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We’re getting back to the basics of hospice - talking about starting hospice care, and what you can expect from a hospice admission.  Hospice nurse Beth Cavenaugh helps to navigate this topic.  Th…

We’re getting back…

We’re getting back to the basics of hospice - talking about starting hospice care, and what you can expect from a hospice admission.  Hospice nurse Beth Cavenaugh helps to navigate this topic.  There are a lot of moving parts that compose the admission to hospice care.Here are some of the main things you should know about hospice admissions:The admission process includes assessment visits from the hospice nurse, social worker, and chaplain as well visits from other disciplines like a volunteer coordinator and an aide or CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant).Within the first 5 days of bein…

Patty Webster of The Conversation Project is talking with me about the swoopers and seagulls that are sometimes part of the Caregiving experience.  As part of her caregiving journey with her dad and …

Patty Webster of The…

Patty Webster of The Conversation Project is talking with me about the swoopers and seagulls that are sometimes part of the caregiving experience.  As part of her caregiving journey with her dad and siblings, Patty realized that she had been a “swooper”, offering her opinions about her dad’s care during an intermittent visit.   Here’s what Patty says she learned:Supporting the primary caregiver is an important part of caregiving from a distance.“Swoopers” and “seagulls” tend to offer input into the actions of the primary caregiver creating a mess i…

In this fourth and final episode of our special series in partnership with Stanford Healthcare, our guest Susan Evans shares the ins and outs of caregiving, and talks about her work to support other c…

In this fourth and f…

In this fourth and final episode of our special series in partnership with Stanford Healthcare, our guest Susan Evans shares the ins and outs of caregiving, and talks about her work to support other caregivers dealing with the challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease.  As a caregiver, Susan worked to ensure her dad was safe and well cared for.  She and her brother incorporated humor into their caregiving journey, and now she works to ensure other caregivers have the resources they need.  Here are a few highlights from our conversation:Susan knows the power of story sharing, and how caregive…

Dr. Jocelyn Jiao and Social Worker Mike Polisso of the Stanford Healthcare Palliative Team know the value of getting to know patients and families from the start of the care relationship. As part o…

Dr. Jocelyn Jiao and…

Dr. Jocelyn Jiao and Social Worker Mike Polisso of the Stanford Healthcare Palliative Team know the value of getting to know patients and families from the start of the care relationship. As part of an interdisciplinary team providing neuropalliative care for people and families living with serious neurological illnesses, they’re supporting patients and caregivers and training other healthcare workers in palliative care. Here are some topics discussed in this interview:Jocelyn discussed the importance of finding out communication preferences when it comes to early conversations about…

With courage and vulnerability, Sheralin Samuels shares her experience as a caregiver for her mom, and their journey through Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease. Here are a few highlights from this e…

With courage and vul…

With courage and vulnerability, Sheralin Samuels shares her experience as a caregiver for her mom, and their journey through Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease. Here are a few highlights from this episode, created in partnership with Stanford Health Care:Sheralin’s mom Carlys began showing symptoms in 2012, and a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease wasn’t found until about 10 years later. Carlys spent a year in hospice care before she was discharged. As a sandwich caregiver, Sheralin cares for her two kids while working a full time job and ensuring her mom’s needs are bein…

This episode is the first in a 4-part special series in partnership with Stanford Healthcare, sponsorsored by Kensington Senior Living.Grant Smith, M.D. and Emily Linderman, BCC from the Palliative …

This episode is the …

This episode is the first in a 4-part special series in partnership with Stanford Healthcare, sponsorsored by Kensington Senior Living.Grant Smith, M.D. and Emily Linderman, BCC from the Palliative Care team at Stanford Health Care are sharing all the basics of palliative care - when to start it, who can benefit from it, and what a PC team does for patients and caregivers.  Here are a few highlights from our conversation:Palliative care teams are transdisciplinary (consisting of workers with different skills, like physicians, social workers, nurses, and chaplains) and support quality o…

Social Worker Rosie Gaston brings energy and compassion to the care of people and families dealing with life-limiting illness.  As a passionate clinical social worker, she’s worked for over a decad…

