Podcasts about end of life care

What can those who work closest to death teach us about life, compassion, and the possibility of what comes after? In this deeply moving and insightful episode, Lynn Monet explores Death, Dying, the Afterlife as a Nurse and Death Doula, sharing perspectives shaped by years of caring for individuals during life's final transition. Drawing from her experiences as both a nurse and a death doula, Lynn discusses the emotional, spiritual, and human aspects of end-of-life care. She reflects on the importance of dignity, presence, and compassion in supporting individuals and families during deeply personal moments. She also shares how experiences surrounding death can influence perspectives on consciousness, connection, and the possibility of an afterlife. This episode invites listeners to approach the subject of death with openness and reflection rather than fear. What role does a death doula play in helping individuals and families navigate the end-of-life journey? How do caregivers cope with witnessing loss on a regular basis? And what can these experiences teach us about living more fully and compassionately? Join us for a heartfelt and meaningful conversation that explores one of life's most profound realities—where care, understanding, and human connection help illuminate the path through life, death, and beyond.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media

Join family therapists Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio and Nancy Saxton-Lopez for a conversation with Dr. Kevin Toman, DVM, on end of life care and related matters.Dr. Kevin Toman, DVM, is a veteran small-animal veterinarian, founder of Helping Pets Live Longer (HPLL), and one of veterinary medicine's most vocal advocates for longevity-first care. After four decades in clinical practice, he recognized a stark reality: the veterinary world is 20 years behind human longevity science — and pet owners are starting to notice.HPLL bridges that gap. Drawing from validated research in longevity medicine, oncology, metabolic health, and functional diagnostics, Dr. Toman offers pet owners something rare: a clinician who blends medical rigor with genuine compassion for the human-animal bond. His protocols span evidence-based supplements, advanced diagnostics, and prescription longevity therapies(rapamycin, acarbose, metformin) — applied carefully and individually to dogs and cats.Learn more and connect with Dr. Kevin at www.freevetcall.comReach Ken at kenddv@gmail.com, Nancy at nancysaxtonlopez@gmail.com.The Pet Loss Companion (book) on Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Loss-Companion-Healing-Therapists/dp/1484918266/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=pet+loss+companion&qid=1612535894&sr=8-3mpa...The Pet Loss Companion (Audiobook) on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Pet-Loss-Companion-Audiobook/B0FTPWPX8S?qid=1762457765&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=Y83TQXYM4VG4HKFZEX8X&plink=2mxV7mztbrGx4xEO&pageLoadId=v9F4M87SEHMsdyyw&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1To read our email correspondence with listeners and view photos of their beloved animal companions subscribe at https://petlosscompanionconversations.substack.com(A $5/month subscription fee applies.)To support our work on this podcast with a one-time gift: Venmo @Ken-Dolan-DelVecchio or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/kenddv?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)To support this podcast with a monthly subscription: https://anchor.fm/kenneth-dolan-del-vecchio/supportWe are happy to announce our affiliation with Bereave, a company that offers beautifully crafted granite pet memorial plaques. When you purchase one of their plaques using the link that follows you are also supporting our podcast. https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2399618&u=3798931&m=141340&urllink=&afftrack=⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.youtube.com/@thepetlosscompanion6602 (and hit the "subscribe" button)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To RSVP for the next cost-free zoom pet loss support group facilitated by Ken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.dakinhumane.org/petlossThis program is a friend of Dakin Humane Society in Springfield, Mass. Dakin is a 501 (c) (3) community-supported animal welfare organization that provides shelter, medical care, spay/neuter services, and behavioral rehabilitation for more than 20,000 animals and people each year. Since its inception in 1969, Dakin has become one of the most recognized nonprofit organizations in central Massachusetts and a national leader in animal welfare. You can learn more about Dakin and make a donation at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dakinhumane.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.For a list of financial resources to help with payment for veterinary care visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠community tab on our YouTube channel.Additional resources/friends of the program:Kate LaSala, Multi-Credentialed Canine Behavior consultant and Companion Animal Death Doula, https://rescuedbytraining.comAngela Shook, End-of-Life Support, Companion Animal Doula Support, Pet Loss Grief Support, https://angelashook.com/Crystal Soucy, Pet Loss Grief Coach and Certified Grief Educator, https://www.getcrystalclear.com

How This Is Building Me, hosted by world-renowned oncologist D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, is a podcast focused on the highs and lows, ups and downs of all those involved with cancer, cancer medicine, and cancer science across the full spectrum of life's experiences.In this episode, Dr Camidge sat down with Charles D. Blanke, MD, FACP, FASCO, a professor of medicine in the School of Medicine at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute in Portland.Drs Camidge and Blanke discuss Dr Blanke's unique career path from pioneering targeted cancer therapies to becoming a leading advocate for medical aid in dying. A Type 1 diabetes diagnosis directed Dr Blanke toward an interest in internal medicine and oncology. During his fellowship and early faculty days, he established a reputation for his hard work pursuing research opportunities, even when initial projects were unsuccessful.Blanke's most transformative scientific achievement occurred at OHSU, where he spearheaded the use of Imatinib (Gleevec) for the management of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). By targeting the KIT mutation, this research turned a previously untreatable malignancy into one with a high response rate, marking a landmark moment for personalized oncology.Equally significant in Dr Blanke's career is his role in medical aid in dying. Practicing in Oregon, the first state to legalize the option, he has written hundreds of prescriptions for patients with terminal diseases. Blanke views medical aid in dying as a vital extension of patient care.As the former chair of SWOG, Dr Blanke modernized clinical research by introducing term limits, increasing access to clinical trials among, and championing the development of pragmatic trials with broader patient eligibility criteria. Throughout his tenure, he emphasized the importance of patient advocacy and the altruistic nature of cooperative research. Having recently stepped down from his leadership at SWOG, he intends to focus his future efforts on patient rights and medical aid in dying advocacy.

Send us Fan MailThis is the first of a two-part episode. Check out part 2: 189 What a Death Doula Knows About Grief That Most of Us Don't (2/2) | Sierra CampbellWhat does someone who has spent more than three decades sitting with the dying actually know about grief, and what can that teach the rest of us about living?Today's guest is an elder caregiver, end-of-life doula, and founder of a leading end-of-life education platform. She began working in care at sixteen, opened her own home care services by twenty-one, and has since supported hundreds of people through the final chapter of their lives. As a two-time cancer survivor, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to one of the most avoided conversations of our time.Chapters00:00 Welcome03:10 Sierra's life story07:10 What facing death taught me08:49 The effect of unresolved generational trauma10:09 Presence in being with the dying15:52 When the support we get is not the support we need24:11 Grief of not being able to be a mother28:18 What do people grieve most at the end of their life31:05 Families who are not prepared for a loved one's death34:17 Anticipatory grief34:48 Being prepared for someone dying40:51 Being present when people dieWhether you are grieving a loss, supporting someone who is, or simply carrying an unspoken awareness that you are not prepared for what lies ahead, this conversation offers grounding, clarity, and practical perspective.About our guestAn experienced elder caregiver and end-of-life doula, Sierra Campbell is the founder of Choose Nurture. With more than three decades of experience in the field, Sierra is a leading voice in end-of-life reform. She combines her professional background with her personal journey as a cancer survivor to educate and support ageing adults and their loved ones.choosenurture.com IG: choosenurtureTED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sLENQbRSlsResources mentionedBook - Stephen Levine: One Year to LiveIf this episode was useful to you, please take a moment to leave a five-star review. It helps this podcast reach the people who need it most.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis is the second of a two-part episode. Check out part 1: 188 What a Death Doula Knows About Grief That Most of Us Don't (1/2) | Sierra CampbellWhat does someone who has spent more than three decades sitting with the dying actually know about grief, and what can that teach the rest of us about living?Today's guest is an elder caregiver, end-of-life doula, and founder of a leading end-of-life education platform. She began working in care at sixteen, opened her own home care services by twenty-one, and has since supported hundreds of people through the final chapter of their lives. As a two-time cancer survivor, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to one of the most avoided conversations of our time.In this episode, we coverWhat the dying most commonly grieve about their lives, What unprepared families carry long after a loved one is gone, What accumulates in the body of a caregiver who witnesses death repeatedly, and Why talking about death is, in her words, talking about life.Chapters00:00 Welcome00:49Second part episode02:49 Death is a great teacher03:44 Letting go or continuous bonds?08:44 Your wishes for your death012:51 How not to fix, save or heal017:48 Medical-assisted death05:32 Secondary gains in grief0Teaching Death Doulas - What surprises them the most?Whether you are grieving a loss, supporting someone who is, or simply carrying an unspoken awareness that you are not prepared for what lies ahead, this conversation offers grounding, clarity, and practical perspective.About our guestAn experienced elder caregiver and end-of-life doula, Sierra Campbell is the founder of Choose Nurture. With more than three decades of experience in the field, Sierra is a leading voice in end-of-life reform. She combines her professional background with her personal journey as a cancer survivor to educate and support ageing adults and their loved ones.choosenurture.com IG: choosenurtureTED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sLENQbRSlsIf this episode was useful to you, please take a moment to leave a five-star review. It helps thSupport the show

Hospice New Zealand is warning there's a growing gap between what's needed and what's being funded in end-of-life care. Hospice New Zealand Chief Executive Wayne Naylor spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Maureen Groden joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about end of life care for a loved one on this edition of Caregiver SOS.

