The Heart of Hospice Podcast

How to be a Patient Advocate: Supporting Advance Directives, Heartbeat Episode 235

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the final episode of our patient advocacy series, we’re talking about supporting advance directives to honor end of life wishes.  Caregivers oft...

Virtual Reality Brings a New View to Hospice, Episode 083

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice of Southern Maine has harnessed the power of virtual reality to educate about end of life care.  CEO Daryl Cady shares how their innovative ...

How to be a Patient Advocate: Handling Complaints and Concerns, Heartbeat Episode 234

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes being an advocate for a loved one includes voicing concerns and complaints.  Knowing who to talk to and how to do it is important.  It’s...

How to be a Patient Advocate: Keeping Records That Matter, Heartbeat Episode 233

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re a caregiver, you’re an advocate for your loved one.  Knowing what records to keep is important.  Some things need to be saved, some ca...

Being Authentic With Hospice Chaplain Rabbi David Gold, Episode 082

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the role of the hospice chaplain.  In this episode we’re talking with hospice chaplain and Jewis...

How to be a Patient Advocate: Interacting With Medical Providers, Heartbeat Episode 232

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the 2nd episode of our Patient Advocacy Series, we’re talking about how to get the best results from interactions with healthcare professionals. ...

How to be a Patient Advocate: Communication is Key, Heartbeat Episode 231

19 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Being a healthcare advocate for someone you love can be challenging. In the first episode of our Patient Advocacy Series, we’re talking about...talk...

How to Support Grieving Employees, Episode 081

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Grief Recovery Institute estimates grief costs U.S. business close to $100 billion annually.  Anthony and Guy Casablanca at Grief Leaders have ...

How to Make Your Hospice Team Meetings Successful, Heartbeat Episode 229

05 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Are you making the most of your hospice team meetings? We’ve got some great tips for keeping your discussions professional and respectful. Using der...

Steve Litwer Shares The Music Between Us, Episode 080

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Volunteers hold a special place in hospice care. Musician Steve Litwer is sharing the stories of his patients, and how he found healing for himself fr...

How to Get the Most Out of Your Advance Care Planning, Heartbeat Episode 227

19 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you think your advance care plan is complete?  It’s way more than a one and done conversation!  Along with the big decisions like your health c...

Inspirationista Sherrie Dunlevy Helps You Live Your Best Life-Episode 079

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When Sherrie Dunlevy experienced the death of her infant son, she learned the hardest lessons that grief can teach. As a best selling author, speaker,...

Hospice Volunteer Steve Litwer Shares His Story in “The Music Between Us” Heartbeat Episode 225

05 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Author Steve Litwer shares stories of his hospice volunteering as a bedside musician in his new book “The Music Between Us: Memoir of a Bedside Musi...

Ending Well with Patient Advocate Althea Halchuck, Episode 78

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

End of life issues are complicated. Mediator and patient advocate Althea Halchuck of Ending Well Patient Advocacy talks with us about the challenges s...

Information for Caregivers from Family Caregiver Alliance, Heartbeat Episode 223

22 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Family Caregiver Alliance is a great resource if you’re one of the 42 million personal caregivers across the U.S.  Whether you need information...

A New Year's Message from The Heart of Hospice, Heartbeat Episode 220

08 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We’re flexing our gratitude today to get 2021 started.  There’s no easier way to boost your self care wellness than practicing thankfulness.  We...

How to Access Your Hospice Provider 24/7, Heartbeat Episode 221

25 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice agencies care for their patients all day, every day.  What should patients and caregivers expect from on call services during the night, week...

PallMusic.org Provides Comforting Music for Body, Mind, and Spirit, Heartbeat Episode 220

18 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Music can improve quality of life for people experiencing a serious illness. The American Palliative Music Council provides “complementary and alter...

Finding Your Self Care Energy with Dawn Renee of Traveling Caregivers, Episode 075

15 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You’ll love the energy of this episode’s guest - Traveling Caregivers founder Dawn Renee. For the last 5.5 years Dawn has been a live-in caregiver...

It's Time for a Holiday Self Care Check In, Heartbeat Episode 219

11 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re overdue for a self care check in, so in today’s episode  Jerry and Helen are sharing the good and bad of their self care for the holiday se...

