The Heart of Hospice Podcast

As a caregiver her entire adult life, Elizabeth Miller has learned how to find the joy in the caregiving life. As a Certified Caregiving Consultant, she helps other caregivers make the best of their own experience.  Elizabeth joined forces with her siblings to provide support for their parents, and for her developmentally delayed brother.  Each sibling brought his or her own skill set and strength to the care.  Elizabeth played the role of primary caregiver, sandwich caregiver (caring for parents and children simultaneously), and remote caregiver (providing support from a distance).   After the death of her father, Elizabeth and her siblings moved their mom and brother Tom closer to where she lived.  She describes the impact of that caregiving as stressful, overwhelming, isolating.  It affected her mental and physical health in negative ways.   Elizabeth learned how to care for herself and set boundaries to maintain her health while she cared for the health of her family and her mom.  If you’re needing support and guidance as a caregiver, Elizabeth Miller can help.  Her company, Happy Healthy Caregiver, can help you become happier and healthier.  Connect with Elizabeth’s Certified Caregiving Consultant Services at happyhealthycaregiver.com Check out the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast for support and caregiving resources.  Book Elizabeth Miller to speak at your next conference or event. Connect with Happy Healthy Caregiver on social media:  Facebook   Twitter   Insta   LI   YouTube Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here.  Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work?  Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com.  If you’re interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here.   Connect with IDLM on social media.   Facebook    IG   YouTube  If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Gail Rubin, The Doyenne of Death, has been talking about death and dying for years - and she’s still alive.  As an award-winning death speaker, Gail uses humor and film clips to educate the public about advance care planning, funeral pre-planning, and estate planning.  She’s a Certified Thanatologist and a featured speaker at TEDxABQ, where she spoke on “A Good Goodbye”.  Gail is the author of four books on end-of-life, including A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don’t Plan to Die.  She also designed the Newly-Dead Game, a thought-provoking way to help start funeral planning conversations in a fun, non-threatening way. You can connect with Gail Rubin at AGoodGoodbye.com. Watch Gail’s TEDx ABQ talk on YouTube. Want to watch people play the Newly-Dead Game? Click here. Find out how you can host a Before I Die Festival in your hometown at beforeidiefestivals.com. Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here.  Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work?  Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com.  If you’re interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here.   Connect with IDLM on social media.   Facebook    IG   YouTube  If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)

Jennifer O’Brien is sharing details of her caregiving journey, telling the story of her husband’s life-limiting illness and how she’s learned to make the most of Precious Time.  After working 35+ years as a practice management consultant to physicians, Jennifer supported her husband Bob up to and through the end of his life.  As a hospice and palliative care physician, Bob knew what to expect from his illness.  He and Jennifer experienced all the ups and downs of serious illness and caregiving for someone who’s dying.  The art journal she kept as a form of self-care during Bob’s 22-month illness was published as The Hospice Doctor's Widow: A Journal. The book has won several awards for both its content and design. Jennifer shares her story, wisdom, and experience to help others understand the role of family caregivers and the importance of end-of-life preparations.  The concept of Precious Time is a way of communicating gently and respectfully that time is limited, and death is approaching.  She also sees it as a way for healthcare practitioners to avoid creating unrealistic hope in the minds of families, patients, and caregivers. You can get a copy of Jennifer’s FREE Download Precious Time at https://www.hospicedrswidow.com/resources.   Order your copy of The Hospice Doctor’s Widow: A Journal:     Bookshop.org    Barnes & Noble   Amazon     Jennifer’s website:  hospicedrswidow.com    Jennifer on social media:  Facebook   Insta  LI   YouTube Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here.  Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work?  Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com.  If you’re interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here.   Connect with IDLM on social media.   Facebook    IG   YouTube  If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by emailing helen@theheartofhospice.com.