Social Worker Rosie …

Social Worker Rosie Gaston brings energy and compassion to the care of people and families dealing with life-limiting illness.  As a passionate clinical social worker, she’s worked for over a decade supporting individuals, families, and professionals through the intricate journey of end-of-life care.  Rosie founded A Better Ending in 2022 to focus on personalized support, community education, and fostering professional development in the end-of-life care domain all while continuing to serve part-time as a hospice social worker. As Rosie says, “A life well lived deserves an ending that…

Dr. Robert Klitzman has learned the truth about the value of spiritual care through his professional practice and his own lived experience.  As an author, he’s written over 180 articles and books o…

Dr. Robert Klitzman …

Dr. Robert Klitzman has learned the truth about the value of spiritual care through his professional practice and his own lived experience.  As an author, he’s written over 180 articles and books on critical issues in bioethics regarding doctor-patient Relationships and communication, research, and other areas.  Robert realized the whole-person impacts of a traumatic grief event after the death of his sister in the Twin Tower attacks on 9-11.  Speaking with physician colleagues, Robert heard them voice erroneous beliefs about the support that chaplains provide.  His book Doctor, Will …

My guest Gabby Jimenez and I are busting the hospice myths to get to the truth about end of life care.  Because there are so many misconceptions about hospice care, many people don’t choose to have…

My guest Gabby Jimen…

My guest Gabby Jimenez and I are busting the hospice myths to get to the truth about end of life care.  Because there are so many misconceptions about hospice care, many people don’t choose to have care from a hospice team or they delay hospice care until very close to death.  It’s important to know the truth about all the aspects of hospice care - how medicines are managed, how morphine is really used for someone who’s dying, when to start hospice, and Do Not Resuscitate orders work.  Gabby Jimenez is a hospice nurse, end-of-life doula, death and dying educator, and author.  Her …

Dr. Fred Mirarchi is working to create personalized, specific advance care plans for patients, accommodating every stage of life and end of life wish.  After seeing clinicians in the hospital struggl…

Dr. Fred Mirarchi is…

Dr. Fred Mirarchi is working to create personalized, specific advance care plans for patients, accommodating every stage of life and end of life wish.  After seeing clinicians in the hospital struggle to determine exactly what patients’ wishes were, Fred realized documentation of advance directives didn’t truly communicate clearly.  He and the team at Mideo Health have developed a best-practice model for documenting health care directives.  Using a video format allows patients to customize their plan.  For older adults who might struggle with Technology, the team provides concierge …

Serene-Meshel Dillman’s documentary series Take Me Out Feet First captures the courage and compassion of people choosing Medical Aid in Dying.  In the six part series, Serene features the end of li…

Serene-Meshel Dillma…

Serene-Meshel Dillman’s documentary series Take Me Out Feet First captures the courage and compassion of people choosing Medical Aid in Dying.  In the six part series, Serene features the end of life journeys of people dealing with terminal illness, as well as both her own parents.  The struggles, grief, joy, and determination of those dying patients and their families shine through in the films.  Serene’s vision is to educate the public about the medical aid in dying process and advocate for state legislation that will allow the right to MAID equitably across the U.S. You can buy/re…

After being a caregiver for her parents and husband, Jennifer O’Brien is empowering caregivers so they come through it healthy physically, emotionally, financially, and mentally.  In her new book C…

After being a caregi…

After being a caregiver for her parents and husband, Jennifer O’Brien is empowering caregivers so they come through it healthy physically, emotionally, financially, and mentally.  In her new book Care Boss, Jennifer has designed strategies and resources to support caregivers.  Her 35+ years in healthcare leadership, partnered with all her years as an unpaid family caregiver, equipped her to write the guidebook that caregivers can use to navigate the care of their Person.  If you’re one of the over 54 million unpaid caregivers across the U.S., the advice that Care Boss offers is a gre…

In this second episode in a two part series featuring Dr. Harvey Chochinov, we’re talking about The Platinum Rule.  Providing care through the lens of the end of life provider doesn’t fully recog…

In this second episo…

In this second episode in a two part series featuring Dr. Harvey Chochinov, we’re talking about The Platinum Rule.  Providing care through the lens of the end of life provider doesn’t fully recognize the personhood of the patient.  Dr. Chochinov teaches us about The Platinum Rule -  treating others the way they want to be treated, instead of how we would want to be treated if the situation was ours.Connect with Dr. Harvey ChochinovWebsite:  dignityincare.ca    Virtualhospice.caSocial media:  Twitter: @HMChochinov     LinkedIn: Harvey Max ChochinovPurchase your copy of Dign…

