Apr 30, 2021

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...

Apr 23, 2021

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...

Apr 16, 2021

In the final episode of our patient advocacy series, we’re talking about supporting advance directives to honor end of life wishes.  Caregivers often advocate for loved ones to prevent unwanted care.  As advocates for family members or friends, caregivers are called to respect the wishes expressed in directives to...

Apr 15, 2021

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 VR program “Clay” teaches what the hospice experience is like for patients and families.  Through VR technology, the hospice journey of virtual patient “Clay”  and...

Apr 9, 2021

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 a good idea to start with the case manager from your hospice team.  If that doesn’t work, voice your concern to the director or administrator.  Escalate your complaint if...