Christine Cowgill

So important to have clear directives and tell others in your family your end of life wishes.

November is recognized annually as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. This year's theme, "Courageous Conversations," urges us to reflect on life's final journey. At Gilchrist, we're profoundly grateful for the compassionate care we provide for our patients and their families. Yet, we encourage families to engage in these tough conversations about end-of-life preferences. These discussions, though challenging, ensure patients' values and desires are honored, empowering them to have a say in their journey. Let's embrace these courageous conversations together. Learn more about our services and programs by visiting our website gilchristcares.org

Good article .

What does it mean to offer compassionate care for people facing the end of life? NPR's A Martinez talks to Ben Marcantonio of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, about in hospice care, how the focus is not about preparing for death, but for living a full life.

A wonderful book for caregivers.

The 2023 NHPCO Annual Leadership Conference is almost here! We're excited about all our in-person events, but today we're sharing our Sunday, October 1 evening keynote event kickoff - Jennifer O'Brien, MSOD, Author of The Hospice Doctor’s Widow.

After years of caring for people with serious illness as a physician, Jennifer’s husband was diagnosed with a stage IV, metastatic cancer. Caregiving for the man who had made a 40-year career of caregiving as a physician was not easy. Jennifer turned to what had brought her comfort for years—art journaling.

Having been a practice management consultant and educator to physicians for 30+ years, an executive administrator for two large medical practices, in administration at three major academic medical centers, and the wife and now widow of a physician, Jennifer has a unique and thorough understanding of healthcare.

Now, Jennifer works to help caregivers feel supported while caring for others and taking care of themselves. Learn more about the keynote (Hospice Doctor's Widow - Jennifer A. O'Brien, MSOD) and the full in-person agenda here: https://s6.goeshow.com/nhpco/lac/2023/fullagenda.cfm.

If you're planning to attend Jennifer's keynote, consider signing up for a pre-conference workshop earlier in the day to make your travel worthwhile!

Yes! Hospice journeys by well known people should be shared so more can benefit. 🙏

How Jimmy Carter has changed the conversation around hospice Former President Carter’s public disclosure in February that he was entering hospice care — where he remains nearly six months later — is shifting the perception of end-of-life care for patients an…

Happy Pride month! Hospice support is inclusive to all people regardless of race or sexual orientation.

Late last year, the NHPCO Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) published the results of a first-of-its-kind study exploring perceptions of hospice care within LGBTQ+ communities, among others. Along with key research findings, the Hospice Through the DEI Lens report offers recommendations for providers to help increase understanding of hospice care and help overcome barriers to access.

Throughout , we’ll be highlighting some LGBTQ+ community-focused findings of this research and recommendations to act based on these findings.

Nearly one-third of LGBTQ+ respondents doubt or are unsure that hospice would respect their sexuality. Many respondents would be willing to believe that a hospice company was accepting of their lifestyle if that hospice had a member of the LGBTQ+ community in a decision-making role.

To help remedy this, prospective LGBTQ+ patients need reassurance that they will be treated with respect by providers. Organizations should consistently collect patient demographic information, including gender identity and preferred pronouns.

View the full report: https://www.nhpco.org/education/tools-and-resources/diversity/

Whether you’re a healthcare provider, a nonprofessional caregiver, or an individual looking to share your own advance directives, taking the first step in making your wishes for your care known can be difficult. This CaringInfo page, Talking with Your Inner Circle, offers tips for all in getting these often-difficult conversations started: https://www.caringinfo.org/planning/communicating/talking-with-your-inner-circle/.

We hope the resources we’ve shared this month have helped you begin, update, or complete your advance care plan; now, make sure your loved ones know about the work you’ve done.

Good information to know

What End-Of-Life Doulas Want You To Know About Death And Grief In our "death-phobic" society, few of us make the effort to prepare for death — but the ability to do so is a gift that no one should turn away.

Take advantage of this free offer!

CaringInfo.org offers a complete library, updated regularly, of free advance directives and instructions for each state that can be opened as a PDF file and downloaded.

Access your state’s documents and tips for completing and storing the forms on the CaringInfo site: https://www.caringinfo.org/planning/advance-directives/by-state/.

Thanks you hospice volunteers! You are angels 😇 on earth! ❤️🙏

It's National Volunteer Week! The U.S. hospice movement was founded by dedicated volunteers, and they continue to play a vital role in our nation’s hospices today. NHPCO would like to thank all hospice volunteers who help make our mission possible.

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is just around the corner! While April 16 is the perfect day to complete your advance directives, advance care planning education is important all year long, and we’ll be highlighting NHPCO resources throughout the month. Follow along with us over the next few weeks and on , be sure to post and tag National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization for a chance to be featured across our social media channels as you help spread the word.

Important information to share. Plan for your last wishes now.

National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) is just around the corner! While April 16 is the perfect day to complete your advance directives, advance care planning education is important all year long, and we’ll be highlighting NHPCO resources throughout the month. Follow along with us over the next few weeks and on , be sure to post and tag National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization for a chance to be featured across our social media channels as you help spread the word.

