In this episode of The Last Call, Hospice Hannah interviews her 10-year-old son Vinny about how children understand death, from developmental stages to personal beliefs about heaven and life review.

They talk about fears, memories, pets' sensitivity, the importance of honesty, and practical advice for parents on how to speak with kids about loss.

Hospice Hannah interviews Give Willow co-founders Ryan Oliveira and Janet Turkula about their modern funeral registry that helps families raise money, coordinate memorial details, and collect shared memories.

The episode covers how Give Willow works (easy online setup, privacy controls, memorial walls, and options to pay families or funeral homes), new features like time-and-effort items, and partnerships with funeral homes and death-care providers.

Guests discuss how the platform simplifies planning, normalizes conversations about death, and helps communities show up for grieving families in meaningful ways. Explore Give Willow Here.

An esthetician at a dermatology practice takes a cosmetic appointment at 5:00 to help a desperate daughter and her elderly father, then gets written up for breaking scheduling rules.

That reprimand becomes the compass that leads her to nursing and hospice care, a story about how compassion can disrupt systems and reveal a calling to make room to help those suffering. 

Join Hospice Hannah in this enlightening episode of the Last Call Hospice Podcast Bar, where she welcomes Chris Thistle, a former paramedic turned entrepreneur, and founder of Thistle Therapies. Discover how Chris transitioned from emergency medicine to pioneering personalized cannabinoid therapies, designed to treat various ailments, including cancer.

Chris shares his journey and the science behind his approach, explaining the benefits of utilizing over 30 different cannabinoids, 70+ terpenes, and nootropics in creating customized healing solutions. Learn about the misconceptions surrounding cannabis and the importance of terpene profiles in achieving effective medicinal outcomes.

Explore real stories of transformation and the impact of personalized cannabinoid therapy in enhancing the quality of life for patients that traditional medicine has failed. Whether you're seeking alternatives for pain, anxiety, or chronic illnesses, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on holistic healing. 

Use discount code LASTCALL to receive 15% off https://www.thistlethera.com/

In this episode of The Last Call, host Hospice Hannah welcomes Lisa Pahl, a licensed clinical social worker and co-creator of The Death Deck, a conversation card game designed to make talking about end-of-life care less taboo. Together, they explore how the game facilitates important conversations about death and dying, through humor and meaningful dialogue. Listen in as they discuss the impact of the game on families and how it helps to ease the often difficult conversations surrounding end-of-life preferences. Hannah and Lisa dive into the cultural barriers around discussing death and how The Death Deck can transform these conversations into gateways for deeper connection.

Join them for a deep dive into shifting perceptions around mortality and the creation of the Dementia Deck, a new tool aimed at sparking conversations about dementia care. Whether you're a hospice professional or someone curious about death dialogues, this episode offers insights and laughs along the way.

In this episode of The Last Call Hospice Podcast, host Hospice Hannah tackles the often misunderstood topic of deprescribing medications in end-of-life care. As patients approach the final stages of life, the focus shifts from long-term preventive care to immediate comfort and quality of life.

Hannah delves into common medications like statins, osteoporosis drugs, vitamins, supplements, blood pressure meds, and blood thinners, exploring their intended benefits versus real-time side effects. The aim is to re-evaluate the necessity of these medications for hospice patients who no longer benefit from long-term preventive measures.

Listeners will gain insights into the practical considerations of discontinuing certain medications, including the importance of questioning the relevance of ongoing treatments. Hannah emphasizes empowering families and patients to make informed decisions, highlighting the balance between medical guidance and personal choice.

Join this compassionate conversation about shifting priorities in hospice care, and discover how to embrace the goal of fewer pills and more meaningful moments.

Welcome to a thought-provoking episode where we dive deep into the world of hospice care with the esteemed Barbara Karnes, RN and a pioneer in end-of-life education. Barbara, known for her impactful work and authorship of 'Gone from My Sight,' shares her insights on the evolution of hospice care, the challenges faced by healthcare professionals, and the importance of addressing death with honesty and compassion.

Barbara reflects on her early days in hospice, discussing how nurses learned alongside patients about the dying process and the critical role of time in providing supportive care. She emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to focus on the person, not just the disease, and the profound impact of spending quality time with patients and families.

Delve into Barbara's personal experiences, including her work during the AIDS crisis and the lessons learned that continue to shape her approach to hospice care today. We also explore her latest resource, the Approaching Death Support Kit, designed to guide families and professionals through the end-of-life journey.

This episode is a heartfelt call to action for open discussions about death, the importance of advanced directives, and ensuring that from diagnosis to the final moments, caregivers, and families are well-equipped and supported.

If you haven't already, visit bkbooks.com to explore Barbara's work. It's a library of comfort, clarity, and courage.

Welcome to this enlightening episode of The Last Call, where host Hospice Hannah delves into the often-avoided topic of end-of-life care. Joined by Dr. Matthew Tyler, a recognized expert in internal and hospice medicine with millions of followers on social media, they explore the realities and misconceptions surrounding hospice and palliative care. Dr. Tyler shares his motivation behind his popular online presence and offers invaluable insights into empowering families to take charge of their loved ones’ care.

Throughout the discussion, they tackle the common barriers patients and families face when accessing hospice care, including the lack of training among healthcare professionals in handling end-of-life conversations. Together, they advocate for a more informed approach and urge listeners to engage in open conversations about healthcare wishes and options.

This episode not only sheds light on the systemic issues within healthcare but also emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions to ensure dignity and comfort in the final chapters of life. Tune in to remove the stigma and fear surrounding end-of-life care discussions, and discover the power of advocating for yourself and your loved ones during these critical times.

Welcome to another episode of The Last Call, where we bravely explore topics often left unspoken in hospice care. Join Hospice Hannah as she delves into the misunderstood phenomenon of end-of-life secretions, compassionately addressing why it may sound distressing but isn't a sign of suffering. Learn about the importance of education and preparation for families during these challenging moments, and discover how hospice care can transform fear into understanding.

Welcome to The Last Call, the hospice podcast bar where we serve deep thoughts with a twist of dark humor. In this illuminating episode, Host Hospice Hannah sits down with Cody Hufstedler, a palliative care chaplain and the host of the DTTY podcast. Together, they delve into the spiritual dimensions of end-of-life care, exploring how people confront faith, doubt, and humor in their final days.

Listen in as they discuss the importance of levity in hospice care, how humor can make tough conversations more approachable, and the common spiritual shifts people experience as they face the end of their journey. Cody shares insights from his extensive experience, shedding light on the idea that people often die just as they've lived, and the transformations they undergo along the way.

This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on how to navigate complex emotions and spiritual questions as life draws to a close, reminding us that even at the end, love and laughter remain crucial elements of the human experience.