Podcasts about Hospice

Give us about fifteen minutes daily, and we will give you all the local news, sports, weather, and events you can handle.   SPONSORS: Many thanks to our sponsors… Annapolis Subaru, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, MacMedics, Covington Alsina, and Hospice of the Chesapeake, Today... A sewer overflow in Severna Park, new Maryland guidance on online hate and cyberbullying, fall boating classes in Annapolis, and a nonpartisan voters' guide for the 2026 election season—catch the full rundown on today's DNB. Today is also Ticket Tuesday from Rams Head On Stage and a historical message from Historic Annapolis! Daily Newsletter Subscription Link: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm The Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief is produced every Monday through Friday at 6:00 am and available wherever you get your podcasts and also on our social media platforms--All Annapolis and Eye On Annapolis (FB) and @eyeonannapolis (TW) NOTE: For hearing-impaired subscribers, a full transcript is available on Eye On Annapolis.

Give us about fifteen minutes a day, and we will give you all the local news, sports, weather, and events you can handle. SPONSORS: Many thanks to our sponsors… Annapolis Subaru, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, MacMedics, Covington Alsina, and  Hospice of the Chesapeake.  Today... A new traffic signal is coming to Davidsonville, Jug Bay has opened overnight cabins, Blanca Flor is leaving its Market Space storefront, UNIQLO is opening at Annapolis Mall, and Maryland's Ice Cream Trail is back for summer. Catch the full rundown on today's DNB. DAILY NEWS EMAIL LINK: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm Ann Covington from CovingtonAlsina is also here with her Monday Money Report! The Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief is produced every Monday through Friday at 6:00 am and available wherever you get your podcasts and also on our social media platforms--All Annapolis and Eye On Annapolis (FB) and @eyeonannapolis (X) NOTE: For hearing-impaired subscribers, a full transcript is available on Eye On Annapolis.

In this episode of HPNA Palliative Perspective, we're joined by Betty Ferrell—Editor of the Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing (JHPN), nurse, and internationally recognized researcher. As the leader of the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium, she brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of connection with hospice and palliative care nurses across the U.S. and around the world.  Now in her 49th year in nursing—beginning in oncology and entering hospice as it emerged in the United States—Dr. Ferrell reflects on the remarkable growth of the field and where we stand today.  At the heart of this conversation is the idea of a “professional home.” Drawing on the foundational work of pioneers like Florence Wald and Cicely Saunders, she highlights the enduring importance of interprofessional, whole-person care—and the need to stay grounded in those values as the field evolves.  In a time that can feel complex and demanding, this episode offers a clear message: you don't have to do this work alone. Finding your people, building community, and staying connected—through colleagues and organizations like the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association—are essential to sustaining both practice and purpose.  A thoughtful and reassuring conversation about belonging, connection, and the future of hospice and palliative nursing.      Betty Ferrell, RN, PhD, MA, CHPN®, FAAN, FPCN® Betty Ferrell, RN, PhD, MA, CHPN®, FAAN, FPCN® has been in nursing for 48 years and has focused her clinical expertise and research in pain management, quality of life, and palliative care. Dr. Ferrell is the Director of Nursing Research & Education and a Professor at the City of Hope Medical Center in Duarte, California. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and she has over 500 publications in peer-reviewed journals and texts. She is Principal Investigator of the “End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC)” project. She directs several other funded projects related to palliative care in cancer centers and QOL issues. Dr. Ferrell was Co-Chairperson of the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care. Dr. Ferrell completed a Masters degree in Theology, Ethics and Culture from Claremont Graduate University in 2007. She has authored 12 books including the Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing (5th Edition, 2019) published by Oxford University Press. She is co-author of the text, The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Nursing published by Oxford University Press (2nd Ed, 2023) and Making Health Care Whole: Integrating Spirituality into Patient Care (Templeton Press, 2010). In 2013 Dr. Ferrell was named one of the 30 Visionaries in the field by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. In 2019 she was elected a member of the National Academy of Medicine. In 2021 Dr. Ferrell received the Oncology Nursing Society Lifetime Achievement Award and she was inducted as a “Living Legend” by the American Academy of Nursing   Brett Snodgrass, DNP, FNP-C, ACHPN®, FAANP Dr. Brett Snodgrass has been a registered nurse for 28 years and a Family Nurse Practitioner for 18 years, practicing in multiple settings, including family practice, urgent care, emergency departments, administration, chronic pain and palliative medicine. She is currently the Operations Director for Palliative Medicine at Baptist Health Systems in Memphis, TN. She is board certified with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She is also a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse. She completed a Doctorate of Nursing Practice at the University of Alabama – Huntsville. She is a nationally recognized nurse practitioner speaker and teacher. Brett is a chronic pain expert, working for more than 20 years with chronic pain and palliative patients in a variety of settings. She is honored to be the HPNA 2025 podcast host. She is married with two daughters, two son in laws, one grandson, and now an empty nest cat. She and her family are actively involved in their church and she is an avid reader.

188 The Intersection of Hospice and Palliative Care: A Conversation with Dr. Jill Schwartz-Chevlin,  MD, MBA, FACP Host Marie Betcher, RN and former hospice nurse, interviews Dr. Jill  Schwartz-Chevlin, an internist and palliative physician with experience in home-based primary care, hospice leadership, and value-based care. Dr. Jill explains value-based medicine as aligning incentives with patient outcomes, especially for people with complex chronic illness, by anticipating needs, supporting symptom recognition, and preventing crisis-driven ER and hospital use that can lead to debility and loss of independence. She describes Vynca's home-based, tech-enabled, interdisciplinary palliative care model across California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Idaho, plus enhanced care management and a digital advance care planning platform used in 28 states. She discusses reimbursement challenges, noting Medicaid palliative care programs in California, Hawaii, and New Jersey and Medicare Advantage as current pathways, and explains transferring eligible patients to hospice when available while providing virtual hospice-like support in areas without access. Dr. Jill outlines practical ways to normalize advance care planning conversations and encourages patients and families to advocate for palliative services and proactive planning. 00:00 Welcome and Disclaimer 00:29 Meet Host and Guest 02:13 Dr Jill's Background 05:40 Value Based Care Explained 11:01 Patient Empowerment and Team Care 13:51 Vynca Locations and Services 15:07 Proactive Home Based Model 20:16 Access and Reimbursement Challenges 23:32 Hospice Transition and Rural Gaps 25:11 Advance Care Planning Tips 30:37 Final Takeaways and Closing    https://www.vyncacare.com/   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.

If you give us about fifteen minutes a day, we will provide you with all the local news, sports, weather, and events you can handle. SPONSORS: Many thanks to our sponsors… Annapolis Subaru, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, MacMedics, Covington Alsina, and  Hospice of the Chesapeake.  Today... A tree damages a Pasadena home, Kailey the SPCA shelter dog needs your TikTok vote, Historic Annapolis lands a major new sponsor, The Avett Brothers and Mike Patton are bringing a wild new collaboration to Baltimore, and the weekend is packed with festivals, food trucks, beer, ballet, books, art and baby goats. Catch the full rundown on today's DNB. DAILY NEWSLETTER LINK: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm And like we do every Friday, Annapolis Subaru and I met up with some animals from the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. Check out this week's Canines & Crosstreks! The Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief is produced every Monday through Friday at 6:00 am and available wherever you get your podcasts and also on our social media platforms--All Annapolis and Eye On Annapolis (FB) and @eyeonannapolis (X) NOTE: For hearing-impaired subscribers, a full transcript is available on Eye On Annapolis.

