Ep.69

Offering After a Loss Services as a Business with Heather Taylor 

After the loss of a loved one, a multitude of tasks and responsibilities can weigh heavily on the grieving family, adding to the emotional burden they already bear. Amidst the pain and sorrow, there is the need to clean, make funeral arrangements, and fulfill various necessary obligations and funeral logistics. Without adequate support, this period will be stressful since every detail can contribute to the overwhelming nature of grief. That is where after-loss services come in, offering vital assistance during such trying times. Heather Taylor, who joins us in this episode with her wealth of experience in running a similar business, provides invaluable tips and insights for those passionate about helping hurting families or starting such a business.

Heather Taylor, a Canadian nurse with more than 30 years of experience, including 18 years in Michigan, is a dedicated wife and mother. Her career has included a variety of healthcare settings, such as a high-security prison and a cancer care unit, in addition to her role as one of the first nurses at St. Joseph's Hospice. She has also made significant contributions to the West Lambton Community Health Centre and currently works as a Crisis Mental Health Nurse, closely collaborating with law enforcement agencies. Heather's true passion is providing support to families experiencing grief. A decade ago, she earned a certification in understanding and assisting with grief, loss, and bereavement, which led to her establishment of "After a Loss," a business that offers essential support and kindness during individuals' most challenging moments of loss.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Heather Taylor 

[02:08] Meet and greet Heather Taylor and know what has been keeping her busy

[03:44] More about her thanatology classes- Study of death and dying

[08:20] Other avenues she has gone into

[16:20] How After a Loss business operates and the team she works with

[20:19] How Heather gets referrals for these families

[22:07] Heather’s recommendations to anyone who ventures into this business

[26:32] Key differences between an end-of-life coach and a death doula 

[27:10] Her grieving pin and how it came into being

[36:05] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes 

• Education is never a miss. If you are going to do hospice, then credibility through learning is advisable. [05:14] 

• Part of grieving is spending time with the family of a departed soul, helping where we can, and sharing stories of the person who dies. [15:26] 

• When offering after-loss services to someone, trust is a huge thing at the time of grieving. People get vulnerable because this is one of their worst times. [20:58]

Some people do not know whether we are grieving or not. If we can wear a symbol to show that, it can be of great help. Such could be a grieving pin. [28:14]

Let’s Connect

Heather Taylor 

Website: https://grievingpin.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-3404b272/

Marie's Contact:

Marie@HospiceExplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@HospiceEncounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Ep. 80 More Conversation Starters with Cards from The Death Deck

Thank you for listening and I want to remind you coming soon is the Hospice Explained member community

On Hospice Explained Episode # 56 I interviewed Lisa pahl 

Lisa is a social worker and co-creator of The Death Deck and The E•O•L Deck, games that inspire meaningful conversations on what matters most in our lives and in our deaths.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-explained-podcast/id1558665301

If you are interested in Purchasing the Cards: 
Here is my affiliate link https://thedeathdeck.com/?ref=c8is9vi6

( Hospice Explained will get a small Commission if you use this link, Thank You!)

https://thedeathdeck.com/

Marie's Contact:

Interview with Jon Lefrandt from lovealwaysproject.org/ and https://www.forgrief.com/

The Love Always Project is on a mission to encourage people to think more positively and proactively about End-of-Life issues and funeral pre-arrangement.

Jon's Forgrief.com gives expert grief support, honest conversation and heartfelt community. Forgrief.com is meant to help to provide the best resources and information available to make your life easier when it’s often the hardest.

https://www.lovealwaysproject.org/

Instagram: the_love_always_project

Facebook: The love always project

Twitter @thelovealways

Hospice Explained Episode #14 Memorial Service and post Death planner with Bard Shelton.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-explained-podcast/id1558665301?i=1000526222567

Hospice Explained Episode #17 with Barb Shelton explaining the Family Heirloom Record Page & The Memorial and "Post-Death" planner page

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-explained-podcast/id1558665301?i=1000529007234

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://hospiceexplained.com

This is a short discussion regarding Pediatric Hospice.

https://getpalliativecare.org/whatis/pediatric/

https://palliativecare.org.au/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2016/12/20151109_myths_updated.pdf

https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/physical-emotional-and-social-effects-cancer/types-palliative-care

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26333754/

https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/disorders-of-nutrition/nutritional-support/nutritional-support-for-people-who-are-dying-or-severely-demented

https://linktr.ee/HospiceExplained

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://hospiceexplained.com

Ep. 76 Self Care for the Caregiver

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784

Ep.66

Embracing Cannabis Treatment for Hospice Patients with Megan Mbengue BSN, RN, CHPN

Have you ever considered cannabis as part of your loved one’s treatment for their end of life? If not, this episode with Megan Mbengue has all the necessary information. Cannabis may have a role in hospice care for symptom management and improving the quality of life for some patients near the end of life. Products containing both THC and CBD have been used by some hospice patients to help manage pain, especially when other pain medications are not effective or cause undesirable side effects. However, Megan advises that this kind of treatment should be approached with caution, fully considering legal, medical, and ethical factors, and always under healthcare professionals' guidance.  

Megan Mbengue, BSN, RN, CHPN, is the Founder & CEO of Trusted Canna Nurse. She started Trusted Canna Nurse when she realized there were very few medical professionals well-versed in cannabis and CBD, much less someone who knew how to navigate a dispensary. She has been a nurse for over ten years, specializing in oncology, Labor & delivery, and, most recently, hospice & palliative care. Megan has received national certifications in all three specialties and is currently working towards a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics. Megan has done various speaking engagements and received various awards (read about them here). Additionally, Megan is an active member of the following professional organizations: Society of Cannabis Clinicians, Cannabis Nurses Network, and American Cannabis Nurses Association.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Megan Mbengue 

[01:51] Meet and greet Megan Mbengue and know what she does in her space

[02:47] Great resources to research cannabis treatment

[03:42] Megan’s history from hospital nursing to the cannabis space

[06:40] How Megan helps patients

[07:59] Her partners in running the program

[09:14] Megan’s top three health conditions she helps with

[09:44] Cannabis benefits for hospice patients

[11:55] How cannabis treatments help in combating end-of-life anxiety

[15:23] Using cannabis and psychedelics for treatments

[18:56] How micro-dosing could help hospice patients get a greater sense of peace 

[20:26] Is cannabis treatment good for trauma-based patients?

[24:22] Cannabis pet-related products

[25:40] What patients should try first in cannabis treatment

[27:47] Best ways to reach out and connect with Megan

[28:22] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes 

• There’s great information about cannabis. As of 2022, it was the most researched drug worldwide. [02:48]

• Generally, hospice patients can benefit greatly from cannabis treatments in managing the end of life symptoms. This may include managing pain, inflammation leading to the pain, pain perception, and bringing the pain down without sedating the patient as opioids do. [11:44] 

• Terminal agitation is one of the hardest to manage; of all the end-of-life symptoms. [11:56] 

• As somebody approaches their end of life, gaining peace with themselves, their belief system, and others is always golden. [14:10] 

Resources Mentioned

1. Project CBD

2. The Cannigma

3. Ryan’s Law

Let’s Connect

Megan Mbengue

Website: https://www.trustedcannanurse.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-mbengue/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trustedcannanurse/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trustedcannanurse

Marie's Contact:

Marie@HospiceExplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@HospiceEncounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

EP. 44

An In-Depth Discussion of The Admission to Hospice with the RN

Hospice care offers individuals nearing the end of their life a seamless passage into the afterlife. However, many individuals opt for hospice care for their loved ones when it might already be overdue. Hence, the question arises: When is the appropriate time to consider hospice care? What are the noticeable symptoms in a loved one that serve as unmistakable indicators of their impending end of life? Additionally, what essential information should you gather in advance for the hospice nurse's understanding of the patient's needs?

Join today’s episode, where Marie does an in-depth discussion on the information regarding the admission to hospice, the questions, and why they get asked. This is very important information because it gives insights if you have been contemplating whether your family member should be admitted to hospice care. This episode will serve as your ultimate guide.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and what is in for you in today’s episode

[01:05] The key to hospice admissions

[01:33] What the hospice’s admitting nurse looks for in a patient

[01:34] Patient’s personal information

[02:32] The diagnosis of things that made the patient seek hospice care

[06:11] Other general questions hospice nurses may ask concerning a patient

[08:43]  If the patient is falling and the number of occurrences

[09:06] The patient’s appetite

[15:48] Patient’s history of having wounds

[20:10] When should you take your patient for hospice care?

[22:07] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes 

• The admitter RN is the eyes and ears of the hospice provider. They are usually the first people to see the hospice patient. [05:16] 

• Increased falls indicate that things are not well with a hospice patient, which might suggest that things are starting to decline. For an average normal adult, it is not typically easy to fall. [08:52] 

• Difficulties in swallowing are common end-of-life symptoms for hospice patients. [09:35]

• For hospice, the reality is that if the body stops focusing on healing wounds. If you see a lot of non-healing injuries, it is an area of decline for your loved one. [15:34]

Episode #2 Who is on the Hospice Team

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-explained-podcast/id1558665301?i=1000515235697

Episode #3 Equipment

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-explained-podcast/id1558665301?i=1000515664437

Episode #4 Eligibility

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-explained-podcast/id1558665301?i=1000516067276

Episode #32 The Fast & PPS scale

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-explained-podcast/id1558665301?i=1000546284680

Episode #41 Interview w/Justin Chapin PA-C

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-explained-podcast/id1558665301?i=1000559261156

Let’s Connect

Marie's Contact:

Marie@HospiceExplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@HospiceEncounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Hospice End-of-Life Care: Making Death And Dying Conversations Less Scary with Lisa Pahl

When planning care for a loved one in their end-of-life disease progression, talking about death and dying can be scary. Hospice care plays a vital role in end-of-life care, focusing on maximizing comfort and peace for both the individual nearing the end of life and their loved ones. With a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs that arise during this delicate time, hospice care providers offer specialized care to make death and dying less scary and keep your loved one at the most symptom relief they can be to enjoy their days with as much quality as possible. Choosing hospice is not giving up or hastening death. It’s acknowledging the reality of the situation and fostering an atmosphere of comfort, acceptance, and peace. In this episode, Lisa Pahl shares more about hospice care and support and provides valuable strategies to help you facilitate open and safe death and dying conversations to orchestrate the departure your loved one desires in a compassionate way.

Lisa Pahl is a social worker and co-creator of The Death Deck and The E•O•L Deck, games that inspire meaningful conversations on what matters most in our lives and in our deaths. Lisa is also an expert contributor for Help Texts which provides expert grief and mental health support via text messages. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over fifteen years of experience in hospice and emergency medicine, Lisa helps people cope with illness, dying, and grief. With a passionate belief that peace at the end begins with meaningful conversations over time, Lisa engages people in talking about and preparing for this important stage of life.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Lisa Pahl

[01:43] Lisa’s backstory and what she does as a clinical social worker

[02:35] Lisa’s experience in the emergency department for seven years

[04:42] The services Lisa offers in hospice care as a clinical social worker

[07:54] How Lisa helps families make decisions regarding the burial of their loved one

[11:36] About Lisa's products; Death Deck and The E•O•L Deck games

[20:52] How to open up and create a safe space to talk about death and dying

[23:14] The difference between Death Deck and The E•O•L Deck games

[26:36] Lisa’s top questions she wants to be asked as a social worker visiting a home of a hospice patient

[30:14] Lisa’s advice on choosing hospice care to get a little more comfort at end-of-life

[33:24] Help Texts and the support they provide to the caregivers and bereaved

[37:57] The art of practicing talking about death and dying now

[38:36] Wrap-up and end of the show

Notable Quotes 

●      There are different options for burial that may sound unusual, but we should amp up our comfort level with death and the willingness that we have to approach death head-on instead of keeping it in the shadows or like something that should not be discussed. [10:56]

●      Even though people think they don't want to talk about death and dying, most do; once they are given the prompt, permission, and a place to discuss, most people have a lot of thoughts, opinions, beliefs, and stories. [20:10]

●      Most of the time, when people start talking about death and dying, they become eager to talk more about it because usually, we don't give many opportunities to have this conversation. [21:47]

●      When patients and their families are able and willing to acknowledge the reality of the situation, there is so much beauty and a lack of regrets in terms of things being out in the open. [29:18]

●      Choosing hospice is not giving up. It’s not hastening death or doing anything to make death come sooner; it’s keeping a person at home with the most symptom relief they can have to enjoy their days with as much quality as they can have. [31:03]

●      Talking about death and dying takes practice, and it’s much easier to practice now before a diagnostics or a medical crisis of you or your family member so that when that time comes, you have a place to start from, and it doesn't seem so scary. [38:01]

Let’s Connect

Lisa Pahl

Website: www.thedeathdeck.com

https://helptexts.com/

Email: Lisa@thedeathdeck.com

:

113 Personal Stories and Insights into Hospice Care with Jenna Lentz

In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie welcomes Jenna Lentz, a medical assistant with WellSpan in Pennsylvania, to share her personal experiences with hospice care. Jenna recounts the end-of-life journeys of her aunt, grandfather, and grandmother, highlighting the varying levels of hospice involvement and the emotional impacts of each experience. Their conversation covers the importance of compassionate elderly care, the nuances of hospice support, and the concept of 'graduating' from hospice. Jenna's dedication to advocating for respectful and effective end-of-life care is evident as she discusses her commitment to pursuing a career in nursing, specifically in the hospice field.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:29 Meet Jenna Lentz: A Journey into Nursing

01:45 First Hospice Experience: Aunt's Story

02:57 Grandfather's Hospice Journey During COVID

04:05 The Role of Hospice: Myths and Realities

06:22 Grandmother's Struggle with Elder Abuse and Hospice Care

14:58 Jenna's Future in Hospice Nursing

18:21 Conclusion and Call for Stories

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

Ep.84

The Best Death Doula School for Your Training with Kacie Gikonyo

Are you in the hospice space and looking to change your career? Or are you passionate about helping people in their end-of-life season? Becoming a death doula could be your next stop. A death doula, or an end-of-life doula or death midwife, is a trained professional who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals facing terminal illness or death and their loved ones. They are not medical professionals but rather act as guides and companions through this sensitive and significant life transition.