Dr. Harvey Chochinov is teaching us how to go beyond providing healthcare to provide health-caring for the people we serve.  Patients are people before they need to engage with the healthcare system.…

Dr. Harvey Chochinov…

Dr. Harvey Chochinov is teaching us how to go beyond providing healthcare to provide health-caring for the people we serve.  Patients are people before they need to engage with the healthcare system.  That personhood should be supported and validated with compassion and dignity.  Dr. Chochinov has also led a large program of research on dignity within the healthcare setting, which includes the development and study of Dignity Therapy.  As a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba and a Senior Scientist at CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Dr. Chochinov rem…

Death Doula Darnell Lamont Walker is listening to the dying and speaking up to advocate for their needs.  As a Death Doula who is also male and black, Darnell works to facilitate conversations about …

Death Doula Darnell …

Death Doula Darnell Lamont Walker is listening to the dying and speaking up to advocate for their needs.  As a Death Doula who is also male and black, Darnell works to facilitate conversations about death in the black community.  He’s a unique blend of skills and talents - an Emmy-nominated children’s writer, a documentary filmmaker, and a death doula. Darnell is a listener, a companion to people with serious illness.  He’s working to create change around our perceptions of grief, death discussions, and how we approach dying in the U.S.Connect with Darnell Lamont WalkerWebsite:…

As a nurse and End of Life Doula, Kacie Gikonyo cares for the dying while working to make a lasting impact on end-of-life support.  Kacie realized during the pandemic that she was called to work with…

As a nurse and End o…

As a nurse and End of Life Doula, Kacie Gikonyo cares for the dying while working to make a lasting impact on end-of-life support.  Kacie realized during the pandemic that she was called to work with the dying.  She trained with INELDA (the International End of Life Doula Association) to become an End of Life Doula.  Her special area of doula practice is with younger persons with a terminal illness, focusing on end of life conversations and Legacy projects.  Kacie believes in fostering collaboration over competition, nurturing a community-driven model through the Death Doula Collectiv…

Dr. Ira Byock believes hospice can heal its own dysfunction by holding providers and clinicians responsible for the care we provide and how we provide it. Physician Dr. Ira Byock is a voice for cha…

Dr. Ira Byock believ…

Dr. Ira Byock believes hospice can heal its own dysfunction by holding providers and clinicians responsible for the care we provide and how we provide it. Physician Dr. Ira Byock is a voice for change in the hospice industry, and an advocate for quality end of life care. His many years of experience in hospice medicine, coupled with the compassion he has for people dealing with serious illness, have made him an industry leader in the U.S. According to his website (irabyock.org), he is “Founder of the Institute for Human Caring at Providence St. Joseph Health. Dr. Byock is Active Professo…

As Editor-in-Chief of The Bucket, David Abend takes on the ultimate marketing challenge: rebranding death by showing how embracing mortality can lead to a more fulfilling life. The Bucket is an onlin…

As Editor-in-Chief o…

As Editor-in-Chief of The Bucket, David Abend takes on the ultimate marketing challenge: rebranding death by showing how embracing mortality can lead to a more fulfilling life. The Bucket is an online magazine that helps people make choices to reduce deathbed regrets (DBRs). With a background in creative direction and copywriting, co-founder and Editor-in-Chief David Abend has spent decades helping people see things differently. The Bucket offers a mix of podcasts, interviews, and articles that go beyond inspiration, providing actionable “how-to’s” for making meaningful life changes. As…

Licensed funeral director and End of Life Doula Christa Ovenell is busting myths about funerals, and sharing practical tips on how to plan a funeral service that reflects your values and needs.  As a…

Licensed funeral dir…

Licensed funeral director and End of Life Doula Christa Ovenell is busting myths about funerals, and sharing practical tips on how to plan a funeral service that reflects your values and needs.  As a community-based Death Educator, Christa is the founder of Death’s Apprentice Education & Planning Inc., a company that specializes in holistic advance care planning for individuals and forward-thinking companies. Christa leads with her heart when it comes to guiding clients through death and funeral planning.  She’s also a great resource for funeral planning, making arrangements after…