Give us about fifteen minutes daily, and we will give you all the local news, sports, weather, and events you can handle.   SPONSORS: Many thanks to our sponsors… Annapolis Subaru, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, Covington Alsina, MacMedics, and  Hospice of the Chesapeake.  Today... Police are looking for suspects after a Linthicum robbery and assault, Annapolis Police plan a safe gun giveback event, Homestead Gardens has a birthday party option parents may actually enjoy, Bello Machre introduces us to the unstoppable Kathryn Wynkoop, and the League of Women Voters has a nonpartisan guide to help voters prepare. Catch the full rundown on today's DNB. Link to daily news recap newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm Trevor from  Annapolis Makerspace is on vacation this week but wil be back next! DAILY NEWSLETTER LINK: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm The Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief is produced every Monday through Friday at 6:00 am and available wherever you get your podcasts and also on our social media platforms--All Annapolis and Eye On Annapolis (FB) and @eyeonannapolis (X) NOTE: For hearing-impaired subscribers, a full transcript is available on Eye On Annapolis.

Give us about fifteen minutes daily, and we will give you all the local news, sports, weather, and events you can handle.   SPONSORS: Many thanks to our sponsors... Annapolis Subaru, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, MacMedics, Covington Alsina, and Hospice of the Chesapeake.  Today...  Police recover a loaded handgun after a Target shoplifting chase in Glen Burnie, H&M closes at Annapolis Mall with Dave & Buster's expected to move in, all six District 6 County Council candidates will meet at Maryland Hall, and Dennis Diken talks Smithereens ahead of their June 5 show at Rams Head On Stage. Catch the full rundown on today's DNB. Link to daily news recap newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm Back with her weekly Annapolis After Dark is BeeprBuzz. She'll keep you up to speed on all of the fantastic live music we have in the area! DAILY NEWSLETTER LINK: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm The Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief is produced every Monday through Friday at 6:00 am and available wherever you get your podcasts and also on our social media platforms--All Annapolis and Eye On Annapolis (FB) and @eyeonannapolis (TW) NOTE: For hearing-impaired subscribers, a full transcript is available on Eye On Annapolis.

We share Michael Perkins' family story of walking through 11 years of breast cancer, brain metastasis, and the grief of losing his wife Denise, while choosing steady trust in Jesus the whole way. We also talk about how God uses hard seasons to shape purpose, and how faith can move into the marketplace through work, business, and mentorship.• What “suffer well” looks like when the outcome is unknown• Brain metastasis, long-term treatment, and learning to rely on God daily• Hospice, final moments, and the peace their family experiences in the room• Perspective, loneliness, and waiting on the Lord after loss• Why Christian entrepreneurs need teams, coaches, prayer, and community• Physical therapy as a relationship-based career and a natural space for ministry• Seeing work as worship, excellence as witness, and purpose as obedience• Contagious Hope podcast and how legacy grows through planted seeds

Give us about fifteen minutes daily, and we will give you all the local news, sports, weather, and events you can handle.   SPONSORS: Many thanks to our sponsors… Annapolis Subaru, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, MacMedics, Covington Alsina, and Hospice of the Chesapeake, Today... Annapolis reaches a tentative $15 million public housing settlement, a reader commentary points blame at prior City Hall decisions, the Naval Academy graduates the Class of 2026 in the rain, GreenGive returns to support local environmental groups, and Maryland Hall screens a documentary on the unforgettable Eva Cassidy. Catch the full rundown on today's DNB. Today is also Ticket Tuesday from Rams Head On Stage and a historical message from Historic Annapolis! Daily Newsletter Subscription Link: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm The Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief is produced every Monday through Friday at 6:00 am and available wherever you get your podcasts and also on our social media platforms--All Annapolis and Eye On Annapolis (FB) and @eyeonannapolis (TW) NOTE: For hearing-impaired subscribers, a full transcript is available on Eye On Annapolis.

187 Surviving with Laughter: Angela Nissel Talks Hospice and Healing Host Marie Betcher, a former hospice nurse, interviews writer and memoirist Angela Nissel about her book "Good Grief: Pass the Bread, Mom is Dead" and her mother's end-of-life journey. Angela describes a complicated, achievement-focused relationship with her RN mother, who hid advanced breast cancer and feared judgment for "giving up." Angela brought her to Los Angeles, expecting more treatment, but a doctor recommended hospice; her mother felt relief and was on hospice about six weeks. Angela shares what caregiving taught her, including learning to "just be her daughter," navigating pain medication fears, misconceptions that hospice hastens death, a brief end-of-life rally, and the value of dignity, trust-building, and services like 24/7 care and music therapy. She says hospice became their best, most connected time together and writing later helped her talk about death and grief. 00:00 Welcome and Disclaimer 00:35 Meet Angela Nissel 03:08 A Complicated Mother Daughter Bond 04:54 Caregiving Lessons in Hospice 07:53 Cancer Progression and Hospice Decision 10:26 Nurse Identity and Letting Go 11:55 Her Nursing Career and NICU Work 14:33 Grief Writing and Dark Humor 16:21 Siblings and Hiding Illness 19:24 Changing the Fight Cancer Narrative 22:12 Comfort Meds and Hospice Myths 25:21 Terminal Rally and 24 7 Care 29:44 Inside the Book and Hospice Journals 32:09 Final Reflections and Goodbye     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.

When you're grieving or going through a major life change, practical decisions don't pause even when we need them to because we are overwhelmed. This panel facilitates a conversation exploring navigating healthcare decisions with our families, understanding health insurance options during transitions (e.g., between jobs) and preparing foundational documents like living wills or healthcare directives. ⚕️Yvonne Olusi‑Ogadi is a former nurse with 25 years of experience and a practicing attorney specializing in eldercare, estate planning, and healthcare directives bringing clinical insight, legal clarity, and deep compassion to families navigating life transitions.

Send us Fan MailHospice has always been about people, but the future of hospice will increasingly be shaped by data—and that shift is both exciting and unsettling.In Part Two of The Future of Hospice: How HOPE Will Transform Reimbursement & Care, Raianne Melton and Andrea Hale unpack how the HOPE tool could redefine hospice reimbursement, value-based care, and quality measurement across CMS, Medicare Advantage, and health systems. The conversation explores where hospice measurement may be heading—from symptom impact scoring and burdensome discharges to acuity tracking, HUV utilization, and the growing importance of consistent documentation and actionable clinical data.The episode also focuses on what hospice leaders can do now to prepare: improving point-of-care documentation, simplifying EMR workflows, leveraging real-time analytics, and exploring AI-powered ambient listening to reduce clinician burden while preserving compassionate care. Ultimately, this conversation is about helping hospice organizations prove their value with measurable outcomes while staying true to the mission that defines hospice care.This episode offers practical insights for hospice executives, nonprofit healthcare leaders, clinicians, and anyone navigating the evolving landscape of end-of-life care.Guest:Andrea Hale, CEO of Valley Hospice Raianne Melton, Director of Clinical Services of Professional Services for AxxessHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and 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