Several organizations offer death doula training programs, both in-person and online. When researching the best death doula school for your training, some things to consider are the cost, accreditation, and a curriculum that covers all the essential topics, such as death and dying, communication, grief and bereavement, and ethical considerations.

In this episode, Kacie Gikonyo, a return guest, joins us to shed more light on her Death Doula School and everything you need to know. Kacie Gikonyo is also the CEO and Founder of End of Life Consulting, a Registered Nurse, Death Doula, and Death Educator. with over 12 years of experience working closely with patients at the end of life. If you come to Kacie’s Death Doula School in person, not only will you get the most comprehensive education out there, but you will also get hands-on clinical experience as well, so that by the time you finish the program, you will be certified. You have everything that you need to go forward with your business.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Kacie Gikonyo

[01:44] Kacie’s newest project- The Death Doula School

[09:37] Are there basic requirements to become a death doula?

[10:37] How long it will take to complete the training program

[12:40] The program’s training on the end-of-life’s paperwork

[13:37] Kacie’s plans on courses that a person may not want

[14:46] Realistic course timelines for those joining online

[15:29] How Kacie is planning to train the attendees on how to make this a business

[18:19] The expected post-course support

[20:00] How about if you have taken another death doula course online?

[21:01] Type of certification to get after the training

[27:03] Best ways to reach out and connect with Kacie

[27:56] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes 

●      In states where medical-aided dying is legal, death doula service is a very significant tool in that whole process. [07:41]

●      We can all take a little bit of education, but it closes the gap when it gets blended with hands-on experience. [08:26]

●      As much as there are no set requirements for one to become a death doula, choosing an appropriate training program is important if you do not have a medical background. [10:03]

●      Part of becoming a successful death doula is getting in front of all the people you want to work with. Once people know who you are, what you are doing, and how you can help, the referrals will start rolling in. [17:02]

Let’s Connect

Kacie Gikonyo

Marie's Contact:

Marie@HospiceExplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@HospiceEncounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

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.

 Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

9 The last weeks and days

In episode 9 of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, an experienced RN, discusses the final few weeks of life in depth and the general symptoms faced by individuals during this time. The comfort kit provided by the hospice team is addressed, listing the common symptoms it targets including pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. The podcast explains diet changes along with appropriate medications. The crucial role of pain medications is highlighted and common misconceptions clarified. Tips for creating a comfortable environment for the patient are shared. The symptoms and struggles of terminal agitation are discussed along with strategies to manage them. The final symptom addressed is the rattling noise caused by the inability to swallow saliva, along with possible medication to help. The concept of a semi comatose state is introduced and the changes in breathing patterns are discussed. The podcast concludes with guidance on handling the aftermath, including grief and bereavement support offered by the hospice.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:25 Understanding the End of Life Season

01:00 Symptoms and Medications in the Last Days

01:19 Managing Stomach Problems and Decreased Appetite

01:57 Pain Management and Misconceptions

04:04 Non-Medical Ways to Relieve Symptoms

05:26 Understanding and Managing Shortness of Breath

06:17 Dealing with Terminal Agitation

08:37 Addressing the Rattling Noise and Semi-Comatose State

09:56 Final Moments and Post-Death Procedures

10:33 Grief Support and Conclusion

When Death is Near and When the Time Comes, created by Hospice of Santa Cruz County updated 2019

https://www.hospiceotp.org/how-we-help-you/when-the-time-comes-booklet/

https://linktr.ee/HospiceExplained

Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c

Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

97 Transforming Grief with Photography: A Conversation with Shannon McFarland

In this thought-provoking episode of 'Hospice Explained', host Marie Betcher, RN, welcomes guest Shannon McFarland, a photographer who specializes in capturing the essence of families during their most vulnerable times, including hospice care, terminal illness, and the end of life.

Shannon shares her personal journey into photography, which began with a complicated pregnancy and evolved into a mission to document the unseen moments of grief, love, and compassion. She discusses the significance of capturing not just the joyful times but also the nuanced, tender moments that families experience during loss, emphasizing the lasting value of these images for processing and memorializing life's pivotal events.

Shannon also explores the extension of her work into the realm of pet photography, highlighting the approachability of discussing death and grief through the lens of animal companionship. The episode advocates for the essential role of empathy and compassion in photographing life's more challenging periods and encourages both families and photographers to embrace the discomfort to create meaningful, everlasting memories.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:36 Meet Shannon: A Photographer with a Heart

01:55 Shannon's Personal Journey and the Power of Photography

03:26 The Role of Photography in Capturing Life's Uncomfortable Moments

10:36 Shannon's Approach to Family and End-of-Life Photography

23:41 Expanding the Conversation: Photography for Animals at End of Life

25:55 Advice for Aspiring Compassionate Photographers

27:08 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c

Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

Ep.79

Enhancing Care and Decision Making at the End of Life with Chaplain Hank Dunn

Facing the end of life can be really tough for both patients and their families. There are many hard decisions to make, like what kind of medical care to have or not. These decisions are not only hard emotionally but can also be confusing. Finding the right balance between respecting the patient's wishes and caring for the family's needs can be challenging, but it can become easier with the right education and information. In this episode, Chaplain Hank Dunn shares his journey and ministry to patients at the end of life, the importance of end-of-life education, and how he helps patients and families with end-of-life decisions. 

Chaplain Hank Dunn has been ministering to patients at the end of life since 1983. He served as a nursing home chaplain at Fairfax Nursing Center and as a staff chaplain for the Hospice of Northern Virginia, now Capital Caring. To help him explain end-of-life decisions to patients and families, Hank wrote a booklet to hand to them so they could reflect on the issues discussed. As an afterthought, he sent the book out to other institutions to see if they would be interested in purchasing it for the people they serve, which led him to his first book, "Hard Choices for Loving People," 

Hank Dunn is also a frequent speaker on topics related to the end of life. He enjoys backpacking, kayaking, and hiking.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Chaplain Hank Dunn

[02:05] Hank's backstory and how he got into ministering to patients at the end

[04:07] Hank’s findings on people's knowledge of the end-of-life decision 

[07:10] Why people are still struggling with the end of life decisions 

[08:27] The one thing that Hank finds people has the least knowledge on

[10:21] How to improve hospice experience for patients and families 

[11:45] What Hank does as a Chaplain at the end-of-life care

[16:34] How Hank practices emotional self-care  

[19:01] Hark books and the information they provide for the end of life

[20:57] Tips on how to get the hard conversations rolling

[23:21] Hark’s favorite patient memory and story 

[27:38] The pediatric side of hospice care 

[29:32] How to reach out and connect with Hank

[31:01] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes 

• Get in the hospice sooner rather than later. [09:26]

• The most important question you can ask a patient or a family is, “What is important to them.” [20:06] 

• Extending life might not be the most important thing to a family or a patient; sometimes, the most important thing might be their family staying together or the patient being comfortable. [21:31]

Resources Mentioned

Hard Choices for Loving People by Hack Dunn: https://www.amazon.com/Brave-Love-Courage-Compassion-Hospice/dp/B0CKVGH6XN

Light in the Shadows by Hack Dunn: https://www.amazon.com/Light-Shadows-Meditations-Life-Threatening-Illness/dp/0997261234

Let’s Connect

Hack Dunn

Website: https://hankdunn.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hospicechaplainhank/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hard-Choices-for-Loving-People-191343157564700

Marie's Contact:

Marie@HospiceExplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@HospiceEncounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080  

Ep. 82  Conversation Starters with Cards from the E*O*L Deck 

Thank you for listening and I want to remind you coming soon is the Hospice Explained member community

On Hospice Explained Episode # 56 I interviewed Lisa pahl 

Lisa is a social worker and co-creator of The Death Deck and The E•O•L Deck, games that inspire meaningful conversations on what matters most in our lives and in our deaths.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-explained-podcast/id1558665301

If you are interested in Purchasing the Cards: 
Here is my affiliate link https://thedeathdeck.com/?ref=c8is9vi6

( Hospice Explained will get a small Commission if you use this link, Thank You!)

https://thedeathdeck.com/

Marie's Contact:

Ep.77

Love and Compassion In Hospice and Palliative Care with Juli Boit.

Hospice and palliative care involve more than just administering medical care. It's about listening intently to patients, understanding and honoring what matters most to them, and recognizing the inherent value in every individual, irrespective of the disease that may be claiming their life. Approaching patients with love, compassion, and genuine care isn’t just lovely but a fundamental aspect of providing dignified end-of-life care. The willingness to see the profound value in these moments and express it through our interactions is the cornerstone that defines the quality of the care provided.  Learning to be present in patient care allows us to connect and provide care in deeply meaningful ways, which forms the bedrock of long-term commitment and enduring care.

Juli is an author, community builder, and nonprofit leader working at the intersection of faith, global health, and human dignity. For 18 years, Julie has lived and worked in Africa, founding and serving as international director of Living Room International, a community-led nonprofit providing hospice and palliative care services to adults and children living in Western Kenya. As a family nurse practitioner, Juli has combined her duo passions of health care and social justice into a unique expression of love that provides desperately needed services in an underserved community. Juli is the author of Brave Love: A Nurse's Story of Courage and Compassion in a Kenyan Hospice. Julie emerges as a beacon of hope and a testament to the spirit of love. Her compelling memoir invites readers to embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart and soul of hospice care in Kenya.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Juli Boit

[01:49] About Juli's background and how she ended up working in Kenya

[04:53] HIV and Hospice and how it drew Juli into Hospice Work

[07:33] When Juli became a nurse practitioner and went to Kenya

[08:16] The parameters of the hospital and the community Juli serves in Kenya 

[10:54] HIV and the end-of-life symptoms in the Kenyan demographic

[14:57] How to affirm the value to the patients going through a disease process 

[17:26] Juli’s non-profit organization and its vision in providing care 

[19:56] Juli’s Funeral Home and the burial cultures of the people they serve

[23:50] The pain of loss and the death that affected Juli the most 

[27:09] One thing Juli wants you to know about hospice and palliative care

[32:02] Hospitality and how it has been a great piece in Juli’s work in Kenya 

[33:19] What Juli could have done differently in her journey 

[35:23] About Juli’s book, Brave To Love

[37:02] How to reach out and connect with Julie 

[37:30] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes 

• No matter what disease process someone is dying from, they need to feel valued and to be approached, touched, loved, and cared for. [14:38]

• The willingness to see the value of others in the care we provide, the interaction, and the way we listen is very important, and it doesn’t necessarily take a lot of time. [15:48] 

• Staying present in the care that we provide can help us be human and allow us to care in meaningful ways. [17:05] 

• Death is not failure, not when people have received the treatment they need, and there is the opportunity to listen and learn from the patient on the most important things to them. [27:38] 

• If we don’t stay connected to compassion and our humanity, it can make it hard to be in hospice for a long time. [29:04] 

Resources Mentioned

Brave Love by Juli Bolt: https://www.amazon.com/Brave-Love-Courage-Compassion-Hospice/dp/B0CKVGH6XN

https://www.livingroominternational.org/

Let’s Connect

Juli Bolt

Website: https://juliboit.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julimcgowanboit/

Marie's Contact:

Marie@HospiceExplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@HospiceEncounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

https://compassioncrossing.info/

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

Beyond Fear and Hesitation: Empowering Your End-of-Life Journey with Kacie Gikonyo

Have you considered preparing for your journey's end? How would you envision the transition? Would you prefer the presence of your loved ones? And have you thought about whether you would prefer a serene setting such as a hospice or a more clinical environment like a hospital? While the concept of death may evoke fear and hesitation for many, it is an inevitable part of our human existence.

