Podcasts about nhpco

Send us a textIn this episode, Transcend Chief Strategy Officer Tony Kudner sits down with Kate Proctor, executive advisor to  the National Alliance for Care at Home and chief strategy officer and general counsel at Omnia Healthcare Group. They talk about risk management for marketing home-based care and hospice, and get the latest on the merger between NAHC and NHPCO. 

Send us a textHospice News editor Jim Parker has been covering the hospice and palliative care community with depth and nuance since the outlet was founded in 2019. The industry has seen enormous change over that time – from M&A, to program integrity, to growth in the space – and Hospice News has been an informative source for leaders across the country. In this episode of Transcending Home Care, Tony Kudner sat down with Jim Parker at the NHPCO (now National Alliance for Care at Home) annual leadership conference to hear how he came to be the editor at Hospice News, and discuss some of their most-covered stories as well as what the future might hold for hospice.

Tune in to the second episode in the Regulatory & Legislative miniseries focusing on palliative care! Listeners will hear a brief recap of the palliative care landscape before diving into actionable tips for providers with returning guest Rory Farrand, VP of Palliative and Advanced Care for NHPCO. From operators and clinicians with an existing program to those looking to start a new service line, Farrand covers how to operate effectively in the current environment and how to prepare for what the future may hold. As always, let us know what you think by emailing podcast@nhpco.org.

Join us for an enlightening exploration of the latest advancements in hospice and palliative care. Discover the heartfelt stories of D-Day veterans, the remarkable journey of a terminally ill teen who became an honorary sheriff, and the impactful efforts of U.S. Representative Elizabeth Ann Van Duyne in combating hospice fraud. We also discuss the pressing issues surrounding advanced care planning for late-stage cancer, the increasing mental distress among older adults, and a critical report on Medicare and the healthcare delivery system.Our conversation goes further into the evolving landscape of hospice care, examining the impact of Medicare Advantage plans, the growth of Silverstone Health, and significant ownership changes in California hospices. Learn about the collaborative affiliations between NOC and NHPCO, the Medisys divestiture, and the bold suggestion to abolish the 5% volunteer rule in hospices. We also highlight the importance of caring for LGBTQ+ patients and expand on Community Hospice's recent growth efforts, while considering the influence of private equity on hospice valuations.Delve into technology's transformative role in healthcare, from addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in rural hospitals to the ethical implications of AI in hospice care. Hear thought-provoking discussions on the mental health challenges faced by hospice staff and the rising concern of CEO burnout in the healthcare industry. Finally, find motivation to embrace life changes, with inspiring insights on the joy of vacations and the perfect timing for new beginnings. This episode is packed with valuable information and heartfelt stories that will resonate deeply with hospice and palliative care leaders and staff.The conversation concludes with another of Mark Cohen's Master Classes on marketing, communications, and public relations tips, tactics and strategies.Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN/TCGGuest: Mark Cohen, Strategic Communications Consultant/Cohen-Fyfe Communicationshttps://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/top-news-stories-of-the-month-june-2024Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The third episode in our Quality miniseries focuses on Datasets. NHPCO is committed to continuous quality improvement; increasingly in our technology forward environment, data collection, access, and analysis play critical roles in ensuring the provision of care that meets or exceeds national standards. Host Elyssa Katz is joined by NHPCO VP of Quality, Aparna Gupta, and NHPCO Quality Data Analyst, Tej Chana, to discuss the role of data and benchmarking, the various datasets available to providers, and how to glean practical information that your organization can apply from these datasets. Have a question you'd like to see answered in a future episode? Reach out to podcast@nhpco.org. Thanks for listening!

In the first episode of our Quality miniseries, host Elyssa Katz is joined by NHPCO's Senior Director of Quality, Sarah Simmons, and Manager of Public Affairs, Madison Summers to cover all things workforce and staffing in the provider community. They uncover and provide legislative and practical resource-based solutions for many of the pressing workforce challenges providers face today – competition for skilled hospice and palliative staff, creative and effective staffing models, keeping up with compensation pressures, and clinicians entering the workforce with little to no hospice and palliative care exposure. Have a question you'd like to see answered in a future episode? Reach out to podcast@nhpco.org. Thanks for listening!

Over the course of 10 episodes, this season will focus on Expanding Access to Equitable, High-Quality Care, approaching the topic through three unique miniseries: Quality, Regulation and Legislation, and Communication and Education. We'll tap into expertise from NHPCO staff and members of the broader serious-illness care community. On today's episode, previous and current hosts – Madison Summers, Manager of Public Affairs, and Elyssa Katz, Manager of Marketing and Communications, respectively – sit down to introduce the new season, provide an overview of the three miniseries to come, and offer a sneak preview of some of NHPCO and the Hospice Action Networks' top legislative focuses this year. Have a question you'd like to see answered in a future episode? Reach out at podcast@nhpco.org. Thanks for listening!