Maureen Groden joins host Ron Aaron and co-host Carol Zernail to talk about end of life care for a loved one on this edition of Caregiver SOS. About Maureen Maureen Groden has been a hospice nurse and educator for several decades. She is the author of When a Loved One Is Dying: Conversations About Care, Connection, and Coping (Johns Hopkins University Press). Hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial, and their guests talk about Caregiving and how to best cope with the stresses associated with it. Learn about "Caregiver SOS" and the "Teleconnection Hotline" programs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do You Want to Die Not Knowing? One Artist's Leap Into Art as Service and HealingHave you ever had someone ask you a question that completely changed the direction of your life? In this episode, I talk with commission artist Shawn B. Standley, whose wife asked him exactly that kind of question — and it launched him into a new chapter as a full-time artist dedicated to healing and community service.Shawn's journey is anything but a straight line — from aerospace engineering student to carpenter, Navy veteran, restaurant manager, and Alaskan wilderness dweller — before finally committing to his true calling: creating deeply personal commission art that captures people's stories, memories, and life transitions.Now based in Conway, Arkansas, Shawn is partnering with wellness organizations, end-of-life doulas, and medical institutions to bring the healing power of art to people navigating major life changes. He also oversees the urban farming and community garden program at the Faulkner County Library — proof that art and service can take many forms.In this episode we cover:(1:42) How Shawn's father discouraged him from pursuing art as a career — and how he found his way back(11:51) Dropping out of aerospace engineering school and the winding road that followed(13:17) Moving to Whidbey Island and finding his first real artistic community and mentor(16:03) Going to art school at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle — and why he left(18:11) How Alaska got under his skin and changed everything(22:07) The question his wife Shell asked that became the turning point of his artistic life(23:54) Discovering the profound emotional power of commission art and creating work that tells someone's personal story(24:40) Why Conway, Arkansas — and what surprised him about building an art practice there(28:45) Finding his why through the Artist Inc. fellowship and the Artists in Business mentorship program(32:15) Partnering with end-of-life doulas, the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences wellness program, and the Arkansas Wellness Network(37:55) His vision for combining art and healing as a full-time practiceConnect with Shawn: Website: shawnbstudios.com Social media: @shawnbstudiosConnect with me: arthealsallwoundspodcast.com | SubstackMusic by Ketsa and Lobo LocoSupport the show

Learn how to better serve the needs of the LGBTQ+ community in grief and at the end of life. My guest Jamie Thrower is a queer death doula, end-of-life educator and community grief tender serving the LGBTQ+ community in life and in death. She is the founder of Queer Grief Club and the co-creator of… Continue reading Ep. 544 The Queer Grief Club and Inclusive End-of-Life Care with Jamie Thrower

What if the people case-managing your care had a financial reason to keep you sicker? That's the uncomfortable question Scott Middleton puts on the table in this episode — recorded live from the American Case Managers Conference in Orlando, where Scott went to learn, and ended up being told Your Health didn't "fit" because they weren't a hospital. Jamie and Scott unpack what the nurse case manager role actually looks like at Your Health — and why moving case management out of hospitals and into patients' homes isn't just better care, it's better economics. Scott shares the research proving the model works: 50% reduction in Medicare spend when patients are seen at the right frequency by the right people. In this episode: Why hospitalists may be "the demise of the American healthcare system" The difference between nurse practitioners (diagnose and treat) and nurse case managers (assess and guide) — and why blurring them costs patients The 16.05-visits-per-risk-point model David Clemens' research validated How coding departments are quietly diagnosing patients with diseases they don't have Why Medicare's 6-year insolvency window may be the disruption we need Head-to-toe assessments, delegation rights, and the real job of an RN in the home If you've ever suspected the system is working exactly as designed — just not for the patient — press play. www.YourHealth.Org

"What if you train them and they leave?" It's the fear that quietly keeps most healthcare leaders from investing in their people. Matt Staub — CEO of Your Health — wants you to sit with the question his mentor once asked in return: What if you don't train them, and they stay? In this episode, Matt joins Jamie Preston for a conversation about why workforce education isn't a perk at Your Health — it's the culture. From nationally accredited apprenticeships, to a training pipeline built out of a licensing crisis, to the real people behind the success stories, this is a blueprint for leaders who want to grow something that lasts. Key topics covered: The lumberjack story: why sharpening your axe beats swinging harder every time How a shortage of licensed administrators became the catalyst for Your Health's training engine The shift from "education happens on your own time" to "this is how we behave" Real success stories — Olivia, Kristin, Taylor, McKinsey, Rebecca — and what they share Matt's three challenges for anyone ready to grow: show up, find your who, take your shot If you've ever wondered whether developing your people is worth the cost, this episode will change the math. Press play — then look around, and ask yourself who's looking at you.

What if the reason healthcare teams burn out isn't the workload — it's the org chart? On this episode of The Disrupted Podcast, Jamie and Scott, break down the evolution of The Care Group Model — and why the instinct to build a "separate hospice team" is exactly the wrong move. Scott walks through what a true care team looks like when nurse practitioners, nurses, community health workers, social workers, chaplains, and triage nurses are orchestrated around the patient — not siloed around a diagnosis. Inside the episode: Why adding hospice to existing care groups beats building a parallel hospice division The new non-clinical "administrator" role Your Health is rolling out — and why every nurse needs one at their side Using DISC assessments to build teams that actually function (and why nurses aren't the same personality type) How mutual accountability and group-based bonuses fix the "don't bill too much CCM" problem Why matching a chaplain to a patient's faith tradition matters more than checking the box The $110 million Medicare savings story the industry still doesn't understand If you lead a clinical team, run an operation, or care about what healthcare could look like when it's built around people instead of paperwork — press play. www.YourHealth.Org

Most providers interrupt their patients within 18 seconds. What if the next few minutes of silence could tell you more than the next hour of testing? In Part 2 of the Your Health Values Series, Jamie  sits down again with members of the Your Health Experience Team — Rebecca, Jennifer, Whitney,  and Carlos — to go beneath the surface of "patient-centered care" and look at what empathy really demands in the pressured, everyday moments of healthcare. This isn't a conversation about being nice. It's a conversation about seeing people — patients, families, and colleagues — for everything they're carrying, even when they're hiding it behind a smile. In this episode: Why empathy is officially non-negotiable at Your Health — and what that looks like in practice The difference between emotional empathy and "empathetic sternness" (and why both save lives) How to recognize when a patient or colleague is carrying something deeper than their symptoms The real threat of empathy fatigue — and how to keep giving without burning out The two "holy times" in healthcare where empathy matters most What patients actually say when they feel truly seen If you've ever wondered whether the extra 60 seconds is worth it, this episode will show you why it's everything. Press play — and then try it on your very next interaction. www.YourHealth.Org

Have you ever heard of a "death doula?" Nicole Kidman as brought the term into the end-of-life conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it truly mean to care for someone at the end of life—and how can that journey be approached with compassion, dignity, and holistic understanding? In this deeply moving episode, Jean Keegan-Daly shares her experiences as a holistic and hospice nurse, offering a rare and heartfelt perspective on one of life's most profound transitions. Drawing from years of caring for patients and supporting families, Jean discusses how holistic care goes beyond physical treatment—addressing emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs during the final stages of life. She explores how presence, empathy, and connection can bring comfort not only to those who are passing, but also to the loved ones who walk alongside them. This episode opens a gentle and honest conversation about death, often considered one of life's most difficult subjects. What happens emotionally and spiritually as someone approaches the end of life? How can we better support those in hospice care? And how can understanding this process help us live more fully and compassionately in the present? Join us for a powerful and deeply human discussion that honors life, embraces the reality of its natural conclusion, and reminds us of the importance of care, connection, and dignity at every stage of the journey.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media

What if the healthcare system your loved one relies on doesn't even know they need help until it's too late — and what would it look like if it did? In this Q1 2026 episode, Jamie Preston sits down with Matt Staub, CEO of Your Health, for a candid and wide-ranging look at how one of the country's largest home-based care providers is navigating the evolving landscape of value-based care, population health, and the human experience at the center of it all. Matt brings his characteristic clarity and heart to a conversation that is equal parts strategy, story, and honest reckoning with what the system still gets wrong. Key topics covered: Why 11% of patients account for 67% of all healthcare spending — and why most of them don't know they're in an ACO The evolution of value-based care: from quality-over-cost to outcomes + patient experience over total costs How Your Health is becoming proactive — not reactive — about falls, readmissions, and high-needs patients The quiet crisis of patient trust: down from 71% in 2020 to just 33% today, and what the correlation means for hospitalizations Real stories: a 79-year-old patient who went from barely existing to living fully — and Matt's own mom, who hasn't fallen since leaving the hospital after her stroke If you work in healthcare, advocate for someone in the system, or simply believe that better is possible — this episode will change the way you see what care can be.

