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A hospice interdisciplinary team provides enhanced support at the time of a patient’s death - and that includes care from the hospice chaplain.  The chaplain, or spiritual counselor, is there to encourage those who are grieving, to provide comfort and guidance during what hospice professionals call a “death event”.  Along with other team members (nurse, social worker, aide), the chaplain comes alongside the caregivers to provide support as coordination for the final disposition of the body is made.  The spiritual counselor educates the family about what to expect, and assess the bereavement needs of those who are present.  Using the information obtained during this bereavement assessment, the chaplain will collaborate with the bereavement coordinate to create the bereavement plan of care for the thirteen months following the patient’s death.  The presence of the chaplain at a patient’s death is crucial to the support of the family as well as support of the other disciplines.  The best way to have an optimal death event is to include the chaplain.  There’s more information to help you with your end of life journey at theheartofhospice.com.  Whether you’re a hospice professional or someone caring for a hospice patient, you’ll find support and encouragement.  Check out more podcast episodes by clicking here.  We know your journey matters - you are The Heart of Hospice. 

Once the Initial Spiritual Assessment is completed, a hospice chaplain will make routine visits that are used for life review, legacy projects, encouragement, faith discussions, or whatever the patient says is important. Typically the chaplain (also known as the spiritual counselor) will see a stable patient once or twice a month, and when there’s a special need like a change in condition.  The different interventions that the chaplain might offer are unlimited.  Whatever has meaning for the patient or caregivers will shape the activities of the routine visits.  And it’s ok if the patient and the caregivers have different needs or want different interventions.  The chaplain can provide interfaith care for both.  It’s all about affirming the patient’s or caregiver’s faith system and providing support that is meaningful for them.  Interventions are customized and individualized.  Find more information about hospice care and philosophy at theheartofhospice.com.  The Heart of Hospice is here to support you.  Send questions and comments to host@theheartofhospice.com.  We’ll send you a personal reply.  Whether you’re a hospice professional or an unpaid caregiver for someone who’s seriously ill, your end of life journey matters. You are The Heart of Hospice.  

You’ll find more information about hospice and how to get the best out of your end of life experience at theheartofhospice.com.  Need a speaker for your next company event or conference?  Send an email to host@theheartofhospice.com to book Jerry Fenter or Helen Bauer to encourage and inspire your audience.  You’re not alone in your hospice journey - we never forget.  You are The Heart of Hospice.

In the second episode of our hospice chaplain series, we’re talking about the Initial Spiritual Assessment, why it’s necessary, and what it includes. Mandated by Medicare, the Initial Spiritual Assessment is completed within 5 days of a patient’s admission to hospice.  There’s a lot of information to collect, including details about belief systems, faith, and whether the patient wants to include any clergy person from the community.  If the patient doesn’t subscribe to an organized religion, there’s still a lot for the chaplain, or spiritual counselor, to talk about.  Because the chaplain is also there to support the caregiver, there should be discussion of any spiritual needs the caregiver might have, especially if those needs are different from the needs of the patient.  It takes to complete the Initial Spiritual Assessment but it’s only done on admission.  The follow up visits from the chaplain require much less time. Every piece of information the patient and caregiver shares enables the spiritual counselor to offer better individualized care.  If you need more information about end of life care, you can find support at theheartofhospice.com.  You’ll find more podcasts where we discuss advance care planning, hospice philosophy, and how an end of life care team works on The Heart of Hospice “Listen” page.  We never forget - your journey matters.  No matter who you are, or where you are in your hospice journey, you are The Heart of Hospice.

Chaplains, or spiritual counselors, are one of the core members of a hospice interdisciplinary team.  What's their role in the care of seriously ill patients and their families?  In this series, we'll talk about how a spiritual counselor comes alongside patients and caregivers to provide supportive spiritual care.     Due to outdated beliefs and myths, many people misunderstand what a spiritual counselor does.  No matter what belief system the patient may hold, a chaplain can provide support and care within those beliefs.  No need to refuse the chaplain visits, even if your personal clergy person is also providing care.  There's a big difference between pastoral ministry and chaplaincy.  Keep listening to the Heartbeat series to hear more detailed information about the role of the spiritual counselor and what they have to offer.  Need more information about hospice philosophy and end of life care?  Visit The Heart of Hospice website to find the resources you need.  Reach out to Helen or Jerry with questions or comments with an email to host@theheartofhospice.com.  Check out our pages on self care and advance care planning.  We're here to support both personal and professional caregivers - you are The Heart of Hospice!