Judi Lund Person, former vice president of regulatory and compliance at NHPCO, shares her journey into the hospice industry and her passion for ensuring patients and families receive the care they need and want.Judi emphasizes the importance of addressing bad hospice care and uncovering fraud and abuse in the industry.  She discusses the proposed changes in the 2025 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Conditions, including the implementation of the HOPE tool and the revised hospice cap survey.  Also, Judi highlights the sunset of the VBID demonstration and the need to focus on accountable care organizations and quality reporting.The conversation concludes with a focus on the importance of putting patients and families at the center of hospice and palliative care.  The discussion highlights the need for personalized care and the role of volunteers in providing support. The conversation also touches on the potential for innovation and collaboration with Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.  The wage index and its impact on hospice reimbursement rates are discussed, along with the potential for value-based purchasing arrangements in the future.TakeawaysEnsure patients and families receive the care they need and want.Address bad hospice care and uncover fraud and abuse in the industry.Stay informed about proposed changes in the 2025 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Conditions.Prepare for the implementation of the HOPE tool and revised hospice cap survey.Stay engaged with accountable care organizations and quality reporting Patients and families should be the focus of hospice and palliative care, with personalized care tailored to their needs.Volunteers play a crucial role in providing support and should be integrated into hospice programs.There is potential for innovation and collaboration with Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans to improve care delivery.The wage index and its impact on reimbursement rates for hospice services should be carefully considered.Value-based purchasing arrangements may be a future direction for hospice care.This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and boards of hospice and palliative care organizations. Here's a great quote from the discussion: “You never know when something you do or somebody you talk to changes the course of your life."  Join us, this is timely and relevant. https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/judi-lund-person-unleashedTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Take a first look at the Fiscal Year 2025 Hospice Wage Index Rule with the unparalleled insights of industry authorities Katie Wehri (NAHC) and Patrick Harrison (NHPCO). Our conversation slices through the complexity to deliver a focused commentary on what this proposed rule signifies for hospice care providers, highlighting the rule's unexpected early release and the notable absence of anticipated program integrity proposals. We delve into the ramifications of the missing measures and the adaptability required in the wake of this development. The advent of the HOPE assessment tool is scrutinized as it transitions from a patient-centric assessment to a pivotal data collection asset, with an eye on the nuances of its rollout.The hospice community stands at the precipice of change with the Medicare Advantage hospice component sunset within the VBID model by CMS. We dissect the repercussions of this pivot from earlier value-based system inclinations and emphasize the balance between cautious optimism and the realities of the evolving healthcare system. The episode also honors the dedication of hospice workers amid workforce tribulations and increased CMS scrutiny, championing a dual focus on patient care and compliance. We invite our listeners to deepen their engagement with this critical dialogue by leveraging resources such as NHPCO and NAHC, and by partaking in informative webinars that illuminate the path ahead. Your involvement and feedback are the heartbeat of our community, and we're thankful for every clinician's commitment to excellence in hospice care.Upcoming Events:NHPCO's Focusing on Opportunities and Challenges on the Front Lines - click here to register Visit our websiteConnect with us - LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, FacebookMake Lives Better

In the last several years, I've seen more and more articles about end-of-life doulas (like this NY Times article from 2021). Despite this, in my 20-year career as a palliative care physician, I have yet to see a death doula in the wild. I'm unsure what they do, how often they're used, and who pays for their work. So, on today's podcast, we try to get to the bottom of what exactly is an end-of-life doula. We've invited two death doulas, Jane Euler and John Loughnane (who is also a family doc and palliative care physician), to talk about the role of a doula at the end of life.  We also invited Beth Klint to speak about the doula's role within a traditional hospice organization. Why Beth?  In addition to being a palliative and hospice RN, she is the Executive Director for Goodwin Hospice, a large non-profit hospice that added end-of-life doula care to their services in collaboration with Jane and John's doula organization, Present for You. If you are interested in learning more about death doulas, check out the following links Goodwin Hospice's article on the collaboration with Present for You A HospiceNews article talking about the value proposition of death doulas for hospices NHPCO's End-of-Life Doula Council page that includes a lot of great links  

In this episode I answer the following question from a listener.Hi, any chance of getting a podcast on Service Failures?  I've been in hospice for around two years.  I hear the term thrown around, but can't quite grasp all the details.  I don't see any podcasts or blog posts around this subject, but I suspect the knowledge would be quite valuable.Thanks,JadeI answer Jade's question in two parts. I start by addressing Medicare's Conditions of Participation for all hospice providers. For the second half I address service failures in general and how they relate to each hospice provider's philosophy of care.The Medicare COPs I review are the following.Election of hospice benefitThe IDG/IDTAdmissionsDischarge TypesFace-to-face requirementsIndividualized care plans24 Hour Nursing ServicesThe 4 Levels of CareFor agency philosophy we review the following areas that could result in service failures.Visit frequenciesMedication RefillsSuppliesCalling 911Patient dies in discomfortOn-CallAnything that the patient perceives as a failureI also promise to provide the NHPCO overview of the Medicare Conditions of Participation. You can download the COPs HERE.==============================As always, don't forget to call, text or email to leave feedback! I would love to hear from you!816-834-9191James@confessionsofahospicenurse.net==============================Be sure to check out thehospicenursingcommunity.com for extra content as well as hope, help and encouragement from other hospice nurses just like you!