Send us Fan MailIn Part Two of Private Equity, AI, and the Future of End-of-Life Care, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner dive deeper into the forces reshaping hospice and healthcare.  From the growing influence of private equity to the urgent need for systemic reform, this conversation explores the tension between financial performance and mission-driven care.  The discussion highlights a critical question: can healthcare balance economic sustainability while preserving dignity, compassion, and patient-centered outcomes?  The episode also examines real-world policy shifts and emerging data—from Medicare payment reform signals to increased regulatory scrutiny aimed at eliminating fraud and protecting vulnerable populations.  Beyond policy, the conversation underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making in shaping the future of hospice care.Ultimately, this episode returns to the heart of hospice: humanity.  Through powerful stories and examples—like pediatric care innovations and “bucket list” programs—it challenges leaders to reclaim the authentic mission of end-of-life care: honoring lives, supporting families, and delivering excellence at the bedside.If this conversation challenged your thinking, share it with your leadership team and colleagues. Subscribe to stay ahead of the trends shaping hospice and healthcare—and most importantly, take one idea from this episode and apply it to improve care at the bedside. The future of end-of-life care depends on leaders willing to act.Key TakeawaysThe U.S. healthcare system faces a looming financial and structural crisis, requiring urgent reform focused on transparency, accountability, and population health.  The role of private equity in hospice remains contested, with concerns about profit-driven models versus emerging data suggesting outcomes may depend on broader operational factors—not ownership alone.  Regulatory efforts, such as Oregon's Protecting the Dying Act, signal a growing national push to eliminate fraud and safeguard hospice integrity.  Data-driven decision-making is becoming essential, with industry reports and analytics shaping how leaders evaluate quality, utilization, and performance.  Mission-driven innovations—like pediatric programs and life-affirming “bucket list” initiatives—demonstrate how hospice can elevate care quality while reinforcing its core identity.  (This episode is a Top News Stories of Month March 2026)Co-Host:  Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHost:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership

In Part Two of Private Equity, AI, and the Future of End-of-Life Care, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner dive deeper into the forces reshaping hospice and healthcare.  From the growing influence of private equity to the urgent need for systemic reform, this conversation explores the tension between financial performance and mission-driven care.  The discussion highlights a critical question: can healthcare balance economic sustainability while preserving dignity, compassion, and patient-centered outcomes?  The episode also examines real-world policy shifts and emerging data—from Medicare payment reform signals to increased regulatory scrutiny aimed at eliminating fraud and protecting vulnerable populations.  Beyond policy, the conversation underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making in shaping the future of hospice care.Ultimately, this episode returns to the heart of hospice: humanity.  Through powerful stories and examples—like pediatric care innovations and “bucket list” programs—it challenges leaders to reclaim the authentic mission of end-of-life care: honoring lives, supporting families, and delivering excellence at the bedside.If this conversation challenged your thinking, share it with your leadership team and colleagues. Subscribe to stay ahead of the trends shaping hospice and healthcare—and most importantly, take one idea from this episode and apply it to improve care at the bedside. The future of end-of-life care depends on leaders willing to act.Key TakeawaysThe U.S. healthcare system faces a looming financial and structural crisis, requiring urgent reform focused on transparency, accountability, and population health.  The role of private equity in hospice remains contested, with concerns about profit-driven models versus emerging data suggesting outcomes may depend on broader operational factors—not ownership alone.  Regulatory efforts, such as Oregon's Protecting the Dying Act, signal a growing national push to eliminate fraud and safeguard hospice integrity.  Data-driven decision-making is becoming essential, with industry reports and analytics shaping how leaders evaluate quality, utilization, and performance.  Mission-driven innovations—like pediatric programs and life-affirming “bucket list” initiatives—demonstrate how hospice can elevate care quality while reinforcing its core identity.  (This episode is a Top News Stories of Month March 2026)Co-Host:  Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHost:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

This three-part series from the Pre-Hospital Care Podcast explores the evolving and critical role of ambulance clinicians in palliative and end-of-life care, from first principles through to the final hours of life.In Part 1, we introduce key concepts of palliative and end-of-life care alongside a dedicated specialist team. We examine the differences between generalist and specialist palliative care, the challenges of identifying patients in their last year of life, and the service gaps and educational barriers within prehospital settings. Tools like SPICT, referral pathways, advanced care planning, and the importance of simulation training and national collaboration are all discussed.Part 2 takes a closer look at the final year of life in the prehospital setting. We explore the rapid, high-stakes decisions ambulance clinicians must make, often without a full medical history, and how documentation, such as advance directives, can guide care. We also examine shared decision-making, the NHS Long Term Plan, and the cultural, systemic, and logistical barriers that complicate effective advance care planning.Part 3 focuses on the final days and hours. Paramedics are often the first to recognise active dying, navigating symptoms like terminal agitation, carer breakdown, and family distress. We discuss anticipatory medications, breaking bad news using frameworks such as Ask-Tell-Ask, and the vital emotional support clinicians provide. The series closes by reflecting on cultural diversity, from language barriers to religious rituals, reminding us that compassionate, person-centred care must be inclusive and adaptable for every patient and family.If you want to catch up on the Palliative Care Series on the PHCP, you can listen to the full collection below. Across these three episodes, we explore the evolving role of ambulance clinicians in end-of-life care, the challenges of identifying patients in their last year of life, and the complexities of delivering compassionate, patient-centred care in the pre-hospital environment. This also includes a fourth episode on Palliative Care Case Studies. Listen to all episodes here:Episode 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/palliative-and-end-of-life-care-in-pre-hospital/id1441215901?i=1000710805396Episode 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-last-year-of-life-palliative-and-end-of/id1441215901?i=1000714113716Episode 3: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-dying-patient-palliative-and-end-of-life-care-part-3/id1441215901?i=1000718217210Episode 4: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/palliative-care-case-studies-with-the-palliative-and/id1441215901?i=1000727796192This episode is sponsored by PAX: The gold standard in emergency response bags.When you're working under pressure, your kit needs to be dependable, tough, and intuitive. That's exactly what you get with PAX. Every bag is handcrafted by expert tailors who understand the demands of pre-hospital care. From the high-tech, skin-friendly, and environmentally responsible materials to the cutting-edge welding process that reduces seams and makes cleaning easier, PAX puts performance first. They've partnered with 3M to perfect reflective surfaces for better visibility, and the bright grey interior makes finding gear fast and effortless, even in low light. With over 200 designs, PAX bags are made to suit your role, needs, and environment. And thanks to their modular system, many bags work seamlessly together, no matter the setup.PAX doesn't chase trends. Their designs stay consistent, so once you know one, you know them all. And if your bag ever takes a beating? Their in-house repair team will bring it back to life.PAX – built to perform, made to last.Learn more at https://www.pax-bags.com/

Send us Fan MailIn this thought-provoking episode, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner unpack some of the most pressing forces shaping the future of end-of-life care—private equity, rising healthcare costs, and the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence. Grounded in real-world stories and industry data, the conversation explores a growing tension between the promise of hospice as a gold-standard care model and the operational, financial, and expectation gaps that providers and families are increasingly experiencing. The discussion dives into systemic challenges, including stagnant reimbursement structures, workforce limitations, and a fragmented healthcare ecosystem that often leaves hospice providers navigating complexity without a clear seat at the broader policy table. As private equity and consolidation trends continue to reshape the landscape, the hosts raise critical questions about whether scale enhances or erodes the deeply human, high-touch nature of hospice care.Looking ahead, the episode broadens into a philosophical and strategic lens—examining how AI may redefine not only care delivery, but the very meaning of being human in healthcare. For leaders across hospice, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors, this conversation offers both a warning and a call to action: innovate thoughtfully, protect what works, and ensure the future of end-of-life care remains anchored in purpose, dignity, and humanity.  Key TakeawaysHospice remains a highly effective and compassionate care model—but growing expectation gaps between families and providers are creating friction.Reimbursement and funding structures have not kept pace with inflation, limiting the ability to deliver comprehensive support.The healthcare system's pricing inconsistencies and payer mix distortions are creating downstream pressure on hospice providers.Despite consolidation trends, hospice remains a highly fragmented industry, raising important questions about private equity's role and impact.AI is poised to transform care delivery—but also introduces ethical questions about consciousness, purpose, and the human role in care.(This episode is a Top News Stories of Month March 2026)Co-Host:  Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHost:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipThe Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact.https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership

In this thought-provoking episode, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner unpack some of the most pressing forces shaping the future of end-of-life care—private equity, rising healthcare costs, and the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence. Grounded in real-world stories and industry data, the conversation explores a growing tension between the promise of hospice as a gold-standard care model and the operational, financial, and expectation gaps that providers and families are increasingly experiencing. The discussion dives into systemic challenges, including stagnant reimbursement structures, workforce limitations, and a fragmented healthcare ecosystem that often leaves hospice providers navigating complexity without a clear seat at the broader policy table. As private equity and consolidation trends continue to reshape the landscape, the hosts raise critical questions about whether scale enhances or erodes the deeply human, high-touch nature of hospice care.Looking ahead, the episode broadens into a philosophical and strategic lens—examining how AI may redefine not only care delivery, but the very meaning of being human in healthcare. For leaders across hospice, nonprofit, and healthcare sectors, this conversation offers both a warning and a call to action: innovate thoughtfully, protect what works, and ensure the future of end-of-life care remains anchored in purpose, dignity, and humanity.  Key TakeawaysHospice remains a highly effective and compassionate care model—but growing expectation gaps between families and providers are creating friction.Reimbursement and funding structures have not kept pace with inflation, limiting the ability to deliver comprehensive support.The healthcare system's pricing inconsistencies and payer mix distortions are creating downstream pressure on hospice providers.Despite consolidation trends, hospice remains a highly fragmented industry, raising important questions about private equity's role and impact.AI is poised to transform care delivery—but also introduces ethical questions about consciousness, purpose, and the human role in care.(This episode is a Top News Stories of Month March 2026)Co-Host:  Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHost:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

If you have a senior cat - or have ever loved a cat through their final chapter - this episode is for you.We're joined by Dr. Lindsey Wendt to talk about what caring for an aging cat really looks like - from proactive support and quality of life, to navigating that moment when you realize time may be shorter than you want it to be.This isn't just about “end of life.” It's about how to stay present, how to keep showing up for them, and how to support them with love, comfort, and intention every step of the way.If you've ever felt unsure, overwhelmed, or just want to do right by your cat in their later years, we hope this conversation helps brings you peace and clarity.