However, we have the power to approach it with a proactive mindset, embracing the opportunity to shape a graceful and meaningful conclusion to our time on Earth. Today, we are joined by Kacie Gikonyo, a compassionate Death Doula and Death Educator, who will share invaluable insights, guidance, and practical steps you can take to create a beautiful and fulfilling end-of-life experience.

Kacie Gikonyo is also the CEO and Founder of End of Life Consulting, a Registered Nurse, Death Doula, and Death Educator. With over 12 years of experience working closely with patients at the end of life, Kacie offers invaluable physical, spiritual, and emotional support to clients and their loved ones. Passionate about reducing fear and anxiety surrounding death, she excels in her role as a Death Educator, providing education to healthcare professionals, aspiring death doulas, and the general population. Kacie's unwavering commitment lies in helping clients plan and experience a beautiful death, making her a beacon of compassion and guidance in this essential aspect of life.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Kacie Gikonyo

[02:03] Kacie’s backstory and how she became a Death Doula and Death Educator

[05:47] Why preparing for your death is golden

[07:03] Why most people prefer to die at their homes

[07:48] Other jobs Kacie has, other than being a Death Doula

[12:46] Limits of Kacie’s Death Doula license as she handles clients

[14:03] Best ways clients reach out to Kacie and the average time she spends with them

[16:06] Number of visits with the clients in her care

[20:28] An in-depth case study of a patient Kacie has had

[28:15] The end goal of Kacie’s involvement with clients

[30:47] What Kacie does after the patient dies

[31:55] Specific ways Kacie gives comfort to her patients

[35:20] What inspired Kacie to become a Death Doula and her evolution in the career

[42:20] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes

●      Sometimes if we do not plan for our death, it happens as a painful experience rather than a beautiful one. [03:13]

●      Death is the type of occurrence you need to prepare and plan for before it happens. Do not be caught up in the last minutes. [04:36]

●      Death is an expected outcome, and not planning for it does not make it go away. [05:58]

●      The end of your life sometimes lasts longer than those last days of dying. [08:18]

●      Whether a death doula is a medical professional or not, their service at the end of life is invaluable. [41:47]

Resources Mentioned

1. The Expected Outcome: https://expectedoutcome.ca/
2. INELDA: https://inelda.org/

Let’s Connect

Kacie Gikonyo

Website: https://www.coachingwithkacie.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacie-gikonyo-3207b963/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endoflifewithkacie/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Deathdoulakacie(713)8143886

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deathdoulakacie/

Kacie’s Services: https://www.coachingwithkacie.com/services-1

89 Navigating End-of-Life Conversations: Embracing the Uncomfortable

In episode 89 of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, RN, emphasizes the importance of allowing and engaging in hard conversations about end-of-life matters. She acknowledges the common discomfort and avoidance surrounding these discussions, sharing her personal experiences of sometimes shutting down conversations or dominating them with her own opinions. Marie encourages listeners to forgive themselves for past avoidance and to strive towards being a safe space for others to express their end-of-life concerns and questions. She suggests informal settings like around a campfire or in the backyard as conducive environments for initiating such conversations, stressing the importance of asking open-ended questions and respecting the other person's readiness to talk. Additionally, Marie announces the future Hospice Explained community, a membership community aimed at providing a safe space for more in-depth discussions and support. She concludes by recommending the PBS Frontline documentary 'Being Mortal' by Dr. Atul Gawande, highlighting it as an insightful resource on the challenges of end-of-life conversations even among healthcare professionals.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:29 The Importance of Hard Conversations About End of Life

01:56 Creating a Safe Space for Difficult Discussions

03:14 Introducing the Hospice Explained Community

03:43 Recommendation: 'Being Mortal' Documentary

04:18 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

Being Mortal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQhI3Jb7vMg

Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c

Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

Unexpected Loss and Unprepared Grief: Finding Hope in Hospice with Aly Bird

We live in a culture that encourages us to numb discomfort and find quick solutions to our problems. However, grief defies these norms. It is a complex and ever-evolving experience that cannot simply be "gotten over." When faced with an unexpected loss, we find ourselves unprepared for the tumultuous journey of grief and uncertain about its duration. In such times, seeking assistance and support from hospice becomes invaluable, as they can guide us in navigating and coping with grief in a healthy way. It is natural for us to feel like we’re more capable of managing our grief early on, but we must not undermine our grief by denying ourselves the support and solace that hospice bereavement services can offer. In this episode, Aly Bird talks more about grief and the tools you need to navigate through grief positively to transform your perspective and empower yourself with greater agency and comfort.

Aly Bird is a coach, author, hospice volunteer, registered psychotherapist with qualifying status through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Since her husband's untimely death, Aly has poured her heart into helping those who feel hopeless during unexpected crises. Her extensive studies of grief psychology and culture, combined with her devastating first-hand knowledge, led her to create a road map for the courageous and dedicated individuals willing to show up for themselves and the people they love with unconditional love, empowerment and reverence. As a speaker, coach and registered psychotherapist, Aly is committed to changing the way our culture recognizes and handles grief. To aid in her mission, Aly has authored Grief Ally: helping people you love cope with death, loss, and grief and is pursuing a graduate degree in counseling psychology. She is also a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and an active member of the Bereavement Ontario Network.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Aly Bird

[01:57] Aly’s background and what she does in the psychotherapy space 

[02:32] Aly’s grief story, her life-changing loss and traumatic bereavement 

[05:14] How to navigate grief from a sudden and unexpected loss 

[07:28] How Aly’s husband's death propelled her to be a therapist 

[09:22] Aly's emotional shock after her husband's death and how people supported her

[13:15] How Aly is helping people get the tools before they need them

[16:17] About the tools that are in Aly’s book: Grief Ally 

[19:04] What inspired Aly to become a hospice volunteer, and her work 

[24:32] What peer bereavement means 

[25:55] How much time Aly spends with people she is paired up with as a hospice volunteer

[27:59] What made Aly seek out bereavement services as a window with a traumatic loss

[30:56] Services that Aly offers to help people through their grieving process

[33:04] Aly’s advice on using hospice services to support you in your grief 

[35:40] Wrap-up and end of the show 

Notable Quotes 

• The closer you are to the bereaved person, the more mistakes you’re going to make, but the more mistakes you make, the more you strengthen your relationship. [12:06] 

• No one can prepare for an unexpected death, and no one is prepared for what grief would look like and how long it will take to be okay. [13:32] 

• Grief is something that is innate to every human being, and our bodies know what to do if we give it the time it deserves. [19:45]

• Don’t compare; it is in our nature to compare, but don’t do yourself the disservice of devaluing your grief by denying yourself any sort of bereavement support if you think it will be of benefit to you; healthy coping with grief can change your perspective and the way you live your life. [33:26]

• Often, in the beginning, we think we’re more capable than we might be at managing our grief, so early on, when we’re offered bereavement service, we might shrug it off as something we don’t need but a few months down the road we might not be fine, and it is okay to go back and explore it; there is nothing wrong with doing it later in the road if it's available to you. [35:03]

Resources Mentioned

Grief Ally by Aly Bird: https://www.amazon.com/Grief-Ally-Helping-People-Death/dp/1738652823

Let’s Connect

Aly Bird 

Website: https://alybird.com/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thealybird

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thealybird

Marie's Contact:

feedback@hospiceexplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@hospiceencounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080 

This is an Interview with Jean RN, who has over 30yrs experience in several areas-as a Hospice Nurse, and with Oncology(the treatment of Cancers) also with Pulmonology(the treatment of diseases involving the respiratory system).

https://linktr.ee/HospiceExplained

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://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.

 Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

How Caregivers Can Overcome Stress and Burnouts: Gabrielle Juliano-Villani

Hospice caregivers play a crucial role in providing compassionate end-of-life care to patients and their families during the most challenging times. Their dedication and selflessness are commendable, but the demands of this emotionally intense profession can take a toll, leading to stress and burnout. As they navigate the complex emotions, difficult decisions, and profound loss that come along, it becomes imperative for hospice caregivers to recognize the signs of burnout and adopt effective strategies to overcome the burden of stress.

Join the conversation with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani as we discuss the various factors contributing to caregiver stress, dive into the symptoms of burnout, and offer practical and empowering techniques to help these dedicated individuals maintain their well-being while continuing to provide exceptional care to those in need.

Gabrielle is a licensed clinical social worker based in Sarasota, FL, with expertise in mental health, specializing in adults and older adults. She focuses on grief, chronic health conditions, anxiety, life transitions, burnout, and caregiver stress. Trained in EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, sound healing, and expressive arts, she creates safe spaces for clients to regulate their nervous systems and foster mind/body connections. Recently, Gabrielle shifted her focus to consulting on burnout prevention and recovery techniques for therapists, entrepreneurs, and healers, while also providing training on various clinical issues.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Gabrielle Juliano Villani

[01:56] Gabrielle’s backstory and her unique contributions to humanity

[03:30] What is caregiver burnout

[05:00] Where Gabrielle starts when helping a person experiencing burnout

[10:15] Compassion fatigue vs burnout

[14:15] Resources for burnout prevention you need

[17:10] Practical body-mind practices to help in preventing burnouts

[20:55] EMDR Therapy: what it is, procedure and effectiveness

[23:04] How Gabrielle helps somebody with chronic pain

[27:18] Going through grief and loss

[29:35] How can we help caregivers accept the changes happening to people they care

[30:50] Golden takeaway nuggets from Gabrielle

[32:00] Wrap-up and end of the show

Notable Quotes 

●      You can’t be a good caregiver if you don’t take care of yourself first because you will absolutely get burned out. [04:30]

●      Setting boundaries is one of the easiest ways to prevent caregivers from burnout. Those small changes add up to bigger changes and bigger impacts. [05:33]

●      Burnout builds gradually over time, but compassion fatigue is felt immediately after, which is common among caregivers. [10:54]

Let’s Connect

Gabrielle Juliano-Villani

Website: https://gabriellejulianovillani.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellejulianovillani/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gjvconsulting

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabriellejulianovillani

Marie's Contact:

feedback@hospiceexplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@hospiceencounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

123: Pet Peace of Mind: Compassionate Care for Pets and Their Terminally Ill Owners

In this episode of 'Hospice Explained,' host Marie Betcher, RN, interviews Christy Bork, the National Program Manager for Pet Peace of Mind. Christy shares the mission and operations of this national nonprofit organization, which helps keep hospice patients and their pets together while also providing rehoming services when needed. With over 20 years of experience in volunteerism and nonprofit work, Christy details how Pet Peace of Mind supports hospice patients by training volunteers to care for their pets and ensuring they find loving homes after the patients' passing. Heartwarming stories and insights into the unique human-animal bond highlight the episode, emphasizing the program's impact on easing patients' anxiety about their pets' future.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:36 Meet Christy Bork and PET Peace of Mind

02:20 How PET Peace of Mind Works

04:37 Volunteer Recruitment and Training

07:18 Rehoming Pets and Patient Stories

13:36 Planning for Your Pet's Future

18:56 Supporting PET Peace of Mind

24:36 Final Thoughts and Farewell

https://www.petpeaceofmind.org/

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.

 Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

10 This is a Recap of Season 1-Episodes 1-9

https://hospicefoundation.org/Hospice-Care/Hospice-Services

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospice-care

https://linktr.ee/HospiceExplained

Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c

Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

5 Navigating Hard Conversations in Hospice Care

In the fifth episode of Hospice Explained, the topic is focused on confronting difficult conversations, particularly in a hospice setting. The episode discusses the speaker's experience as a nurse, handling hard conversations with patients, families, and colleagues, often requiring a level of honesty that could be discomforting. An example shared is informing a family about their loved one's impending death and explaining the focus on comfort over curative treatments. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of these uncomfortable conversations in healthcare and suggests ways to improve their delivery. The next episode promises to discuss advanced directives and physician's orders.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:33 Understanding Hard Conversations

01:05 Experiences with Hard Conversations as a Nurse

02:22 Hard Conversations in Hospital Management

02:52 Hard Conversations in Hospice Care

03:03 A Real-Life Example of a Hard Conversation in Hospice

04:14 The Impact of Hard Conversations

04:35 Advice for Having Hard Conversations

05:02 Preview of the Next Episode and Conclusion

Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c

Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

This episode explains how to ask a patient to describe their pain using the 0-10 pain scale.

https://creakyjoints.org/doctor-patient/pain-scale-not-best-way-communicate-pain/

Questions to ask the person in Pain:

1. Are you in pain---if yes--

2. ask what part of the body

3. ask for a number on the 0-10 scale

4. Is it constant or intermittent

5. Describe pain using words like:

Aching, sharp, shooting, burning, tingling, numbness, searing, jabbing, stabbing, etc

6. Ask what relieves pain, sleep, elevate extremity, heat, ice, bath, massage, or medication

7. what number they take nothing, what number they need over the counter meaning Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, then what number for Prescription pain medicine.

https://linktr.ee/HospiceExplained

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://hospiceexplained.com

93  Patient Quotes: Stories of Resilience with Dr. Christina Gomez

  In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, RN, interviews Dr. Christina Gomez, a GI Medical Oncologist at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center and author of 'Stopped in My Tracks, A Physician's Collection of Cancer Patients Quotes'.

  Dr. Gomez shares her journey into Oncology, highlighting the significance of patient-doctor relationships and the profound role hospice care plays in the oncology field. The discussion delves into the importance of honest communication between patients and healthcare providers, patient experiences in oncology, and the impact of hospice on both patients and their families.

  Dr. Gomez also shares personal stories from her practice and insights from her book, illustrating the human side of oncology and the sacred moments at the end of life. The episode concludes with a reflection on the essential role of hospice care and the importance of conversations around end-of-life wishes and care preferences.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:29 Meet Dr. Christina Gomez: A Glimpse into Her Life and Work

02:34 The Intersection of Oncology and Hospice Care

04:24 Navigating Difficult Conversations and Embracing the Hospice Journey

11:16 Enhancing the Oncology Patient Experience: Insights and Advice

14:53 Stopped in My Tracks: A Physician's Reflections Through Quotes

21:53 Profound Patient Stories and the Impact of Hospice Care

28:36 Final Thoughts and the Importance of Last Words

Stopped in My Tracks: A Physician's Collection of Cancer Patients' Quotes

christinagomezmd.com.

Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c

Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

This episode describes the Fast Scale which is used in Azlheimer's and Dementia patients to assist in determining Hospice Eligibility, and the FAST scale which is a percentage scale scored in 5 areas: Ambulation(walking), Activity & Evidence of Disease, Self-Care, Intake(food/fluids), Level of Conscious(alertness).

https://www.crossroadshospice.com/hospice-care/hospice-eligibility-criteria/

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospice-care

https://www.elderguru.com/fast-scale-for-dementia/

https://www.crossroadshospice.com/hospice-resources/education-for-families/scores-and-scales-understanding-the-balance-of-hospice-eligibility/

https://www.compassus.com/sparkle-assets/documents/palliative-performance-scale.pdf

https://stillwaterhospice.com/

https://linktr.ee/HospiceExplained

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://hospiceexplained.com

Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c

Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

Hospice care is a compassionate and essential service that aims to improve the quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses. Contrary to misconceptions, hospice does not hasten death; rather, it focuses on providing comfort and support during the natural progression of the illness. This form of specialized care not only helps individuals live longer but also enhances their overall well-being. Hospice care offers a range of services tailored to each patient's unique needs, including pain management, emotional support, and spiritual guidance. It differs from home health care in that it concentrates on alleviating symptoms and enhancing the patient's end-of-life experience rather than curative treatments.

Those who give hospice a try, often find solace and comfort in this new routine. The hospice team is available 24/7, making it reliable and different from home health care. This accessibility means that patients can avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room by contacting hospice for immediate assistance, which is truly a game changer. Choosing hospice care allows patients and their families to make the most of their precious time together, finding comfort and support during a challenging phase of life.

Join the conversation with Nurse Hadley as she shares her stories and life lessons from the perspective of being a Hospice nurse, momma, wife, and author of a New York Times best-selling book -The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments. Nurse Hadley is a Passionate advocate for end-of-life care and a TikTok star who shares moving stories of joy, wisdom, and redemption from her patients’ final moments.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Nurse Hadley

[01:43] Nurse Hadley’s backstory and how she started out in hospice education

[03:14] What Nurse Hadley does on Instagram and TikTok

[04:35] Nurse Hadley’s book project, The In Between, and her goals

[05:41] A story in Nurse Hadley's book that describes the most difficult patient death for her

[06:56] Something important that you should know about Hospice

[08:22] What Nurse Hadley recommends patients focus on when on hospice service

[11:30] A question Nurse Hadley often gets from patients on Instagram and TikTok

[12:53] The time Nurse Hadley spends touching base with people to give them comfort

[14:08] Why hospice and whatever it does, does not kill patients; it’s the illness

[16:41] Hospice comfort care and how it helps people live longer

[18:27] The difference between home health care and hospice care

[19:23] What inspired Nurse Hadley to get into hospice care space

[22:07] How to get Nurse Hadley's book and about her Nonprofit hospice house goals

[24:33] How to reach out and connect with Nurse Hadley

[24:54] Wrap-up and end of the show

Notable Quotes 

●      Give hospice a try; 90% of people do that, and they get comfortable in their new routine with hospice, and they wouldn’t have had that comfort if they hadn’t given it a trial. [07:31]

●      You should always read the directions on the label of the medicine bottles and the written directions given in an after-visit summary; there are multiple medicines in comfort care; read and follow directions, and if you have any questions, call the hospice care team, that what they are there for.”. [16:11]

●      The aids that hospice provides and the 24-7 availability makes it different from home health care; whenever you don’t have to go to the ER because you can call hospice, that is a game changer. [18:40]

Resources Mentioned

Nurse Hudley Book: https://www.amazon.com/Between-Unforgettable-Encounters-During-Moments/dp/059349993X

Get more information about Nurse Hudley Non-Profit Hospice House: https://www.instagram.com/p/CKKKYKLjWIW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&hl=en

Let’s Connect

Nurse Hudley

Website: https://nursehadley.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurse.hadley/?hl=en

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/NurseHadley/?_rdc=1&_rdr

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NurseHadley

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursehadley?source=h5_m

Interview with Kathleen Hampton and she talks about the Hospice experience she had in her home with her Mother in Law.

Kathy also shares on Hospice Encounters Episode #6

https://sites.libsyn.com/405716/encounters-with-kathleen-hampton

https://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Secrets-Heal-Your-Body/dp/B096Z8CYNS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FB04VO3KL5GA&keywords=kathleen+hampton&qid=1658021053&sprefix=kathleen+hampton%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://hospiceexplained.com

135 Death Essentials: Education and Empowerment for End-of-Life Care, Featuring Amy Hensley MSN, RN and Erin Putney MSN, RN 

https://beforethecasket.com/en-us/

https://www.sipsandwishesparty.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.

 Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

Importance of Social Emotional Intelligence in Hospice with Elizabeth Dario Bockheim MS-EdL, RN-CNE, SEI-C

In this Episode we Discuss what is Social Emotional Intelligence and how Hospice Staff imporove their approach to patients and families. 

Social Emotional Intelligence (SEI) refers to the ability to understand and manage one's emotions effectively, as well as to recognize and empathize with the emotions of others. It involves being aware of one's feelings, having the capacity to regulate emotions in various situations, and demonstrating empathy towards others by understanding and responding to their emotional states. In hospice, being a truly effective caregiver goes beyond just medical skills. It demands having Social Emotional Intelligence. 

When hospice professionals develop their SEI, they become better at connecting with patients on a deeper level, providing both physical and emotional care. SEI helps them become better companions in the final stages of life, offering comfort and understanding when needed. Join this conversation with Elizabeth and learn insights on becoming a better hospice professional using social emotional intelligence. Elizabeth is a wife, mother, certified nurse educator, and an Influential Awareness Leader. 

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Elizabeth Dario Bockheim

[01:50] Elizabeth’s backstory and how she became a Social Emotional Intelligence expert

[03:20] Social Emotional Intelligence from the aspect of the hospice professional

[05:11] Why becoming aware of your emotions is golden for hospice professionals

[07:39] What is empathy, and why is it important

[10:39] Cultivating empathy to become the right hospice support to your patients

[12:07] Correlation between hospice and emotional intelligence

[14:18] How to use the skills of SEI as a personal caregiver

[19:40] Elizabeth’s insights and experience of taking care of her mother

[31:26] What Elizabeth wishes the hospice team to have done better for her mother

[41:18] Golden takeaway nuggets from the guest

[46:33] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes 

• As caregivers grow in their profession, they are always given opportunities to learn about Social Emotional Intelligence and what it can do for their patients. [03:33] 

• Hospice professionals must put more energy into becoming emotionally aware of themselves so that they can be able to manage their patients better. [06:02] 

• The most generous thing you can do to anyone else is to take care of yourself. [09:07]

• Compassion is the essence of hospice. It involves recognizing and being sensitive and having an emotional and empathetic concern for their pain and suffering. [10:41]

Let’s Connect

Elizabeth Dario Bockheim

Website: http://shineawareness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shineawareness/

Email: Elizabeth.shineawareness@gmail.com

Mobile: 616 826 5828 

Marie's Contact:
feedback@hospiceexplained.com
www.hospiceexplained.com
http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice
Marie@hospiceencounters.com
Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Ep.73

Navigating End-of-Life Care with Jennifer Levesque MSN-RN, BA, a Hospice Nurse

Caring for a loved one at the end of life requires a delicate balance of compassion, understanding, and support. As the person nears the end of their life, it's important to understand that the body undergoes changes, and recognizing the complexities of different interventions, particularly TPN feeding and IV fluids, is crucial. While your loved ones may be able to eat or get IV fluids, it's essential to understand that actively dying patients may find them discomforting and painful, and they can potentially impend the natural dying process. The main goal of end-of-life Hospice care is comfort and quality of life, and aligning your expectations with hospice goals is invaluable. Learning how to approach end-of-life care with empathy and understanding will help you embrace the inherent difficulty and beauty of the dying process with honor, dignity, and comfort.

Join the conversation with Jen as she shares more about end-of-life care, what to expect from hospice care, the inpatient unit, and food and feeding at the end of life. Jen is a compassionate hospice nurse, a communicable end-of-life disease management, and an association nurse and AIDs care member.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Jennifer Levesque MSN-RN, BA

[00:53] About Jen’s background and career journey

[02:08] Inpatient unit, how it works, and when it’s appropriate

[04:05] Rallying and how Jen provides a safe place for people to die

[07:34] How Jen got into nursing school and her calling into hospice

[13:30] IV hydration in the inpatient unit and what to expect

[16:48] Food, feeding, and TPN feeding at the end of life

[22:15] Tube feeding and when it should be stopped

[24:00] Choice in Dying and Jen's end-of-Life Experience with patients 

[28:53] What Jen is up to and doing in her career

[32:42] Jen’s passion for self-care and pediatric hospice

[36:42] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes 

●      Sometimes, towards the end of their life, people get a sudden burst of energy, and they are able to communicate with their friends and family even when they have been actively dying. [05:59]

●      Fluids can be used to resuscitate patients, but they are not healthy for actively dying patients; they can cause a lot of pain and impede the natural dying process. [16:08]

●      When our bodies are pre-active or actively dying, the peristalsis in our stomach and small and large intestines starts to slow, and the food can be trapped in the body and cause a lot of pain; during the dying process, our body starts to reject food and fluids, and it’s a natural consequence of death. [18:36]

●      Dying is a natural part of life, and it’s hard and beautiful; everything is wrapped together. [21:41]

Let’s Connect

Marie's Contact:

Marie@HospiceExplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@HospiceEncounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Annie McDonnell's Testimony of Hospice Care

The weight of grief may seem almost unbearable, especially with a devastating double loss of a father and mother. However, amidst these darkest moments, hospice care can provide a ray of light and comfort. The compassionate and dedicated care offered by the hospice team makes the otherwise torturing process more manageable and lessens the burden of pain. With their support and understanding, the journey through loss becomes more seamless and allows you to navigate the overwhelming emotions more easily.  Tune in to this conversation where Annie McDonnell joins us to talk more about her experience of losing her parents within a short time span and her most loved pets. It can be really painful!

Annie McDonnell is a New York State licensed acupuncturist specializing in stress-related ailments. With a background in children's book editing, she understands the impact of stress on health. Annie's mission is to help you transform pain into healing using acupuncture, sound healing, breathwork, and other holistic practices. Her practice, Joy Alchemy Acupuncture, aims to reconnect you with inner joy, allowing you to tap into your body's natural healing power for true wellness. 

