Hospice Redefined

In this episode of Hospice Redefined, Rachel shares a heartfelt poem titled “The Lighting of the Candles,” a reflection on grief, remembrance, and the quiet ache many caregivers and families carry during the holiday season.

This gentle, grounding episode is an invitation to pause and honor the people we miss — the ones whose absence feels a little heavier during this time of year. Through the words of the poem and Rachel’s thoughtful reflections, you’ll be reminded that grief is not something to fix, but something to tend to with compassion, presence, and love.

Whether you are a caregiver, a hospice professional, or someone navigating your own loss, this episode offers:

• A moment of stillness in the midst of holiday overwhelm

• Language to help you honor your loved one in meaningful ways

• Comfort in knowing you’re not alone in what you feel

• A reminder that your grief is valid, and your memories are sacred

Light a candle, take a breath, and join Rachel for a space of reflection, tenderness, and hope.

The holidays can stir up both warmth and heartache — especially when someone you love is no longer here.In this episode of Hospice Redefined, hospice nurse and host Rachel Carta, RN, sits down with Carrie Stine, John Myers, and Jamie Samples, three hospice professionals who have also walked their own paths of loss. Together, they share heartfelt stories, practical ways to honor loved ones, and gentle wisdom for navigating grief during this tender season.You’ll hear how small acts of remembrance — like sharing a favorite pie, lighting a candle, or continuing a cherished tradition — can bring comfort and connection amidst sorrow. The conversation explores the importance of lowering expectations, finding new rituals, and allowing space for both tears and joy.Whether you’re a caregiver, a hospice professional, or someone missing a loved one this year, this episode offers hope, healing, and the reminder that you don’t have to walk through grief alone.Listen in for practical tips, comforting stories, and a compassionate perspective on finding peace and meaning through the holidays.Because hospice isn’t about endings — it’s about honoring life, love, and the connections that remain.

Hospice Redefined is an independent production sponsored by Living Inspired Nutrition + Lifestyle.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any specific hospice agency or organization.

The information shared here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or professional advice.

Always consult your healthcare provider or qualified professional regarding any questions about your health, care decisions, or the needs of your loved ones.

Learn more and explore episodes at HospiceRedefined.com

What if something as small and delicate as a butterfly could help you process grief, create new memories, and honor the legacy of your loved one?

In this heartfelt episode of Hospice Redefined, I sit down with Carrie Stine, long-time spiritual caregiver for hospice patients, to talk about the sacred tradition of the Annual Butterfly Release.

Together, we explore:

• The symbolism of the butterfly and why it’s such a powerful representation of love, legacy, and new beginnings

• How participating in events like this can support your grief journey and offer comfort in ways words often cannot

• The fragile beauty of life and grief—and how the simple act of releasing a butterfly can help you process your emotions naturally

• • The importance of connection and memory‑making with family, hospice staff, and the community
  • How your butterfly purchase makes a difference, supporting The Hospice Promise Foundation to provide essentials like rent, utilities, food, emergency repairs, and even wish fulfillment for hospice families in need

  
  

  If you’ve ever lost someone you love—or want to support a friend or family member through grief—this episode will encourage, inspire, and remind you that you are not alone.

  
  

  💌 We’d love to hear from you!
  Share this episode with a friend or family member, or email us at [email protected] with your questions or stories of remembrance.

  
  

  Hospice Redefined is an independent production sponsored by Living Inspired Nutrition + Lifestyle.

  This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any specific hospice agency or organization.

  The information shared here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or professional advice.

  Always consult your healthcare provider or qualified professional regarding any questions about your health, care decisions, or the needs of your loved ones.

  Learn more and explore episodes at HospiceRedefined.com

When a loved one enters hospice care, it’s common for family dynamics to surface in unexpected and sometimes challenging ways. Different perspectives, old wounds, and strong emotions can make an already difficult time even harder. But when families learn how to navigate these dynamics with honesty, compassion, and connection, they can create a more peaceful experience for everyone involved.

In this episode of Hospice Redefined, Rachel Carta, RN, is joined by social worker John Myers to discuss the realities of family dynamics at the end of life. They explore:

• Why family dynamics can intensify during hospice care

• How role changes—especially when a spouse becomes a primary caregiver—can create strain

• Why listening is often more powerful than trying to “fix” things

• The importance of honest and clear communication with family and the care team

• What to do when complicated relationships resurface

• Practical tips for caregivers who feel overwhelmed or resentful

  
  

Whether you’re a caregiver, a healthcare professional, or someone who wants to better support a loved one in hospice care, this episode will leave you with tools and reassurance that you’re not alone.

• Every family brings its own history, personality, and worldview to end-of-life care—tension is normal.

• Clear communication and setting boundaries are crucial for reducing stress and resentment.

• Listening without judgment is one of the most supportive things you can offer.

• Hospice teams can support caregivers too, not just patients—don’t be afraid to ask for help.

• Learn more about caregiver support groups through your hospice provider.

• For additional insights and resources, visit hospiceredefined.com.

  Download the Caregiver Self-Care Checklist here.

  
  

  Hospice Redefined is an independent production sponsored by Living Inspired Nutrition + Lifestyle.

  This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any specific hospice agency or organization.

  The information shared here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or professional advice.

  Always consult your healthcare provider or qualified professional regarding any questions about your health, care decisions, or the needs of your loved ones.

  Learn more and explore episodes at HospiceRedefined.com

Guest: Kate Zuraw, LICSW – Trauma-Informed Care Specialist & Founder of Liminal Resilience

In this powerful episode, we go beyond diagnoses and care plans to talk about what truly matters at the end of life: seeing the person behind the illness.