Welcome back to the NHPCO Podcast! It's hard to believe that we've reached the end of season 2 already. Thank you for listening and supporting us along the way.  On today's episode, Madison is joined by NHPCO's Director of Education, Sarah Bal, and Manager of Member Engagement, Carla Smith, to learn about the many offerings that members can take advantage of including webinars, MyNHPCO Chats, and IDC and ALC 2024.  Until next season! For updates on the NHPCO-NAHC collaboration, please visit: https://www.nhpco.org/nahc-collaboration/ 

On today's episode, Melinda Gruber, Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and Ken Albert, Chairman of the Board for the National Association for Home Care and Hospice Chair, join the podcast to discuss the future of both organizations and the continuum of care. Tune in to learn more about the affiliation between both orgs and what next steps lie ahead in 2024. For more information, please visit: https://www.nhpco.org/nahc-collaboration/

The holiday season is typically seen as a time of joy, connection, and celebration of traditions with family and friends. But for many, it's also a time of grief as we reflect on those who are no longer with us. On today's episode, Madison is joined by Dora Carpenter, founder of the Institute of Professional Grief Coaching and NHPCO colleague, Elyssa Katz, to discuss the ways in which we can honor our grief and be there for others as they work through their loss during this emotional time of year. Have a topic you'd like to hear covered on the NHPCO Podcast? Email podcast@nhpco.org  

On today's episode, Madison is joined once more by NHPCO's VP of Policy and Government Relations, Logan Hoover plus a new addition to the NHPCO team, Patrick Harrison, Senior Director of Regulatory and Compliance, to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing the hospice community in 2024: the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Special Focus Program (SFP). Enacted under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the SFP aims to increase oversight of hospices which have substantially failed to meet Medicare program requirements. However, despite concerns raised by key stakeholders including members of Congress, technical expert panel participants, and hospice community leaders, CMS is moving forward with a program based on a flawed methodology which may not accurately identify poor performing hospices. Tune in to learn more about what's being done to attempt to change the current SFP algorithm and how providers can advocate for change.      

November is recognized annually as National Veterans and Military Families Month. On today's episode, Madison sits down with Katherine Kemp, NHPCO's Senior Director of Veteran Services and NHPCO member, Shannon Pointer, to discuss the mission of the We Honor Veterans program, the many ways in which hospice providers can recognize local vets in their communities, and the importance of thanking both Veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service. 

Each November, we celebrate National Hospice and Palliative Care Month; a time to honor and recognize the importance of these types of care and engage in courageous conversations with our loved ones and peers. On today's epsiode, Madison sits down with two NHPCO members to discuss their personal hospice stories and how difficult conversations led to their current roles in the hospice field.  Have a question you'd like to see answered on a future episode? Email podcast@nhpco.org 

Description: on today's episode, host Madison Summers sits down with Rory Farrand, NHPCO's VP of Palliative and Advanced Care to discuss the latest developments in the field of palliative care including the community-based demonstration model and reimbursement methods for the interdisciplinary model of care. In Rory's words, “if you've seen one palliative program, you've seen one palliative program!” Tune in to learn more. Have a question you'd like to hear answered on a future episode? Email podcast@nhpco.org 

On today's episode, Madison sits down with Aparna Gupta, NHPCO's VP of Quality, and Sarah Simmons, NHPCO's Director of Quality, to discuss the future of quality measures to ensure the hospice and palliative care community is as equitable and accessible as possible.  Have a question that you'd like to hear discussed on an upcoming episode? Email Madison at podcast@nhpco.org 

What if there was a way to drastically shift the field of dementia care towards more efficient care coordination and equitable health access? This episode features a conversation with Rory Farrand, Vice President for Palliative and Advanced Care at NHPCO, who unpacks the recently released Dementia GUIDE Model by CMS. Listen in as Rory explains the potential this model holds for not just caregivers but also for healthcare-at-home providers.In an engaging and enlightening discussion, Rory highlights the model's focus on reducing fragmentation, building health equity, and the unique incentive it offers for programs to ensure full community representation. She emphasizes how organizations, even those lacking all the model's components, can still participate, fostering partnerships within their communities to provide required services. If your practice revolves around dementia care or if you're simply a caregiver seeking to enhance the quality of life for your loved ones, this episode offers valuable insights into a game-changing approach that could significantly benefit you. Tune in and consider how you can apply it to your unique circumstances.