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Annie McDonnell

[01:46] A bit about Annie as an acupuncturist and sound healing practices

[02:46] A hospice care at home for her cat that became Annie’s game-changer

[06:06] What Annie did to her cat to comfort them at the end of her life

[11:36] Growing options for your pets in their end of life

[15:56] Annie’s experiences with her parents in hospice

[26:36] A comforting and peaceful death of her dad

[30:56] Her mom’s hospice care in the same facility

[36:22] Why the benefits of hospice care are unmatchable

[39:40] Part of the reasons why Annie became a grief educator

[42:19] Why grieving can last for years

[45:46] Best ways to connect with Annie & learn more about her services

[47:43] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes 

• Though there are quite significant hospice resources for humans, they are even less for pets. [06:11] 

• Treats, good foods, and good nutritional supplements make those last days better for your pets. [11:25] 

• Death is scary, but hospice care helps you overcome those scary unknowns. [37:56]

• Grief is easier to carry when you stop putting a lot of expectations on yourself and understand that it is just a natural process. [40:40]

Resources Mentioned

1. Episode 12: When It’s Time: https://yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/when-its-time/

Let’s Connect

Annie McDonnell

Website: https://www.joyalchemyhealing.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acupunctureannie/

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/acupunctureannie

Marie's Contact:

feedback@hospiceexplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@hospiceencounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

108 Remix-Understanding Palliative and Hospice Care: Insights from Dr. John Mulder

In episode 108 of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher RN revisits episodes 30 and 31 with Dr. John Mulder, a pioneering expert in palliative care. Dr. Mulder shares his journey into the specialty, clarifies the differences between palliative and hospice care, and discusses the importance of early palliative referrals. He emphasizes the role of a compassionate care team in improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses and highlights the benefits of integrating technology in end-of-life care. Through poignant stories, Dr. Mulder illustrates the profound impact of palliative and hospice care, urging listeners not to fear the process and to seek out the resources available for optimal quality of life.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:29 Episode Overview and Affiliates

01:29 Introducing Dr. John Mulder

02:17 Dr. Mulder's Journey into Palliative Care

04:28 Understanding Palliative and Hospice Care

08:13 Challenges in Palliative and Hospice Referrals

10:34 Pediatric and Geriatric Palliative Care

11:43 Benefits of Early Palliative Care

15:50 Technology in End-of-Life Care

18:55 Personal Stories and Experiences

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

90 A Journey Through Hospice: Navigating End-of-Life with Love and Legacy

     This episode of Hospice Explained, hosted by Marie Betcher, RN, features an in-depth interview with Tanya Hackney, who shares the profound experience of navigating her mother-in-law, Mary's, end-of-life journey through hospice care after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Tanya provides a heartfelt narrative of Mary's illness, their close family bonds, the decision to enter hospice, and the impactful last days filled with love, spiritual growth, and authentic connections. The conversation also touches on the roles of cancer coaches, the concept of a 'death day party' to celebrate life, and the importance of communication during such challenging times. Finally, Tanya discusses the legacy Mary left behind and the ripple effects on those around her, exemplified by the transition of Mary's caregiver, Christine, into a role as a death doula, embodying the compassionate support essential in end-of-life care.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:29 Meet Tanya Hackney: A Life of Adventure and Compassion

01:46 Tanya's Journey with Mary: From Sailing to Hospice

04:40 Mary's Battle with Pancreatic Cancer: A Story of Courage

10:35 The Final Days: Embracing Hospice with Love and Legacy

26:12 Reflections and Insights: The Impact of a Cancer Coach and the Role of Communication

33:30 A Legacy Continued: From Hospice Care to Death Doula

35:56 Closing Thoughts: Honoring Mary's Legacy

Tanya’s Contact:

Links:
Blog www.taketwosailing.com
Book https://ingeniumbooks.com/LTSH
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tanya.hackney.71
https://www.facebook.com/TakeTwoSailing/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/taketwosailing/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/tanyataketwo/

Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c

Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

4 Hospice Criteria and Eligibility: A Comprehensive Discussion

In the fourth episode of 'Hospice Explained' podcast, we talk about the eligibility criteria for hospice care, as set by the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service. It covers the certification process by two doctors, noting that the patient's prognosis should indicate six months or less to live. The episode touches upon the fluid state of health conditions and shares an anecdote where a patient's condition improved over time. In addition to common indicators that may suggest hospice eligibility, it encourages listeners to be open-minded to changes and deterioration in their loved one's health. The episode provides resources for looking up eligibility criteria and insights into making other necessary arrangements when hospice may not be needed immediately.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:29 Understanding Hospice Criteria and Eligibility

01:11 The Role of Doctors in Hospice Admission

01:50 A Personal Story: Navigating Health Changes

04:01 Hospice Requirements and Conditions

05:54 Identifying Signs of Approaching End of Life

07:13 Taking Action: Conversations and Decisions

07:45 The Impact of the Pandemic on Hospice Care

07:52 Closing Thoughts: Listening, Comfort, and Care

Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c

Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

Blessings in Disguise With Andrew T. Shaw 

The impact of losing a loved one differs for each person. Death, with its brutal certainty, carries a mysterious beauty for some people. It may be a blessing in disguise sometimes. Though the blessings may be hard to see at first, embracing them allows us to cherish life and the memory of those we have lost. Acknowledging the pain, hurt, and loneliness that follows grief is essential because you are not alone in your journey.

Join this conversation with your host Marie Betcher as coach Andrew T. Shaw joins her. In 2019, just after Christmas, Andrew suffered the heartbreaking loss of his father. Amidst his grief, he continues to find solace in counting the blessings bestowed upon him during the final week in Hospice. Each person's end-of-life journey is unique, yet many powerful parallels exist. Andrew documented those experiences in a book, “Cheers, Dad," that can be found as an audiobook in Audible and also on Amazon. By sharing the blessings experienced in those last days and embracing their significance in this episode, Andrew will motivate you to discover strength and comfort to navigate this difficult period.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:00] Introduction to the show and quick bio of the quest; Andrew T. Shaw

[03:13] Andrew’s backstory and what he does in his space to make the world better

[05:21] Name of Andrew’s book and how you can get your copy

[07:54] The six months of Andrew’s dad in hospice care

[08:46] The unmatched benefits of starting hospice care sooner

[10:11] How hospice helps one get rid of the fear of death

[12:52] Andrew’s double tragedy of an injured mum while dad was in hospice

[16:23] The availability of nurses in the six months of his dad’s hospice care 

[17:25] Things Andrew had to fix and adjust while going through hospice

[18:55] Experiences of his dad’s last week before passing on

[24:29] One of the greatest moments of communication he had with his dad

[27:33] The hard question to ask your loved one

[27:55] Wrap-up and end of the show

Notable Quotes 

●      It’s always a blessing when hospice is started earlier. [08:46]

●      Most people are never into the reality of death. Hospice aims to remove that fear and get you mentally ready. [10:11]

●      As hard as it can be, you must gain the courage to ask your loved one how they would want a celebration of their life well lived to look like. [27:35]

Resources Mentioned

1. Marie’s other podcast, Hospice Encounters: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-encounters/id1622451693

2. Andrew’s Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/Cheers-Dad-Audiobook/B0BKR4JBPD

3. CHEERS, DAD: Blessings from his last week in Hospice by Andrew T. Shaw: https://amzn.to/3CBiTmd

Share An Encounter?

If you would like to share an encounter with hospice, please email me at marie@hospiceencounters.com

Do you want to Support this podcast with a coffee? You can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hospice.

Marie's Contact:
feedback@hospiceexplained.com
www.hospiceexplained.com
http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice
Marie@hospiceencounters.com
Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080
 

Episode 2 Hospice Explained: Understanding the Hospice Team and Its Services

In the second episode of 'Hospice Explained', registered nurse Marie Betcher provides a comprehensive explanation of the hospice team structure and the services they offer to terminally ill patients and their families. The discussion covers roles including the intake nurse, admission RN, and care manager, as well as the invaluable contributions of social workers, chaplains, bath aids, and volunteers. She also touches on comfort services like massage and pet therapy, administrative roles, and the option for patients to keep their existing medical provider. Marie stresses the individualized, compassionate nature of hospice care, explains how teams are adjusting their approaches during the pandemic, and discusses potential funding and charity care options. The goal of hospice care, she underlines, is to ensure peace and comfort during the end-of-life stage and allow patients to focus on relationships rather than medical appointments.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:34 Meet the Host: Marie Betcher

01:00 Understanding the Hospice Team

02:01 The Role of the Intake Nurse

02:29 The Admission RN: First Contact

04:40 The RN Care Manager: Regular Visits

05:31 The Social Worker: Interpersonal Support

06:00 Chaplains: Spiritual Support

06:45 Bath Aides and Volunteer Services

07:25 Comfort Services and Pet Therapy

07:44 Pharmacists and Bereavement Counselors

08:02 Therapists and Medical Providers

08:43 Behind the Scenes: Other Hospice Staff

09:13 The Hospice Experience: Peace and Comfort

09:33 Conclusion: The Meaning of Hospice

Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c

Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

 94 Choices with Sips and Wishes, Breaking the Silence: Embracing End-of-Life

Navigating End-of-Life Conversations with Amy Hensley

In this episode of 'Hospice Explained', host Marie Betcher, RN, interviews Amy Hensley, a former graphic designer turned RN, hospice nurse, and end-of-life educator.

Amy Hensley shares her career journey from graphic design to nursing, emphasizing her passion for hospice care and the importance of end-of-life education.

Together, they discuss Amy's business, Sips and Wishes, which aims to facilitate difficult end-of-life conversations through educational parties. These gatherings allow individuals and families to discuss and document their medical wishes in a supportive environment. Amy underlines the significance of choosing the right medical power of attorney and having open discussions about end-of-life preferences to prevent family conflicts and ensure one's wishes are respected.

 They also touch on the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in addressing end-of-life issues and the potential for personal and legal documents to be overridden by family members. The episode highlights the need for ongoing conversation and education around end-of-life decisions to support individuals and their families during challenging times.

https://www.sipsandwishesparty.com/

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

01:19 Amy's Journey and Insights into Hospice Care

00:35 Meet Amy Hensley: From Graphic Designer to Hospice Nurse

01:22 Amy's Journey and Insights into Hospice Care

02:40 The Challenges and Rewards of Hospice Work

04:59 The Birth of Sips and Wishes: Educating on End-of-Life Decisions

07:25 The Structure and Impact of Sips and Wishes Parties

10:17 The Importance of Conversations and Legal Preparations

16:59 Navigating Family Dynamics and Legalities in End-of-Life Planning

29:24 The Importance of Continuous Conversation and Legal Updates

30:30 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Sips and Wishes

30:45 Connecting with Amy and Sips and Wishes

32:10 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to Subscribe

Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c

Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

This is an Interview with Author and Hospice Nurse Derek J. Flores RN. We talk about his Book: Seven Keys to a Peaceful Passing: A Hospice Nurse’s Step-by-Step Guide to Hospice we chat about what is a Pain crisis and service failure. We also discuss the minimum amout of caregivers, how taking care of Hospice patients can be a Marathon vs. a sprint. Giving patients honesty about their diagnosis. Physician aid in dying and that by allowing natural death we don't bypass the grieving process. His latest book: LETTERS TO A HOSPICE NURSE: Transforming Grief to Joy .  We also discuss the Bereavement team.

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://hospiceexplained.com

128 Fall Prevention Strategies for the Elderly: Insights from Hospice Explained

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.

 Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

I share what I saw while visiting a dying Hospice patient.

Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You by  John Burke

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://hospiceexplained.com

Episode 110 - The Importance of Listening Skills

In this episode of Hospice Explained, Marie Betcher RN discusses the value of listening skills, particularly in the hospice care context. She highlights the importance of truly listening to patients' stories to understand their needs and make their hospice experience better. The episode also offers a preview of next week's guest, Jean Cruz, who will discuss her book about caring for loved ones on hospice.

Introduction Welcome to Hospice Explained. 