Our guest, Kate Zuraw, brings over a decade of expertise in trauma-informed care and shares how we can shift our mindset and practices to better support the emotional and psychological needs of those we care for.

Whether you're a caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone walking alongside a loved one, this conversation will give you the tools—and perspective—you need to bring more compassion, dignity, and presence to your care.

• What trauma really is—and how it lives in the body

• Why trauma-informed care is essential in hospice and healthcare

• How to respond to "resistance" and “noncompliance” with compassion and curiosity

• The importance of honoring a person’s identity, even as illness progresses

• Small ways to offer autonomy, safety, and trust

• Why remembering “who they were” changes everything

• How caregiver self-awareness and self-care impacts the quality of support we offer

  
  

“Just because someone is sick or dying doesn’t mean they’re a different person. We have to remember who they were—what they loved, who they’ve always been—because that identity still matters.”

• 🧾 Download the Caregiver Self-Care Checklist

• 📘 Follow Kate on Instagram: @liminalresilience

• 🌐 Visit her blog: Liminal Resilience

• 🎧 Listen to Episode 3 for more caregiver support and self-care strategies

  
  

Know someone caring for a loved one or working in healthcare? Share this episode to help spread the message of trauma-informed, compassionate hospice care.

Hospice Redefined is an independent production sponsored by Living Inspired Nutrition + Lifestyle.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any specific hospice agency or organization.

The information shared here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or professional advice.

Always consult your healthcare provider or qualified professional regarding any questions about your health, care decisions, or the needs of your loved ones.

Learn more and explore episodes at HospiceRedefined.com

Caregiving is one of the most meaningful—and exhausting—roles we can take on. In this solo episode, Rachel Carta, RN, hospice nurse and functional nutrition counselor, shares three simple yet powerful ways caregivers can care for their own bodies, plus a bonus tip that might be the most important one of all.

These aren’t lofty or complicated strategies. They’re accessible, doable, and grounded in real-life caregiving. Whether you're in the thick of caring for someone or supporting a loved one who is, this episode offers gentle guidance and actionable support.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why hydration is more than just “drink more water”

• How to find small, guilt-free moments of rest

• Simple ways to add more nutrition (without overhauling your meals)

• The one thing most caregivers resist—but desperately need: asking for help

• A bonus reminder to get outside and breathe (yes, it really helps)

Taking care of yourself is not a luxury. It’s essential.

💛 Download your free Caregiver Self-Care Checklist at:
HospiceRedefined.com

If you know a caregiver who could use this encouragement, please share this episode with them. Sometimes the smallest act can make the biggest difference.

Hospice Redefined is an independent production sponsored by Living Inspired Nutrition + Lifestyle.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any specific hospice agency or organization.

The information shared here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or professional advice.

Always consult your healthcare provider or qualified professional regarding any questions about your health, care decisions, or the needs of your loved ones.

Learn more and explore episodes at HospiceRedefined.com

In this powerful episode of Hospice Redefined, we explore the emotional toll caregiving takes on the body and mind.

Join host Rachel Carta, RN, as she speaks with John Myers, a seasoned hospice social worker. Together, they dive into the complex emotions caregivers face, including grief, guilt, and the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with caring for a loved one at the end of life.

Through this heartfelt conversation, we’ll uncover why support is crucial, how to manage the ups and downs of caregiving, and how caregivers can better care for themselves in the process.

Whether you’re currently caregiving, have been in the past, or are preparing for it in the future, this episode offers valuable insights and compassion for everyone navigating the journey.

Key Takeaways:

• How grief plays a major role in caregiving, even before loss occurs
• The emotional rollercoaster of caregiving and how to manage the ups and downs
• The importance of having a strong support system to avoid isolation
• Practical tips for caregivers on managing emotions and stress
• Why self-care is essential and how to prioritize your own well-being while caregiving

Resources:

• Link to Hospice Redefined Website
• Caregiver Self-Care Checklist

Connect with Us:

• [email protected]

Share this Episode:Know someone who might benefit from this episode? Share it with them and help us spread the word about the importance of compassionate caregiving and support.

Hospice Redefined is an independent production sponsored by Living Inspired Nutrition + Lifestyle.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any specific hospice agency or organization.

The information shared here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or professional advice.

Always consult your healthcare provider or qualified professional regarding any questions about your health, care decisions, or the needs of your loved ones.

Learn more and explore episodes at HospiceRedefined.com

Hospice is often misunderstood as a sign of giving up, but in reality, it’s about living with dignity, comfort, and connection during one of life’s most profound transitions.

In this very first episode of Hospice Redefined, host Rachel Carta, RN, is joined by social worker John Myers to discuss the biggest misconceptions about hospice care.

They dive into why so many families hesitate to seek hospice support, the fear surrounding the word itself, and how hospice can actually improve quality of life—and even extend it. They also explain the crucial role of the hospice care team and why receiving care earlier rather than later makes a significant difference.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ Why hospice is about living, not dying
✔️ The biggest misconception: Does hospice hasten death?
✔️ The emotional and physical connection in end-of-life care
✔️ How early hospice care can improve quality of life
✔️ The key roles of the hospice care team, including nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers
✔️ How caregivers can receive the support they need

Resources & Links:
🔗 Visit hospiceredefined.com for resources and our Caregiver Self-Care Checklist

📩 Have questions? Contact us via our website—we’d love to hear from you!

💙 If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone who may benefit.

Hospice Redefined is an independent production sponsored by Living Inspired Nutrition + Lifestyle.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any specific hospice agency or organization.

The information shared here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, or professional advice.

Always consult your healthcare provider or qualified professional regarding any questions about your health, care decisions, or the needs of your loved ones.

Learn more and explore episodes at HospiceRedefined.com