On today's episode, Madison sits down with Logan Hoover, NHPCO's VP of Policy and Government Relations, to discuss the current policy priorities for the hospice and palliative care community. Tune in to learn more about expanding telehealth flexibilities through the CONNECT for Health Act, the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) which would help address the growing workforce, and the Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act which aims to create a demonstration project within Medicare to allow palliative care to be covered concurrently with curative treatment. Have a question you'd like to hear addressed on a future episode? Email Madison at podcast@nhpco.org 

Welcome back to the NHPCO Podcast! After a hiatus, we are back with a new season and a new host, Madison Summers.  Over the course of 10 episodes, this season will focus on the evolution of the Hospice Benefit, tapping NHPCO staff and members for their expertise in the field and at the national level.  On today's episode, Madison sits down with NHPCO COO and Interim CEO, Ben Marcantonio, to discuss the origin of the benefit and where we're headed next as a community including program integrity efforts, changes in the prognosis and models of care, and the importance of unity. Have a question you'd like to see answered on a future episode? Reach out at podcast@nhpco.org  Thanks for listening!

The Truth About Becoming a Certified Death Doula There is a worldwide global movement going on and it is known as the Death Doula. Just like birthing doulas that care for and guide a baby into this world, there are now Death Doulas that are guiding people out of the world! In this episode of Ask a Death Doula, I will share with you the truth about becoming a Death Doula and what you need to know when deciding if this profession is the right path for you. Death is having a rebirth! We have been dying for thousands of years. However, it is only in the last century that we have completely removed the natural life experience of death from our awareness. Death is not a medical experience - it is a human one. Hospice is a beautiful model of care, but unfortunately the present model of hospice has many “gaps” and is not working well for most patients and families. There is a need for additional support from trained and knowledgeable professionals in this space of end of life care.   In This Episode, You Will Learn:  What is a Death Doula? The Death Doula Movement What do Death Doulas Do? Why Do We Need Death Doulas if We Have Hospice Care? Does Hospice Approve of Death Doulas? What Type of Holistic Support do Death Doulas Provide?  How to Know if Being a Death Doula is Right for You?  How to Pick The Best Training for You When Becoming a Death Doula Where Do Death Doulas Work? 10) How Much Do Death Doulas Get Paid?   Click Here to Listen and Spread the Word! Links Mentioned in This Episode: FREE DEATH DOULA TRAINING JUlY 20th 7pm ET Click here Learn More About Hospice Care: Click here to get your copy of the The Doulagivers Hospice Handbook: https://training.doulagivers.com/offers/TELMrnSe/checkout    NHPCO's End of Life Doula Council: Click here NEDA National End of Life Doula Alliance Click here Learn How to Care For Someone Who is Dying: Free 90 Minute Webinar Register here: Save Your seat here Learn More: Doulagivers Institute Click here: https://www.doulagivers.com P.S. I will be giving a FREE COPY of the Doulagivers Hospice Handbook to everyone that shows up LIVE to the FREE Doulagivers 90-Minute Level 1 End of Life Doula Live Webinar Training Thursday, July 20th at 7pm ET! Please make sure to share this podcast with at least three of your friends! P.P.S. This will be the last webinar that we will be offering the CEOLD Certified End of Life Doula Training as a stand alone program. Join here Please share this podcast with others and Spread the Word of this global community! This is how we change the end of life- together. xo Suzanne

1 in 4 Medicare hospice patients is a military veteran. Frederick Health Hospice is going the extra mile to meet the unique needs of veterans at the end of life. While Frederick focuses on care, comfort, and hope, they also focus on the needs of U.S. veterans in their community. Executive director Carlos Graveran, a veteran himself, created a Hospice Veteran Liaison position to provide more robust care for military veterans in the Maryland community. Army Veteran Eric Jorgensen serves in the Hospice Liaison position. As veterans, both Carlos and Eric understand the importance of recognizing the experiences of the patients and the needs of their caregivers. According to the Frederick Health Hospice website, the agency provides: Providing information about state and VA benefits such as Aid and Attendance, pensions, cemeteries, monuments and military honorsAssistance in obtaining discharge documents, records, medals and awardsRecognition ceremony that includes presentation of a certificate of appreciation and veteran pinVisits from veteran volunteers The Veteran Liaison is critical in educating the hospice interdisciplinary team about the specific issues a veteran might be dealing with, including guilt, anger, PTSD, regret, and survivor's guilt. With 25% of all Medicare hospice patients being military veterans, knowing how to provide compassionate and respectful care should be top priority for all hospice agencies in the U.S.  Connect with Frederick health Hospice at frederickhealthhospice.org. Learn more about the We Honor Veterans program from NHPCO at wehonorveterans.org. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com.  Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiving podcasts by clicking here.  Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart ofHospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)    

1 in 4 Medicare hospice patients is a military veteran.  Frederick Health Hospice is going the extra mile to meet the unique needs of veterans at the end of life.  While Frederick focuses on care, comfort, and hope, they also focus on the needs of U.S. veterans in their community.  Executive director Carlos Graveran, an Army veteran himself, created a Hospice Veteran Liaison position to provide more robust care for military veterans in the Maryland community. Navy Veteran Eric Jorgensen serves in the Hospice Liaison position. As veterans, Carlos and Eric understand the importance of recognizing the patients' experiences and their caregivers' needs.  According to the Frederick Health Hospice website, the agency provides: Providing information about state and VA benefits such as Aid and Attendance, pensions, cemeteries, monuments, and military honors Assistance in obtaining discharge documents, records, medals, and awards Recognition ceremony that includes presentation of a certificate of appreciation and veteran pin Visits from veteran volunteers The Veteran Liaison is critical in educating the hospice interdisciplinary team about the specific issues a veteran might be dealing with, including guilt, anger, PTSD, regret, and survivor's guilt.  With 25% of all Medicare hospice patients being military veterans, knowing how to provide compassionate and respectful care should be a top priority for all hospice agencies in the U.S.  Connect with Frederick Health Hospice at frederickhealthhospice.org. Learn more about the We Honor Veterans program from NHPCO at wehonorveterans.org. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com.  Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook,  Instagram, and LinkedIn.  Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiving podcasts by clicking here.  Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)          