Hospice has always been about people, but the future of hospice will increasingly be shaped by data—and that shift is both exciting and unsettling.In Part Two of The Future of Hospice: How HOPE Will Transform Reimbursement & Care, Raianne Melton and Andrea Hale unpack how the HOPE tool could redefine hospice reimbursement, value-based care, and quality measurement across CMS, Medicare Advantage, and health systems. The conversation explores where hospice measurement may be heading—from symptom impact scoring and burdensome discharges to acuity tracking, HUV utilization, and the growing importance of consistent documentation and actionable clinical data.The episode also focuses on what hospice leaders can do now to prepare: improving point-of-care documentation, simplifying EMR workflows, leveraging real-time analytics, and exploring AI-powered ambient listening to reduce clinician burden while preserving compassionate care. Ultimately, this conversation is about helping hospice organizations prove their value with measurable outcomes while staying true to the mission that defines hospice care.This episode offers practical insights for hospice executives, nonprofit healthcare leaders, clinicians, and anyone navigating the evolving landscape of end-of-life care.Guest:Andrea Hale, CEO of Valley Hospice Raianne Melton, Director of Clinical Services of Professional Services for AxxessHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Give us about fifteen minutes daily, and we will give you all the local news, sports, weather, and events you can handle.   SPONSORS: Many thanks to our sponsors… Annapolis Subaru, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, Covington Alsina, MacMedics, and  Hospice of the Chesapeake.  Today... Annapolis Police investigate two juvenile sexual assault cases, an Eastport dog shooting case takes a turn after police revise their account, MRE Mercantile prepares to open in Eastport, and Dinner Under the Stars returns to West Street . Catch the full rundown on today's DNB. Link to daily news recap newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm Trevor from  Annapolis Makerspace is on vacation this week but wil be back next! DAILY NEWSLETTER LINK: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm The Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief is produced every Monday through Friday at 6:00 am and available wherever you get your podcasts and also on our social media platforms--All Annapolis and Eye On Annapolis (FB) and @eyeonannapolis (X) NOTE: For hearing-impaired subscribers, a full transcript is available on Eye On Annapolis.

Lily and Sebastian McGrath's 2 1/2 year old son Bryson was first thought to have a Wilms Tumor before his Pediatric Cancer diagnosis was changed to Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in the early days of 2023. Lily and Sebastian had to put up with a number of more than questionable medical decisions during Bryson's fight and also had to endure the final days of Bryson's life who while in Hospice Care, was  promised 24 hour round the clock availability should they be needed and when they were needed the most, they were nowhere to be found. Lily also had to watch after Bryson passed away while one of the Hospice nurses attempted to rip off all of Bryson's dressings, instead of treating her son with the kid gloves that he more than deserved. 

Saints du jour 2026-05-21 Saint Christophe Magallanes et Saint Hospice by Radio Maria France

Send us Fan MailThe future of hospice care is changing—and the HOPE assessment tool may redefine how providers deliver care, document outcomes, and receive reimbursement.Healthcare is entering a new era where quality outcomes, patient data, and accountability are driving the future of care delivery.  In this episode, we're joined by Andrea Hale, CEO of Valley Hospice, and Raianne Melton, Director of Clinical Services of Professional Services for Axxess, whose expertise and frontline perspective help unpack one of the most significant shifts happening in hospice today—the implementation of the HOPE assessment tool. Their insight provides valuable guidance for hospice leaders, clinicians, and organizations preparing for the future of reimbursement and patient-centered care.In Part One of this important conversation, we explore how the Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool is poised to transform the hospice landscape.  From evolving CMS expectations to the growing emphasis on quality metrics and patient-centered outcomes, this episode breaks down what hospice leaders, clinicians, and healthcare organizations need to understand now.Join us as we discuss:• What the HOPE tool is and why it matters• How reimbursement models are shifting in hospice care• The operational and compliance challenges providers may face• Why documentation and quality reporting are becoming more critical than ever• How organizations can proactively prepare for the future of end-of-life careWhether you're a hospice professional, nonprofit executive, healthcare leader, or business decision-maker, this episode provides timely insight into the changing future of compassionate care delivery.Our Guest:Andrea Hale, CEO of Valley HospiceRaianne Melton, Director of Clinical Services of Professional Services for AxxessHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy of Leadership

The future of hospice care is changing—and the HOPE assessment tool may redefine how providers deliver care, document outcomes, and receive reimbursement.Healthcare is entering a new era where quality outcomes, patient data, and accountability are driving the future of care delivery.  In this episode, we're joined by Andrea Hale, CEO of Valley Hospice, and Raianne Melton, Director of Clinical Services of Professional Services for Axxess, whose expertise and frontline perspective help unpack one of the most significant shifts happening in hospice today—the implementation of the HOPE assessment tool. Their insight provides valuable guidance for hospice leaders, clinicians, and organizations preparing for the future of reimbursement and patient-centered care.In Part One of this important conversation, we explore how the Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool is poised to transform the hospice landscape.  From evolving CMS expectations to the growing emphasis on quality metrics and patient-centered outcomes, this episode breaks down what hospice leaders, clinicians, and healthcare organizations need to understand now.Join us as we discuss: • What the HOPE tool is and why it matters • How reimbursement models are shifting in hospice care • The operational and compliance challenges providers may face • Why documentation and quality reporting are becoming more critical than ever • How organizations can proactively prepare for the future of end-of-life careWhether you're a hospice professional, nonprofit executive, healthcare leader, or business decision-maker, this episode provides timely insight into the changing future of compassionate care delivery.Our Guest:Andrea Hale, CEO of Valley HospiceRaianne Melton, Director of Clinical Services of Professional Services for AxxessHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy of Leadership

In this deeply important and heartfelt episode, hospice and oncology nurse, death doula educator, and founder of the Doulagivers Institute https://doulagivers.com, Suzanne B. O'Brien RN, shares the truth about why so many end-of-life experiences today are filled with fear, overwhelm, and unnecessary suffering. After supporting over a thousand people at the end of life, Suzanne explains that the problem is not a lack of love — it is a lack of education, understanding, and support. The good news? A peaceful and meaningful end of life is absolutely possible. In this episode, Suzanne breaks down the top three reasons end of life is not going well for most families today — and what we can do to change it. In This Episode, Suzanne Discusses: 1. Families No Longer Have the Skills to Care for Loved Ones at End of Life How end-of-life care was once passed down from grandmother to grandchild Why these sacred caregiving skills have been lost over the last 100 years The emotional toll on families who are suddenly expected to become caregivers overnight Why this is not a failure of families — but a failure of education 2. Most People Do Not Understand What Hospice Does (or Does Not Do) The truth about the hospice model today Why hospice should be understood as a “consultant model” rather than continuous care The reality that family caregivers provide approximately 98% of the hands-on end-of-life care, even with hospice services involved Why the median hospice stay of only 16–18 days creates crisis care instead of supportive care Suzanne's firsthand experience as a hospice nurse trying to teach families how to care for loved ones in an impossible timeframe 3. Fear of Death Is Driving Suffering How fear delays important conversations and planning Why people often come onto hospice services far too late The impact of denial and avoidance around death in modern culture How fear prevents families from learning the skills they need Why death is not just a medical experience — it is a deeply human one The Hope: Education Changes Everything Suzanne shares how compassionate education, preparation, and support can transform the end-of-life experience for both the dying person and their loved ones. For the past 16 years, the Doulagivers Institute https://doulagivers.com has been offering free family caregiver education to help empower people with the skills, understanding, and confidence needed to care for loved ones at the end of life. The free Level 1 Family Caregiver Training is now available in 15 languages and includes: The Doulagivers 3 Phases of End of Life Framework A live interactive teaching experience A downloadable workbook Guidance on how to physically, emotionally, and spiritually support someone at end of life Practical caregiver education families can use immediately Save Your Spot for the FREE Live Training This training is offered live and interactively — there are no replays. Suzanne invites everyone to take this training before they need it, because one day, someone we love will need us. “A peaceful end of life should not be a privilege. It is a human right.” Learn more and register here: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-free-class-register   Memorable Quotes from This Episode “Most end-of-life experiences are not going well today — not because families don't care, but because they were never taught how to care.” “Hospice is incredibly valuable, but most people misunderstand what hospice actually is.” “Families are doing approximately 98% of the hands-on end-of-life care, even with hospice services involved.” “Death is not a medical experience. It is a human one.” “When we teach people how to care for one another at the end of life, we don't just change death — we change humanity.” Connect with Suzanne B. O'Brien RN   Take the Free LIVE Death Doula Training: https://www.doulagivers.com/monthly-free-class-register Website: https://doulagivers.com/ Get The Book: The Good Death Here Follow & Share If this episode touched your heart, please share it with caregivers, healthcare professionals, and loved ones who may benefit from this important conversation. Together, we can help bring compassion, education, and dignity back to end-of-life care.