Allison Applebaum stood by her dad Stanley as his caregiving partner, respecting his wishes and maintaining his quality of life through the very end of his life.  Allison was previously the Founding …

Allison Applebaum st…

Allison Applebaum stood by her dad Stanley as his caregiving partner, respecting his wishes and maintaining his quality of life through the very end of his life.  Allison was previously the Founding Director of the Caregivers Clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the first program of its kind in the United States to provide comprehensive psychosocial care to family members and friends of patients who are in the caregiving role. Her father Stanley, a talented and prolific composer and musician, worked with many great artists for the 50’s and 60’s, including Neil Sedaka, Ben…

In this final episode of our special 4 part series, Hospice Educator Barbara Karnes shares the personal story of her husband’s end of life journey and death.  She opens up about all the emotions sh…

In this final episod…

In this final episode of our special 4 part series, Hospice Educator Barbara Karnes shares the personal story of her husband’s end of life journey and death.  She opens up about all the emotions she experienced as she and her family supported Jack Karnes after his diagnosis with a terminal illness.  Jack died four months after he was diagnosed with lung cancer.  Barbara and Jack had been married for 61 years at the time of his death.   After working over 40 years in end of life care, Barbara experienced all the aspects of interdisciplinary hospice care, death, and grief in her personal l…

Susan Combs will tell you she had a great dad. Her caregiving experience at the end of his life inspired her to give back to the veteran community.  Susan’s dad Major General Roger E. Combs was a h…

Susan Combs will tel…

Susan Combs will tell you she had a great dad. Her caregiving experience at the end of his life inspired her to give back to the veteran community.  Susan’s dad Major General Roger E. Combs was a huge influence on her life. Roger battled with throat cancer related to Agent Orange for ten years, eventually dealing with a feeding tube toward the end of his life.  A simple act - his request to eat pancakes - launched a non-profit organization that supports military veterans. Susan is the president of Combs and Company, based in New York City.  Her movement Pancakes for Roger occurs every …

After a 40 year hospice career, Barbara Karnes knows a thing or two about end of life care.  Today’s special episode is part 3 of our 4 part series in honor of National Family Caregivers Month and …

After a 40 year hosp…

After a 40 year hospice career, Barbara Karnes knows a thing or two about end of life care.  Today’s special episode is part 3 of our 4 part series in honor of National Family Caregivers Month and National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.  Barbara calls her introduction to working with the dying “divine intervention” that occurred because of a random connection with a hospice worker.  She spent five years working at the bedside, eventually moving into administrative positions and management.  As a hospice educator, she supports family caregivers and end of life workers alike. Hi…

Cuddle Cots and Cuddle Blankets allow families to spend more time with a loved one after a death,  providing an opportunity for end of life workers to do death care better.  Danielle Franck of Flexm…

Cuddle Cots and Cudd…

Cuddle Cots and Cuddle Blankets allow families to spend more time with a loved one after a death,  providing an opportunity for end of life workers to do death care better.  Danielle Franck of Flexmort shares her personal experience with a Cuddle Cot in this interview.  *Warning - This episode contains a description of the loss of a stillborn infant. It may not be for all listeners. Please take care of yourself.Danielle is the Business Development Executive of the US at Flexmort, a company that designs and manufactures flexible mortuary solutions for the storage and cooling of a body afte…

In episode two of our special four part series, hospice icon Barbara Karnes shares what it was like working in hospice in the early days, before there was a model for working with the dying. Barbara h…

In episode two of ou…

In episode two of our special four part series, hospice icon Barbara Karnes shares what it was like working in hospice in the early days, before there was a model for working with the dying. Barbara has worked in end of life care for over 40 years, educating and supporting end of life workers and family caregivers alike.  In this conversation, we talk about what hospice work was like early in her career.Here are some highlights from this episode:Barbara shares how they cared for patients, learning how people die and the best ways to care for them.Barbara talks about how other disciplines …

When his dad died, Adam Zuckerman created a highly organized kit for managing his Estate.  As founder of Buried in Work, he helps people get their end-of-life preparation in place.  Adam’s family …