In this conversation, Dorothy Wilhelm speaks with Zane Sundberg, a director of nursing at a skilled nursing facility, about the misconceptions surrounding assisted living and nursing homes. They discuss the evolution of care in these facilities, emphasizing the importance of personalized activities and a home-like environment. Zane shares insights on how to choose the right care facility and the significance of breaking down stigmas associated with nursing homes. The conversation highlights the positive changes in elder care and the importance of maintaining independence for residents. Takeaways The stigma surrounding nursing homes is prevalent but changing. Personalized care and activities are essential for resident satisfaction. Facilities are moving towards a more home-like environment. It's important to tour facilities before making a decision. Breaking down barriers can lead to better care outcomes. Residents often find joy and comfort in their new environments. Not all nursing homes provide the same level of care. Resources like carecompare.com can help families make informed decisions. Maintaining independence is a key focus in modern nursing homes. Support from family and friends is crucial for acceptance of care. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Assisted Living and Care Misconceptions 03:01 The Evolution of Nursing Home Care 05:54 Personalized Activities and Home-Like Environments 09:11 Resources for Choosing Care Facilities 12:13 Breaking Down Stigmas in Nursing Homes 15:01 Finding the Right Fit for Care 17:57 Final Thoughts on Care and Independence More Information Zane Sundberg can be reached via email at Zane.Sundberg@panorama.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailDr. Elizabeth Crouch, neonatologist, neuroscientist, and physician scientist at UCSF and co-host of At the Bench on The Incubator Podcast, joins Ben and Daphna live at Cool Topics to discuss palliative and comfort care in the NICU. Drawing from her research on organ donation, autopsy, and research donation after neonatal loss, Dr. Crouch shares how meaning making supports families through grief, offers practical tips for approaching these conversations with compassion and good timing, and reflects on the role of chaplains, ethics consultants, and care pathways in supporting a death with dignity.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.Enjoy!

Jenny Briscoe-Hough on the uncomfortable truths which saw her set up Australia's first ever not-for-profit funeral home (R).After her mother died, Jenny Briscoe-Hough had an epiphany about the business of funerals.Although her family brought in their own flowers and had a simple service, the bill came to $11,000. A short time later, Jenny began thinking about setting up a not-for-profit funeral service in her local area.With the help of a documentary and a crowdfunding campaign, she and the community of Port Kembla raised more than $120,000 to buy an old fire station in town.This is now where Tender Funerals operates, helping families prepare their dead for burial or cremation.On the day of the funeral, family and friends can wash and dress the body themselves, bring flowers from their own gardens, and run the service the way they want it.Learn more about the Natural Death Care Movement.Watch the trailer for Lynette Wallworth's documentary which helped begin the funding campaign.Watch the Australian Story episode about Tender Funerals.This episode of Conversations was produced by Nicola Harrison. The executive producer was Pam O'Brien.It explores death industry, funerals, grief, grieving, how to grieve, Western attitudes towards death, funerals, ritual, charity, crowd funding, power of community, dying, how to die well, mothers, daughters, filmmaking, Lynette Wallworth, after life.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Suzanne O'Brien is founder and CEO of the Doulagivers Institute and author of the book “The Good Death.” She has trained thousands of people around the world in end-of-life care, with a mission to make death literacy accessible to all. She tells Sarah why she believes that dying is not just a medical event, but a sacred transition — one that can be met with preparation, presence, and even peace. In this conversation, Suzanne also shares what she has learned from decades at the bedside of dying people, how to diminish fear of the natural dying process, and why granny pods matter now more than ever.For more information on Suzanne's work and The Doulagivers Institute, please visit https://doulagivers.com/

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Lynn Hellerstein of Vision Beyond Sight sits down with David A. Jones, Jr., a leading venture capitalist and a well-respected voice in healthcare business and innovation, for a powerful conversation honoring the legacy of his father, David A. Jones, which includes being editor to his memoir, Always Moving Forward - a book of friends, family and building Humana. David shares the remarkable story of his father's journey from poverty to building one of America's most influential healthcare companies—beginning as the largest nursing home operator in the U.S. and evolving into a major national health insurance provider. Drawing from Always Moving Forward, he reflects on the leadership lessons that shaped his father's life and career, including the philosophy he carried from his time in the U.S. Navy: “The most important responsibility of a leader is to decide.” The conversation goes far beyond business. David explores the deep challenges facing today's end-of-life care system—from fragmented care and the “schlepping” many patients endure between providers, to the urgent need for better coordination, compassionate communication, and more humane approaches. They discuss the promise of community-based palliative care, the role of physical therapy and musculoskeletal health in preventing decline, and why addressing loneliness, addiction, and holistic wellness must be part of the future of healthcare. Above all, they reflect on what most people truly hope for in their final years: dignity, comfort, and the assurance they are not a burden. This episode blends personal storytelling, healthcare insight, and timeless wisdom—including touching family memories and reflections on finding joy in music and life's simple moments. Dr. Lynn Hellerstein, Developmental Optometrist, co-owner of Hellerstein & Brenner Vision Center, P.C., award-winning author and international speaker, holds powerful and inspiring conversations with her guests in the areas of health, wellness, education, sports and psychology. They share their inspirational stories of healing and transformation through their vision expansion. Vision Beyond Sight Podcast will help you see with clarity, gain courage and confidence. Welcome to Vision Beyond Sight! Also available on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Audible and Stitcher.

Caring for an aging parent: so many of my friends are in this stage right now! If you're also in this season, you understand how emotionally overwhelming it can be to care for an elderly parent. What do we do with the guilt, the grief and the new boundaries we must set as we try to offer support on so many levels, often while also pursuing career and personal goals (and for many of us, still raising kids)? In this episode, I sit down with hospice nurse and author Linda Larson to talk honestly about the emotional tension and the faith-stretching that comes with caring for aging parents. Linda offers not only biblical encouragement but also extremely practical advice for walking through this season well.  WHAT YOU'LL LEARN [00:00] Why Midlife Caregiving Feels So Emotionally Complicated [05:00] What Emotions Are Normal When Caring for Aging Parents? [09:00] Why Role Reversal Creates Grief for Both of You [16:00] What If Your Relationship With Your Parent Wasn't Healthy? [21:00] How Do You Help Without Trying to “Fix” Aging? [26:00] Why You Can't Do Caregiving Alone [32:00] What If You Feel Resentful, Exhausted, or Spiritually Ashamed? [37:00] Where Can You Find Faith-Based and Practical Support? Connect with Linda Larson via email at linda.prepare2care@gmail.com, or check out her book Walk Me Home: A Companion for the Caregiving Journey on Amazon.  JOIN ME IN MARCH/APRIL FOR A 6-WEEK STUDY ON STRESS LESS: If you're exhausted from carrying situations that won't change and feel stuck in stress loops you can't seem to escape, join us for our next 6-week journey inside the Emotional Confidence Club: “Stress Less: A 6-Week Journey to Release Control + Make Peace with What Isn't Changing.” Let's learn how to process the emotions underneath control, release what isn't yours to carry, and experience peace, even when circumstances stay the same. Go to AliciaMichelle.com/club to join the March/April study. RELATED EPISODES: Ep 350 — Why Is It So Hard to Surrender and “Let Them”? Ep 349 — How Can We Stress Less + Find Peace When Nothing Is Changing? Ep 342 — Help for Emotional Overreaction in Relationships Send a text

An unassuming house in Southeast Portland’s Buckman neighborhood was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. Once known as “Juniper House,” the building served as one of the first end-of-life care homes for AIDS patients in the Pacific Northwest in the late 1980s. An OPB documentary at the time explored the lives of some of the patients in Juniper House and the neighboring Assisi House, which provided a range of care for patients with HIV/AIDS. Jan Weyeneth is one of the co-founders of Juniper House. Cayla McGrail is a former associate project manager for Portland’s LGBTQ+ Historic Sites Project, which sponsored the house’s listing. We first spoke with Weyeneth and McGrail in April 2025 about Juniper House and the importance of documenting queer history in Portland.