Learning and Growing

Next Week's Preview

Closing 

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

https://www.amazon.com/Delayed-Honor-John-Wenderlein-ebook/dp/B0CTKPX7DT

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

In Episode 99 of Hospice Explained,  Marie Betcher RN interviews A'Marie Dotson MM, MT-BC, NICU-MT, NMT, a board-certified music therapist and director of music therapy at a Michigan-based hospice. They discuss the profound impact of music therapy on end-of-life care, A'Marie's journey into hospice work, and various evidence-based techniques used to provide comfort to patients. A'Marie shares emotional stories about patients and highlights the importance of integrating holistic approaches in hospice care. The episode also touches on the support from the broader hospice team and offers listeners ways to support the podcast and its mission.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:36 Meet Ahmarie Dotson: Music Therapist

01:15 Supporting Hospice Explained

02:08 Ahmarie's Journey into Hospice

06:25 The Role of Music Therapy in Hospice

10:41 A Day in the Life of a Music Therapist

14:46 Evidence-Based Music Therapy Techniques

21:23 The Power of Music in End-of-Life Care

21:47 Personal Stories of Music Therapy Impact

22:45 Music's Influence on Emotions and Memories

24:35 Choosing the Right Music for Patients

28:29 The Role of Hospice in End-of-Life Care

30:49 Heartfelt Stories of Hospice Care

40:25 The Importance of Early Hospice Enrollment

41:24 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

This is just a quick episode to remember that not everyone lives close to thier Loved ones and if you are considering a donation the end of this year, please consider Give a Mile. 

Episode 50 of Hospice Explained:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-explained-podcast/id1558665301?i=1000599290581

Website: https://giveamile.org/

www.hospiceexplained.com

Speaking Their Name: Keys to Supporting the Bereaved with Alison Potter from Give a Mile

End-of-life, death, bereavement, and grief are undeniably sensitive topics, but they are an inherent part of the human experience. When someone loses a loved one, grief becomes an inevitable companion, and receiving the right support becomes essential for fostering a healthy outcome. Grief is an intrinsic aspect of love, representing a lifelong response that brings about profound changes in an individual. During such trying times, providing authentic support to those who are grieving becomes paramount, devoid of dismissive phrases like "I know how you feel" or superficial reassurances. Being present, choosing our words with care, and sharing cherished memories of the deceased while acknowledging them by name can offer solace and validation. This way, we provide an opportunity to honor the departed by speaking their name aloud once again. In a candid discussion, Alison Potter delves into the intricacies of grief and comfort, recounting her personal journey after losing her husband. She also sheds light on the valuable work of Give A Mile in the end-of-life space, and her business, Expected Outcome.

Alison is a palliative RN and a volunteer with Give A Mile, a registered charity in both Canada and the US. Their mission is to provide flights for people at end-of-life to connect with their loved ones for a final goodbye. Since they started, they have given away nine hundred and sixty-four (964) free flights, and their goal is to make it a thousand (1000) this year, their tenth anniversary year. Alison has been a Registered Nurse for almost 40 years, worked for over 25 years as a Palliative Care Nurse in Palliative Home Care, Palliative Consult Team in Acute Care, and was the Director of Clinical Care at Rosedale Hospice in Calgary from 2009 to 2018. Allison launched her business, Expected Outcome, in May 2022 to support and educate people on death, grief, and bereavement.

 Let’s Connect

Alison Potter

Website: https://giveamile.org/

Website: https://expectedoutcome.ca/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-potter-rn-bscn-chpcn-b449064b/?

 Marie's Contact:
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.hospiceexplained.com
http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@HospiceEncounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

In episode 87 of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher RN interviews Jean Oswald, RN,

a seasoned hospice nurse and end-of-life consultant from Rochester, New York.

Jean shares her journey from raising five children and studying natural healing therapies to finding her soul's purpose in hospice work.

She discusses the importance of comfort care homes and her approach to integrating natural healing, such as aromatherapy, into end-of-life care.

Jean also highlights misconceptions surrounding hospice and palliative care, the significance of caregiver support, and personal stories that have impacted her career.

Additionally, she offers advice for those navigating the healthcare system at the end of life and introduces her book, 'Guiding Lights: Navigating the end of life journey,' aimed at demystifying the end-of-life process for caregivers and patients alike.

Jean's Contact: 

1. https://compassionateconsulting.com/
2. https://www.facebook.com/CompassionateConsulting
3. https://www.instagram.com/compassionateconsulting/
4. To order my book: https://a.co/d/3J5UwSr
5. Sign up for newsletters at  https://bit.ly/3VQeMem

Marie's Contact:

Marie Betcher BSN, RN

Marie@HospiceExplained.com

www.HospiceExplained.com

Google Voicemail: 206-705-3080

109 Navigating Mental Health: From Trauma to Wellness with David Woods Bartley

In episode 109 of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher interviews David Woods Bartley, a speaker, trainer, writer, and mental health advocate. David shares his life journey from enduring severe childhood trauma and crippling depression to finding mental wellness. He highlights the importance of connection and support, the impact of therapies such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and his ongoing mission to educate and inspire others. This episode offers profound insights into mental health challenges, the importance of shared stories, and practical advice for supporting those in distress.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:34 New Communities and Affiliates

01:42 Interview with David Woods Bartley

03:04 David's Early Life and Trauma

06:00 Struggles with Depression

07:10 Animal Sanctuary Journey

08:52 The Depths of Depression

10:16 The Turning Point: Forest Hill Bridge

11:56 Living with Mental Illness

22:16 Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Experience

27:55 Medication and Daily Routine

28:13 Current Challenges and Resilience

30:54 Support from Family

32:55 The Power of Connection

33:46 Suicide Prevention Insights

35:46 Helping Others in Crisis

39:30 Military and Personal Stories

47:11 Final Thoughts and Resources

Email:
David@DavidWoodsBartley.com

David's Book: 
https://www.davidwoodsbartley.com/mytroubledmind

David's Website: https://www.davidwoodsbartley.com/

Call David: 
1-916-247-6389

Suicide Hotline: 988---Call or Text!

https://988lifeline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=onebox

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

https://rainn.org/

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

This Episode explains some of the times when it may be needed to Call the Nurse or the Hospice Team

https://linktr.ee/HospiceExplained

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://hospiceexplained.com

98 This episode is a partial Replay of Episode #29 

Host Marie Betcher RN interviews Chris Graham, PA, the co-founder of Stillwater Hospice, discussing Medicare coverage for hospice patients and the importance of education in rural end-of-life care. They emphasize the significance of choice, comfort, and empowerment for both patients and caregivers in the hospice journey.

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Guest Introduction

05:38 Medicare Coverage for Hospice Patients

00:54 Rural Hospice Care

15:10 Insurance Coverage and Charity Care

21:27 Choice and Empowerment in End-of-Life Care

21:41 Caregiver Support and Grieving Process

 https://stillwaterhospice.com/

https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospice-care

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

This episode has a repeat guest Barb Shelton who is an author, blogger, videographer, homeschool mom, and the oldest of a family with 7 children. "Her video's called "Let's Do This!- with Barb Shelton" can be seen on Facebook and soon to be on YouTube. In Today's Episode we talk about the:  When I pass folder.

https://linktr.ee/HospiceExplained

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://hospiceexplained.com

Ep.81

Dying Well and Making Death A Beautiful Experience with Tamala May ARNP

Facing the end of life is a deeply personal journey, and finding beauty in this inevitable part of our existence involves embracing the process and ensuring it is filled with meaning. At the end of life, hospice timely care is a crucial companion, offering support that goes beyond just medical attention. Hospice provides a space for you or your loved one to transition with comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being. Dying well is not just about the physical aspects; it's about making the most of the experience, cherishing moments, and connecting with loved ones. Making death a beautiful experience is about creating a comfortable and peaceful environment for reflection, reconciliation, and solace. It is a reminder that even in the face of mortality, there is an opportunity to shape a narrative that reflects the profound beauty of a life lived, and a farewell embraced with grace.

In this episode, we are joined by Tamala May, an Oncology Nurse practitioner, founder of Pursuing Christ Ministries, and author of Starting The Journey. From an early age, Tamala discovered her calling to become a nurse and began her journey at the age of 16 as a nursing assistant. She continued pursuing her passion after graduating from high school and obtaining her degree as a registered nurse. For over 8 years, she gained diverse experience in hospitals and clinics before transitioning to a ward and cancer center. Several years later, an exciting opportunity led her to serve as a home, health, and hospice nurse in North Dakota. Later, she furthered her education by earning a degree as a nursing practitioner.

In her initial work, she worked in family practice and oversaw oncology care in North Dakota, but later, she transitioned into a full-time oncology practitioner. Tamala's responsibilities span both clinic and hospital settings, where she works closely with patients facing end-stage disease, frequently facilitating their transition to hospice care.  Navigating this delicate phase of life has fueled a genuine passion for approaching death with meaning and compassion.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Tamala May

[02:16] Meet Tamala and learn more about her backstory

[02:55] Tamala’s job as an oncology nurse and why it’s unique 

[04:38] How Tamala works with different expertise and the palliative care team

[07:31] How Tamala navigates her oncology role in both the clinic and hospital set up 

[08:46] The best way to bring up the end-of-life conversation with patients and families

[12:42] How patients at the end of life get ready for their death

[15:17] How to handle a family that doesn’t want to let their loved one know they’re dying

[16:40] Do not resuscitate and moving into comfort care discussions

[22:06] Tamala’s one message to help patients improve their hospice experience

[24:13] Dying well and making the most of our dying experience

[25:26] Examples of beautiful deaths Tamala has encountered

[29:13] The most profound end-of-life story that touched Tamala

[33:19] Tamala’s book and what inspired her to write it

[37:40] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes 

●      Every patient is different, and you have to figure out where your patient is at on the spectrum of understanding their disease and prognosis when bringing up the end-of-life subject. [08:46]

●      Death doesn’t wait until we are ready to die or can accept it; it’s going to come either way, and we need to help people get to the point of being comfortable with accepting death. [11:03]

●      All of us need to think about dying well and how we want to spend those days and make the most of our dying experience; death is something all of us are going to experience. [24:58]

●      Hospice can be one of the most beautiful things, but it’s so under-understood, and sometimes people miss being able to treasure that time because they are afraid of looking at death and death is going to come whether we want it or not. [37:15]

Resources Mentioned

Starting The Journey by Tamala May: https://www.amazon.com/Starting-Journey-30-Day-Devotional/dp/1952385822

Let’s Connect

Tamala May

Website: https://pursuingchristministries.org/

Tamalamay.com

PursuingChristMinistries@Gmail.com

701-580-2924

Marie's Contact:

Marie@HospiceExplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@HospiceEncounters.com

●      Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080  

Understanding End-of-Life Care: Insights from Pepper Cappuccio, RN

In episode 104 of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher RN focuses on demystifying end-of-life care. From Episode #28 Special guest Pepper Cappuccio RN, author of 'Warm Water, The Last Act of Compassion," shares his experiences as a hospice nurse, emphasizing the importance of compassion, cultural diversity in grieving, and pain management. The episode also covers the significant role music plays in soothing patients and starting the grieving process. Additionally, the importance of medication and various supportive measures are discussed to help families manage their loved one's end-of-life journey.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:29 Episode 104: Meet Your Host, Marie Betcher

00:41 Community and Affiliate Links

01:37 Introducing Pepper Cappuccio, RN

01:53 Pepper's Journey and Family Tradition

03:00 Warm Water: The Last Act of Compassion

05:14 Cultural Diversity in End-of-Life Care

07:33 The Role of Music in Hospice Care

10:35 Pain Management and End-of-Life Expectations

14:43 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Warm Water: The Last Act of Compassion By Pepper Cappuccio RN 

Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c

Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

Episode 74 My goal is to produce content weekly. Alternating interviews with short education episodes. This is a very short episode talking about how important a gift of travel was to my family. 

Guide to Listening and Updates to the Podcast

Join Marie in this short episode for a quick guide on listening to this podcast and important updates. Start with the first three episodes to grasp the basics of hospice care. Episodes 4 and 29 cover eligibility, costs, and Medicare coverage with Chris Graham, a Hospice Owner. For admission process details, listen to episode 44. In episode 52, Marie interviews Shandria, an on-call Hospice RN, discussing when to contact a nurse and end-of-life challenges. Check out Marie's podcast "Hospice Encounters" for spiritual experiences.

In an update, Marie has decided not to create a Spanish podcast called "Hospicio Explicado." Instead, she plans to offer the translation of her podcast and general hospice education in Spanish to Hospice Companies or Agencies. She is also working on educating Hospice Agencies to help increase referrals to Hospice. Hospice agency owners who are interested in learning more can reach out to Marie via email or leave her a voicemail.

Marie wants to keep all episodes of "Hospice Explained" free for everyone. However, she appreciates any support from her listeners. If the podcast has benefited you and you'd like to show your gratitude, you can contribute or use affiliate links that will be available soon.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] What this episode is about

[00:40] Great conversations and value you expect from this podcast

[01:05] To learn about the basics of hospice

[01:20] Eligibility and costs associated with hospice

[01:37] To learn more about the hospice admission process

[01:44] Know when to call the nurse and problems associated with the end of life

[01:56] Are you interested in spiritual experiences around the end of life?