When his dad died, A…

When his dad died, Adam Zuckerman created a highly organized kit for managing his estate.  As founder of Buried in Work, he helps people get their end-of-life preparation in place.  Adam’s family learned the ins and outs of hospice as they supported his dad at the end of his battle with leukemia.  Although their time using hospice care was short, Adam saw the benefits of end of life care first hand.Adam's mission is to empower individuals of all ages to navigate the intricacies of estate planning with confidence and ease. Through Buried in Work, he seeks to revolutionize the way people …

In honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month - and National Family Caregivers Month - we’re featuring a special 4-part series with special guest Barbara Karnes, Hospice Nurse and End of Li…

In honor of National…

In honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month - and National Family Caregivers Month - we’re featuring a special 4-part series with special guest Barbara Karnes, Hospice Nurse and End of Life Educator.  In the first episode of the series, Barbara shares how she got started in end of life care back before the Medicare hospice benefit was established in the 1980’s.Here are some highlights of this special episode:Barbara thinks she should have been a social worker but her mother talked her into nursing.She and her fellow hospice nurses learned how to provide their own self care …

Death educator Lee Warren believes preparing for death in advance makes a good death possible. Over a period of two years, she experienced several deaths in her small community of 125 people, teach…

Death educator Lee W…

Death educator Lee Warren believes preparing for death in advance makes a good death possible. Over a period of two years, she experienced several deaths in her small community of 125 people, teaching her the best lessons about death as she cared for them.  Those deaths, and the generous people who experienced them, offered an incredible opportunity for Lee to reweave a more holistic approach to end-of-life than the one generally offered to us in the U.S.  The outcome of stewarding those deaths together as a community,  including after-death care, home funerals, and home burials, was …

Serious illness and caregiving can be isolating. GrandPad’s AI technology keeps seniors safely connected to loved ones. Isaac Lien and his dad Scott co-founded GrandPad to meet the needs they saw i…

Serious illness and …

Serious illness and caregiving can be isolating. GrandPad’s AI technology keeps seniors safely connected to loved ones. Isaac Lien and his dad Scott co-founded GrandPad to meet the needs they saw in Scott’s mom. Their new AI app Grandie offers audio interaction for the user without requiring a certain format, and even learns the user’s voice and way of speaking. Because GrandPad’s network is private and encrypted, users can share photos or videos and make video calls without worrying about robocalls or spam. No one can be part of a user’s network unless they’re been invited by …

Virginia Marcolin’s background in fashion and textiles led her to start designing burial shrouds, experimenting with luxurious natural fabrics and vegetable dyes. The result was Sanctum, a brand of…

Virginia Marcolin’…

Virginia Marcolin’s background in fashion and textiles led her to start designing burial shrouds, experimenting with luxurious natural fabrics and vegetable dyes. The result was Sanctum, a brand of high-end scented burial shrouds for the natural funeral industry. Virginia sources a variety of high-quality organic fabrics which are soft to the touch and biodegradable. Fabrics are colored with non-toxic plant dyes and infused with a proprietary plant-based antibacterial formula, which inhibits germ Growth and neutralizes malodor. The result for families is a comforting, beautiful, aromati…

My guest Susan Hearn is talking about how she is moved and motivated by her work as executive director of a residential hospice home, and why she stays in this industry.  #hospice #endoflife #death #…

My guest Susan Hearn…

My guest Susan Hearn is talking about how she is moved and motivated by her work as executive director of a residential hospice home, and why she stays in this industry.  #hospice #endoflife #death #dying #caregiver #caregivinghttps://pod.co/the-heart-of-hospice-podcast/quality-care-is-the-goal-at-residential-hospice-homesResidential hospice homes provide compassionate caregiving support for the dying. My guest Susan Hearn is talking about how she is moved and motivated by her work as executive director of a hospice home, and why she stays in this industry.  Susan has a passion for se…

The last conversation you want to have shouldn’t be the last one you do have.  Filmmaker Johanna Lunn is using her lifelong curiosity about death to bring documentaries about "What happens when we …

The last conversatio…

The last conversation you want to have shouldn’t be the last one you do have.  Filmmaker Johanna Lunn is using her lifelong curiosity about death to bring documentaries about "What happens when we die," to life. She’s the co-founder of the When You Die Project which hosts a resource-rich website, podcast, and documentary trilogy.   The When You Die Project is here to facilitate a cultural dialogue most often avoided — one that begins at the end. From existential afterlife questions such as “What happens when you die?” to palliative care, and the nuts and bolts of preparing for…