How to Make the Holidays Less Stressful, Heartbeat Episode 218

04 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling a little stressed by the holiday season?  Jerry and Helen talk about having a plan to keep yourself healthy - body, mind, and spirit.  While...

How are We Doing Today? - The Ugly Reality of Ageism in Healthcare, Heartbeat Episode 217

27 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ageism is an ugly reality in the U.S. healthcare system.  Today we’re talking about how you can identify ageism in how you talk to and care for you...

Creating New Holiday Traditions When You're Grieving, Heartbeat Episode 216

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The 2020 holidays are going to feel different, especially for people who are grieving the death of a loved one. The loss of someone you love along wit...

Plan Your Best Care with the Help of Vital Decisions, Episode 073

15 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Vital Decisions knows how important it is to decide and document advance care plans before a crisis arises.  CEO Leah Puccio shares the mission of th...

Get to Know the Dougy Center for Grieving Children, Heartbeat Episode 215

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Dougy Center for Grieving Children helps to meet the unique grief needs of children and teenagers.  Today we’re talking about all the resources...

Valuable Lessons From the Heart of a Caregiver with Matthew Curlewis, Episode 072

01 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Matthew Curlewis’s heart shines in today’s episode.  You won’t want to miss the wisdom he shares about his caregiving experience with his termi...

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, Heartbeat Episode 213

30 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

During the month of November, the healthcare industry celebrates National Hospice and Palliative Care month. The theme this year is “The Faces of Ca...

Every Member of the Hospice Team is Essential, Heartbeat Episode 212

23 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to the corona virus, we're using a lot of new terms - social distancing, COVID-19, pandemic, non-essential. While some members of the hospice t...

Lisa Newburger Brings Humor to Difficult Topics at Discuss Directives , Episode 071

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You’re going to laugh and learn in our interview with Licensed Independent Social Worker Supervisor Lisa Newburger, and her alter ego Diana Directiv...

Energize Your Passion for EOL Care at a Virtual Conference, Heartbeat Episode 209

02 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Virtual conferences are the current trend while we cope with the pandemic. Today Helen and Jerry are talking about the benefits of attending a hospice...

Finding Hope Beyond Grief with Calista Anderson, Episode 070

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Grief Recovery Specialist Calista Anderson is our special guest in today's episode.  She’s the owner of Living Beyond Grief and knows firsthand the...

How to Create Successful Atomic Self Care Through Gratitude, Heartbeat Epi. 207

18 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re continuing to focus on the small habits that can make your Self Care successful in this third episode in our Atomic Self Care series.  Gratit...

Kate Schutt Shares Her Musical Tribute to Her Mother, Episode 069

15 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kate Schutt says it felt  natural for her to become a caregiver after her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The result of that caregiving jou...

How to Create Successful Atomic Self Care with Movement, Heartbeat Episode 206

11 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Keeping physically active is one of the cornerstone habits of healthy Self Care.  In the second episode of our series on Atomic Self Care, we’re ta...

How to Create Successful Atomic Self Care for Better Sleep, Heartbeat Episode 205

04 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re having difficulty sleeping these days, we’ve got some tips for you.  Jerry and Helen are sharing details about how you can get the most...

Innovative Bereavement Care Ideas With Rev. Nancy Faery, Ep. 068

01 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice agencies are having to get creative with their care during the pandemic.  Rev. Nancy Faery of Niagara Hospice describes the process she and h...

Strengthen Your Self Care with Remote Accountability Partners, Heartbeat Episode 204

28 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In these days of social distancing, it might be a challenge to connect with the partners who hold us accountable for our healthy self care habits. Jer...

Practical Self Care Tips for Car Travel, Heartbeat Episode 203

21 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice professionals don’t always have time to take good care of themselves when seeing patients.  Today we’re talking about healthy Self Care f...

The Forgiveness Solution with Misty Tyme, Episode 067

15 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Certified death doula Misty Tyme uses her many gifts to guide people in the practice of forgiveness.  Her interview with The Heart of Hospice is open...

Hospice Myths That Need to be Busted, Heartbeat Episode 202

14 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Misinformation about hospice is everywhere! Today we’re busting some old hospice myths with good information about end of life care.  We want you t...