[02:04] Updates from Marie that you should know

[03:36] Why this podcast will be a free resource tool for everyone

[04:28] Your rating and review matters!

Let’s Connect

Marie

Website: https://www.hospiceexplained.com/

Email Marie: Marie@hospiceexplained.com 

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080 

Support the Podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

This is a show to help listeners understand what is Hospice and how it can help themself or their loved one.

www.hospiceexplained.com
http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice
Marie@HospiceEncounters.com
    Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

https://hospicebuddy.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.

 Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

1 Understanding Hospice: An Introduction to End of Life Care

In the first episode of 'Hospice Explained,' healthcare professional Marie Betcher RN provides information about hospice care, aiming to break common misconceptions and offer a deeper understanding. She clarifies what hospice is and isn't, emphasizing that it's a patient-focused service, treating individuals with dignity and respect, focusing on comfort and quality of life. It's not a death sentence, a specific place, or a decision forced on the patient. The care is usually provided in the patient's home, but could vary based on the patient's needs and location. Hospice also provides support to the family and caregivers, without forcing any religious beliefs. She also outlines the different roles within the hospice team and discusses the eligibility criteria for hospice under Medicare and Medicaid. The episode ends with a request for listeners to proactively research, ask questions, and subscribe to the podcast.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:43 Understanding Hospice: What It Is and What It Isn't

02:09 The Misconceptions About Hospice

03:43 The True Essence of Hospice

05:10 The Hospice Team: Who They Are and What They Do

05:57 Understanding Hospice Coverage and Costs

06:39 Closing Remarks and What to Expect in the Next Episode

Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c

Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

Ep. 78 Conversation starters with Cards from The Death Deck

Thank you for listening and I want to remind you coming soon is the Hospice Explained member community

On Hospice Explained Episode # 56 I interviewed Lisa pahl 

Lisa is a social worker and co-creator of The Death Deck and The E•O•L Deck, games that inspire meaningful conversations on what matters most in our lives and in our deaths.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-explained-podcast/id1558665301

If you are interested in Purchasing the Cards: 
Here is my affiliate link https://thedeathdeck.com/?ref=c8is9vi6

( Hospice Explained will get a small Commission if you use this link, Thank You!)

https://thedeathdeck.com/

Marie's Contact:

Ep.75

Palliative Medicine and Hospice Insights with Andy Arwari MD MS FACP SFHM FAAHPM HMDC

Hospice & Palliative Care Physician and Educator • Holistic Person-Centered Interdisciplinary Team Care Advocate • Goals of Care Consultant • Epistemophilic • Author

As we all go through the different seasons of life, there comes a time when we have to face the reality that someday we will pass away. It is important to talk openly about this natural part of life and not treat it like something to be scared or ashamed of. Unfortunately, having these conversations in our families and communities is not always easy. Some people feel uncomfortable or do not want to consider it until it is too late. In addition, many people helping as hospice caregivers are not fully trained or know precisely what to do. This is why Andy Arwari MD, wrote 'Navigating the U.S. Hospice Maze' a book where he pens down strategies for navigating this noble role. In our conversation, he shared his experiences caring for hospice patients and discussed important things we all need to know about hospice and end-of-life care.

Dr. Andy Arwari is a hospice and palliative medicine board-certified physician with 20 years of experience in the field. He has a master of science in palliative care from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and is presently working on a PhD in palliative care. Dr. Arwari serves as a faculty member of the hospice and palliative medicine fellowship programs for the University of Miami. He is a hospice medical director for VITAS Healthcare and overseas Hospice and palliative care in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Dr. Andy Arwari

[01:27] About Andy’s background and career journey

[02:01] A standout pain point from Andy’s book, ‘Navigating the U.S. Hospice Maze.’

[04:24] The one thing about hospice that Andy would teach for the rest of his life

[07:23] Why advance care planning is so crucial

[12:27] Tips to start the end of life conversations with your patient as a caregiver

[16:57] The most profound death of a patient that affected Andy much

[18:14] Palliative sedation, its significance, and who gets it

[24:54] Andy’s experiences in both palliative medicine and hospice

[30:37] What you need to understand about morphine in palliative care

[34:07] Tips on how the hospice experience of a patient can be improved

[38:13] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes 

●      The philosophy of hospice and palliative care is interdisciplinary or holistic care. The only way to deliver holistic care is through a team approach. [03:33]

●      We will all reach that season of life where our time comes to a close, and having that hospice care and support is phenomenal. [05:24]

●      In hospice, sometimes palliative sedation is employed to alleviate pain or distress in the patient. It is not to expedite a patient’s demise. [18:14]

●      Hospice care focuses not on death but on the quality of time and life during that time. Death will come whether you are in hospice or not.  [32:31]

Let’s Connect

Andy Arwari

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-arwarimd/

Andy’s Book: Navigating the U.S. Hospice Maze.: A short guide for community hospice physicians

Marie's Contact:

Marie@HospiceExplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@HospiceEncounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

As we all go through the different seasons of life, there comes a time when we have to face the reality that someday we will pass away. It is important to talk openly about this natural part of life and not treat it like something to be scared or ashamed of. Unfortunately, having these conversations in our families and communities is not always easy. Some people feel uncomfortable or do not want to consider it until it is too late. In addition, many people helping as hospice caregivers are not fully trained or know precisely what to do. This is why Andy Arwari MD, wrote 'Navigating the U.S. Hospice Maze' a book where he pens down strategies for navigating this noble role. In our conversation, he shared his experiences caring for hospice patients and discussed important things we all need to know about hospice and end-of-life care.

Dr. Andy Arwari is a hospice and palliative medicine board-certified physician with 20 years of experience in the field. He has a master of science in palliative care from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and is presently working on a PhD in palliative care. Dr. Arwari serves as a faculty member of the hospice and palliative medicine fellowship programs for the University of Miami. He is a hospice medical director for VITAS Healthcare and overseas Hospice and palliative care in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Dr. Andy Arwari

[01:27] About Andy’s background and career journey

[02:01] A standout pain point from Andy’s book, ‘Navigating the U.S. Hospice Maze.’

[04:24] The one thing about hospice that Andy would teach for the rest of his life

[07:23] Why advance care planning is so crucial

[12:27] Tips to start the end of life conversations with your patient as a caregiver

[16:57] The most profound death of a patient that affected Andy much

[18:14] Palliative sedation, its significance, and who gets it

[24:54] Andy’s experiences in both palliative medicine and hospice

[30:37] What you need to understand about morphine in palliative care

[34:07] Tips on how the hospice experience of a patient can be improved

[38:13] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes 

●      The philosophy of hospice and palliative care is interdisciplinary or holistic care. The only way to deliver holistic care is through a team approach. [03:33]

●      We will all reach that season of life where our time comes to a close, and having that hospice care and support is phenomenal. [05:24]

●      In hospice, sometimes palliative sedation is employed to alleviate pain or distress in the patient. It is not to expedite a patient’s demise. [18:14]

●      Hospice care focuses not on death but on the quality of time and life during that time. Death will come whether you are in hospice or not.  [32:31]

Let’s Connect

Andy Arwari

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-arwarimd/

Andy’s Book: Navigating the U.S. Hospice Maze.: A short guide for community hospice physicians

Marie's Contact:

Marie@HospiceExplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@HospiceEncounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

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.

 Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

This interview is focused On Gastrointestinal problems: Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation and Diarrhea in the End of life Season.

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

In this Episode: Emily interviews me and asks me questions regarding Hospice.

https://linktr.ee/HospiceExplained

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://hospiceexplained.com

Ep.71

Knowledge and Comfort: Strategies for Enhancing Your Hospice Experience with Janet Burns Holliday DD, MSM, MSN, RN, BC-NE, CDP

Enhancing your hospice experience as a family begins with a thoughtful exploration of the principles and services inherent in hospice care. This compassionate approach to end-of-life support, while it’s undoubtedly beneficial, can be challenging when families are unaware of how it works and how to navigate this delicate journey. It is, therefore, imperative to educate yourselves about the comprehensive support available and the unique role hospice plays in tandem with existing health services. By understanding the holistic nature of hospice care, you can align your expectations and foster a collaborative environment that enhances the quality of life for your loved one during this critical phase. It will also empower you as a family to navigate the complexities with a sense of awareness and preparedness, ultimately contributing to a more meaningful and compassionate hospice experience.

Join this conversation with Janet Burns Holliday as she shares her experience with hospice care and strategies to help you enhance your individual and family experience. Janet is a registered nurse and value-driven leadership coach, trainer, and consultant. Janet is also passionate about equipping healthcare professionals who are feeling overworked, underappreciated, undervalued, and overwhelmed. She specializes in helping Health care professionals build their dreams, accelerate the results, and create richer and more fulfilling lives using a structured, tested process. Janet is also an author, trainer, speaker, and coach, and her 40 years of nursing experience includes education, training, and more.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:01] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Janet Burns Holliday

[01:46] Meet Janet and learn more about what she has been doing

[02:52] How education and increasing education helps

[03:37] Janet’s perspective on patient and family education

[04:47] Janet’s Hospice story and experience

[06:33] What Janet has found working in hospice that you should know

[07:21] Janet’s personal story and her renewed experience with hospice

[10:22] Things you can do as a family to improve your hospice experience

[11:56] The role of a death doula in the hospice care

[15:30] The self-care plan buzzword and focusing on the DASH

[19:22] Forgiveness and Janet's forgiveness exercise that have stuck with her

[21:42] Self-care tips and strategies that last with us longer

[23:30] Janet’s speaking and coaching work and how you can work with her

[26:54] Janet’s final words of encouragement to the listeners

[27:29] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes 

●      Education improves the quality of care for the patient and the residents; the outcomes and the experience are better. [02:56]

●      Family education and patient education is key, and as nurses, it’s important that we validate they understand what we’re teaching them. [04:01]

●      It’s important to focus on the dash because it represents the life that we’re currently living; make sure you enjoy each day of the dash. [16:51]

●      Self-care is about taking care of your soul, which means something different for each of us, but the quietness of the mind is the best way to take care of yourself. [22:29]

Resources Mentioned

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom: https://www.amazon.com/Tuesdays-Morrie-Greatest-Lesson-Anniversary/dp/076790592X

Let’s Connect

Janet Burns Holliday

Website: https://calendly.com/janetburnsholliday-1

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-holliday-dd-msm-msn-rn-bc-ne-cdp-b85b6764/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/2empoweru2day

Marie's Contact:

Marie@HospiceExplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@HospiceEncounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

 Ep. 86 Conversation Starters with Cards from the E*O*L Deck 

Thank you for listening and I want to remind you coming soon is the Hospice Explained member community

On Hospice Explained Episode # 56 I interviewed Lisa pahl 

Lisa is a social worker and co-creator of The Death Deck and The E•O•L Deck, games that inspire meaningful conversations on what matters most in our lives and in our deaths.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-explained-podcast/id1558665301

If you are interested in Purchasing the Cards: 
Here is my affiliate link https://thedeathdeck.com/?ref=c8is9vi6

( Hospice Explained will get a small Commission if you use this link, Thank You!)

https://thedeathdeck.com/

Marie's Contact:

This episode describes the FLACC pain scale and how to use it.

F=Face
L=Legs
A=Activity
C=Cry
C=Consolability

https://www.crossroadshospice.com/hospice-palliative-care-blog/2017/september/07/all-you-need-to-know-about-pain-management-in-hospice/

https://linktr.ee/HospiceExplained

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://hospiceexplained.com

Ep.68

Empowering Children Living with Medical Conditions Through Play ||Mary Jenner RN BSN OCN

Helping kids with conditions such as cancer through play is a wonderful way to support them. Playtime is not just fun but a powerful way for these brave kids to feel better emotionally and forget about their illnesses for a while. Giving them toys to play with lets them be creative and strong and have some normal fun, even though they are sick. These toys are like little sparks of happiness in their tough journey and a reminder to them that they are strong and can still be kids and have big dreams, even when things are hard. Join this conversation with Mary Jenner RN, former Pediatric oncology nurse who has dedicated her life to developing medical devices and toys for kids living with cancer.