Rosanne Corcoran, host of Daughter the Podcast is sharing her best advice about being a caregiver for a person dealing with dementia. As caregiver to her mother for 12 years, Rosanne learned how to na…

Rosanne Corcoran, ho…

Rosanne Corcoran, host of Daughter the Podcast is sharing her best advice about being a caregiver for a person dealing with dementia. As caregiver to her mother for 12 years, Rosanne learned how to navigate the healthcare system as an advocate, deal with Sleep deprivation, and to care for herself along the way.Rosanne Corcoran is the creator and host of Daughterhood the Podcast.  She is also a Daughterhood Circle leader and their Director of Content.  She cared for her mother through her journey with vascular dementia, starting as a supportive caregiver to an in-home sandwich caregiver for…

Hospice nurse and End of Life Doula Gabby Jimenez of The Hospice Heart is our guest host for today’s episode, featuring a discussion of Hospice Navigation Services. When you’re looking at making d…

Hospice nurse and En…

Hospice nurse and End of Life Doula Gabby Jimenez of The Hospice Heart is our guest host for today’s episode, featuring a discussion of Hospice Navigation Services. When you’re looking at making decisions about end of life care for yourself or someone you love, things can seem frightening and confusing. Hospice Navigation Services can help you figure things out.  We can help you feel just a little less lost.  Hospice Navigation Services was founded by Hospice and Palliative Certified RN Helen Bauer, a respected voice in the end of life industry.  Helen acts as Lead Navigator for Hosp…

Hospice and palliative physician Dr. Matthew Tyler is teaching us how to have conversations with your healthcare team about what matters most to you. In addition to his work as medical director of pa…

Hospice and palliati…

Hospice and palliative physician Dr. Matthew Tyler is teaching us how to have conversations with your healthcare team about what matters most to you. In addition to his work as medical director of palliative care services, Matthew educates the public about having meaningful discussions with their healthcare teams, especially the doctor. He calls it “How to Train Your Doctor”. People with serious illnesses, along with their decision-makers, can get better care if they know how to communicate their needs.Matthew tackles some of the trickiest topics with his How to Train Your Doctor soci…

Being an advocate for someone in hospice care is a big job. MSW Jacob Kendall of Demystifying Healthcare is teaching us how to do it well. Advocacy for his own healthcare needs has taught him how to…

Being an advocate fo…

Being an advocate for someone in hospice care is a big job. MSW Jacob Kendall of Demystifying Healthcare is teaching us how to do it well. Advocacy for his own healthcare needs has taught him how to communicate with a healthcare team to get the best care possible. Jacob teaches about the various aspects that influence that care that’s available for patients, including time and communication. He’s also looking from a 30,000 foot view as well, acknowledging that geography, poverty, time, and policies influence the kind of care we receive.Jacob is a fan of interdisciplinary care. He be…

As co-founder of Empowered Endings, Dr. Bob Uslander, is working to shift the paradigm of End of Life Care by supporting, guiding, and teaching an empowered approach to Palliative and End of Life Care…

As co-founder of Emp…

As co-founder of Empowered Endings, Dr. Bob Uslander, is working to shift the paradigm of End of Life Care by supporting, guiding, and teaching an empowered approach to Palliative and End of Life Care.  He became aware of the gaps in hospice and palliative care that cause patients to struggle.  The deaths of his parents and a dear friend provided a personal perspective into caregiving that formed Bob’s determination to meet the needs of people with serious illness in a better way.  Empowered Endings supports both patients and families through the final stages of life.  Bob, his wife M…

In part 2 of our grief series with Grief Coach Shelby Forsythia, Shelby talks about identifying your grief allies, different grief styles, and how to create continuing bonds with the ones you’ve los…

In part 2 of our gri…

In part 2 of our grief series with Grief Coach Shelby Forsythia, Shelby talks about identifying your grief allies, different grief styles, and how to create continuing bonds with the ones you’ve lost.  As founder of Life After Loss Academy, she uses what she’s learned in the years after her mother’s death to help other grievers make their way through a grief journey.  Shelby uses mindfulness techniques and open-ended questions to guide her clients to welcome grief as a teacher.  Shelby’s work has been featured in Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine.  Her heart and compa…