Throughout his life, President Carter has set an example through his service to others: in the Navy, in state and national public office, and as a private citizen working to improve global health, provide housing for those in need, advance democracy, and protect human rights. Now, as he heads toward the end of his life, he once again is lighting the way for others. By making the courageous choice to enter hospice care, President Carter has chosen to spend the rest of his life on his own terms, at home, surrounded by loved ones. By making his choice public in mid-February, he has helped teach millions that we don’t have to keep undergoing invasive medical interventions indefinitely, that we have choices about how we die, and that hospice is one of our options.

A true pioneering woman on the subject of death and dying.

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, psychiatrist and author of the bestselling book On Death and Dying, 1969, introduced the five stages through which many terminally-ill patients progress. She was widely considered the leading death and dying expert and testified on the topic for the first time before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging.

In continuing our Women’s History Month recognition, we want to highlight and thank Kubler-Ross for her pioneering work in death education and advocacy.

A woman hospice hero! Thank you Dame Cicely Saunders!

In 1963, Dame Cicely Saunders introduced the idea of specialized care for the dying to the United States in a lecture at Yale University. Shortly after in 1967, she created St. Christopher’s Hospice in the United Kingdom, founding the modern hospice movement.

In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women's Day, we want to recognize and thank Dame Cicely Saunders for her instrumental role in the holistic, person-centered hospice benefit we have today.

President Carter is on hospice care, but what is it? Our medical analyst explains | CNN Both hospice and palliative care are important specialty medical services that are underutilized, and can offer much support and comfort to many more patients and families. Dr. Leana Wen explains how they work.

Sharing goodbye to former president Jimmy Carter. Hospice will give him the excellent care he needs as he prepares for his final journey. 🙏

https://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/2023/statement-on-president-carters-health.html

good information to share.

Talking with Others About Their End-of-Life Wishes - CaringInfo Learn how to have important conversations about a loved one's care and end-of-life wishes, whether you are responsible for their care or just want to listen.

Good information to share.

Talking with Others About Their End-of-Life Wishes - CaringInfo Learn how to have important conversations about a loved one's care and end-of-life wishes, whether you are responsible for their care or just want to listen.

More on death and grief from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

Good information. Helping those who are grieving cope.

Some misconceptions about hospice care are explained. Families needing this service can find quality end of life care. Seek hospice services for your dying loved ones.

In end-of-life care, hospice can ease angst Knowing what to expect and when to begin will benefit patient and caregiver

So many tragedies, so much grief. Thank you to all counselors and support staff who helping people through these gun tragedies. Prayers to all affected by violence. 🙏❤️

The Tulsa Shooting: What it Means for Hospice By Edo Banach Yesterday, I had the opportunity to correspond with Kyle Terry, Director of Saint Francis Hospice in Tulsa. The hospice is p...

It’s so important to understand the value of using hospice at the end of life.

In end-of-life care, hospice can ease angst Knowing what to expect and when to begin will benefit patient and caregiver

Time to
Make your final decisions known.

April 16 is National Healthcare Decisions Day , a time to think ahead about your health care wishes. We’ve got helpful resources on CaringInfo.org: https://bit.ly/3M3k3Jj

Important to make your wishes known to family and have legal documents in order before you face a health care crisis.

National Healthcare Decisions Day is coming up on April 16. It’s a call to action to make sure your health care wishes can be met, even if you are unable to direct your own care. It’s a tough topic, and an important one. Learn more in this blog post from NHPCO President & CEO, Edo Banach.
https://bit.ly/3KC5XOO

Volunteers are angels on earth ! Especially hospice volunteers 😇

Find your own purpose and make a difference by volunteering | McKibben What I know is the joy and sense of meaning I have felt in volunteering far outweighs the effort I have extended.

Excellent that we are now facing the subject of death with more honesty and compassion.

From virtual reality afterlife games to death doulas: Is our view of dying finally changing? From video games and shows that help people prepare to die to apps that help in a loved one's loss. Here's how society is changing how we view death.

Firsthand story of how hospice made a loved ones final days more tolerable for the family unit.

Husband is very appreciative of help from hospice with passing of his wife | Orleans Hub Editor: I have had the exceptional experience of Hospice of Orleans County helping me with the passing of my wife of 43 years from dementia. They were world-class helpful...beyond belief! As Joyce was slowly losing her ability to hang on to life, Hospice made those days tolerable, even positive. The...

Spiritual care at the end of life is especially important. Hospice chaplains can help the family before and after the patient makes the transition.

Life-affirming truths for a better end of life Hospice doesn't kill. Our community needs to educate itself about the wishes of loved ones as well as the reality of palliative care.

Great organization for veterans called no Veteran Dies alone. Thank you national hospice organization for promoting this for those who have served our country.

In Friday's Magnum P.I., Magnum volunteers with a real veterans organization called No Veteran Dies Alone, an initiative of National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization that enlists volunteers to help meet the unique needs of America’s Veterans. Go to http://spr.ly/6184KvDLi to learn more.