In Clare, LauraLynn Children's Hospice is currently supporting 16 families through its community team, providing care in the home as well as access to its hospice services in Dublin, often over many years, not just in a child's final days. Colm Naughton, from a Clare family, joined Derrick Lynch on Tuesday's Morning Focus to share his family's lived experience. Marie Lynch, Assistant Director of Nursing for Community, also joined the programme to discuss the importance of early access to hospice care and how that support helps families make the most of every moment. Image (c) LauraLynn.ie

This week on The GovNavigators Show, Robert and Adam are joined by Robbie Holmes, founder and CEO of Holmes Consulting Group and member of the GovNavigators Network, for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation on technology, government modernization, and what it really takes to build systems that serve people. Robbie traces a remarkable career arc, from the New York City welfare system and Sony Music to Zagat Survey, Google, USDS, and local government, and draws from each stop to make the case for pragmatic, constituent-centered technology. He reflects on his evolution from AI skeptic to cautious optimist, explains why so many well-intentioned government systems have created more friction than they've solved, and makes a compelling argument for why identity infrastructure and unified case management should be the government's next big bets. Show Notes:CMS: Nationwide Moratorium on Hospice and Home Health Agency EnrollmentGAO: 2026 Annual Report on Fragmentation, Overlap, and DuplicationHouse Oversight Committee: Markup on Legislation to Stop Fraud in Federal ProgramsFederal News Network: House Committee Advances 9 Anti-Fraud BillsNPR: Senate Votes to Kickstart Reconciliation to Fund ICE and CBPEvents on the GovNavigators' Radar:May 20th: GovCIO Federal IT Efficiency Summit at Carahsoft May 21st: PSC FedHealth Conference

Host Will Rasmussen talks with Katie McFarland and Mike Pearse from SSAPCO about an upcoming presentation on drugs.   Next Joel Ray form Hospice of Salmon talks about an event later today.  

In the forty days leading up to the Ascension, Jesus and the disciples had the chance to say good-bye – part of the aliveness that they experience in Resurrection. In Resurrection, no good-bye is ever final.

If you give us about fifteen minutes a day, we will provide you with all the local news, sports, weather, and events you can handle. SPONSORS: Many thanks to our sponsors… Annapolis Subaru, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, MacMedics, Covington Alsina, and  Hospice of the Chesapeake.  Today... Annapolis police investigate an assault involving a bus driver, Annapolis Pride gets ready for its first-ever fashion show, Bands in the Sand is already sold out, and Dermot and Kieran Mulroney bring their Cali-Country band jackrabbit. to Rams Head On Stage. Catch the full rundown on today's DNB. DAILY NEWSLETTER LINK: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm And like we do every Friday, Annapolis Subaru and I met up with some animals from the SPCA of Anne Arundel County. Check out this week's Canines & Crosstreks! The Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief is produced every Monday through Friday at 6:00 am and available wherever you get your podcasts and also on our social media platforms--All Annapolis and Eye On Annapolis (FB) and @eyeonannapolis (X) NOTE: For hearing-impaired subscribers, a full transcript is available on Eye On Annapolis.

Jordan Sather and Nate Prince break down a packed week in health news. Marty Makary is out as FDA chief under circumstances that remain murky, with Dr. Malone having previously claimed Makary was blocking COVID vaccine death data from going public. Interim replacement Kyle Diamantis is a food lawyer who represented CBD companies and quit a Planned Parenthood case over moral objections. Kennedy moves fast, announcing the FDA will now continuously review food chemicals already on the market, starting with BHT and ADA. A CIA whistleblower from Tulsi Gabbard's ODNI task force testifies before Congress about the intelligence community's COVID cover up, and Rand Paul drops a bombshell: Fauci allegedly bribed a scientist with a $9 million grant to flip his position on lab leak origins. Dr. Oz reveals 800 fraudulent Medicare providers were quietly removed and none of them called to dispute it. And farmed fish? Sedated. Vaccinated. By conveyor belt.

Teaching listeners how to get out of the mind and trust in the heart, RamDev guides us through embodied faith practices. “Faith is not certainty, it's steadiness inside uncertainty.” –RamDev This time on Healing at the Edge, RamDev explores:Having faith within our hearts rather than only our mindsUsing sensation as a gateway into experiencing presence How talking about something trivial can allow us to enter the heart space The moving, changing nature of the mind Softening into the body and releasing tensionMaintaining steadiness in the midst of uncertainty Trusting in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha Noticing the subtle changes in the fields of our 5 sensesWisely and compassionately responding to the next moment Guru Yoga: Installing the deity into your body“To trust in the heart has a lot to do with trusting being in the body. It's very difficult to be thinking and be with your sensations at the same time. The heart is a felt experience.” –RamDev About RamDev Dale Borglum:RamDev Dale Borglum founded and directed the Hanuman Foundation Dying Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the first residential facility in the United States to support conscious dying. He has been the Executive Director of the Living/Dying Project in Santa Fe and since 1986 in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is the co-author with Ram Dass, Daniel Goleman and Dwarka Bonner of Journey of Awakening: A Meditator's Guidebook, Bantam Books and has taught meditation since 1974.RamDev offers lectures and workshops on meditation, healing, spiritual support for those with life-threatening illness, and caregiving as spiritual practice. He has a doctorate degree from Stanford University. RamDev's passion is the healing of our individual and collective fear of death so that we may be free.Learn more about RamDev's work via the Living/Dying Project and follow him on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailIn Part Two of this powerful TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership conversation, Kim Brandt, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Administrator at CMS joins Chris Comeaux to discuss hospice fraud, Medicare risk, AI-driven fraud detection, and the future of healthcare policy.  Kim provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at how CMS is fighting organized healthcare fraud, protecting Medicare beneficiaries, and preparing hospice providers for a more data-driven future.The conversation explores lessons learned from the Medicare Advantage VBID hospice carve-in, the challenges facing legitimate hospice providers, and how AI and machine learning are helping CMS detect fraudulent activity in real time.  Kim also shares her vision for what compassionate, dignified hospice care should look like over the next 15 years.Whether you are a hospice professional, healthcare executive, nonprofit leader, policymaker, or business leader, this episode delivers critical insights into the future of end-of-life care, healthcare leadership, and Medicare reform.Highlights:✔️ CMS reveals how billions in fraudulent Medicare payments are being stopped in real time✔️ Inside the growing hospice fraud crisis impacting patients and providers nationwide✔️ Why AI and machine learning are becoming essential tools in healthcare fraud prevention✔️ Lessons learned from the Medicare Advantage VBID hospice carve-in experiment✔️ How legitimate hospice providers can protect themselves during audits and investigations✔️ The future of hospice care: data, analytics, palliative integration, and patient dignity✔️ Kim Brandt shares her vision for compassionate end-of-life care over the next 15 years✔️ A candid conversation on healthcare leadership, accountability, and reform