Grief Coach Shelby Forsythia is teaching us how it’s possible to grow through grief.  As founder of Life After Loss Academy, she uses what she’s learned in the years after her mother’s death to…

Grief Coach Shelby F…

Grief Coach Shelby Forsythia is teaching us how it’s possible to grow through grief.  As founder of Life After Loss Academy, she uses what she’s learned in the years after her mother’s death to help other grievers make their way through a grief journey.  Shelby uses mindfulness techniques and open-ended questions to guide her clients to welcome grief as a teacher.  Shelby’s work has been featured in Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine.  Her heart and compassion is palpable in her book Your Grief, Your Way. Connect with Shelby Forsythia:Website: https://www.shelbyfo…

Dementia practitioner Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly is on a mission to transform the landscape of dementia care.  As co-founder of Veranda Ministries, a 501(c)3, Mary Anne has spent two decades telling …

Dementia practitione…

Dementia practitioner Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly is on a mission to transform the landscape of dementia care.  As co-founder of Veranda Ministries, a 501(c)3, Mary Anne has spent two decades telling the stories of people dealing with dementia.  Supporting dementia caregivers is her gift, and helping them to remember their person’s legacy is a top priority.  Mary Anne got her start as a family practice nurse, and is now a Certified Dementia Practitioner as well as holding a triple certification as a PAC trainer, consultant, and coach in Teepa Snow’s “Positive Approach to Care” (PA…

Welcome to Season 9 of The Heart of Hospice Podcast! Occupational Therapists Emilia Bourland and Dr. Brandy Archie are sharing how OTs can improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers on ho…

Welcome to Season 9 …

Welcome to Season 9 of The Heart of Hospice Podcast! Occupational Therapists Emilia Bourland and Dr. Brandy Archie are sharing how OTs can improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers on hospice care.  OTs are underutilized in end-of-life care, but they’re an essential part of the hospice interdisciplinary team. There’s a lot of support OTs can offer to make caregiving tasks easier, practical solutions to everyday issues for activities of daily living.  Occupational Therapy interventions can include managing equipment, setting up meals, and transfer techniques.  It’s abo…

Erin Whalen, founder of Compassionate Coaching, is working to help end of life and grief professionals love their work again.  Using her unique gifts, Erin and the Compassionate Coaching theater troo…

Erin Whalen, founder…

Erin Whalen, founder of Compassionate Coaching, is working to help end of life and grief professionals love their work again.  Using her unique gifts, Erin and the Compassionate Coaching theater troop employ “playback theater” to develop engaging programming that centers around giving and receiving empathy.  They work with end of life teams to mitigate Burnout, enabling the teams to continue providing care for those who are dying.Erin understands grief, loss, and the importance of caring for ourselves as we care for others.  Erin lived her whole life in a state of anticipatory grief f…

Pharmacist Ellen Fulp is passionate about using medications appropriately to care for patients who are at their most vulnerable.  As a part of the hospice interdisciplinary team, Ellen collaborates w…

Pharmacist Ellen Ful…

Pharmacist Ellen Fulp is passionate about using medications appropriately to care for patients who are at their most vulnerable.  As a part of the hospice interdisciplinary team, Ellen collaborates with the hospice director and nurse to ensure quality of life is supported, and a patient’s suffering is reduced.  Caregivers and patients often misunderstand how medication is used in hospice care.   Ellen believes in symptom resolution, keeping the patient’s goals of care in mind.  In hospice care, pharmacists do more than just review medications for side effects or adverse effects.  T…

Funeral director and author Jodi Clock knows personally how each person finds a grief style that’s the best, healthy fit for themselves.  As host of the “I Woke Up Dead - Now What?” podcast, Jo…

Funeral director and…

Funeral director and author Jodi Clock knows personally how each person finds a grief style that’s the best, healthy fit for themselves.  As host of the “I Woke Up Dead - Now What?” podcast, Jodi is having conversations about our common experiences with death, shares best practices, and asks the tough questions in order to prepare for end-of-life realities we all will face.  Jodi learned valuable life lessons about grief and loss after experiencing the death of both her parents when Jodi was in her 20’s.  As a funeral director, she’s seen all the aspects of grief and how every …