Author Larry Indiviglia shares the incredible story of "126 Days 11 Minutes: Our Love Story" in his interview with The Heart of Hospice. Revealing his heart and vulnerability, Larry tells the story of his brief but deep connection to his partner Gayle as she deals with stage IV breast cancer.  Gayle's passion for life and the Argentine tango along with her dedication to living life to the fullest is an inspiring story.  Helen and Jerry talk with Larry about the wisdom he gained and how being Gayle's caregiver enriched his life.  You can find "126 Days 11 Minutes: Our Love Story" on "126 Days 11 Minutes: Our Love Story" in both paperback and Kindle audiobook forms.  Connect with Larry by sending an email to lindiviglia@gmail.com.  You’ll find more information about hospice philosophy and how to make the most of your end of life journey at theheartofhospice.com.  To connect with podcast hosts Jerry Fenter or Helen Bauer, send an email to host@theheartofhospice.com.  Either one would make a great speaker for your next event, conference, or agency memorial service.  You are The Heart of Hospice!

It can be a challenge to care for someone you love at home during a serious illness.  We’ve got some tips to help you to do it successfully.  There are a lot of things to consider - finances, wellness of the caregiver, acuity of the patient, and safety of the home are just some of the items that need to be discussed before someone takes on the caregiving responsibility.  A lone caregiver will need help, so it’s crucial to gather a group of people to manage caregiving tasks.  Caregiving should never be a one person job. (Hint - this is where your hospice team can help!) There’s also an emotional burden attached to caring for a loved one at home and experiencing a death in that space.  The benefits to having care at home include control of the physical environment, who comes to visit, management of noise, and the familiarity of a home environment.  Not every patient can be cared for safely at home.  Talk with your hospice care team about whether home will be the best place for you or your loved one. Connect with Helen or Jerry from The Heart of Hospice podcast with questions by sending an email to host@theheartofhospice.com.  We’re here to support your end of life journey.  No matter where you are in your hospice journey, you are The Heart of Hospice.  

Most medical mistakes happen during care transitions. Helen and Jerry have some tips on improving those crucial moves between care providers and settings.  Care transitions are changes in a patient’s care setting or care provider.  Patients may move from living at home to residing in a facility, or make a transition from home health to hospice care.  Maybe the care transition is from one hospice team to another, or from the outpatient hospice staff to the inpatient hospice unit for crisis management.  Communication is key!  If you’re a patient or a caregiver, make sure to ask your questions and repeat them if you need to.  Write down the answers and keep those written instructions close by for easy access.  Don’t be afraid to make a follow up phone call after a care transition has happened.  If you’re a healthcare provider, it’s your responsibility to make those transitions successful by providing full support and education to patients and their caregivers.  Repeat instructions patiently, and provide written medication lists and instructions that are easy to read and understand. You can find more support and education about end of life care at theheartofhospice.com.  We’re here 24/7 to help you with information about hospice philosophy, self care, and advance care planning.  Your organization can have Jerry or Helen to speak at your next event or conference by sending an email to host@theheartofhospice.com. Stay connected with us - you are The Heart of Hospice! 

A home funeral can be a rich and meaningful experience. The National Home Funeral Alliance offers guidance to help make it happen. Our special guest today is Dani Lavoire, former president of the National Home Funeral Alliance.  Dani is a birth midwife who made a connection between the experiences of birth and death.  The team at the National Home Funeral Alliance provides support for families across the U.S. who would like to have a more personal after-death event.  According to the NHFA website, “it is your right [in all 50 states] to care for your own loved one after death. ​The NHFA is working to make sure communities and families know their rights.”  Personal rituals can be conducted without feeling rushed, or on someone else’s timeline.  If you’re interested in a home funeral, visit homefuneralalliance.org to get more information.  Check out their podcast - A Path Home, hosted by Sarah Crews, former president of NHFA.  You’ll find more support for your end of life experience at theheartofhospice.com, including information about self care, hospice philosophy, and advance care planning.  You’ll also find info about Helen Bauer and Jerry Fenter, hosts of The Heart of Hospice podcast.  We’re happy to connect with you - you are The Heart of Hospice.    