1 in 4 Medicare hospice patients is a military veteran. Frederick Health Hospice is going the extra mile to meet the unique needs of veterans at the end of life. While Frederick focuses on care, comfort, and hope, they also focus on the needs of U.S. veterans in their community. Executive director Carlos Graveran, a veteran himself, created a Hospice Veteran Liaison position to provide more robust care for military veterans in the Maryland community. Army Veteran Eric Jorgensen serves in the Hospice Liaison position. As veterans, both Carlos and Eric understand the importance of recognizing the experiences of the patients and the needs of their caregivers. According to the Frederick Health Hospice website, the agency provides: Providing information about state and VA benefits such as Aid and Attendance, pensions, cemeteries, monuments and military honorsAssistance in obtaining discharge documents, records, medals and awardsRecognition ceremony that includes presentation of a certificate of appreciation and veteran pinVisits from veteran volunteers The Veteran Liaison is critical in educating the hospice interdisciplinary team about the specific issues a veteran might be dealing with, including guilt, anger, PTSD, regret, and survivor's guilt. With 25% of all Medicare hospice patients being military veterans, knowing how to provide compassionate and respectful care should be top priority for all hospice agencies in the U.S.  Connect with Frederick health Hospice at frederickhealthhospice.org. Learn more about the We Honor Veterans program from NHPCO at wehonorveterans.org. Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com.  Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiving podcasts by clicking here.  Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart ofHospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Join us for a thought-provoking episode of the CHAPcast, where our host Jennifer Kennedy sits down with Katie Wehri of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) and Judi Lund Person of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Together, they dive deep into the topic of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) coming to an end and discuss the implications for providers of care in the home.Register Now! This two-and-a-half-day workshop will focus on giving you all the tools you need for operational excellence with a goal of patient-centered care. This is a hands-on, skill-based workshop that is focused in on the Hospice industry and has a tailored approach to increasing agency success. Learn more about Age-Friendly Health Care Connect with us - LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook Leave us a Google Review Subscribe to our emails Visit our website

Join the FREE Hospice of Green Country event with Suzanne B. O'Brien RN on October 26th at 6pm EST Below!   Register Here: https://forms.hospiceofgreencountry.org/october-26th-suzanne-obrien-rn/   If your loved one got a terminal diagnosis today, would you know how to care for them?   Unfortunately most people would answer no.   Most end of life experiences are NOT going well today, and it is the lack of understanding about the natural process of end of life and the lack of skills on how to care for someone who is dying that is the main missing piece.   Doulagivers International has created a global platform to change that and it is offered for FREE!!!!   We have been dying for thousands of years, it is only in the last 100 that we have become so far removed from the awareness of death being a natural, sacred part of life's journey. In this episode, you'll hear about how Doulagivers is “filling the gap” between families and hospice care to provide the answer to a fragmented medical system and allow patients and families the best opportunity to have a positive passing. And for those of you who are caught in the same place and don't know the skills on how to care for someone at the end of life — don't fret, because we have a free live online training for you right around the corner!  (Take the End of Life Doula Training)     About Suzanne B. O'Brien RN Suzanne B. O'Brien RN is an award winning hospice and oncology nurse and proud founding member of NHPCO's ( National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization) End of Life Doula Council. A Council advancing Doulagivers/Death Doulas and Hospice Care to provide the best possible support to both patients and families. The Perfect Storm: 9 out of 10 people want to be cared for at home when terminally ill. Death is the number 1 fear in the world. People come on hospice services very late in their process. It is a culmination of these factors that are heavily contributing to end of life not going well for most. It is time to change that. As a former hospice and oncology nurse, who has had the honor and privilege to have worked with over 1,000 people at the end of life, I can tell you that the answer to end of life not going well is to bring back the truth about death (how it is a natural and sacred experience) and to teach family caregivers the skill of how to care for someone who is dying  BEFORE they ever need it. 80%-90% of a positive end of life is planning ahead: Learning the skills on how to care for someone who is dying changes everything. If you answered “I don't know how,” then read on - because I'm here to share with you the inspiring story of how Doulagivers is working with hospices to “Fill the Gap” in mainstream medical care so that every person has an opportunity to have a “Good Death.”   I know what it's like to feel scared and unprepared to care for your loved one at the end of life. I work with families on this everyday. It does not need to be this way. There is free training and support that is available to you right now. Do not wait until it is too late.