Hospice nurse Eileen Spillane of Befriending Death has learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Eileen is the Founder of Befriending Death and has been a Registered Nurse for over thirty year…

Hospice nurse Eileen…

Hospice nurse Eileen Spillane of Befriending Death has learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Eileen is the Founder of Befriending Death and has been a Registered Nurse for over thirty years, specializing in Oncology, Critical Care, and Obstetrics.  She is a certified Life Coach from New Ventures West, a former Zen Hospice Project Volunteer, a Meditation Teacher, and an Active Travel Guide.  She has been at the bedside of many as they transition through the dying process and cares very deeply about this topic.On the Befriending Death website, Eileen writes that “if we have con…

“What do I need to know about you as a person to take the best care of you?”  This is how integrative palliative medicine physician Dr. Delia Chiaramonte starts conversations with her patients. I…

“What do I need to…

“What do I need to know about you as a person to take the best care of you?”  This is how integrative palliative medicine physician Dr. Delia Chiaramonte starts conversations with her patients. It’s a Dignity Question that lets her patients know she cares about them as a person. Delia works in integrative palliative medicine to care for the whole person. Dr. Delia Chiaramonte is a caregiver coach as well as an integrative palliative medicine physician. She’s the founder of the Integrative Palliative Institute and host of The Integrative Palliative Podcast. Dr. Chiaramonte is an ad…

End of Life Doula Trina Wacasey works to ensure that clients and families have the kind of personalized death care they want. Using family-guided care customized to fit their beliefs, needs, and want…

End of Life Doula Tr…

End of Life Doula Trina Wacasey works to ensure that clients and families have the kind of personalized death care they want. Using family-guided care customized to fit their beliefs, needs, and wants, Trina guides caregivers through deaths, post-mortem care, and rituals after death.  After working in the corporate world, Trina was drawn to the work of an end of life doula. She volunteered at a hospice agency with their bereavement program, and completed training at the Conscious Dying Institute. The deep and meaningful conversations had great meaning for her. She was fascinated by how…

Today’s guest Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar is a Veteran, death doula, compassionate educator, and the founder of In Their Honor, a national initiative raising awareness and addressing Veterans' unique…

Today’s guest Dr. …

Today’s guest Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar is a Veteran, death doula, compassionate educator, and the founder of In Their Honor, a national initiative raising awareness and addressing Veterans' unique challenges as they approach the end of life.  Qwynn is also the spouse of a combat veteran and understands the role of veteran caregivers.  1 in 4 Medicare hospice patients is a U.S. military veteran - a quarter of the Medicare hospice population.  Those veterans have special needs when it comes to the end of their lives.  Qwynn recognizes the importance of identifying moral injury, a hist…

Dr. Kenneth Doka and Alex Lamorie of the Hospice Foundation of America’s Autism and Grief Project are advocates for people with autism.  Dr. Doka is a prolific author, editor, and lecturer, past pr…

Dr. Kenneth Doka and…

Dr. Kenneth Doka and Alex Lamorie of the Hospice Foundation of America’s Autism and Grief Project are advocates for people with autism.  Dr. Doka is a prolific author, editor, and lecturer, past president of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, and a member and past chair of the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement. Alex Lamorie is an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland Global Campus and an autism advocate.  He serves as an advisor on the Hospice Foundation of America's Autism & Grief Project.  Alex's expressive grief artwork was fea…

Devin (D.S.) Moss brings a sense of reverence for life and a curiosity about death to his work as a chaplain. During a conversation with a Zen Master about Buddhist beliefs about the afterlife, the s…

Devin (D.S.) Moss br…

Devin (D.S.) Moss brings a sense of reverence for life and a curiosity about death to his work as a chaplain. During a conversation with a Zen Master about Buddhist beliefs about the afterlife, the suggestion was made to him that he would make a good chaplain. Devin didn’t think he could do the work of spiritual care because of his humanist beliefs. He doesn’t believe in God. Turns out the Zen Master didn’t believe in God, either. Despite a religious upbringing, Devin embraces nontheistic, or humanist, beliefs. His sense of exploration led him to attend seminary and become a chapl…