In Part Two of this powerful TCNtalks / Anatomy of Leadership conversation, Kim Brandt, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Administrator at CMS joins Chris Comeaux to discuss hospice fraud, Medicare risk, AI-driven fraud detection, and the future of healthcare policy.  Kim provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at how CMS is fighting organized healthcare fraud, protecting Medicare beneficiaries, and preparing hospice providers for a more data-driven future.The conversation explores lessons learned from the Medicare Advantage VBID hospice carve-in, the challenges facing legitimate hospice providers, and how AI and machine learning are helping CMS detect fraudulent activity in real time.  Kim also shares her vision for what compassionate, dignified hospice care should look like over the next 15 years.Whether you are a hospice professional, healthcare executive, nonprofit leader, policymaker, or business leader, this episode delivers critical insights into the future of end-of-life care, healthcare leadership, and Medicare reform.Highlights:✔️ CMS reveals how billions in fraudulent Medicare payments are being stopped in real time✔️ Inside the growing hospice fraud crisis impacting patients and providers nationwide✔️ Why AI and machine learning are becoming essential tools in healthcare fraud prevention✔️ Lessons learned from the Medicare Advantage VBID hospice carve-in experiment✔️ How legitimate hospice providers can protect themselves during audits and investigations✔️ The future of hospice care: data, analytics, palliative integration, and patient dignity✔️ Kim Brandt shares her vision for compassionate end-of-life care over the next 15 years✔️ A candid conversation on healthcare leadership, accountability, and reform

1. Government Fraud Crackdown (Trump/Vance Initiative) The administration is prioritizing eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in federal programs. A federal fraud task force claims: 186,000+ deceased individuals are still receiving SNAP (food stamp) benefits via identity fraud. 400,000+ people are allegedly receiving duplicate benefits (“double dipping”). Its a taxpayer protection effort with stronger enforcement expected. 2. Policy Actions and Consequences Threats to withhold Medicaid funding from states that fail to investigate fraud. Proposal for stronger penalties (e.g., jail, loss of benefits), though current deterrence is described as weak. Politically positioned as a major accountability push tied to reducing government spending. 3. Hospice and Healthcare Fraud Allegations Major focus on California (Los Angeles): Claim: a disproportionate number of hospices located there (about one-third nationwide). Allegation: up to half may be fraudulent. Actions taken: 800 hospices suspended, cutting off ~$1.4 billion in payments. Nationwide moratorium on new hospice and home health care licenses. Rationale: Fraud operations allegedly relocate to other states when cracked down locally. 4. Political Divide Republican perspective: Fraud crackdown is necessary and widely supported by voters. Seen as long-overdue accountability. Democratic criticism: Concerns about overreach, rushed investigations, and harm to legitimate services. Public sentiment (per the document): Broad agreement that fraud should be eliminated regardless of party. 5. CIA Whistleblower Allegations (COVID Origins) A whistleblower claims: CIA scientists initially favored a lab-leak theory for COVID-19. The official position shifted to “inconclusive/neutral.” Accusation: Anthony Fauci influenced intelligence discussions and expert selection. His involvement may have shaped the narrative away from the lab-leak conclusion. Evidence cited: Meetings and communications in 2020–2021. Internal disagreements within intelligence agencies. 6. Conflict of Interest Concerns Raised in questioning: Fauci allegedly had connections to Wuhan-related research funding. Concern he may not have been an objective contributor. Whistleblower suggests: Influence was indirect but significant, through shaping expert input. 7. Hearing Controversy No Democrats attended the Senate hearing with the whistleblower. Avoidance of scrutiny or accountability. Used to reinforce a broader narrative of political bias or cover-up. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.On today's edition of The Briefing, Dr. Mohler discusses if we are about to witness the fall of the British government, Barney Frank's dying words to the Democratic Party, the success of LGBTQ strategy, and a WNBA athlete who argues for biological males in all women's sports so long as they identify as women.Part I (00:14 – 02:46)Are We About to See the Fall of the British Government? Prime Minister Keir Starmer is Losing Massive Amounts of Support, And Big Trouble Comes HomePart II (02:46 – 15:20)Barney Frank's Dying Words: First Openly Homosexual Congressman Encourages Democratic Party to Pump the Brakes on the Trans Issue…But Only For NowBarney Frank, in Hospice, Has Advice for the Democrats by The New York Times (Jenna Russell)Barney Frank's final interview from hospice was painful. His comments on trans people made it worse by The Advocate (John Casey)Part III (15:20 – 21:16)The LGBTQ Playbook from Inside Its Movement: The Astounding Success of LGBTQ StrategyConservatives are turning to American voters to target trans rights by The Advocate (Christopher Wiggins)Part IV (21:16 – 24:46)WNBA Athlete Argues for Biological Males in All Women's Sports—So Long As They Identify As WomenI’m a WNBA player. Don’t use athletes like me to exclude trans women. by USA Today (Brianna Turner)Sign up to receive The Briefing in your inbox every weekday morning.Follow Dr. Mohler:X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFor more information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to sbts.edu.For more information on Boyce College, just go to BoyceCollege.com.To write Dr. Mohler or submit a question for The Mailbox, go here.

From the Lake Sunapee Region VNA and Hospice, Jeana Newbern is here with outgoing CEO Jim Culhane as we talk to Jim about his tenure with the VNA, accomplishments he has been part of, the great staff at the VNA, Covid and lots more.  Plus we discuss the Women Who Make A Difference event that happened yesterday. 