In this podcast, Edo Banach, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, talked about the positive and negative aspects of the proposed hospice payment rule for fiscal year 2023. He also addressed growing support for the community palliative care benefit and the government's concerns regarding hospices' long lengths of stay and high discharge rates. Banach advised members “to do the best job they can do at delivering the benefit every day” and said those hospices dedicated to bereavement services rise above the rest.Follow us on social media:Twitter: @McKHomeCareFacebook: McKnight's Home CareLinkedIn: McKnight's Home CareInstagram: mcknights_homecare

This week, Sah welcomes conscious actress, advocate, philanthropist, and producer Torrey Joël  DeVitto, who recently wrapped her incredible six season run on the NBC drama, “Chicago Med.” While she may be best known for her roles in the CW's, “Vampire Diaries” and “One Tree Hill” as well as ABC Family's hit show, “Pretty Little Liars,” she is currently making an impact off screen as well. As an advocate for women's safety, health and rights, she is working on the board of directors with SafeBae, is a spokesperson and ambassador for the NHPCO, on the leadership council for RAINN, and works with young women in juvenile detention centers. She is also an advocate for animals and regularly supports organizations such as PETA and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and maintains a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle. Throughout the years of her adult life, wellness has been a common theme for Torrey, balancing her busy acting career with her philanthropic work and personal practices in alternative medicine, veganism and holistic wellness. Torrey incorporates consciousness into every aspect of her life from her cruelty-free makeup choices, to vegan fashion and eco-conscious sustainability. With her spirituality, Torrey is also a yogi, and she has become certified in reiki, the akashic records, and recently started a course in astrology, taking her practice to a new level. @torreydevitto: https://www.instagram.com/torreydevitto/?hl=enIn this episode, Sah and Torrey discuss...Significant moments in life that changed the trajectory of Torrey's inner worldForgiveness and the law of karmaSurrendering to God and the Universe for the highest goodTorrey leads us through her full surrender process and morning prayerTorrey's extensive advocacy work with womenThe Akashic records: what they are and how they've impacted Torrey's lifeActing as a spiritual toolTorrey's wild mystical experiencesand more....✨✨✨Join Sah for a transformative, immersive Sah Method Spiritual Dance retreat in 2022!Spiritually Sassy: An Immersive 5-Day Sah Method Dance Retreat at Omega Institute in upstate New York, June 19-24: https://bit.ly/3pTHY5tSpiritual Dance: An Immersive 8-Day Sah Method Retreat in Mykonos, Greece, October 8-15: https://travelgems.com/tour-item/spiritual-dance-an-immersive-sah-method-retreat/ ✨✨✨Get more Sah in your life:

The next episode of our podcast, Elevate, is now available! COVID-19 has left little untouched in its wake as the deadly virus continues its global spread. Nearly three years later into a public health emergency, the pandemic rages on with financial, regulatory and operational impacts sweeping through the industry. Reporter Holly Vossel sits down with Edo Banach, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) to take a closer look at how hospices are navigating pandemic-related headwinds on the horizon in this 15th episode of the Hospice News Elevate podcast. Subscribe to the Elevate Podcast to be notified when new episodes are released. Listen today!

The tenth episode of our podcast, Elevate, is now available! The COVID-19 pandemic has created tremendous disruption in the hospice space, including in the regulatory arena. In this episode of Hospice News Elevate podcast, reporter Holly Vossel talks with Judi Lund Person of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization about the impact of the pandemic on the regulatory and payment landscape. Subscribe to the Elevate Podcast to be notified when new episodes are released. Listen today!

Barbara Karnes, American Hospice Pioneer, award winning nurse who wrote Gone From My Sight, and NHPCO Hospice Innovator Award winner, shares her life's journey that grew her into the advocate and leader she is today. It's a wonderful story that transitions us into the wealth of knowledge she has for caregivers and grief. She provides useful tips that is sure to resonate with you or those who are looking to learn along with us. Check out her famous book and new resources on her website and Instagram!

Edo Banach is the President and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Edo joins How We Got Here for a conversation about hospice including its origins and why misconceptions about it persist. He also talks about where his passion for community-based support comes from and reflects on an end-of-life experience he was a part of that had a profound impact on his life. Edo, Chris, and Christina share what song they'd each like to hear at the end of their lives. Edo discusses three steps that can be taken to address gaps in hospice care delivery. Click here to learn more about NHPCO. This season of How We Got Here is sponsored by Anthem.

In today's episode, we turn the tables and interview Edo Banach, President and CEO of NHPCO to get his insight on the past year, all of it's challenges and opportunities and what we can do now and look forward to in the year to come.

It's hard to know which hospice agency will provide the best care for you or someone you love.  When you're having to hospice shop, using the Helpline from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization is a great way to find an agency in your area.  The NHPCO website can help you ask the right questions to partner with an agency that will be a good fit. Read more about finding a hospice agency that's right for you at https://www.nhpco.org/patients-and-caregivers/about-hospice-care/choosing-a-hospice/ or calling 1-800-568-8898.  The Heart of Hospice website has more resources for you, including information on advance care planning, self care, and hospice care 101.  Email your questions to us at host@theheartofhospice.com - we'll be sure to send a personal reply.  No matter who you are, or where you are in your hospice journey, you are The Heart of Hospice.