Hospice patients and families love their volunteers! This week’s Heartbeat shares the truth about the role of the hospice volunteer.  Hospice agencies are required by regulation to recruit volunteers to supplement the patient care hours provided by the agency staff.  There are many different jobs volunteers can do, everything from administrative tasks in the office to visits to patients’ homes.  Volunteers do things like reading to a patient, providing companionship, walking dogs, and fixing a light meal.  There are some restrictions on what volunteers can do. They're not allowed to give medications or change a bandage on a wound.  The volunteer is responsible for reporting back to the interdisciplinary team, letting them know if the patient is having symptom issues or has had a change in status.  There’s no payment for working as a volunteer but the reward is priceless!  If you’re interested in being a hospice volunteer, check out the Serve page on theheartofhospice.com for more information.  We’ve got podcasts to help you with all your hospice questions.  Check out our Podcast page to learn more.  Got a hospice question? Send it to host@theheartofhospice.com.  We’re happy to help - you are The Heart of Hospice. 

Hospice aides are truly an essential part of the interdisciplinary team, providing some of the most intimate care to seriously ill patients. Today’s Heartbeat shares the truth about the role of the aide in end of life care.  Providing personal care such as bed baths, showers, catheter or incontinent care, and skin care is just part of what an aide can do.  The aide also monitors a patient for skin breakdown and ensures safe ambulation during the aide’s visit.  Cleaning nails and providing oral care is also included in the aide care plan.  One of the most important aspects of the aide’s job is communication with the nurse.  An aide can be the first to see skin breakdown or a change in the patient’s status.  Aide often provides bathing of the body after a patient dies, known as post mortem care.  Aides are not allowed to give medications or provide medical advice.   The Heart of Hospice wants to support you during your end of life journey.  Find information about hospice philosophy at theheartofhospice.com.  The hosts of The Heart of Hospice podcast have 20+ years of hospice experience.  Contact Helen or Jerry with questions by sending an email to host@theheartofhospice.com.  No matter where you are in your hospice journey, you are The Heart of Hospice.   

GrandPad founders Scott and Isaac Lien believe no senior adult should ever be isolated. GrandPad keeps older adults and their loved ones connected with easy-to-use technology. The GrandPad device is customized to the communication needs of the aging adult. Using a private family network that allows for safe photo and video sharing, GrandPad keeps the older user safe while offering a wide variety of applications.  Games, video chat, music, and email are all features of the GrandPad.  There’s no wifi needed - GrandPad comes with its own built-in LTE connection so there are no passwords or logins to remember. The team at GrandPad considers the special needs of older adults when considering the features of the GrandPad device, including speaker placement and tactile features.  The GrandPad team includes a group of senior adults to test, provide feedback, and guide the development of GrandPad functions. You can order a GrandPad for your loved one - or multiple devices for your facility - by clicking here. The Heart of Hospice is here for you to provide support and education for your end of life journey.  If you need to consider hospice care for yourself or a loved one, click here to learn about hospice basics and philosophy. If you’d like to book Helen or Jerry as a speaker for your in-person or virtual conference, hospice memorial service, or company meeting, contact us at host@theheartofhospice.com.  We’re here for your end of life journey - you are The Heart of Hospice.  

No one on the hospice team is more misunderstood than the chaplain.  Today we’re clearing up myths about hospice spiritual counselors.  Lots of people think spiritual counselors (commonly called chaplains) are there to convert or change faith beliefs. That could not be further from the truth.  The role of the hospice spiritual counselor is to support seriously ill patients and their families in whatever spiritual beliefs they have.  Regardless of what the personal faith system of the chaplain is, the chaplain can provide spiritual care for a wide variety of faiths - Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, wicken, atheist, agnostic, or non-theistic.  If you’re receiving hospice services and there is talk of converting or saving you, that is NOT the kind of spiritual care service you’re supposed to be receiving.  Your faith beliefs are what matters.  Spiritual counselors are not there to judge you or change what you believe. Chaplains facilitate life review and help with legacy projects or funeral planning.  Spiritual care should always be respectful, nonjudgmental, and accepting.  It’s important to know your rights as a seriously ill patient and family.  Listen to more of our Fact and Fiction series to find out more about the roles of every person on the hospice interdisciplinary team. The Heart of Hospice is here to make your end of life journey easier.  Check out our info on advance care planning, self care, and hospice philosophy.  Your journey matters.  The Heart of Hospice is here to help.  You are The Heart of Hospice.   

In this 3rd episode of the Fact or Fiction series, we’re talking about the problem-solvers of the interdisciplinary team - social workers. Social workers are a vital part of hospice care.  There’s a lot of misinformation about the role of a social worker so we’re sharing the facts about what they really do.  Social workers act as advocates for patients and families, and help families access resources to make caregiving easier.  Offering grief counseling is also a big part of what social workers do.  Social workers often facilitate family conferences to help with big decisions or help resolve disagreements among family members about how a patient’s care should be handled.  They provide a crucial component of the care of a hospice patient.   At theheartofhospice.com you’ll find more information about interdisciplinary teams and their work to care for seriously ill patients.  Whether it’s information about hospice philosophy or understand the roles of every person on the team, The Heart of Hospice has content that can help.  You’ll find podcasts discussing everything from hospice 101 and philosophy to self care for both personal and professional caregivers.  Send any questions you might have to host@theheartofhospice.com.  No matter where you are in your hospice journey, you are The Heart of Hospice.  