Mary Jenner wears many hats with passion and purpose. As a loving mother, dedicated nurse, and accomplished author of "The Butterfly Pig," she is also the driving force behind the innovative kid’s medical device toys. Mary's mission is to create a world where children can gain confidence and understanding through play, particularly those with medical conditions. Her journey began in the challenging realm of Pediatric Oncology, where she recognized the need for medically inclusive toys. Years later, after nearly eight years of service as a care coordinator and clinic nurse in an adult oncology unit, Mary decided to take her commitment a step further. In April 2023, she bravely left her clinical role to fully devote herself to her thriving business, offering children a brighter, more inclusive future through the power of play.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Mary Jenner

[01:44] Meet and greet Mary Jenner and know what her value to the world

[05:43] Mary’s experiences in hospice and palliative

[09:31] Mary’s current projects

[12:43] Who Mary works with to design the toys from a picture to a real toy

[16:14] Success stories of how Mary’s toys have helped children

[19:09] Other toys available besides the kid's devices

[20:07] How you can get Mary’s baby products

[20:40] Her best medical products

[21:46] Who a child life specialist is and their invaluable services

[24:16] Golden nuggets and words of wisdom from Mary

[26:25] Ending show and calls to action

Notable Quotes 

●      Though hospice empowers some people, it can be disempowering to others because they feel as if accepting hospice is like giving up. And that is a tough mindset to change in oncology. [08:00]

●      The way a child learns is through play. [17:56]

●      The understanding of kids is based on them touching things. That is why kids' toys are so important to them. Kids learn and grow when they interact with them. [18:54]

Let’s Connect

Mary Jenner

Website: https://thebutterflypig.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebutterflypig/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/TheButterflyPig

Facebook: https://facebook.com/The-Butterfly-Pig-114229727028293

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebutterflypig

Mary’s Book: https://thebutterflypig.com/book/

Marie's Contact:

Marie@HospiceExplained.com

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

Marie@HospiceEncounters.com

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

 Linde Carter's Insights: Understanding Grief in Hospice and Finding Healing

Linde Carter MA, RN, NC-BC, CEOLD, CGD

Death is an inevitable part of life, and with it comes grief, a natural response and part of life. However, we often view grief as an enemy, pressuring us to overcome it swiftly. Yet, the truth is that the grieving process is vital for our well-being. It serves as a mechanism to help us heal and safeguard our emotional and mental health. When ignored or suppressed, it does not go away. Rather, it manifests in other areas of our lives, affecting our relationships, personal growth, and parenting abilities. Grief can also not be rushed or pushed aside. You must allow it to unfold naturally and permit yourself to fully experience the emotions and thoughts that arise to process it and embark on a healing journey.  In this episode, Linde Carter delves into the intricacies of grief, exploring its diverse manifestations and providing valuable tools to help you find healing and renewal amidst grief.

Linde Carter is a death doula and grief coach. Linde has been a registered nurse for almost 25 years and has spent more than half of that time as a hospice nurse and palliative care nurse at the bedside in patients’ homes and long-term care facilities, in quality management and nursing management. She is also a board-certified nurse coach specializing in loss, grief, transition, and end-of-life coaching. As a certified end-of-life and grief doula, Linde has her own private coaching and doula practice, Simplicity Transition. Like so many others, Linde has encountered and struggled with loss in her life from early on, and she learned that grief is not just about loss through death; it’s simply about loss of any kind.

Linde is passionate about supporting anyone experiencing any kind of loss or grief, anyone facing chronic, life-threatening illness and end of life, and anyone who may feel ready to move forward and carry their grief in a new way that is comfortable and healthy for them. Through grief and end-of-life coaching, Linde creates a space for others to know it’s okay to be vulnerable, scared, and even hopeless and to not always have the extra strength to keep moving forward and to hold that space for openness, honesty, support, and hope. She also currently has an active Facebook Group, Growing Through Grief, and is happy to allow anyone to join.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Linde Carter

[03:41] Linde's backstory and what she does in the grief space

[10:23] Why Linde changed her coaching business name to Simplicity Transition

[11:23] How Linde coaches people through different transitions in life

[14:14] The death-positive talk and how Linde does it

[15:38] How Linde is helping individuals and groups with grief and the things she focuses on

[24:26] How to know when you need help with your grief and signs to look out for

[27:36] Anticipatory grief in hospice and other different types of grief

[40:41] Some of the tools that you can use to start processing your grief

[46:16] The difference between a grief coach and a counselor

[49:11] How to reach out to Linde and get grief help and support

[52:18] A signal that shows that you need help to process grief

[55:03] Wrap-up and end of the show

Notable Quotes 

●      Death is natural, and grief is natural; people often look at grief as an enemy, but the grief process is what helps and protects you. [04:52]

●      You can’t ignore grief; grief is not something you get through or push yourself through and move on to the next thing; let it unfold and let yourself experience it because if you don’t, it will come back. It will show up in other parts of your life, hold you back, and cause issues in relationships and parenting. [21:22]

●      You can have different types of grief all happening at the same time, and if they are not recognized and resolved, that is when you get into complicated or complex unresolved grief, which can hang around for a long time. [37:52]

●      There are different manifestations of grief; it can manifest in your life in different ways, including cognitive or physical, where you forget things, become emotional, have physical pain, lack focus, or have insomnia. [52:18]

Resources Mentioned

It's OK That You're Not OK by Megan Devine: https://www.amazon.com/Its-That-Youre-Not-Understand/dp/1622039076.

How to Carry What Can't Be Fixed by Megan Devine: https://www.amazon.com/How-Carry-What-Cant-Fixed/dp/1683643704

Steven Henry Steppinstar music: https://www.youtube.com/c/Steppinstars

Let’s Connect

Linde Carter

Website: www.simplicitytransitions.com

Email: support@simplicitytranstions.com

Growing Through Grief Facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/sncgrowingthroughgrief/

:

This is the 40th Episode of Hospice Explained and the 1rst Episode of Hospice Encounters.

Hospice Encounter will feature stories from Hospice and the End of Life Season. This Podcast is meant to be Encouraging and a safe Platform to share these Encounters-my Dad who saw "The Great Beyond" which he described as "BEAUTIFUL"

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://hospiceexplained.com

On today's episode I interview Monica who has experience in Emergency Medicine and as a Hospice RN who helped orient me when I started working in Hospice. We discuss how Hospice can benefit patients in the end of life.

https://linktr.ee/HospiceExplained

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://hospiceexplained.com

Pet Hospice and Humane Euthanasia with Dr. Tyler Sugarman

In episode 103 of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher RN, dives into the emotional and practical aspects of pet hospice and humane euthanasia with Dr. Tyler Sugarman, the host of Vetsplanation. Dr. Sugarman shares his journey in veterinary medicine, his extensive experience in emergency veterinary care, and tips on making tough decisions about end-of-life care for pets. The discussion includes managing pet pain, ensuring quality of life, and ways to memorialize beloved pets after they pass. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the parallels between human and pet hospice care, emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding in difficult times.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:29 Episode Overview and Trigger Warning

00:58 Introducing Dr. Tyler Sugarman

01:26 Dr. Sugarman's Journey in Veterinary Medicine

04:29 Challenges and Rewards of Emergency Veterinary Medicine

05:39 Understanding Humane Euthanasia

07:53 Quality of Life and Decision Making for Pets

10:01 Hospice Care for Pets

11:26 Pain Management Alternatives for Pets

13:40 Personal Stories and Experiences

16:54 Grieving the Loss of a Pet

21:58 Memorializing Pets

23:58 Specialties in Veterinary Medicine

25:13 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

29:09 Conclusion and Farewell

Vetsplanation: Navigating the Tough Descision of Humane Euthanasia 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vetsplanation-pet-health-simplified/id1646206240?i=1000610583165

Vetsplanation: Instant Oxygen for Pets 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vetsplanation-pet-health-simplified/id1646206240?i=1000660180369

Hospice Encounters with Allison Potter from Give a Mile: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hospice-encounters/id1622451693?i=1000600429855

Join the Hospice Explained Patient/Family Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-communityht/home?invite=667651d96077439a642c827c

Join the Hospice Explained Professional Community: https://zyq6figc2is8q1uuqh0y.app.clientclub.net/communities/groups/hospice-explained-professional/home?invite=667652074606c53e54a865f1

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.

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

133 Living Funerals and Embracing Death: A Conversation with Kathy Dempsey

This episode discusses the difference between: comfort, palliative and curative care. The role of comfort care and how to conserve the energy of the patient to do the activities they most prefer.

Buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Leave A Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Email Me Your Stories: feedback@hospiceexplained.com

Website: http://hospiceexplained.com

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/palliative-care-for-adults-with-nonmalignant-chronic-lung-disease?source=related_link#H632048628

https://www.crossroadshospice.com/hospice-resources/hospice-caregiver-support/what-is-comfort-care/

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-fatigue-weakness-and-asthenia-in-palliative-care

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=fatigue+defini

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/professionals/palliative-care-knowledge-zone/symptom-control/weakness-fatigue#causes

https://linktr.ee/HospiceExplained

Alison Potter

Website: https://giveamile.org/

Website: https://expectedoutcome.ca/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-potter-rn-bscn-chpcn-b449064b/?

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.

 Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 
 In addition you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Kacie Gikonyo's Death Doula School
https://hospiceexplained--deathdoulaschool.thrivecart.com/death-doula-school/

Affilitate for the Caregiving Years Training Academy: 

https://www.careyearsacademy.com/ref/1096/

 
Affiliate for DNA is Love listeners also get a 5% discount!!

https://dnaislove.com/?coupon=hospiceexplained5 

The Death Deck and the E*O*L deck: 
https://thedeathdeck.goaffpro.com/

 
Marie's Contact
Marie@HospiceExplained.com
www.HospiceExplained.com

Speaking Their Name: Keys to Supporting the Bereaved with Alison Potter from Give a Mile

End-of-life, death, bereavement, and grief are undeniably sensitive topics, but they are an inherent part of the human experience. When someone loses a loved one, grief becomes an inevitable companion, and receiving the right support becomes essential for fostering a healthy outcome. Grief is an intrinsic aspect of love, representing a lifelong response that brings about profound changes in an individual. During such trying times, providing authentic support to those who are grieving becomes paramount, devoid of dismissive phrases like "I know how you feel" or superficial reassurances. Being present, choosing our words with care, and sharing cherished memories of the deceased while acknowledging them by name can offer solace and validation. This way, we provide an opportunity to honor the departed by speaking their name aloud once again. In a candid discussion, Alison Potter delves into the intricacies of grief and comfort, recounting her personal journey after losing her husband. She also sheds light on the valuable work of Give A Mile in the end-of-life space, and her business, Expected Outcome.

Alison is a palliative RN and a volunteer with Give A Mile, a registered charity in both Canada and the US. Their mission is to provide flights for people at end-of-life to connect with their loved ones for a final goodbye. Since they started, they have given away nine hundred and sixty-four (964) free flights, and their goal is to make it a thousand (1000) this year, their tenth anniversary year. Alison has been a Registered Nurse for almost 40 years, worked for over 25 years as a Palliative Care Nurse in Palliative Home Care, Palliative Consult Team in Acute Care, and was the Director of Clinical Care at Rosedale Hospice in Calgary from 2009 to 2018. Allison launched her business, Expected Outcome, in May 2022 to support and educate people on death, grief, and bereavement.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Alison potter

[00:56] Give A Mile, the Why behind it, and what they offer in the end-of-life space 

[06:16] Alison’s role as an outreach coordinator and flight recipient at Give A Mile 

[07:34] How to donate money or miles to Give A Mile and how they work

[09:39] Inspiring stories of recent flight applicants’ unforgeable reunion experiences   

[16:09] The maximum amount Give A Mile provides and why they don’t disclose it

[17:26] Grief and how Allison supports people through her business “Expected Outcome.”

[20:57] Why sharing stories and using the name of the deceased is priceless

[25:44] Alison’s word of encouragement to those grieving for pets

[29:09] Wrap-up and end of the show

Notable Quotes 

●      End-of-life care can be anywhere; residential hospice, home, hospital, and long-term care center, or in an ICU where the outcome is uncertain and someone is not expected to survive. [04:04]

●      Telling someone grieving that you know how they feel, they can have another baby, or time heals our wounds hurts because it doesn’t; grief is a price for love, and it’s lifelong. [19:04]

●      Be there, say the right things, and talk about the disease by name, grief is already sad, and by doing this, you are not making them sadder; you are giving them an opportunity to get their loved one name out loud again. [21:48]

Let’s Connect

Alison Potter

Website: https://giveamile.org/

Website: https://expectedoutcome.ca/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-potter-rn-bscn-chpcn-b449064b/?

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thealybird

 Marie's Contact:
feedback@hospiceexplained.com
www.hospiceexplained.com
http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice
Marie@hospiceencounters.com
Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

https://www.petpeaceofmind.org/

https://www.livingroominternational.org/

https://giveamile.org/

Finding a Hospice Agency

1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,

2. choose Find provider

3. Choose Hospice