Another great resource from NHPCO!  Whether you need information on choosing a hospice, advance planning, or end of life care, caringinfo.org is a great place to find what you need.  The resources are free for hospice consumers and providers.  Some of the articles on caringinfo.org come in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese.  If you've got questions about pediatric hospice or you need to talk with a child about death, you'll find resources to help with those topics, too.  You can find additional resources, support, and encouragement at theheartofhospice.com.  Jerry and Helen are always glad to connect with listeners!  Send us an email with your questions to host@theheartofhospice.com.  And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are in your hospice journey, you are The Heart of Hospice.

Meet Dr. Jennifer Kennedy, Senior Director of Regulatory and Quality for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization!  Jennifer sat down with Helen and Jerry to share her hospice journey, and talk about what we're doing right in end of life care. According to her bio on the NHPCO website, Jennifer has “more than 30 years of diverse healthcare experience with consistently increasing responsibilities in management, education program development, program operation, staff development, continuous quality improvement, regulatory compliance, utilization management, outcomes analysis, public speaking, and program development and implementation. Jennifer has earned a BSN, a duel Master in Case Management and Health Counseling, and a doctoral degree in healthcare education and policy.”  We were honored to hear how Jennifer got her start in hospice, and what she thinks the future looks like for end of life care.  Her passion and dedication to hospice is amazing! Find more about the work of NHPCO at nhpco.org.  You can learn more about The Heart of Hospice and how Jerry and Helen got started in hospice at theheartofhospice.com.  If you'd like to share your hospice journey with us, write us at host@theheartofhospice.com.  We'd love to hear from you - you are The Heart of Hospice! 

To kick off National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, we're talking with Judi Lund Person, BA, MBH, CHC, NHPCO's Vice President, Regulatory and Compliance.  Judi is the voice of NHPCO and hospice providers across the U.S. in discussions with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. According to the NHPCO website, Judi “develops updated tools for hospice providers, including guides to hospice payment rates and wage index values.  She works daily with hospice providers and state hospice organizations on the ever-increasing array of regulatory and compliance issues and translates complex regulatory language into actionable ‘plain English' for hospice providers.”  She's a wonderful part of the NHPCO podcast.  The Heart of Hospice was so glad to sit down with Judi and talk about all things hospice.  You can find more information on the work of NHPCO at nhpco.org.  Check out theheartofhospice.com for more information on end of life care, hospice philosophy, self care, and advance care planning.  Remember, you are The Heart of Hospice!

Hospice billing can be a complicated process to tackle, and just when you figure it out, things change. CMS recently released the Final Rules for Fiscal Year 2020. It features some rebasing of payment for the various hospice levels of care.  The reimbursement for Routine Home Care is going down, while the payments for General Inpatient Care and Continuous Care will have a slight increase.  If you're a hospice professional, you should have the most up-to-date information about the hospice payment structure through Medicare. You can find the details you need to know at https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/fiscal-year-2020-hospice-payment-rate-update-final-rule.  The NHPCO podcast also provided some insight into the Final Rule - check out those episodes at https://www.nhpco.org/?s=final+rule+2020.  You'll find more information about hospice and end of life care at http://www.theheartofhospice.com/.  The Heart of Hospice wants to encourage you in your healthy self care and share information about hospice philosophy.  While you're on the website, you can find more of our podcasts or listen to them on your favorite spot - look for us on Spotify, Apple podcasts, Google Play, iHeartRadio, or Radio.com.  Remember, no matter where you are in your hospice journey, you are The Heart of Hospice!

In this episode the spotlight shines on the National Council of Hospice & Palliative Care Professionals (NCHPP). Through the leadership of the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), the NCHPP provides resources and education to hospice professionals of every discipline.  Membership in the NCHPP is open to professionals or volunteers who work, volunteer or are simply interested in the hospice & palliative care industry. Each discipline-focused section will have monthly educational offerings, including webinars and chats.  Learn more about NCHPP at their website, by simply following this link.  If you visit The Heart of Hospice website you can find several pages of resources about hospice, caregiving, self care for personal and professional caregivers, and advance care planning. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To write to us, simply send an email to host@theheartofhospice.com

One of the most important aspects of hospice is the bereavement care that's provided following the patient's death.  NHPCO has published a new resource to assist bereavement care professionals.   The Guidelines for Bereavement Care “include information on assessment, scope of service, community collaboration, education and competency, an annotated bibliography, a professional competency assessment, and more." The cost is only $36 for non-members, $18 for NHPCO members. Follow this link to learn more.  For more resources about hospice, self care, advanced care planning, and professional development resources, visit our website at www.theheartofhospice.com.   Don't forget that we also have a Facebook page, and you can follow us on Twitter and Instagram.  

Edo Banach, president & CEO of NHPCO, talks about The Heart of Hospice.