We're thrilled to talk with our guest Shaun O’Leary, Joint CEO of St. Christopher’s Hospice in London as he shares how St. Christopher’s is building on its rich history to move hospice care forward into the future.  Founded by Dame Cicely Saunders, St. Christopher’s was the first modern hospice center and acted as a model for hospice care in the U.S.  Shaun uses the wisdom he’s acquired over 15 years of working in end of life care to steer St. Christopher’s Hospice.  He acknowledges there are challenges that hospice agencies in the U.K. face, such as fund raising, misinformation, and the need for community education about hospice philosophy.  St. Christopher’s is providing that education through a brand new center - the Centre for Awareness and Response to End of Life (CARE).  The CARE Centre opened on January 15 of 2021. According to the St. Christopher’s website, visitors can “enjoy viewing art exhibitions, participate in a book club or simply take some time out in one of the many quiet and intimate spaces included in the building.  The high-tech Skills Lab provides a facility for doctors, nurses and carers to demonstrate practical skills such as using a syringe driver or moving someone safely in a bed. With cameras fitted all around this space, learners of all kinds will be able to access a fully immersive experience.”  You can find more information about St. Christopher’s history and CARE by visiting their website: stchristophers.org.uk.  To find more podcasts from The Heart of Hospice, visit theheartofhospice.com.  We’re here to support your hospice journey, with support and encouragement. There’s information on advance care planning, self care, caregiving, and the basics of hospice philosophy.  No matter where you are in your hospice journey, The Heart of Hospice is here to help. 

The hospice physician and nurse practitioner play key roles in the care of hospice patients. In today's episode we’re sharing facts about what the hospice doc and NP really do.  It’s important to remember the patient (or a designated decision maker) is in charge of the care the patient receives.  The hospice physician or the attending doctor the patient chooses guides the hospice plan of care.  The nurse practitioner sometimes works alongside the hospice doctor to provide an additional layer of care, often performing Face to Face visits that Medicare requires to recertify a patient for continuing hospice services.  The hospice physician and NP collaborate closely with the other members of the hospice interdisciplinary team to provide the best possible care for seriously ill patients.  Find more information about the members of the hospice team and the care they provide to patients and their caregivers at theheartofhospice.com.    We’d love to hear from you - send questions to Helen and Jerry at host@theheartofhospice.com.  Your end of life journey matters.  We never forget.  You are The Heart of Hospice. 

Do you know what a hospice nurse really does? In the first episode of our Fact or Fiction series, we’re sharing the facts about hospice nursing - the perfect topic for Nurses Week!  The hospice nurse isn’t there to make decisions for patients and caregivers, but to offer support, education, along with clinical care.  While the nurse will teach about medications and hospice philosophy, the patient makes all the decisions.  Hospice nurses also know there’s more to end of life care than just medications.  The nurse should offer different modalities to take care of patients, and to work with the whole hospice interdisciplinary team to provide the best care.  Hospice nurses never accelerate a death.  They also don’t seek to prolong life.  The goal is always to provide care that enhances quality of life for patients.  Stay tuned for the next few weeks to hear the facts about the other members of the hospice team in our Fact or Fiction series!  Our sponsor for today’s episode is Hospice of Southern Maine.  Hospice of Southern Maine is the only Medicare-certified hospice agency serving Cumberland and York counties.  Hospice of Southern Maine is proud to bring you the 10th Annual Anne L. Hunter Memorial Thresholds Conference.  For only $35, registrants can participate virtually in this year’s conference,  “The Art and Science of Dying: Death as a Part of Life” featuring Barbara Karnes, author of “the little blue book” Gone from my Site, and Dr. B.J. Miller, well-known hospice physician.  Reserve your place for the 2021 Thresholds conference May 20, 1:00pm - 4:30pm ET by clicking here.  You can find more information about hospice care and philosophy at theheartofhospice.com.  The Heart of Hospice is here to support you.  Send questions and comments to host@theheartofhospice.com.  We’ll send you a personal reply.  Whether you’re a hospice professional or an unpaid caregiver for someone who’s seriously ill, your end of life journey matters. You are The Heart of Hospice.  

