to celebrate the work of colleagues and contemporaries around the world and reflect on ongoing challenges and opportunities for the impacts of midwifery.

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You can’t unscramble eggs: Using root cause analysis to improve teamwork

Rehab Realities by Renee Kinder

During a recent visit to a skilled nursing facility, a nurse made an insightful comment that stuck with me: “You can’t unscramble eggs.” This simple yet profound statement highlighted the difficulty of trying to fix broken systems and processes after issues have already occurred, particularly when it comes to interdisciplinary teamwork. Fortunately, there’s a way to prevent this from happening in the first place: Root cause analysis (RCA).

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Honoring Mary Eliza Mahoney, America’s First Licensed Black Nurse

Minority Nurse

This National Nurses Week, learn more about Mary Eliza Mahoney, America’s first professionally-trained Black nurse whose birthday lies on May 7, the second day of National Nurses Week. Mahoney’s journey to becoming a nurse in the 1800s was full of setbacks she couldn’t control, yet she persevered to create a decades-long career as a nurse known for compassion and bringing comfort to others.

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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.