When Edo Banach became the president and CEO of the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in 2017, he began touring the country and visiting with hospice providers so that he could learn from them what's good about hospice, and what needs to change.  We had the privilege of spending some time with Edo, and listening to him share his thoughts on what hospice is doing right here in America, and what are some of the things that needs to change so that hospice can provide even better care for those with life-limiting illnesses.   In this episode you will also hear about the unusual thing that Edo does for self care.  Be sure and listen all the way to the end of the episode.  To learn more about NHPCO, simply visit their website.  They also have a podcast, hosted by our friend Jon Radulovic, with Jennifer Kennedy and Judi Lund Person providing information about hospice regulatory and compliance matters.   Visit the Heart of Hospice website to read our weekly blog, and to discover resources about hospice, caregiving, self care, and advance care planning.  

NHPCO CEO & president, Edo Banach, shares his thoughts on changes that are ahead for the hospice industry.  This 1 minute preview is from the complete interview to be published on Friday, June 1.  Like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to be notified when the full interview is available.  The podcast is always available on Apple Podcast, Stitcher Radio, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and Google Play Music.  

Veterans Day 2017 In this Five for Friday episode, Helen & Jerry share the work that many hospices are doing across the United States, to honor the military veterans on hospice.  NHPCO began a program several years ago called "We Honor Veterans."  The purpose of this program is to care for and honor those who have served when they reach the end of life.   On this Veterans Day, 2017, The Heart of Hospice offers our thanks and appreciation to the military veterans who have served our country, whether in peace-time or in conflict.   For more information about "We Honor Veterans" please visit their website at www.wehonorveterans.org.  The Heart of Hospice website has many resources regarding hospice, caregiving, and self care. You can find our website at www.theheartofhospice.com   Please leave a review or a rating on iTunes, and please share this episode on Facebook and Twitter.  Just a few seconds of your time can aid others in finding helpful information about hospice care that can improve their quality of life.     

November is National Hospice & Palliative Care Month in the United States.  The theme for 2017 is "It's about how you live."  To recognize the significance of hospice & palliative care we had the opportunity to interview Jon Radulovic, VP of Communication from the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization.  Jon has worked with hospice organizations for over 20 years, and he shared his observations of the changes that have taken place during those years, and the opportunities that are still ahead.  Jon's personal story of how he came to work in the hospice industry is unique, and yet there are many who will relate to his belief that "if someone had told me I would end up working on behalf of hospice, I would have told you there's no possible way that can happen."  For more information about NHPCO, please visit their website at www.nhpco.org, and to read more about the National Hospice & Palliative Care Month, you can visit www.caringinfo.org. Our website has information and resources about hospice, caregiving and self care at www.theheartofhospice.com.  Be sure and follow us on Facebook and Twitter so that you can receive our regular updates.  

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) is a non-profit advocacy group based in Alexandria, Virginia.  Their mission is to be advocates for terminally ill patients and their families, as well as providing education and training for those who serve terminally ill patients.   In this episode, Helen and Jerry discuss the NHPCO's newest educational venue, the NHPCO podcast.  NHPCO began publishing a podcast in October, 2016 to provide information about pertinent issues that hospices are facing today. Jon Radulovic is the host, and along with Judi Lund Person, and Jennifer Kennedy, they share information about regulatory, compliance and quality topics.   The Heart of Hospice recommends the NHPCO podcast to hospice providers, no matter what your discipline or position.  The information provided through the NHPCO podcast can be invaluable for improving the care given to patients, families and staff.   You can listen to the NHPCO podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play Music, or follow this link to the NHPCO podcast website.  https://www.nhpco.org/regulatory/nhpco-podcast Visit The Heart of Hospice website, www.theheartofhospice.com for more resources and information, and to read our blog.  A new blog is published every Sunday.  You can also connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.  

In this week's Five for Friday episode, Helen tells a personal story related to a recent travel experience.  It's all about the diversity that we find in our world.  As hospice professionals we serve a diverse population.  No 2 people are alike, and we're called upon to serve all of them.  Are we prepared to do that?   For more resources on how to serve the diverse hospice population please visit these organizations: NHPCO.org is the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization in the U.S.  HospiceUK.org serve the hospice community in Great Britain. Healthcarechaplaincy.org offers resources to help serve the diverse religious community.   Don't forget to visit our website at theheartofhospice.com, and also visit our Facebook page and Twitter feed.  Just look for The Heart of Hospice.  

Monday, May 29 is Memorial Day in the United States.  Memorial Day is to honor the brave soldiers who died to secure our freedom.  It's a day to honor their sacrifices.   The Heart of Hospice would like to give recognition to those men and women who have served in our military.  Statistics say that 1 out of 4 dying Americans is a veteran.  We Honor Veterans is a program by the NHPCO that helps hospice organizations identify and recognize the many military veterans who use hospice services.   Helen & Jerry share the many services that the We Honor Veterans program offers.  You can find more information at www.wehonorveterans.org, or check our website at www.theheartofhospice.com