Guests: Two Community Palliative Care Nurses Olive Finucane and Nora McCarrick from St Francis Hospice in Dublin

In this episode of Nurse Converse, Jana Price welcomes palliative care nurse practitioner Courtnee Stagner, the viral nurse who makes millions laugh online while doing some of the most sacred work in healthcare. Beneath the humor is a clinician guiding families through life's hardest decisions. Courtnee shares her unexpected path from ICU to hospice, unpacks the truth about morphine at the end of life, and tackles the cultural, spiritual, and ethical tensions nurses face around death. With candor and compassion, she reminds us that palliative care isn't about giving up. It's about living well until the very end and advocating fiercely for what matters most.>>Millions Laugh at Her Videos—But Her Real Work Happens at the BedsideJump Ahead to Listen: [00:01:07] Introducing Courtnee and her story[00:01:32] Courtnee's role as a palliative care NP[00:02:13] From critical care ICU to hospice and palliative[00:04:27] Seeing patients as people, not numbers[00:06:03] Patient story: going home to see his dog[00:08:32] How to become a palliative care nurse/NP[00:10:02] Shortage of palliative specialists and services[00:13:49] Talking about morphine at end of life[00:17:34] Helping families cope with grief and “fighting”[00:20:30] Why advanced directives and early talks matter[00:23:59] Honoring cultural and religious needs after death[00:26:51] Using personal faith in end-of-life care[00:31:19] Advice for burnt-out nurses and setting boundariesConnect with Jana on LinkedIn and social media: Instagram: @gentlyusedrnConnect with Courtnee on social media: Instagram: @CourtneeStagnerTikTok: @CourtneeStagner12For more information, full transcript and videos visit Nurse.org/podcastJoin our newsletter at nurse.org/joinInstagram: @nurse_orgTikTok: @nurse.orgFacebook: @nurse.orgYouTube: Nurse.org

Living with the End in Mind: Dr. Pyle emphasizes the importance of preparing for the inevitable. It’s not about being morbid; it’s about ensuring better days today by planning for tomorrow. In this episode of "Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversatoins on Aging, host Wendy Jones welcomes Dr. Pamela Pyle, internal medicine physician and author of "Anticipating Heaven," to discuss end-of-life care. They explore the importance of preparation, advanced care planning, and meaningful family conversations about aging and death. Dr. Pamela Pyle shares practical tips for navigating the healthcare system, the value of tools like Five Wishes, and the role of nurses as advocates. The episode emphasizes living with the end in mind to ensure peace and clarity for families and loved ones during life’s final stages. Key Points: Navigating the Healthcare System: Learn the right questions to ask and steps to take before a crisis hits. Did you know the hospital your loved one is taken to might not be the one you expect? Preparation is key! The Role of Nurses: Nurses are invaluable advocates. They often have more time to provide insights and can be a great resource, especially during quieter times. Recording Conversations: Don’t hesitate to record medical conversations. It’s your right, and it helps ensure you don’t miss any critical information. Family Conversations: Dr. Pyle shares her unique approach to discussing end-of-life wishes with family. She even turned it into a birthday celebration! These conversations are crucial and can be a gift to your loved ones. Advanced Care Planning: Only 30% of Americans complete an advanced care plan. Tools like Five Wishes make it easier and more heartfelt. It’s a simple, affordable way to ensure your wishes are known and respected. Every week brings two ways to grow: Tuesdays dive into the physical next steps with real-life guidance for seniors and families, and Fridays uplift the heart with spiritual and emotional next steps—encouragement, faith, and hope for the journey ahead. Today’s episode explores the transformative power of forgiveness and its vital role in experiencing an abundant life as we age. To learn more about Next Steps 4 Seniors, contact us at 248-651-5010 or visit us online at www.nextsteps4seniors.com.Learn more : https://omny.fm/shows/next-steps-4-seniors-with-wendy-jonesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When most people think of hospice, they think of end of life care, but that's not the full scope of services they provide. Carolle Hicks from Oaklawn Hospice discusses what other services they provide and how they can help people with a terminal diagnosis take control of the time patients have left. Episode ResourcesOaklawn Hospice13444 Preston DriveMarshall, MI 49068Phone: (269) 789-3939About OaklawnOaklawn was founded in 1925 as a 12-bed hospital in a residential home, funded by a group of visionary philanthropists. Now, almost ten decades later, we've evolved into a highly regarded regional health care organization, licensed for 77 acute care beds and a 17-bed inpatient psychiatric unit. We've continued to be an independently owned not-for-profit hospital, with our main campus residing on the same site as the original hospital, providing facilities, equipment and technology that are usually only found at larger health systems. We enjoy a reputation for advancing medicine and providing compassionate, personal care. Our service area includes Calhoun County and parts of Branch and Eaton counties with a medical staff of more than 300 providers representing over 55 specialties. For information, visit www.oaklawnhospital.org.

Logan Patterson graduated in May 2025 from Washington State University’s College of Medicine and is currently a resident at the Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. During his four years of medical school, he says that he got almost no formal training in end-of-life care, including how to talk with patients and their families about death and dying.       It turns out that his experience is hardly unique, according to a new study Patterson co-authored and recently published with his former colleagues at Washington State University.   The researchers reviewed the two largest medical journal databases to look for papers published between January 2010 and April 2025 about death and dying instruction  in U.S. medical schools. They found only 43 articles on this topic and wide variability on how death and dying is being taught, from a single seminar on advanced care planning to required rotations in hospice and palliative care settings. The researchers argue that U.S. medical schools lack a consistent and evidence-based curriculum for end-of-life care.    Dr. Patterson joins us for more details, including the social and academic challenges of effectively teaching death and dying to students to help prepare them for some of the toughest conversations they may soon be forced to have with their patients.  

Send us a textWhat gets measured shapes how patients experience the final chapter of life.  In Part Two of Measures That Matter: How Better Metrics Can Transform End-Of-Life Care, hospice and healthcare leaders explore how focused, meaningful metrics—not check-the-box measures—can improve quality, reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, and strengthen value-based end-of-life care.Hosted by Chris Comeaux, President & CEO of Teleios, and Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today and CEO & Founder of Hospice Analytics, this episode brings together national experts to examine which hospice measures truly differentiate quality.Featured guestsBob Tavares, VP & General Manager, HealthPivotsRobin Heffernan, PhD, Co-Founder & CEO, EmpassionMindy Stewart-Coffee, National Vice President, Palliative Care, Optum Home & CommunityThe conversation highlights a small, high-impact set of indicators that better reflect real-world hospice performance—such as visits in the last days of life, live discharges and burdensome transitions, gaps in nursing visits, access to higher levels of care (GIP and Continuous Home Care), and patient experience, including the simple but powerful question: “Would you recommend this hospice?”A central takeaway is nuance: more is not always better. High-quality hospice care lives within healthy ranges and must be interpreted in clinical, geographic, and population context—not through rigid or one-size-fits-all targets.The episode also highlights the critical role of palliative care upstream from hospice. Earlier, multidisciplinary engagement helps align goals, manage symptoms proactively, and reduce crises and late referrals—ultimately redefining value at the end of life as goal-concordant care delivered at the right time, in the right setting, at a sustainable cost. Hospice and palliative care are not peripheral to value-based healthcare—they are foundational to it.Great end-of-life care isn't accidental—it's designed, supported, and measured well.The Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact. https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership

What gets measured shapes how patients experience the final chapter of life.  In Part Two of Measures That Matter: How Better Metrics Can Transform End-Of-Life Care, hospice and healthcare leaders explore how focused, meaningful metrics—not check-the-box measures—can improve quality, reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, and strengthen value-based end-of-life care.Hosted by Chris Comeaux, President & CEO of Teleios, and Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today and CEO & Founder of Hospice Analytics, this episode brings together national experts to examine which hospice measures truly differentiate quality.Featured guestsBob Tavares, VP & General Manager, HealthPivotsRobin Heffernan, PhD, Co-Founder & CEO, EmpassionMindy Stewart-Coffee, National Vice President, Palliative Care, Optum Home & CommunityThe conversation highlights a small, high-impact set of indicators that better reflect real-world hospice performance—such as visits in the last days of life, live discharges and burdensome transitions, gaps in nursing visits, access to higher levels of care (GIP and Continuous Home Care), and patient experience, including the simple but powerful question: “Would you recommend this hospice?”A central takeaway is nuance: more is not always better. High-quality hospice care lives within healthy ranges and must be interpreted in clinical, geographic, and population context—not through rigid or one-size-fits-all targets.The episode also highlights the critical role of palliative care upstream from hospice.  Earlier, multidisciplinary engagement helps align goals, manage symptoms proactively, and reduce crises and late referrals—ultimately redefining value at the end of life as goal-concordant care delivered at the right time, in the right setting, at a sustainable cost.  Hospice and palliative care are not peripheral to value-based healthcare—they are foundational to it.Great end-of-life care isn't accidental—it's designed, supported, and measured well.Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Send us a textTop News Stories of the Month, January 2026At the end of life, quality matters—but too often, the metrics used in hospice and palliative care fail to reflect the care patients and families actually experience. In Episode One of Measures That Matter: How Better Metrics Can Transform End-of-Life Care, TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership explores why fewer, clearer quality measures are essential for reducing variability, improving patient outcomes, and supporting value-based care at the end of life.This episode introduces the Measures That Matter initiative through the lens of experience, data, and leadership responsibility.  Bob Tavares explains how decades of healthcare analytics revealed a fundamental problem in hospice quality measurement: an abundance of metrics that fail to differentiate performance. Many current measures cluster nearly all providers at the top, making it difficult for patients, payers, and value-based organizations to identify true centers of excellence or address variability that puts patients at risk.From the provider and network perspective, Robin Heffernan and Mindy Stewart-Coffee highlight the real-world consequences of that variability. Across thousands of hospice and palliative care providers nationwide, quality is inconsistent—even within the same organization across different markets. Staffing changes, lack of collaboration with risk-bearing entities, and late referrals all contribute to uneven patient and family experiences, reinforcing the need for fewer, clearer, and more actionable measures.Episode One ultimately reframes measurement as a leadership issue—not a compliance exercise.  Great hospice and palliative care, the panel argues, doesn't happen by accident.  It is intentionally designed, supported by the right systems and processes, and continuously measured to reduce variability and honor patient goals.  This opening episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the specific metrics that matter most—and how leaders can use them responsibly to improve care where it matters most.Host:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOSCo-Host:Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today& CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsGuest:Bob Tavares, VP & General Manager, HealthPivots Robin Heffernan, PhD, Co-Founder and CEO, Empassion Mindy Stewart-Coffee, National Vice President, Palliative Care The Anatomy of Leadership podcast explores the art and science of leadership through candid, insightful conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and change-makers from a variety of industries. Hosted by Chris Comeaux, each episode dives into the mindsets, habits, and strategies that empower leaders to thrive in complex, fast-changing environments. With topics ranging from organizational culture and emotional intelligence to navigating disruption and inspiring teams, the show blends real-world stories with practical takeaways. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to equip leaders at every level with the tools, perspectives, and inspiration they need to lead with vision, empathy, and impact. https://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership

Top News Stories of the Month, January 2026At the end of life, quality matters—but too often, the metrics used in hospice and palliative care fail to reflect the care patients and families actually experience. In Episode One of Measures That Matter: How Better Metrics Can Transform End-of-Life Care, TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership explores why fewer, clearer quality measures are essential for reducing variability, improving patient outcomes, and supporting value-based care at the end of life.This episode introduces the Measures That Matter initiative through the lens of experience, data, and leadership responsibility.  Bob Tavares explains how decades of healthcare analytics revealed a fundamental problem in hospice quality measurement: an abundance of metrics that fail to differentiate performance. Many current measures cluster nearly all providers at the top, making it difficult for patients, payers, and value-based organizations to identify true centers of excellence or address variability that puts patients at risk.From the provider and network perspective, Robin Heffernan and Mindy Stewart-Coffee highlight the real-world consequences of that variability. Across thousands of hospice and palliative care providers nationwide, quality is inconsistent—even within the same organization across different markets. Staffing changes, lack of collaboration with risk-bearing entities, and late referrals all contribute to uneven patient and family experiences, reinforcing the need for fewer, clearer, and more actionable measures.Episode One ultimately reframes measurement as a leadership issue—not a compliance exercise.  Great hospice and palliative care, the panel argues, doesn't happen by accident.  It is intentionally designed, supported by the right systems and processes, and continuously measured to reduce variability and honor patient goals.  This opening episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the specific metrics that matter most—and how leaders can use them responsibly to improve care where it matters most.Host:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOSCo-Host:Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today& CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsGuest:Bob Tavares, VP & General Manager, HealthPivots Robin Heffernan, PhD, Co-Founder and CEO, Empassion Mindy Stewart-Coffee, National Vice President, Palliative Care Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

There are industries that occasionally do something rotten. And there are industries like Big Oil, Big Pharma, and Big Tobacco – that persistently do rotten things.Then there is the nursing home industry – where rottenness has become a core business principle. The end-of-life “experience” can be rotten enough on its own, with an assortment of natural indignities bedeviling us, and good nursing homes help gentle this time. In the past couple of decades, though, an entirely unnatural force has come to dominate the delivery of aged care: Profiteering corporate chains and Wall Street speculators.The very fact that this essential and sensitive social function, which ought to be the domain of health professionals and charitable enterprises, is now called an “industry” reflects a total perversion of its purpose. Some 70 percent of nursing homes are now corporate operations run by absentee executives who have no experience in nursing homes and who're guided by the market imperative of maximizing investor profits. They constantly demand “efficiencies” from their facilities, which invariably means reducing the number of nurses, which invariably reduces care, which means more injuries, illness… and deaths. As one nursing expert rightly says, “It's criminal.”But it's not against the law, since the industry's lobbying front – a major donor to congressional campaigns – effectively writes the laws, which allows corporate hustlers to provide only one nurse on duty, no matter how many patients are in the facility. A humane nurse-staffing requirement has been proposed, but the profiteering “industry” furiously opposes it… and Congress is dutifully bowing to industry profits. After all, granny doesn't make campaign donations.To help push for sanity and humanity, contact TheConsumerVoice.org.Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimhightower.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of 19 Cats & Counting, I'm joined by Dr. Bethany Hsia, co-founder of Coda Pet. Dr. Bethany Hsia and her husband, Dr. Gary Hsia, are both veterinarians. Along with Dr. Karen Whala, they created Coda Pet to help families navigate one of the hardest parts of loving an animal: saying goodbye. We talk openly about at-home euthanasia, what it really looks like, and why having this option can make such a profound difference for pets and the people who love them. Dr. Hsia explains how in-home care allows animals to remain in familiar surroundings, reduces stress, and gives families the space and time they need to be present and supported during the process. This conversation also explores the emotional side of end-of-life decisions, including how to know when it may be time, how veterinarians approach these moments with compassion, and why education around euthanasia is so important. For many pet guardians, fear of the unknown makes an already painful situation even harder. Dr. Hsia helps gently demystify the process while honoring how deeply personal these decisions are. This episode is thoughtful, honest, and reassuring, and it offers comfort and clarity to anyone facing — or wanting to better understand — end-of-life care for their pets.EPISODE NOTES: At-Home Euthanasia and Compassionate End-of-Life Care Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/19-cats-and-counting-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667858/support.

172 Understanding Hospice: Choices and Considerations for End of Life Care In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, educates listeners on the history and evolution of end-of-life care. She discusses the shift from dying at home to hospital deaths that began in the late 19th century and transitioned in the mid-20th century. Marie emphasizes the importance of having conversations about end-of-life preferences early, including the role and benefits of hospice care whether at home, in a facility, or in a hospital. She also highlights the necessity of having a caregiver for home hospice care and encourages listeners to make plans to ensure dignity and grace in end-of-life situations. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to subscribe, share, and make a positive difference in someone's life. 00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained 00:48 Historical Perspective on Dying in Hospitals 02:07 Choosing Where to Die: Home or Hospital? 02:26 Understanding Hospice Care 03:10 Planning for End-of-Life Care 03:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice  Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com,  When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You) Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com   Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

As 2025 comes to a close, Jamie sits down with Matt to look ahead to 2026 with honesty, leadership, and momentum. They reflect on habits worth reclaiming, the difference between awareness and action, and what it means to provide stability in uncertain seasons. Matt shares his “One Word” for 2026—Direction—and unpacks how it shapes his leadership, health journey, and commitment to helping teams move past what holds them back. Jamie also shares his own word—Directness—and the courage it takes to lean into discomfort for growth.