Hour 3 of the Bob Rose Show, on Vice Pres. Vance and federal probes into massive hospice operations ripping off tax payers. Stunning revelations and new accountability. Plus, China, Cuba, the middle east, and all of Thursday morning's biggest news stories for 5-14-26

Send us Fan MailIn this compelling first installment, CMS Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Administrator Kim Brandt joins Chris Comeaux for a candid conversation about the growing hospice fraud crisis, the financial future of Medicare, and the urgent transformation happening across American healthcare. Drawing from her leadership role at CMS and firsthand experiences with hospice care in her own family, Brandt shares why hospice remains a critical pillar of compassionate care — while also exposing the alarming abuse threatening the integrity of the system.  The discussion dives deep into the pressures facing Medicare as the nation approaches the “silver tsunami,” with 10,000 new beneficiaries entering Medicare every day through 2030. Brandt explains how CMS is thinking about value-based care, the role of technology and AI in improving patient outcomes, and why hospice and palliative care may increasingly blend together in the future. From home-based care expansion to quality-driven reimbursement models, this episode offers healthcare leaders a rare inside look at the policy conversations shaping the next decade of healthcare delivery.  Key TakeawaysCMS views hospice as an essential part of the Medicare ecosystem and is committed to protecting legitimate providers while aggressively combating fraud.Medicare faces mounting financial pressure as 10,000 baby boomers enroll daily, accelerating the need for healthcare reform and value-based care models.Kim Brandt predicts hospice and palliative care will increasingly integrate, allowing patients to receive supportive care earlier in their illness journey.Home-based healthcare, telehealth, AI, and remote monitoring are expected to play a major role in the future of hospice care delivery.CMS is shifting its focus from enrollment volume toward aligning incentives with quality outcomes and patient-centered care.If you're passionate about the future of healthcare, hospice innovation, and leadership that drives meaningful change, this is an episode you cannot miss. Subscribe to our podcast and  share this conversation with your team, and stay tuned for Part Two as we continue exploring the future of Medicare, hospice reform, and value-based care.  Guest:Kim Brandt: Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Administrator at CMS Host: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 compelling first installment, CMS Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Administrator Kim Brandt joins Chris Comeaux for a candid conversation about the growing hospice fraud crisis, the financial future of Medicare, and the urgent transformation happening across American healthcare. Drawing from her leadership role at CMS and firsthand experiences with hospice care in her own family, Brandt shares why hospice remains a critical pillar of compassionate care — while also exposing the alarming abuse threatening the integrity of the system.  The discussion dives deep into the pressures facing Medicare as the nation approaches the “silver tsunami,” with 10,000 new beneficiaries entering Medicare every day through 2030. Brandt explains how CMS is thinking about value-based care, the role of technology and AI in improving patient outcomes, and why hospice and palliative care may increasingly blend together in the future. From home-based care expansion to quality-driven reimbursement models, this episode offers healthcare leaders a rare inside look at the policy conversations shaping the next decade of healthcare delivery.  Key TakeawaysCMS views hospice as an essential part of the Medicare ecosystem and is committed to protecting legitimate providers while aggressively combating fraud.Medicare faces mounting financial pressure as 10,000 baby boomers enroll daily, accelerating the need for healthcare reform and value-based care models.Kim Brandt predicts hospice and palliative care will increasingly integrate, allowing patients to receive supportive care earlier in their illness journey.Home-based healthcare, telehealth, AI, and remote monitoring are expected to play a major role in the future of hospice care delivery.CMS is shifting its focus from enrollment volume toward aligning incentives with quality outcomes and patient-centered care.If you're passionate about the future of healthcare, hospice innovation, and leadership that drives meaningful change, this is an episode you cannot miss. Subscribe to our podcast and  share this conversation with your team, and stay tuned for Part Two as we continue exploring the future of Medicare, hospice reform, and value-based care.  Guest:Kim Brandt: Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Administrator at CMS Host:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios, author of The Anatomy of LeadershipTeleios Collaborative Network   /   https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Have you ever put off going to the doctor because you wanted to lose the weight first? If that hits, this episode is for you. This week I'm joined by my client Erin Hennesey — former state senator, CPA, mom of two — who shares what it actually looked like to stop the on-again-off-again cycle and lose the weight in a way that feels like a lifestyle upgrade. We get into the parts most weight loss conversations skip: the perfectionism that quietly keeps overachievers stuck, and what changed when Erin finally stopped circling and started.   About Erin Hennessey:  Erin Hennessey is a Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in the financial sector and public service. She graduated from Boston College's Carroll School of Management and began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers. She has since worked with organizations including Callaway Golf Company, Resources Global Professionals, and the University of Northern Vermont. Erin has a long-standing commitment to community service, including serving the state of New Hampshire as Deputy Secretary of State, State Senator, and State Representative. She has also served on the boards of New Hampshire Public Television, North Country Home Health and Hospice, Littleton Regional Healthcare, and Woodsville Guaranty Savings Bank, and currently serves on the board of the New Hampshire Children's Health Foundation. Erin has two adult children and lives in New Hampshire with her husband, John.   Resources:  Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.burnstressloseweight.com/218 Register for the Live Training on May 31: https://burnstressloseweight.com/training 

Send us Fan MailWhen grieving families leave one-star reviews, what's really driving it? In this episode of Transcending Home Care, Tony sits down with Yelena Zatulovsky (VP of patient experience, AccentCare) and Jordan Dockery (manager of digital strategy, Transcend) to unpack the clinical reality behind negative hospice reviews – and the practical strategies for responding to them with empathy, compliance and care.

Juicin' it up for the snack.We play a listener call about our Bigfoot episode, and share a completely unrelated ridiculous email story.Forgetting names doesn't mean you're an idiot, . . . Maybe.Is it Meta/Facebook/Instagram that is harming the young people?Hospice nurses may have a direct pass to Paranormal Corner.

This week, from the screen porch, Mary Stone shares reflections on edible versus ornamental rhubarb—both unusual, delightful, and deer-resistant additions to the garden. She also shares stories of rhubarb custard pie, overwintered parsley, blooming tea, pole beans, and other decorative vegetables woven among flower gardens.The episode wraps up with reflections on healing through friendship and community. And the garden lessons found in allowing others to help us through difficult seasons of life.

In our fourth week on the Church, Mark Wreford preaches on the Church being somewhere where people live well and die well.

Send us Fan MailWhat does the future of hospice care really look like—and who's shaping it?In Part Two of this compelling conversation, healthcare leaders Tom Koutsoumpas and Carole Fisher join Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner to discuss the future of hospice reform, Medicare modernization, quality care standards, and the challenges facing nonprofit hospice providers across America.From fraud prevention and workforce shortages to Medicare Advantage and innovative disease-specific care models, this episode delivers an inside look at the policy, leadership, and operational decisions shaping the future of end-of-life care.Whether you're a healthcare executive, hospice professional, nonprofit leader, policymaker, or business leader, this discussion provides valuable insight into how hospice organizations can remain relevant, sustainable, and mission-driven in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.⸻Episode Highlights✔️ Why hospice quality reporting and transparency matter more than ever✔️ The growing impact of Medicare Advantage on hospice care✔️ Challenges facing nonprofit hospice organizations✔️ Innovation in palliative care and disease-specific support models✔️ How NPHI is advocating for hospice reform and accountability✔️ The workforce and financial pressures affecting hospice providers✔️ The truth about the hospice carve-in debate and what the data shows✔️ Why leadership and mission remain critical in end-of-life care⸻Key Quote From The Episode“The future of hospice and palliative care is making sure we are staying relevant, necessary, and sustainable.” — Carole Fisher⸻About This EpisodeThis episode explores the intersection of healthcare leadership, hospice advocacy, Medicare reform, patient-centered care, and operational sustainability. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preserving the mission of hospice while adapting to changing healthcare systems and patient expectations.  Featured Guests

