Understanding the Signs of Decline: A Guide to Recognizing the End of Life Season   Episode 7 of 'Hospice Explained' focuses on the signs of declining health, indicating the approach of the end of life season. These signs include frequent hospital visits, recurring health issues, diminished mental capacity, and increasing difficulty in performing daily life activities. The episode also highlights specific signs for different diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, cancer, and kidney or liver disease. It underscores the importance of becoming proactive in planning and preparation when these signs appear, and encourages listeners to discuss these changes with medical providers and family members.   00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained 00:34 Understanding Signs of Decline 01:12 Identifying Symptoms of Decline 02:02 Recognizing Changes in Daily Living Activities 02:53 Specific Disease Processes and Their Symptoms 05:11 Proactive Planning for End of Life Season 05:34 Conclusion and Call to Action

 

Essentials in Hospice and Palliative Care: A Practical Resourse for Every Nurse by Katherine Murray RN, BSN, MA, CHPCN(C), FT

 

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 [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

 

Understanding the POLST Form and Advanced Directives: A Hospice Explained Episode The sixth episode of the podcast 'Hospice Explained' explains the POLST (Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form, its purpose, the different names it goes by in various states, and its importance in end-of-life care. This episode also discusses advanced directives or living wills, a legal document determining how an individual's medical decisions should be made. These directives are strictly based on healthcare not finances or personal property. The host brings attention to the fact that the Emergency Medical Services team needs a medical order (like a POLST) to follow a patient's wishes, which a living will cannot provide. The host also emphasizes that these forms need to be regularly updated and clear about the patient's medical wishes.   00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained 00:34 Understanding Advanced Directives 00:51 The Importance of Living Wills 01:59 Exploring the POLST Form 02:15 The Role of POLST in Different States 03:51 The Significance of Medical Orders 05:06 How to Change or Void a POLST Form 05:43 Understanding Choices on the POLST Form 07:03 Deciding on Medically Assisted Nutrition 07:36 Conclusion and Further Resources   www.polst.org        

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

 

3 Understanding Hospice Equipment and Services   In the third episode of Hospice Explained, the podcast explores the various aspects of hospice care equipment. This includes essential items such as hospital beds and how they can be adjusted according to patients' needs and caregivers' safety. Marie further explains the function of an oxygen concentrator and the variety of other equipment that may be needed including walkers, bedside commodes, and bath chairs. Marie mentions that some items like briefs, wipes, and skin ointment are available in small amounts for immediate care and that such loaned equipment is picked up by the delivery company once it is no longer needed. The episode concludes with the information that the next segment will focus on the Eligibility criteria for hospice service.   00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained 00:41 Understanding the Role of Equipment in Hospice Care 01:12 The Importance of Hospital Beds in Hospice Care 03:43 The Role of Oxygen Concentrators in Hospice Care 04:21 Other Essential Equipment in Hospice Care 05:00 Supplies Provided by Hospice Services 05:54 What Happens to the Equipment After the Patient Passes 06:08 Preview of the Next Episode and Closing Remarks

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bed+pads+for+incontinence+36+x+36+washable&crid=1F8ZX1VE55M6M&sprefix=bed+pads+for+incontinence++36+x+36%2Caps%2C234&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_33

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 [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

 

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] www.HospiceExplained.com

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

Marie's Contact:   [email protected]

www.hospiceexplained.com http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice [email protected]     Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080