Support for Grieving Parents from Bereaved Parents of the USA , Heartbeat Episode 201

07 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Parents whose child dies have special grief needs.  Bereaved Parents of the USA is dedicated to meeting those needs.  According to their website (be...

A Conversation with Death by Design Host Kimberly Paul, Episode 066

01 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our conversation with Kimberly Paul is going to make you think.  She challenges us to think about death and advance care plan conversations in a radi...

Celebrating Two Milestones for The Heart of Hospice, Heartbeat Episode 200

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're celebrating our 200th Heartbeat and the 4 year anniversary of The Heart of Hospice!  We’re super excited to have been given information...

No Matter Who You Are: The Angola Prison Hospice Story, Heartbeat Episode 199

24 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our topic today is going to inspire you. We’re talking about the Angola Prison Hospice, an amazing project that involves inmates in the care of othe...

Expert Guidance for Funeral Planning from Funeralocity, Heartbeat Episode 198

17 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re playing The Death Deck again! What would your epitaph say? What words would you use to describe yourself on your tombstone? Helen and Jerry ha...

It's Time to Have the Conversation on National Healthcare Decisions Day 2.0, Episode 065

15 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

July 16, 2020 is National Healthcare Decisions Day 2.0!  NHDD may have been delayed this year because of the pandemic but it’s never too late (or t...

Heart2Hearts Can Help Guide Advance Care Planning Conversations, Heartbeat Episode 196

03 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Another great game to start those difficult (horrible, awkward) conversations about advance care planning!   A set of Heart2Hearts cards comes with 5...

What Really Matters: A Conversation With Dr. Karen Wyatt, Episode 064

01 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Karen Wyatt puts her heart into the work she does as a hospice physician. According to her website, Dr. Wyatt is a “family physician who has sp...

Connection Moment Final Episode

24 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today Jerry and Helen thank all of the amazing hospice professionals who took time to partner with us for the Connection Moments campaign.  If we had...

Connection Moment with End of LIfe Doula Denise Reed, Episode 22

22 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our friend Denise Reed shares her support and hope in today’s Connection Moment. As an end of life doula and hospice volunteer, Denise knows the spe...

Connection Moment with Judi Lund-Person of NHPCO, Episode 21

20 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Judi Lund-Person hears the stories of hospice agencies from all over the country in her work with NHPCO.  She wants those end of life professionals t...

Connection Moment with Helen Haddick RN, CHPN, Episode 20

17 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s Connection Moment features our wonderful friend, hospice nurse Helen Haddick.  She shares a reminder for us to be compassionate not only wi...

How to Plan a Memorial Service for Your Hospice, Episode 063

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice agencies frequently offer memorial, or remembrance, services to the families of their patients. It can be a meaningful part of a hospice berea...

Connection Moment with Deanna Cochran, Episode 19

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re feelin’ the feels with end of life doula Deanna Cochran.  Her gratitude overflows in thankful tears in today’s Connection Moment.  In he...

Connection Moment with Edo Banach of NHPCO, Ep.18

13 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Edo Banach of NHPCO spends his days supporting hospice agencies in the U.S. Today he reminds us this season of uncertainty and isolation will pass, wi...

Practical Tips for People Aging Alone, Heartbeat Episode 193

12 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lots of people across the United States (22% of adults age 65 and up) are aging alone.  That means that planning for caregiving needs for this demogr...

Connection Moment with Missy Ring of NHPCO, Episode 17

10 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Working as the Director of Quality and Compliance at NHPCO gives Missy Ring a unique perspective on hospice care.  Recalling her own field experience...

Connection Moment with Isabel Stenzel, Episode 16

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice bereavement counselor and social worker Isabel Stenzel shares her gratitude for her coworkers and colleagues in today’s Connection Moment. S...

Connection Moment with Melissa Lunardini of Tribal Grief, Episode 15

06 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In a time where grief is a shared emotion around the world, grief specialist Melissa Lunardini shares a message of hope in today’s Connection Moment...

Helen and Jerry Recommend The Upside to Aging Website, Heartbeat Episode 192

05 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re at it again - playing The Death Deck to get our recording session started!  What do Jerry and Helen believe about dying people seeing loved o...