In the hospital setting, neurologists may be responsible for managing common end-of-life symptoms. Comprehensive end-of-life care integrates knowledge of the biomedical aspects of disease with patients' values and preferences for care; psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs; and support for patients and their families. In this episode, Teshamae Monteith, MD, FAAN, speaks with Claudia Z. Chou, MD, author of the article "End-of-Life Care and Hospice" in the Continuum® December 2025 Neuropalliative Care issue. Dr. Monteith is the associate editor of Continuum® Audio and an associate professor of clinical neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Florida. Dr. Knox is an assistant professor of neurology and a consultant in the Division of Community Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Additional Resources Read the article: End-of-Life Care and Hospice Subscribe to Continuum®: shop.lww.com/Continuum Earn CME (available only to AAN members): continpub.com/AudioCME Continuum® Aloud (verbatim audio-book style recordings of articles available only to Continuum® subscribers): continpub.com/Aloud More about the American Academy of Neurology: aan.com Social Media facebook.com/continuumcme @ContinuumAAN Host: @headacheMD Full episode transcript available here Dr Jones: This is Dr Lyell Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Continuum. Thank you for listening to Continuum Audio. Be sure to visit the links in the episode notes for information about earning CME, subscribing to the journal, and exclusive access to interviews not featured on the podcast. Dr Monteith: This is Dr Teshamae Monteith. Today I'm interviewing Dr Claudia Chou about her article on end-of-life care and hospice, which is found in the December 2025 Continuum issue on neuropalliative care. Welcome to our podcast. How are you? Dr Chou: I'm doing well. Thank you for having me. This is really exciting to be here. Dr Monteith: Absolutely. So, why don't you introduce yourself to our audience? Dr Chou: Sure. My name is Claudia Chou. I am a full time hospice and palliative medicine physician at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I'm trained in neurology, movement disorders, and hospice and palliative medicine. I'm also passionate about education, and I'm the program director for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship here. Dr Monteith: Cool. So just learning about your training, I kind of have an idea of how you got into this work, but why don't you tell me what inspired you to get into this area? Dr Chou: It was chance, actually. And really just good luck, being in the right place at the right time. I was in my residency and felt like I was missing something in my training. I was seeing these patients who were suffering strokes and had acute decline in functional status. We were seeing patients with new diagnosis of glioblastoma and knowing what that future looked like for them. And while I went into neurology because of a love of neuroscience, localizing the lesion, all of those things that we all love about neurology, I still felt like I didn't have the skill set to serve patients where they perhaps needed me the most in those difficult times where they were dealing with serious illness and functional decline. And so, the serendipitous thing was that I saw a grand rounds presentation by someone who works in neurology and palliative care for people with Parkinson's disease. And truly, it's not an exaggeration to say that by the end of that lecture, I said, I need to do palliative care, I need to rotate in this, I need to learn more. I think this is what I've been missing. And I had plans to practice both movement disorders neurology and palliative care, but I finished training in 2020… and that was not a long time ago. We can think of all the things that were going on, all the different global forces that were influencing our day-to-day decisions. And the way things worked out, staying in palliative care was really what my family and I needed. Dr Monteith: Wow, so that's really interesting. Must have been a great lecturer. Dr Chou: Yes, like one of the best.  Dr Monteith: So why don't you tell me about the objectives of your article? Dr Chou: The objectives may be to fill in some of the gaps in knowledge that may be present for the general neurologist. We learn so much in neurology training, so much about how to diagnose and treat diseases, and I think I would argue that this really is part and parcel of all we should be doing. We are the experts in these diseases, and just because we're shifting to end-of-life or transitioning to a different type of care doesn't mean that we back out of someone's care entirely or transition over to a hospice or palliative care expert. It is part of our job to be there and guide patients and their care partners through this next phase. You know, I'm not saying we all need to be hospice and palliative care experts, but we need to be able to take those first steps with patients and their care partners. And so, I think objectives are really to focus in on, what are those core pieces of knowledge for end-of-life care and understanding hospice so we can take those first steps with patients and their care partners? Dr Monteith: So, why don't you give us some of those essential points in your article? Dr Chou: Yeah. In one section of the article, I talk about common symptoms that someone might experience at the end of life and how we might manage those. These days, a lot of hospitals have order sets that talk us through those symptoms. We can check things off of a drop-down menu. And yet I think there's a little bit more nuance to that. There may be situations in which we would choose one medication over another. There may be medications that we've never really thought of in terms of symptom management before. Something that I learned in my hospice and palliative medicine fellowship was that haloperidol can be helpful for nausea. I know that's usually not one of our go-tos in neurology for any number of reasons. So, I think that extra knowledge can take us pretty far when we're managing end of life symptoms, particularly in the hospital setting. And then I think the other component is the hospice component. A lot of us may have not had experience talking about hospice, talking about what hospice can provide, and again, knowing how to take those first steps with patients. We may be referring to social work or palliative medicine to start those conversations. But again, I think this is something that's definitely learnable and something that should be part of our skill set in neurology. Dr Monteith: Great. And so, when you speak about symptom management and being more comfortable with the tools that we have, how can we be more efficient and more effective at that? Dr Chou: Think about what the common symptoms are at end of life. We may know this kind of intuitively, but what we commonly see are things like pain, nausea, dyspnea, anxiety, delirium or agitation. And so, I think having a little bit of a checklist in mind can be helpful. You know, how can I systematically think through a differential, almost, for why my patient might be uncomfortable? Why they might be restless? Have I thought through these different symptoms? Can I try a medication from my tool kit? See if that works, and if it does, we can continue on. If not, what's the next thing that I can pivot to? So, I think these are common skills for a little bit of a differential diagnosis, if you will, and how to work through these problems just with the end-of-life lens on it. Dr Monteith: So, are there any, like, validated tools or checklists that are freely available? Dr Chou: I don't think there's been anything particularly validated for end-of-life care in neurologic disease. And so, a lot of our treatments and our approaches are empiric, but I don't think there's been anything validated, per se. Dr Monteith: Great. So, why don't we talk a little bit about the approach to discussions on hospice? We all, as you kind of alluded to, want to be effective neurologists, care for our patients, but we sometimes deal with very debilitating diseases. And so, when we think that or suspect that our patient is kind of terminally ill, how do we approach that to our patients? Of course, our patients come from different backgrounds, different experiences. So, what is your approach? Dr Chou: So, when we talk about hospice and when a patient may be appropriate for hospice, we have to acknowledge that we think that they may be in the last six months of their disease. We as the neurologist are the experts in their disease and the best ones to weigh in on that prognosis. The patient and their care partners then have to accept that the type of care that hospice provides is what makes sense for them. Hospice focuses on comfort and treating a patient's comfort as the primary goal. Hospice is not as interested in treating cancer, say, to prolong life. Hospice is not as interested in life-prolonging measures and treatments that are not focused at comfort and quality of life. And so, when we have that alignment between our understanding of a patient's disease and their prognosis and the patient care partner's goal is to focus on comfort and quality of life above all else, that's when we have a patient who might be appropriate for hospice and ready to hear more about what that actually entails. Dr Monteith: And what are some, maybe, myths that neurologist healthcare professionals may have about hospice that you really want us to kind of have some clarity on? Dr Chou: That's a great question. What we often tell patients is that hospice's goal is to help patients live as well as possible in the time that they have left. Again, our primary objective is not life prolongation, but quality of life. Hospice's goal is also not to speed up or slow down the natural dying process. Sometimes we do get questions about that: can't you make this go faster or we're ready for the end. But really, we are there to help patients along the natural journey that their body is taking them on. And I think hospice care can actually be complex. In the inpatient setting, in particular in neurology, we may be seeing patients who have suffered large strokes and have perhaps only days to a few weeks of life left. But in the outpatient setting and in the home hospice setting, patients can be on hospice for many months, and so they will have new care needs, new urinary tract infections, sometimes new rashes, the need to change their insulin regimens around to avoid extremes of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. So, there is a lot of complexity in that care and a lot that can be wrapped up under that quality-of-life and comfort umbrella. Dr Monteith: And to get someone to hospice requires a bit of prognostication, right? Six months of prediction in terms of a terminal illness. I know there's some nuances to that. So how can you make us feel more comfortable about making the recommendations for hospice? Dr Chou: I think this is a big challenge in the field. We're normally guided by Medicare guidelines that say when a patient might be hospice-appropriate. And so, for a neurologic disease, this really only encompasses four conditions: ALS, stroke, coma, and Alzheimer's dementia. And we can think of all the other diseases that are not encompassed in those four. And so, I think we say that we paint the picture of what it means to have a prognosis of six months or less. So, from the neurologic side, that can be, what do you know about this disease and what end-stage might look like? What is the pattern of the patient's functional decline? What are they needing more help with? Are there other factors at play such as heart failure or COPD that may in and of themselves not be a qualifying diagnosis for hospice, but when it's taken together in the whole clinical picture, you have a patient who's very ill and one that you're worried may die in the next six months or less? Dr Monteith: Then you also had some nice charts on kind of disease-specific guidelines. Can you take us a little bit through that? Dr Chou: The article does contain tables about specific criteria that may qualify someone for hospice with these neurologic conditions. And they are pretty dense. I know they're a checklist of a lot of different things. And so, how we practice is by trying to refer patients to hospice based on those guidelines as much as possible and then using our own clinical judgment as well, what we have seen through taking care of patients through the years. So, again, really going back to that decline. What is making you feel uncomfortable about this patient's prognosis? What is making you feel like, gosh, this patient could be well supported by hospice, and they could have six months or less? So, all of that should go into your decision as well. And all of that should go into your discussion with the patient and their care partners. Dr Monteith: Yeah. And reading your article, what stood out was all the services that patients can receive under hospice. So, I think sometimes people think, okay, this is terminal illness, let's get to hospice for whatever reasons, but not necessarily all the lists and lists and lists of benefits of hospice. So, I don't know that everyone's aware of all those benefits. So, can you talk to us a little bit about that? Dr Chou: Yeah, I like that you brought that up because that's also something that I often say to patients and their care partners when we're talking about hospice. When the time is right for a patient to enroll in hospice, they should not feel like they're giving anything up. There should be no more clinical trial that they're hoping to chase down, and so they should just feel like they're gaining all of those good supports: care that comes to their home, a team that knows them well, someone that's available twenty-four hours a day by phone and can actually even come into the home setting if needed to help with symptom management. Hospice comes as well with the psychosocial supports for just coping with what dying looks like. We know that's not easy to be thinking about dying for oneself, or for a family member or care partner to be losing their loved one. So, all of those supports are built into hospice. I did want to make a distinction, too, that hospice does not provide custodial care, which I explain to patients as care of the body, those daily needs for bathing, dressing, eating, etc. Sometimes patients are interested in hospice because they're needing more help at home, and I have to tell them that unfortunately, our healthcare system is not built for that. And if that's the sole reason that someone is interested in hospice, we have to think about a different approach, because that is not part of the hospice benefit.  Dr Monteith: Thank you for that. And then I learned about concurrent care. So why don't you tell us a little bit about that? That's a little bit of a nuance, right? Dr Chou: Yeah, that is a little bit of a nuance. And so, typically when patients are enrolling in hospice, they are transitioning from care the way that it's normally conducted in our healthcare system. So, outpatient visits to all of the specialists and to their primary care providers, the chance to go to the ER or the ICU for higher levels of care. And yet there are a subset of patients who can still have all of those cares alongside hospice care. That really applies to two specific populations: veterans who are receiving care through the Veterans Administration, and then younger patients, so twenty six years old and less, can receive that care through, essentially, a pediatric carve out. Dr Monteith: Great. Well, I mean, you gave so much information in your article, so our listeners are going to have to read it. I don't want you to spill everything, but if you can just kind of give me a sense what you want a neurologist to take away from your article, I think that would be helpful. Dr Chou: I think what I want neurologist to take away is that, again, this is something that is part of what we do as neurologists. This is part of our skill set, and this is part of what it means to take good care of patients. I think what we do in this transition period from kind of usual cares, diagnosis, full treatment to end of life, really can have impact on patients and their care partners. It's not uncommon for me to hear from family members who have had another loved one go through hospice about how that experience was positive or negative. And so, we can think about the influence for years to come, even, because of how well we can handle these transitions. That really can be more than the patient in front of us in their journey. That is really important, but it can also have wide-reaching implications beyond that. Dr Monteith: Excellent. And I know we were talking earlier a little bit about your excitement with the field and where it's going. So why don't you share some of that excitement? Dr Chou: Yeah. And so, I think there is a lot still to come in the field of neuropalliative care, particularly from an evidence base. I know we talked a lot about the soft skills, about presence and communication, but we are clinicians at heart, and we need to practice from an evidence base. I know that's been harder in palliative care, but we have some international work groups that really are trying to come together, see what our approaches look like, see where standardization may need to happen or where our differences are actually our strength. I think there can be a lot of variability in what palliative care looks like. So, my hope is that evidence base is coming through these collaborations. I know it's hard to have a conversation these days without talking about artificial intelligence, but that is certainly a hope. When you look at morbidity, when you look at patients with these complicated disease courses, what is pointing you in the direction of, again, a prognosis of six months or less or a patient who may do better with this disease versus not? And so, I think there's a lot to come from the artificial intelligence and big data realm. For the trainees listening out there, there is no better time to be excited about neuropalliative care and to be thinking about neuropalliative care. I said that I stumbled upon this field, and hopefully someone is inspired as well by listening to these podcasts and reading Continuum to know what this field is really about. And so, it's been exponential growth since I joined this field. We have medical students now who want to come into neuropalliative care as a profession. We have clinicians who are directors of neuropalliative care at their institutions. We have an international neuropalliative care society and neuropalliative care at AAN. And I think we are moving closer to that dream for all of us, which is that patients living with serious neurologic illness can be supported throughout that journey. High-quality, evidence-based palliative care. We're not there yet, but I think it is a possibility that we reach that in my lifetime. Dr Monteith: Well, excellent. I look forward to maybe another revision of this article with some of that work incorporated. And it's been wonderful to talk to you and to reflect on how better to approach patients that are towards the end of life and to help them with that decision-making process. Thank you so much.  Dr Chou: Yeah, thank you for having me. And we're very excited about this issue. Dr Monteith: Today. I've been interviewing Dr Claudia Chou about her article on end-of-life care and hospice, which is found in the December 2025 Continuum issue on neuropalliative care. Be sure to check out Continuum Audio episodes from this and other issues, and thank you to our listeners for joining today. Dr Monteith: This is Dr Teshamae Monteith, Associate Editor of Continuum Audio. If you've enjoyed this episode, you'll love the journal, which is full of in-depth and clinically relevant information important for neurology practitioners. Use the link in the episode notes to learn more and subscribe. AAN members, you can get CME for listening to this interview by completing the evaluation at continpub.com/audioCME. Thank you for listening to Continuum Audio.

