177 Hospice, Caregiving, and Long-Term Care Planning with Raymond Lavine

Host Marie Betcher, a former hospice nurse and longtime registered nurse, interviews Raymond Lavine, Raymond explains he designs long-term care plans that can help pay for caregiving either at home or in a facility, addressing the common misconception that long-term care insurance is only "nursing home insurance." They discuss caregiver stress and the need to support caregivers with respite and practical help. Raymond outlines how long-term care policies generally work as a pool of money over a set period, often with inflation or cost-of-living features, and notes that benefits may not cover 100% of costs depending on the plan and setting. Raymond advises making incremental home modifications in advance to support aging in place and reduce falls. The episode ends with Raymond offering Zoom, phone, and in-person meetings, directing listeners to his website tools and FAQ features, and Marie encouraging listeners to subscribe and share.

00:00 Welcome + Medical Disclaimer

00:29 Meet Your Host Marie Betcher

00:46 Raymond Lavine's Backstory: Army, Vietnam & Career Path

02:43 What Raymond Does: Long‑Term Care Planning Meets Hospice Reality

04:21 Caregiver Burnout: Supporting the Family, Not Just the Patient

05:50 Does Long‑Term Care Insurance Pay for In‑Home Care or Facilities?

07:28 What Hospice Covers Under Medicare (and What It Doesn't)

11:00 How Long‑Term Care Policies Work: Pools of Money, Inflation Riders & Costs

16:08 Affordable Options When Money's Tight: Life Settlements, Reverse Mortgages & Hybrids

20:12 Avoiding Crisis: Planning, Home Modifications & Real‑World Care Logistics

22:09 Hospice Isn't a Daily Caregiver: Building a Care Team

https://raymondlavineofficial.com/

https://www.lavineltcins.com/

If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.

Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the cloud9caresystem.com, When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119)

When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)

Marie's Contact [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

Finding a Hospice Agency

1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,

2. choose Find provider

3. Choose Hospice

4. then add your zip code

This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

176 Hospice Explained: The Five Wishes and Why They Matter

Host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, reviews the "Five Wishes" advance care planning document after a prior episode with Yvonne Caputo. She explains where to find and purchase it (fivewishes.org and agingwithdignity.org), notes it can be notarized, and emphasizes completing it through conversations with loved ones. Marie walks through each wish: choosing the person to make decisions when you can't and clearly sharing your choices with them; deciding what medical treatments you want or don't want (also referencing POLST at polst.org); defining what comfort looks like and where you want to be cared for; how you want people to treat you; and what you want loved ones to know, including expressing love and sharing guidance about personal items and other wishes. She invites listeners to share hospice-related stories by emailing her through hospiceexplained.com, and encourages subscribing and sharing the podcast.

00:00 Welcome & Medical Disclaimer (Start Here)

00:28 Meet Your Host Marie + Why This Podcast Exists

00:41 Recap: Last Week's Guest & Introducing the Five Wishes

01:31 Wish #1: Choose Your Healthcare Decision-Maker

02:14 Wish #2: Treatments You Do (and Don't) Want

02:59 Wish #3: Defining Comfort at the End of Life

03:55 Wish #4: How You Want People to Treat You

04:08 Wish #5: What You Want Loved Ones to Know

05:28 Where to Get Five Wishes + Share Your Story (Closing)

https://www.fivewishes.org/

https://agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes/

If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.

Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the cloud9caresystem.com, When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119)

When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)

Marie's Contact [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

Finding a Hospice Agency

1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,

2. choose Find provider

3. Choose Hospice

4. then add your zip code

This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

175 "Dying with Dad": Intimate Conversations and Five Wishes

In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, interviews Yvonne Caputo, a retired teacher, vice president of human resources, corporate trainer, consultant, and psychotherapist. Yvonne discusses her books, 'Flying with Dad' and 'Dying with Dad,' and shares personal stories about having meaningful end-of-life conversations with her father. The episode delves into the emotional and legal aspects of preparing for end-of-life, the significance of the 'Five Wishes' document, and how these conversations can bring profound joy and lessen the burden during grief. Yvonne offers practical advice on how to approach these discussions with loved ones and the impact these preparations had on her family's experiences with death.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:43 Meet Yvonne Caputo: A Multifaceted Professional

01:06 Flying with Dad: A Journey Through WWII Stories

01:15 Dying with Dad: Conversations About End-of-Life Wishes

02:52 The Importance of Advanced Directives

05:57 A Heartfelt Goodbye: Yvonne's Personal Story

12:50 Impact of the Five Wishes Document

21:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections

23:42 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

https://www.fivewishes.org/

https://agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes/

If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.

Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the cloud9caresystem.com, When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119)

When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)

Marie's Contact [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

Finding a Hospice Agency

1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,

2. choose Find provider

3. Choose Hospice

4. then add your zip code

This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

174 Facing the Unspoken: Embracing End of Life Conversations

In this episode of 'Hospice Explained,' host Marie Betcher RN , a former hospice nurse with a long nursing experience, emphasizes the significance of addressing end-of-life issues early. She discusses the common problem of late referrals to palliative and hospice care and highlights the need for healthcare providers to facilitate honest, fact-based conversations with patients. This approach allows patients to make informed choices, spend quality time with loved ones, and manage their affairs properly. Marie encourages providers to make these discussions a cooperative dialogue, providing resources and advice to help patients prepare for the end of life. She also invites listeners to share their stories and questions.

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

00:28 Meet Your Host: Marie Betcher RN

00:41 Addressing Late Referrals in Hospice Care

01:08 The Importance of dificult Conversations

01:47 Training Gaps in Medical Education

02:09 Empowering Patients with Honest Conversations

02:24 Practical Steps for End-of-Life Planning

03:42 The Role of Healthcare Providers

04:21 Creating a Dialogue, Not a Debate

05:04 Encouraging Hospice Consideration

05:46 Conclusion and Contact Information

If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.

Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the cloud9caresystem.com, When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119)

When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)

Marie's Contact [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

Finding a Hospice Agency

1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,

2. choose Find provider

3. Choose Hospice

4. then add your zip code

This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

173 Understanding Palliative Care with Dr. Win Lin Chai

In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher RN interviews Dr. Win Lin Chai, a palliative care specialist from Malaysia. They discuss the role of palliative care in improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, the importance of early referral, and the challenges faced by healthcare providers in delivering holistic care. Dr. Chai shares insights from her extensive experience, including a touching patient story, and emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to support and understand both patients and their fellow caregivers.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:46 Meet Dr. Win Lin Chai

01:47 Dr. Chai's Journey into Palliative Care

05:26 Understanding Palliative Medicine

06:49 Challenges and Advocacy in Palliative Care

08:23 Palliative Care in Malaysia

21:17 Patient Stories and Impact

27:03 The Importance of Palliative Care

28:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.

Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the cloud9caresystem.com, When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119)

When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)

If you would, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Marie's Contact [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

Finding a Hospice Agency

1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,

2. choose Find provider

3. Choose Hospice

4. then add your zip code

This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

172 Understanding Hospice: Choices and Considerations for End of Life Care

In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, educates listeners on the history and evolution of end-of-life care. She discusses the shift from dying at home to hospital deaths that began in the late 19th century and transitioned in the mid-20th century. Marie emphasizes the importance of having conversations about end-of-life preferences early, including the role and benefits of hospice care whether at home, in a facility, or in a hospital. She also highlights the necessity of having a caregiver for home hospice care and encourages listeners to make plans to ensure dignity and grace in end-of-life situations. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to subscribe, share, and make a positive difference in someone's life.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:48 Historical Perspective on Dying in Hospitals

02:07 Choosing Where to Die: Home or Hospital?

02:26 Understanding Hospice Care

03:10 Planning for End-of-Life Care

03:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.

Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the cloud9caresystem.com, When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119)

When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)

Marie's Contact [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

Finding a Hospice Agency

1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,

2. choose Find provider

3. Choose Hospice

4. then add your zip code

This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

Understanding the Role of End-of-Life Doulas with Peter M. Abraham RN

In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher RN is joined by returning guest Peter Abraham, a registered nurse and certified End-of-Life Doula. Peter discusses his journey and the nature of working as an end-of-life doula, highlighting the importance of this role in providing non-medical support to patients and families during the dying process. He also touches on the challenges of operating in an unregulated industry and shares insights from his work on advanced care planning. Marie and Peter discuss the distinctions between the roles of nurses and doulas, and Peter explains how he integrates his nursing skills with his doula work. The episode also offers guidance on how to choose a qualified doula and the importance of thorough research. Additionally, Peter discusses his advanced care planning services and resources available through his website, Compassion Crossing.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:41 Meet Peter Abraham: A Dedicated Nurse

01:53 Understanding the Role of a Death Doula

02:37 Challenges and Ethics in the Doula Industry

04:36 Differentiating Between Doula and Nursing Roles

12:04 Advanced Care Planning: A Doula's Perspective

18:05 Navigating the Doula Profession

21:43 Peter Abraham's Publications and Future Plans

23:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

https://compassioncrossing.info/

If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.

Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the cloud9caresystem.com, When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119)

When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)

Marie's Contact [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

Finding a Hospice Agency

1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,

2. choose Find provider

3. Choose Hospice

4. then add your zip code

This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

Understanding End-of-Life Decisions: The Importance of Hospice Education

In this episode of 'Hospice Explained,' host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, shares a poignant story about educating a family on the realities of CPR within hospice care. Through a real-life example, Marie emphasizes the importance of understanding hospice care and the end-of-life process. The episode highlights the need for proper communication and realistic expectations regarding life-saving measures like CPR. Marie also encourages listeners to seek further information from resources like polst.org and invites individuals with personal stories or expertise to join the podcast for future episodes.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:29 Host Introduction and Purpose

00:45 A Personal Story: Challenges with CPR

02:15 Understanding CPR in Hospice Care

03:24 The Importance of Saying Goodbye

04:39 Resources and Final Thoughts

POLST.ORG

If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.

Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the cloud9caresystem.com, When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119)

When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)

If you would, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Marie's Contact [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

Finding a Hospice Agency

1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,

2. choose Find provider

3. Choose Hospice

4. then add your zip code

This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

169 Understanding Deathbed Phenomena with Alison Potter RN

In episode 169 of 'Hospice Explained,' host Alison Potter, a palliative RN, discusses various end-of-life experiences shared in previous episode number 12 of 'Hospice Encounters.' Alison, who runs grief support seminars and groups in Calgary, shares intriguing stories about deathbed phenomena, a field with scientific backing. These include patients sensing the presence of deceased loved ones or pets offering them comfort in their final moments. The episode emphasizes the importance of being curious and open to these experiences to provide peace and understanding to those nearing the end of their lives and their families. Alison also notes the significance of memorializing death stories positively for lasting impacts on families. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on the enriching aspects of end-of-life care and the myths surrounding deathbed phenomena.

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

00:29 Episode Introduction

00:59 Guest Introduction: Alison Potter RN

01:29 Alison's Work and Services

01:47 Seminars and Support Groups

02:53 Deathbed Phenomena

04:38 Personal Stories of Deathbed Phenomena

10:39 The Importance of Peaceful End-of-Life Experiences

16:16 Final Thoughts and Farewell

https://expectedoutcome.ca/

If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.

Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the cloud9caresystem.com, When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119)

When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)

If you would, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Marie's Contact [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

Finding a Hospice Agency

1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,

2. choose Find provider

3. Choose Hospice

4. then add your zip code

This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

168 Breaking Taboos: Talking About Death with Gabby Jimenez

In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher RN, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, interviews Gabrielle Jimenez, a hospice and palliative care nurse, end-of-life doula, grief educator, and author. Gabby shares her journey from commercial real estate to nursing, witnessing nearly 2000 last breaths, and discusses the importance of human-centered care in hospice. The episode also covers the challenges and rewards of starting a nursing career later in life, the need for earlier hospice care, and supporting parents losing a child. Highlighting Gabby's intention to create a safe place through her Facebook community 'The Hospice Heart,' this episode emphasizes the critical role of compassion and education in end-of-life care.

00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

00:46 Meet Gabrielle Jimenez: Hospice Nurse and Doula

02:01 Gabrielle's Journey to Hospice Care

10:12 The Role of a Doula in End-of-Life Care

17:01 Challenges and Changes in Hospice Care

21:38 The Importance of Discussing Death and Dying

24:04 Celebrating Life and Death in New Orleans

24:37 Organizing Funeral Food

25:51 A Funny Story About My Dad's Funeral

27:20 Reflecting on My Mother's Death

29:13 Dealing with Family Drama During Funerals

32:12 Advice for Handling Grief and Family Dynamics

39:08 Supporting Parents Losing a Child

43:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

https://www.thehospiceheart.net/

If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.

Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the cloud9caresystem.com, When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119)

When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)

If you would, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Marie's Contact [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

Finding a Hospice Agency

1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,

2. choose Find provider

3. Choose Hospice

4. then add your zip code

This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.