by VNA of the Treasure Coast When a loved one is diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, (COPD), there are certain things that you, as the caregiver, should know. It is important that you understand the various aspects…
Lifestyle
by Joyce Baldrica, President and CEO of the VNA of the Treasure Coast and Nightingale Private Duty Nursing Do you, a loved one, or a neighbor feel unsafe at home due to a medical condition or age-related issues?…
On Friday, June 28, FHPCA submitted comments to CMS regarding the FY2014 proposed hospice wage index rule. The letter addressed four distinct sections of the proposed rule: Diagnosis reporting on hospice claims; use of nonspecific, symptom diagnoses; proposed updates to…
Joan Byrd grew up in a family of six. She and her siblings were raised to stay connected with one another no matter where they went. Each year, Joan would make the trek from Phoenix to Washington, DC to visit…
On May 23rd, Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) announced the 2013 winners of the annual Awards of Excellence in Hospice and Palliative Care. The Awards of Excellence program was created to identify, recognize and showcase the outstanding…
An article published on The New York Times’ blog, New Old Age, explores the experience of caregivers of terminally-ill family members and loved ones. The essay examines not only the stresses that are present during the finals days of the…
This is a public forum, once your comment is online, everyone with Internet access can read it. Please make your comment clear to ensure that it is not misunderstood. You can express a strong opinion but please do so remembering…
Despite recent gains in public awareness of the need for advance care planning, studies indicate that most Americans have not exercised their right to make decisions about their healthcare in the event that they cannot speak for themselves. The…
by Roxanne Riley, Executive Director, LifePath Hospice For years, state and federal lawmakers have tried to find an answer to escalating health care costs. At the same time, patients and families want access to quality health care that is both…
Traveling to a destination rarely happens without adventure, mishaps, or detours, and the same goes with one’s life destination. FHPCA’s 28th Annual Forum Conference “Journey: Mapping Our Past, Paving New Roads” is about looking at the past, present, and…
By Joyce Baldrica, President and CEO of the VNA of the Treasure Coast and Nightingale Private Duty Nursing Hospice care offers the services you want. What stands in the way of more people choosing hospice care, is limited awareness of…
Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) announces the new additions to its Board Leadership and Executive Committee. Linda Ward, President/CEO, Gulfside Regional Hospice, was elected a two two-year terms as President of FHPCA Board of Directors this past November….
Written by: Ebony Faber, Publications Coordinator, Suncoast Hospice Sometimes, in the midst of the darkness of dementia, moments of light shine through – an awakening. While under Suncoast Hospice care before his death, Christopher “Chris” Witt experienced his awakening through…
…When the Only Thing You Want, Is the One Thing You Can’t Have Article courtesy of Avow Hospice, Naples, Florida The sobbing didn’t start until it was time to put the lights on the tree. For years Nancy had…
Hospice is a special kind of care provided for those at the end of life, and Governor Rick Scott has declared this November as Florida Hospice Month. November is an opportunity for hospice providers statewide to raise awareness about hospice…
By: Abby Vandegrift, Communications & Policy Coordinator for Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association This October, Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) celebrates its 30 year anniversary of dedicated service to hospice care in Florida. Established as Florida Hospices, Inc….
By: Paul A. Ledford, CAE, CHA, Executive Director of Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association When you think of hospice, do you think of life? Chances are probably not. Often people think of hospice as a place you…
By Joyce Baldrica, President and CEO of the VNA of the Treasure Coast and Nightingale Private Duty Nursing In life we prepare for everything… college, marriage, children, and retirement. Despite the conversations we have for these important milestones, rarely…
By: Vicki Arant, RN, BSN, Vice President of Clinical Services, Hospice of the Comforter When someone is diagnosed with a terminal illness, where do they and their loved ones turn for support? A hospice cares for patients and families on…
By: Tiffany Campion, Director of Communications, Covenant Hospice It has been said that human beings are the only living beings that have knowledge of and can anticipate their own death. Even if that is true, most of us just…