In this episode, Suzanne O'Brien shares her inspiring journey from working as a nurse to becoming the founder of Doulagivers, an organization dedicated to providing free end-of-life care training to people around the world. Suzanne discusses her impactful work in countries like Guatemala and Thailand, where she has helped bring compassionate care and vital resources to communities in need. She emphasizes the belief that compassionate end-of-life care is a fundamental human right, and describes the ongoing global expansion of Doulagivers' mission. Suzanne highlights several recent milestones, including the successful completion of a much-needed respite house in Guatemala, which offers comfort and support to those facing end-of-life challenges. She also announces the launch of Spanish-language training programs to better serve diverse communities, and introduces the upcoming Life Café community initiative, designed to foster open conversations and support around end-of-life issues. Throughout the episode, Suzanne encourages listeners to choose love over fear, embrace conscious and intentional living, and become part of the growing movement to make compassionate, accessible end-of-life care available to all.   (00:01:20) Listening to Higher Self and Life Mastery (00:02:32) Suzanne's Nursing Background and Disillusionment (00:03:38) Transition to Hospice and Founding Doula Givers (00:10:06) Doulagivers Thailand: The Beginning (00:12:22) Inspired Guidance and the Path to Guatemala  (00:13:58) Influence of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (00:16:43) The Vision and Creation of the Guatemala Respite House   Links mentioned in this episode: Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation Fundación Elisabeth Kübler Ross Guatemala   Join the Life Cafe here  Join the upcoming FREE Doulagivers Level 1 End of Life Doula and Family Caregiver Training Webinar here  Register to join us for FREE: THE GOOD DEATH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE: 12 MONTH FREE DEATH AND DYING COURSE  Or visit our website here!  GET THE GOOD DEATH BOOK Here      Please Share!   Know someone who is a caregiver, healthcare worker, or spiritual seeker? Share this episode and invite them to join this sacred and supportive experience.    Listen & Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube       JOIN MY FREE TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIP SITE   This is a community-supported group hosted by Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, founder of the International Doulagivers Institute for training those who want to be professional End of Life Doulas, Doulagiver Practitioners and for anyone wanting more EOL education Join Here: 4491664174178077   ⚑ SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL ⚑ If you want to do great things you need to have a great environment. Create the life you want by surrounding yourself with positivity and watching daily.  Click here to subscribe!   ツ  CONNECT WITH ME  ツ Leave a comment on this video and it'll get a response. Or you can connect with me on different social platforms too: Instagram Facebook TikTok Website Podcast   #deathdoula #deathdoultraining #dyingwell #death #life #deatheducation #doulagivers #hospice #hospicecare #hospicenurse #deathdoula #soulmidwife #deathmidwife #endoflifeplanning #healthcareproxy #funerals #fearofdeath #endoflifedoula #thegooddeath #hospice #grief #deathawareness #birth #endoflife #deathpositivity #consciousdying #dying #advanceplanning #deathpositive #gooddeath #consciousliving #endoflifedirective #palliativecare #advancedirective #livefully #suzannebobrien. #lifecafe #consciousness #awarenes

 If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice 165 A Rhythm to Remember: Enhancing End-of-Life Care In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher RN interviews Daniel DeLoma, a hospice chaplain and founder of Meditative Heartbeat Therapy. They discuss how this integrative approach helps patients achieve calm and comfort during end-of-life care. Daniel provides insights into the methods used in heartbeat therapy, its origins, and how it complements traditional care practices. The episode delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of dying, illustrating the unique benefits of this therapeutic approach. They also touch on the importance of incorporating various forms of support for the patient, including the role of family and healthcare providers. 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 00:29 Meet Your Host: Marie Betcher RN 00:47 Introducing Daniel DeLoma and Meditative Heartbeat Therapy 03:12 The Origins of Meditative Heartbeat Therapy 05:20 Implementing Meditative Heartbeat Therapy in Hospice Care 06:09 The Role of Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy 10:00 Practical Applications and Future Directions 23:23 Funny Anecdotes and Personal Stories 25:37 Challenges and Improvements in Hospice Care 28:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  https://www.heartbeattherapy.com/    Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com,  When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)  If you would, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com   Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

 KEY TAKEAWAYSHospice isn't a crisis response—it's a planned, values-based care transition.Patients are guided into hospice through ongoing conversations with their care team, not sudden decisions.Your Health's model is uniquely team-based.Clinical teams—NPs, nurses, social workers, CHWs, SSAs—collaborate long before a hospice referral happens.Eligibility is defined by Medicare, but the experience is defined by the patient.Patients choose what services they want: chaplaincy, volunteers, home aides, social work, and moreFamily support is a major part of the program.Hospice helps families avoid panic, emergency room visits, and uncertainty by educating them and offering 24/7 resources.Non-clinical roles are essential.Volunteers, chaplains, and social workers play major roles in emotional, logistical, and spiritual support.Respite care is a game-changer for caregiver burnout.Five-day facility stays covered under the hospice benefit help families regroup, rest, and sustain caregiving.Your Health provides continuity “from pediatrics to end of life.”The organization's ecosystem lets patients receive personalized care at every stage of their life journey. www.YourHealth.Org

KEY POINTSYour Health is launching a new hospice program to complete the continuum of care.Hospice is not new to leadership—team members have decades of experience.Palliative care and hospice work together:Palliative can continue indefinitelyHospice begins when disease progression reaches an advanced stage and patients choose comfort over curative treatmentHospice helps patients avoid unnecessary ER visits, hospital stays, and stressful care transitions.The new program allows patients to stay with their same care team, maintaining continuity and trust.Eligibility begins with specific diagnoses and a provider's order, supported by clinical and non-clinical indicators like frequent falls, increased symptoms, or significant weight loss.The “six-month rule” is based on normal disease progression, not an exact timeline.The new hospice service enhances value-based care, controlling costs while improving outcomes.Your Health staff play an important role in asking, “**What matters to you?**”The program ultimately expands patient choice and honors their wishes with compassion and dignity. www.YourHealth.Org

162 A Return to Hospice: Embracing the Spiritual Side of End-of-Life Care In episode 162 of 'Hospice Explained,' host Marie Betcher RN, a former hospice nurse, returns from a brief hiatus to continue her mission of educating and alleviating fears around end-of-life care. Marie introduces her second podcast, 'Hospice Encounters, Piercing the Veil,' and discusses her intention to explore the spiritual aspects of hospice care alongside the physical and mental aspects. She shares personal stories, including an experience where she felt protected by an unseen presence and an emotional account of her son's dog Ranger's final moments, speculating about the presence of angels. Marie encourages listeners to remain open to different spiritual beliefs and teases upcoming spiritually focused episodes. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 00:47 Host's Personal Update and Podcast Direction 01:53 Spirituality in Hospice Care 03:10 Angel Story: A Protective Presence 03:51 Ranger's Story: A Dog's Final Moments 06:55 Haley's Perspective on Ranger's Final Moments 07:35 Conclusion and Call to Action      Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com,  When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)  If you would, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com   Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

Palliative care physician Dr. BJ Miller survived a near-death experience and lost three limbs at just 19 years old. In this intimate conversation, he tells Sarah how confronting mortality reshaped his purpose, and opened his heart to awe, humor, creativity, and love. BJ has been on a mission to redefine end-of-life care through his work at Mettle Health and his book, "A Beginner's Guide to the End." He invites you to challenge the fear and silence around death, and imagine a better way to live — and die.