Connection Moment with Lori LoCicero with The Death Deck, Episode 14

03 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lori Locicero, author and co-creator of The Death Deck has a personal hospice story. In today’s Connection Moment she says end of life professionals...

Connection Moment with Tiffany Hughes Hospice Nurse Practitioner, Episode 13

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice nurse practitioner Tiffany Hughes knows first hand what hospice teams are dealing with during the pandemic.  In today’s Connection Moment, ...

Helen Shares Her Heart at a Hospice Memorial Service, Episode 062

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Hospice agencies often hold memorial services to honor the lives of patients they’ve served, inviting the families and team members who cared for th...

Connection Moment with Katie Orlip and Jahnna Beecham, Episode 12

30 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our dear friends Jahnna Beecham and Katie Ortlip join us for today’s Connection Moment.  They’re the co-authors of Living with Dying: A Complete ...

Get Your Hospice News at HospiceNews.com, Heartbeat Episode 191

29 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a lot of information coming at us about healthcare these days.  It’s important to be able to connect fast and easily with a reliable sour...

Connection Moment with Danny Mack, Episode 10

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Danny Mack shares his humor and warmth in today’s Connection Moment. Danny’s work as a director of social workers and spiritual counselors, along ...

Connection Moment with Jon Prescott of Wise Caregiving, Episode 09

23 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Just hearing Zen Buddhist and board certified chaplain Jon Prescott’s voice is enough to reassure us in today’s Connection Moment.  Jon partners ...

Connection Moment with Dr. Carla Cheatham, Episode 08

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rev. Dr. Carla Cheatham is with us today to share her strength and encouragement.  She reminds us to acknowledge the challenges of the current season...

Connection Moment with Jerry Fenter, Episode 07

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jerry encourages you with good words to lift your spirits with his message in today’s Connection Moment.  Reminding you as always to stay connected...

Loren Gelberg-Goff Shares How Caregivers Can Find Their Joy, Episode 061

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

LCSW Loren Gelberg-Goff wants to help caregivers. Her mission is to help “caregivers just like you enjoy a more fulfilled life while they do the dem...

Connection Moment with Lisa Pahl of The Death Deck, Episode 05

13 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Co-creator of The Death Deck Lisa Pahl is with us to share her thoughts on today’s Connection Moment.  Lisa knows exactly what it’s like to be on...

Connection Moment with Dr. Jessica Zitter, Episode 04

11 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Jessica Zitter is an advocate and an activist for quality care of terminally ill patients.  Trained at Harvard and UCSF, Dr. Zitter works in Crit...

How to Start a Conversation Using Go Wish Cards, Heartbeat Episode 189

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Go Wish cards from Coda Alliance are a great way to start those awkward conversations about end of life wishes.  If the thought of talking about deat...

Connection Moments Inaugural Episode

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

To support end of life professionals in the U.S. and all over the world during the pandemic, we’re launching a new project - Connection Moments.  T...

How to Make Remote Caregiving Less Remote, Heartbeat Episode 188

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Taking care of a loved one from a distance can be challenging.  In this season of social distancing and self quarantine, contact with someone needing...

Free Video Learning Resources for End of Life Professionals, Heartbeat Episode 187

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There’s some serious information overload happening right now in our COVID-19 world.  It can seem like too much, but if you’ve got extra time at ...

The Hospice Doctor's Widow with Jennifer O'Brien, Episode 059

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jennifer O’Brien didn’t anticipate that the journal she kept during her husband’s illness and subsequent death would become a guidepost to peopl...

The Heart of Hospice Welcomes a New Partner, Heartbeat Episode 186

10 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Meet the newest member of The Heart of Hospice team - a black goldendoodle puppy named Sunny!  He was born at the end of December of 2019, and carefu...

Coping With a Terminal Illness, Heartbeat Episode 185

03 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In these days of social distancing and self isolation, Helen and Jerry start out this episode playing The Death Deck, because we know that humor can r...

Grief Yoga Creator Paul Denniston Shares How to Get Unstuck, Episode 058

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It was our great privilege to partner with Paul Denniston, the creator of Grief Yoga.  Paul has taught the practice of Grief Yoga to “therapists, c...