What does the future of hospice care really look like—and who's shaping it?In Part Two of this compelling conversation, healthcare leaders Tom Koutsoumpas, Founder & CEO of NPHI and Carole Fisher, President of NPHI, join Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner to discuss the future of hospice reform, Medicare modernization, quality care standards, and the challenges facing nonprofit hospice providers across America.From fraud prevention and workforce shortages to Medicare Advantage and innovative disease-specific care models, this episode delivers an inside look at the policy, leadership, and operational decisions shaping the future of end-of-life care.Whether you're a healthcare executive, hospice professional, nonprofit leader, policymaker, or business leader, this discussion provides valuable insight into how hospice organizations can remain relevant, sustainable, and mission-driven in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.⸻Episode Highlights✔️ Why hospice quality reporting and transparency matter more than ever✔️ The growing impact of Medicare Advantage on hospice care✔️ Challenges facing nonprofit hospice organizations✔️ Innovation in palliative care and disease-specific support models✔️ How NPHI is advocating for hospice reform and accountability✔️ The workforce and financial pressures affecting hospice providers✔️ The truth about the hospice carve-in debate and what the data shows✔️ Why leadership and mission remain critical in end-of-life care⸻Key Quote From The Episode“The future of hospice and palliative care is making sure we are staying relevant, necessary, and sustainable.” — Carole Fisher⸻About This EpisodeThis episode explores the intersection of healthcare leadership, hospice advocacy, Medicare reform, patient-centered care, and operational sustainability. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preserving the mission of hospice while adapting to changing healthcare systems and patient expectations.  Featured Guests

Welcome to Day 2856 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – When Death Becomes Policy: How Christians Must Respond to a Dehumanizing System. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2856 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2856 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled:  When Death Becomes Policy: How Christians Must Respond to a Dehumanizing System. The biblical view of human life begins with the most foundational truth in Scripture: “God created man in His own image” (Genesis 1 verse twenty-seven). Unlike the surrounding cultures of the ancient Near East, where only kings reflected divinity, Israel declared that every human being bore the image of Yahweh. This principle shaped the covenant people's moral and legal systems. The Law commanded care for the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner. It forbade the sacrifice of children. Justice was not a privilege for the strong. It was a duty toward the weak. The prophets reinforced this ethic repeatedly. Isaiah, Amos, Jeremiah, and Micah rebuked rulers not merely for idol worship, but for oppressing the poor, neglecting the sick, and perverting justice. Human life was sacred not because of economic output, but because it belonged to the Creator. The first segment is: Jesus and the Early Church Jesus expanded and embodied this ethic perfectly. He healed the sick, welcomed the outcast, and affirmed the dignity of the forgotten. He did not divide people by status or function. He saw them as lost sheep, image-bearers in need of restoration. This was not sentiment. It was theology in action. The early Church followed His example with startling results. In a Roman culture where the disabled were abandoned, the elderly discarded, and infants exposed to die, Christians responded with radical mercy. They rescued infants from trash heaps. They nursed the sick during plagues, often at the cost of their own lives. And most notably, they created something the world had never seen before: the hospital. The first true hospital was founded in the late fourth century by St. Basil the Great in Caesarea, Cappadocia. The Basilias was a large complex that included housing for the poor, medical treatment for the sick, and care for lepers. It was not a tool of state power or military strategy, but a direct expression of Christian love for those society rejected. Basil believed that if Christ healed the broken, then His followers must do the same. Other Christians followed his lead. St. Fabiola in Rome founded one of the first hospitals in the West. Monasteries across Europe established infirmaries, not only for monks, but for pilgrims, travelers, beggars, and the dying. The very word hospital comes from hospitalis, Latin for “guest,” reflecting the belief that in caring for the sick, Christians were receiving Christ Himself. This was revolutionary. The Greco-Roman world had temples for the healthy and private physicians for the elite, but no institutions devoted to caring for the poor and dying until Christians built them. Their actions were not driven by utility. They were driven by conviction: life matters because it is made by God, seen by Christ, and destined for eternity. That is the root. That is the legacy. And when modern systems again begin to measure lives by what they cost instead of what they are, Christians must not be silent. They must remember who they are. The second segment is: Hospice Is Not the Enemy It is important to be clear: this is not an argument against hospice or genuine palliative care. Hospice reflects the biblical ethic of compassion. It affirms that life has value even in suffering, and that dignity is preserved not by hastening death, but by honoring a person's final days with comfort and presence. The danger arises when that sacred view of life is replaced by a cold calculation. Instead of seeing the end of life as a transition, society begins to treat it as a solution to systemic and financial problems. When the vulnerable are seen as obstacles, death becomes a policy tool, and compassion is used to justify elimination. The third segment is: A Troubling Shift in Canada Nowhere is this more visible than in Canada. What began as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) for those suffering from unbearable physical pain has quickly expanded into something far broader. In 2016, just over 1,000 Canadians ended their lives through MAiD. By 2022, that number had surged to over 13,000. It is now reportedly the sixth leading cause of death in the country. Even more troubling is who is now eligible. Increasingly, MAiD is offered not to those with terminal illness, but to those who are poor, mentally ill, or socially isolated. Some have requested euthanasia because they cannot afford housing or support services. Others have been told that medical treatment is not available, but MAiD is. Doctors have reported being pressured to bring up euthanasia as an option, even in cases where it would never have been considered before. And some policy experts have openly acknowledged that the healthcare system is overloaded and needs a centralized solution. Quietly, and without ever officially declaring it, death is being presented as that solution. The fourth segment is: Death as an Economic Decision One of the most disturbing elements of Canada's MAiD system is how these deaths are recorded. In several provinces, including British Columbia and Ontario, official guidance instructs physicians to list the person's underlying illness or condition as the cause of death, even when the immediate act involved a medically administered lethal substance. This is not a clerical oversight. In British Columbia, the College of Physicians and Surgeons directs providers to list MAiD in Part I(a) of the Medical Certificate of Death, but the manner of death is still to be recorded as “natural.” The underlying illness remains the official cause. In Ontario, physicians providing MAiD are required to notify the Office of the Chief Coroner, and the death certificate process generally follows similar lines, emphasizing the condition rather than the procedure. At the federal level, Health Canada's monitoring and reporting system collects MAiD data separately, but the death certificates provided to families and registered in provincial statistics are shaped by these regional protocols. In public datasets and vital statistics, a MAiD death may appear indistinguishable from a natural death. The effect is not only statistical. It reframes euthanasia as a quiet extension of medical care, rather than a deliberate, policy-driven act of ending life. This framing can soften moral and public resistance, making it easier to expand eligibility without backlash. The fifth segment is: When Consent Looks Like Coercion While MAiD is legally defined as voluntary, the real-world conditions under which many of these decisions are made raise serious ethical concerns. Patients have increasingly reported seeking MAiD due to poverty, homelessness, mental illness, or chronic but non-terminal suffering. When essential care is delayed or denied, and when death is positioned as the one guaranteed option, consent begins to look less like a choice and more like surrender. In 2022, a Canadian Forces veteran suffering from PTSD and a traumatic brain injury approached Veterans Affairs for help. Instead of receiving mental health support, he was offered MAiD. A woman named Denise, suffering from multiple chemical sensitivities, chose MAiD because she could not find safe housing. She was not terminally ill, but her pleas for accommodation went unanswered. A man with a degenerative brain condition applied for MAiD after struggling to get the in-home care he needed. His doctor admitted that with proper support, he would not have sought death. A 51-year-old woman with long COVID applied due to unrelenting pain and fatigue. She said she would have preferred to live, but her condition had become intolerable without treatment options. Roger Foley, a man with a neurological condition, recorded hospital staff suggesting assisted death would cost less than long-term care. A woman with scoliosis and fibromyalgia applied after she could no longer afford her medications. Poverty, not disease, drove her request. A homeless man in Ontario with schizophrenia requested MAiD, saying he could not bear another...