The pandemic has created challenges in the ways hospice agencies provide bereavement care.  Hospice of Southern Maine is making the technology work.  Today’s guest is Carol Schoneberg is an End of Educator and Bereavement Services Manager for Hospice of Southern Maine.  Carol acknowledged that various challenges related to social distancing made the bereavement team think out of the box about how they could provide care when in-person groups had to be cancelled.  Using secure video conferencing, the bereavement support groups were revived.   Hospice of Southern Maine has been able to use technology to provide healing and connection for grievers in their community.  Your agency, regardless of size, can find innovative ways to use technology to provide bereavement care for your families.  Click here to see more about  bereavement services from Hospice of Southern Maine.  You’ll want to check out the opportunity at their 10th annual Thresholds Conference featuring Barbara Karnes and Dr. B.J. Miller on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 1:00 - 4:30pm EST.  Affordable (only $35) and virtual, the Thresholds Conference is a great chance to learn from end of life industry icons. Click here to register.  Our other sponsor for today’s episode is GrandPad.  GrandPad is a great gift for any senior living alone or at a distance from loved ones.  With secure email, photo and video sharing, and video calling, GrandPad enables older adults to access technology in a user-friendly format.  Family members can help with set up and create a private GrandPad group using the Companion App.  Unlimited 4G LTE is included with the subscription and available nationwide so you can connect to loved ones from wherever you are.   The GrandPad team is dedicated to creating a world where no seniors are lonely or isolated!  Purchase a GrandPad for someone you love by clicking here.   The Heart of Hospice team is here to support your end of life journey, whether you’re a patient, a personal caregiver, or a hospice professional. Find us at theheartofhospice.com or send an email to host@theheartofhospice.com.  We’re walking this journey with you - you are The Heart of Hospice.  

End of life care can be confusing.  The Heart of Hospice is here to support anyone experiencing hospice care, including personal and professional caregivers. If you’re a hospice professional, it’s important to understand the perspective of patients and families so you know how best to meet their needs.   Between them, Jerry and Helen have over 20 years experience as hospice professionals so they know what it’s like to care for terminally ill patients.  And because they’ve both had personal experiences with hospice care, they know what it’s like to be a consumer of end of life care.  Managing caregiving responsibilities and tons of new information is often complicated by the grief and mental exhaustion that come with serious illness. The Heart of Hospice is here to inform, encourage and help you make it through your caregiving days.  Connect with more episodes of The Heart of Hospice podcast by clicking here.  The sponsor for today’s episode is Hospice of Southern Maine, the sponsor for the 10th annual Thresholds Conference coming up on Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 1:00 - 4:30pm EST.  Registration is only $35, and the conference features hospice industry icons Barbara Karnes and Dr. B.J. Miller.  You won’t want to miss this virtual affordable opportunity! Visit the Hospice of Southern Maine website to learn more and reserve your spot at the Thresholds Conference.  Find more support for your hospice journey at theheartofhospice.com.  Whether you’re a personal caregiver, a patient, or a hospice professional, or a healthcare profession student, The Heart of Hospice provides information to educate, support, and encourage you.  If you’re interested in having Jerry or Helen speak at your conference or event,  send an email to host@theheartofhospice.com.  We’re honored to support your hospice journey!  

We all need to designate someone to speak for us when we can’t voice our healthcare wishes.  Now is the best time to choose your healthcare proxy.  A healthcare proxy, or medical power of attorney, acts as an advocate for the needs of a patient in alignment with the patient’s desires. It’s important to have the correct legal documents in place for where you live so be sure to find out what forms are required in your area or state.  Your proxy or MPOA should be willing and able to act on your behalf.  Having conversations before the proxy has to act is crucial - no one will know what you want if you don’t tell them.  Discuss it, document it, and share it with your healthcare team and family.  The sponsor for today’s episode is Hospice of Southern Maine, the sponsor for the 10th annual Thresholds Conference coming up on Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 1:00 - 4:30pm EST.  Registration is only $35, and the conference features hospice industry icons Barbara Karnes and Dr. B.J. Miller.  You won’t want to miss this virtual affordable opportunity! Visit the Hospice of Southern Maine website to learn more and reserve your spot at the Thresholds Conference.  Find more support for your hospice journey at theheartofhospice.com.  Whether you’re a personal caregiver, a patient, or a hospice professional, or a healthcare profession student, The Heart of Hospice provides information to educate, support, and encourage you.  If you’re interested in having Jerry or Helen speak at your conference or event,  send an email to host@theheartofhospice.com.  We’re honored to support your hospice journey!