Is Dying at Home Always the Best Choice?, Heartbeat Episode 184

27 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re talking about dying today - no surprise there. But what’s the best place to die? Hospice professionals will tell you that a “good death”...

How to Improve the Quality of Your Care Through Coaching, Heartbeat Episode 183

20 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Even the most skilled and experienced practitioners can find areas where improvements can be made.  Finding someone who can provide objective observa...

What You Need to Know About Do Not Resuscitate Orders, Episode 057

15 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A Do Not Resuscitate order is one of the most confusing and misunderstood parts of end of life care.  What do you need to know about DNR orders if yo...

Helen and Jerry Recommend Helen Haddick's Blog, Heartbeat Episode 182

13 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our hospice colleague Helen Haddick has a unique blog. Helen shares incredibly transparent and sometimes heart-wrenching stories about her experiences...

Extra Advance Care Planning Resources from Honoring Choices PNW, Episode 181

06 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re excited to connect you with Honoring Choices Pacific Northwest as another resource for advance care planning materials and information.  Acco...

Helen and Jerry Recommend Funeralwise as a Funeral Resource, Heartbeat Episode 180

28 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re excited to connect you with Funeralwise.  It’s a great place to find information about cremation, how different faiths view cremation.  Yo...

25th Anniversary of Death With Dignity Laws in the US, Heartbeat Episode 179

21 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The choice to die with dignity on your own terms is an intensely personal decision.  There are now 9 states in the U.S. that have Death with Dignity ...

An Encore Presentation with Ellen Goodman of The Conversation Project, Episode 055

15 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some experiences are worth repeating.  Our interview with Pulitzer prize-winning author Ellen Goodman was one of our brightest moments, and we’re e...

Helen and Jerry Recommend the Meditative Story Podcast, Heartbeat Episode 178

14 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s easy to find a calming moment inside the day when you listen to the Meditative Story podcast. It’s a weekly podcast that “blends intimate f...

Resource Recommendation: "I Didn't Know That" Video, Heartbeat Episode 177

07 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What hospice teams don’t know can hurt their patients.  End of life professionals who are ignorant of different cultures or faiths can damage the c...

The Heart of an Artist: An Interview with Matt Kennedy, Episode 054

01 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We sat down with Matt Kennedy to talk about his beautiful work creating unique urns using a tattoo machine.  According to his website ceramicarttatto...

An Honest Talk About Life Without Social Media, Heartbeat Episode 176

31 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How did your Social Media Fast go?  On this week’s Heartbeat we spend some time talking honestly about the challenges we experienced.  Before we w...

Who's in Charge Here? Determining a Patient's Goals of Care, Heartbeat Episode 175

24 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Every patient in hospice care has a plan of care that’s designed by the hospice interdisciplinary team.  The patient voices what he or she wants an...

Are You Ready for a Self Care Challenge? - Heartbeat, Episode 174

17 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How connected are you to social media?  If you find yourself overly connected to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or whatever social media platform you ...

Making Doctors Comfortable with End of Life Conversations, Episode 053

15 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel Giger is a certified end of life coach with a mission to support hospice physicians.  While working as a volunteer, she identified that physic...

Encore Episode with David Kessler: The Sixth Stage of Grief

13 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re delighted to offer you this encore episode of our interview with grief expert David Kessler. David is currently touring the U.S. offering a da...

A Review of A Love That Never Dies Film, Heartbeat Episode 173

10 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Grieving a loss looks a little different for each person and grief from losing a child has its own unique qualities.  Parents Jane Harris and Jimmy E...

Helpful Goals for Personal and Professional Growth in 2020, Heartbeat Episode 172

03 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a brand new year in front of us - 12 months full of possibilities!  It can be healthy to review your 2019 events. We are amazed at our new ...

How to Support Grieving Children with Melissa Lunardini, Episode 052

01 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Heart of Hospice is excited to connect you with Melissa Lunardini! Melissa is a children’s bereavement manager overseeing a large children’s b...

Reflections on The Heart of Hospice, Heartbeat Episode 171

27 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder how we came up with the tagline that you hear at the end of every one of The Heart of Hospice podcasts?  When we got ready to launch our ...