In this episode of Believe. Behave. Become., we sit down with Sarah Nigro, Senior Vice President of Partnerships at BetterRx, alongside John Gochnour, to explore what it truly means to ascend together through purpose-driven partnership.Recorded live at the Pennant Group Annual Meeting, this conversation dives into the evolving relationship between The Pennant Group and BetterRx—one built not on transactions, but on trust, shared goals, and a commitment to delivering life-changing care.Sarah shares her deeply personal journey into post-acute care, revealing how experiencing hospice firsthand reshaped her purpose and ignited a passion for improving the end-of-life experience for patients and families. From that foundation, the discussion expands into leadership—how great leaders anchor in their “why,” lead with empathy, and empower others to grow.Together, the group explores the future of healthcare partnerships, the role of innovation and data integration in improving outcomes, and the urgent need to educate communities about hospice care. At its core, this episode is about more than strategy—it's about people, purpose, and building relationships that elevate care and leadership at every level.Key Takeaways:Purpose Fuels LeadershipPartnership > Vendor RelationshipsLeadership is Rooted in EmpathyTechnology Should Enable Care, Not Complicate ItThe Future Requires Connected SystemsGreat Organizations Stay Humble and Hungry

Mason is joined by Su'a Cravens again LIVE from the Pechanga Charity Golf Tournament! The crew tip off the show with the Lakers dropping game one last night vs the Thunder. Did Austin Reaves cost himself money last night? Ireland checks into the show LIVE from OKC! Ice Breakers! The crew is joined by special guest, Dr. Leslee Cochrane, Medical Director for Hospice of the Valleys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us Fan MailIn Part One of Healthcare Leaders Break Down Hospice Reform, Medicare & Quality Care, Chris Comeaux sits down with nationally respected healthcare leaders Tom Koutsoumpas, Founder & CEO of NPHI  and Carole Fisher, President of NPHI to explore the evolving future of hospice, palliative care, Medicare oversight, and the growing demand for quality-driven, compassionate healthcare leadership. Together, they unpack the growing challenges facing end-of-life care — from fraud and benefit manipulation to the urgent need for quality transparency and authentic patient-centered care.  Drawing on decades of leadership experience, the guests explore how nonprofit hospice organizations are redefining quality while advocating for compassion, integrity, and trust across the healthcare continuum.  The discussion also dives into the emotional and cultural barriers surrounding hospice conversations, the importance of introducing palliative care earlier in serious illness, and why communication remains one of the most powerful tools in healthcare leadership. Through personal stories, policy insights, and candid reflections, Tom and Carole reveal how mission-driven organizations are creating calm and clarity for patients and families during life's most vulnerable moments.  This episode offers healthcare leaders, hospice professionals, and nonprofit executives a timely and inspiring look at where serious illness care is headed — and what it will take to protect its future.  Key TakeawaysHospice leaders are pushing back against fraud, abuse, and “benefit manipulation” that prioritize profits over patient care.  Earlier integration of palliative care can build trust with patients and families before hospice services are needed.  One of hospice care's greatest challenges remains overcoming public fear and misunderstanding surrounding death and end-of-life conversations.  Nonprofit hospice organizations continue to lead in quality outcomes, staffing, patient support services, and community-based care.  Quality transparency, collaboration, and meaningful data sharing are becoming essential for the future of healthcare and hospice reimbursement.  

Hospice providers remain under heavy scrutiny, with prepayment audit and other audit activity on the rise. Unified Program Integrity Contractors (UPICs) historically conducted post-payment reviews. However, over the last six months, they have joined Medicare Administrative Contractors in reviewing claims on a prepayment basis. In this episode, Husch Blackwell's Bryan Nowicki and Zaina Niles discuss this new type of UPIC audit and what your hospice can expect if a UPIC picks you.

Dr. John Di Camillo – president of The National Catholic Bioethics Center – joins Trending with Timmerie. Episode Guide What does dying as a Catholic look like? Why physician-assisted suicide misses the mark (2:46) Euthanasia (23:31) Hospice and palliative care (33:17) Where to find clean makeup (43:23) Why have a feast day for work? St. Joseph the Worker (45:00) Tomorrow on Trending (50:01) Resources mentioned: National Catholic Bioethics Center https://www.ncbcenter.org/ Catholic Legacy https://catholiclegacy.com/ Clean makeup brands: Beautycounter (now “Counter”): https://www.counter.com/ 100% Pure: https://www.100percentpure.com/ Crunchi: https://crunchi.com

In this week's Fraud Friday, Laci is joined by Matt Apodaca (Get Played Podcast) to discuss how Marsha Farmer, a hospice worker, contributed to massive fraud practices in Mississippi. Plus, a former officer from the Johnson County Sheriff's office in Kansas was caught trying to scam a store out of nearly $400 worth of Pokémon cards. Stay Schemin'! (Originally Released 01/16/2023)   CW: Mention of wrongful death and Malpractice   Follow on Instagram: Scam Goddess Pod: @scamgoddesspod Laci Mosley: @divalaci Matt Apodaca: @mattapodaca   Research by Kaelyn Brandt   SOURCES: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/12/05/how-hospice-became-a-for-profit-hustle https://www.kgns.tv/content/news/Former-Rio-Bravo-mayor-and-others-found-guilty-oin-150-million-scheme-564587861.html https://kotaku.com/pokemon-cards-scam-police-cop-caught-kansas-card-box-1849778286 Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Scam Goddess ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Federal and state authorities report investigating hospice and home health care fraud in California, primarily involving Medicare and Medicaid billing. A federal anti‑fraud task force, formed in mid‑March, is described as coordinating with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to identify providers showing indicators of improper billing. According to figures cited, hundreds of hospice providers and several dozen home health agencies in California have had payments suspended while investigations are ongoing, involving an estimated hundreds of millions of dollars in suspended or questioned claims. A significant portion of the flagged providers are located in Los Angeles County, with authorities citing patterns such as unusually high billing volumes, shared addresses among many licensed hospices, and lack of evidence of active operations. Law enforcement actions mentioned include search warrants, arrests, and criminal charges against individuals accused of submitting fraudulent claims for hospice services that were allegedly unnecessary or not provided. Investigators allege some schemes involved: Enrolling beneficiaries who did not meet hospice eligibility criteria Billing for “phantom” patients or services Using stolen or improperly obtained personal information Operating multiple hospice entities from the same physical location California state officials and the state Department of Justice are reported to be conducting hundreds of active investigations, sometimes in coordination with federal agencies such as the FBI and CMS. State audits and prior investigations had previously flagged weaknesses in licensing oversight, including multiple providers sharing addresses, insufficient inspections, and limited enforcement capacity. Proposed or mandated regulatory reforms discussed include: Enhanced background checks for hospice operators Restrictions on multiple hospice licenses at a single address Increased on‑site inspections Stronger pre‑licensing verification requirements Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.