The story of the terminal illness and death of Kimberly Acquaviva’s wife Kathy is powerful, intense, real… and human. As a hospice social worker and LGBTQ+ community advocate, Kim knows what good end of life care looks like. During their experience with Kathy’s end stage cervical cancer, the women discovered that none of the hospice agencies where they lived had LGBTQ - inclusive non-discrimination statements. Both Kathy and Kim were determined not to settle for anything less than the best care. They made the decision not to use hospice.   In this interview, Kimberly shares the details of their experience, including their communication style, how they connected with friends and family on social media, and the way they made decisions that affected their 19-year old son. Kimberly and Kathy shaped Kathy’s end of life experience in their own way. Quality of life for them meant autonomy, advocacy, and allowing their journey to create change in the hospice industry. They were teachers for the hospice industry, causing a ripple effect of change that expanded awareness of what inclusive care looks like. Kimberly chronicled the story of Kathy’s illness and death in her book The Handbook of LGBTQIA-Inclusive Hospice and Palliative Care (October 2023).                                                  You can order your copy here. Connect with Kimberly Acquaviva at kimberly-acquaviva.com  Find Kimberly on LinkedIn and X (Twitter). Order your copies of The Care Plan from Odonata here. It’s available in English and Spanish! Check out the free video tutorials from Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here.   Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here.  Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work? Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com.  If you’re interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here.   Connect with IDLM on social media. Facebook  IG YouTube  If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice: Facebook, IG Twitter (X) LinkedIn.

Senator Meg Cappel turned her experience as a caregiver for her terminally ill mother into advocacy and now works to promote hospice care in her home state.  Meg believes a true legacy - one that lasts - is a legacy of kindness. Years of working as a special education teacher taught her the importance of seeing people and meeting them where they are. As a caregiver along with her siblings, Meg experienced all the nuances of caregiving for her mom. Her mom chose hospice care when her ovarian cancer grew beyond treatment. Meg advocated for her mother and ensured her wishes were carried out.  As a state senator, Meg has promoted improvements for hospice care in her home state of Illinois. House Bill 1117 allowed hospice programs that own or operate separate hospice residences to serve up to 24 people per location, rather than the current 20 people per location cap. Additionally, the measure expanded the number of licensed hospice locations per county from five to 16. These changes allowed increased access to hospice care for seriously ill people across the state.  Read more about Senator Meg Cappel’s work here.  Order your copies of The Care Plan here. It’s available in English and Spanish! Check out the free video tutorials from Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here.   Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here.  Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work? Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com.  If you’re interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here.   Connect with IDLM on social media. Facebook  IG YouTube  If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice: Facebook, IG Twitter (X) LinkedIn.   

Supporting people who are grieving is fulfilling, joyful work. Just ask Help Texts founder Emma Payne. After having a personal loss, Emma realized how much we could improve how we support grievers. She’d spent years working in the tech space. That knowledge helped launch Help Texts. Their service provides grief support for events like pregnancy loss, pet loss, and death of a loved one.   The needs of grievers came into sharp focus for Emma when she was asked to deliver a eulogy for a close friend, ten years after the loss of her husband by suicide. The funeral weekend brought her into contact with people who had failed to support Emma after the death of her husband. She realized how deep and complex the needs of grievers are and wanted to change how we support them.   Help Texts gives subscribers the words and encouragement they need in those moments when grief hits the hardest. Services for individuals, employees, clients, and patients are easily available through texts. Organizations and businesses can provide Help Texts to give their members and clients grief support that’s accessible through text messages.   HelpTexts also gives professionals and caregivers guidance about how to support clients and loved ones dealing with grief. Grief literacy doesn’t come easily to everyone. Help Texts can help.  If you need grief support, check out Help Texts to see how they can support you.   Get 10% off Help Texts by using the code theheartofhospice when you sign up.  Find out more about Help Texts for your organization here.    Connect with Help Texts on social media: IG Facebook Twitter (X) LinkedIn Vimeo TikTok Order your copies of The Care Plan here. It’s available in English and Spanish! Check out the free video tutorials from Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here.   Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here.  Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work? Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com.  If you’re interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here.   Connect with IDLM on social media. Facebook  IG YouTube  If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice: Facebook, IG Twitter (X) LinkedIn.   

Joelle Johns believes telling people they’re dying gives them an opportunity to say the goodbyes, do the final things they want to do, apologize, and forgive. Joelle is a death midwife and grief counselor, as well as a pastoral thanatologist and clinical chaplain, having just completed her designation as a Board Certified Clinical Chaplain (BCC). She also holds a certificate in Death Midwifery.  As a pastoral thanatologist, Joelle supports those dying and those grieving, coaching them in healthy psychospiritual habits. Advance care plan conversations are also part of her work. Joelle’s seen the impact of avoiding those discussions about end of life wishes. Her experiences as a Hospice Chaplain have shown her the deep meaning and commonality death carries for all of us. Connect with Rev. Joelle Johns via email: revjoellejohns@gmail.com.   Find Joelle on social media: FB LinkedIn   Order your copies of The Care Plan here. It’s available in English and Spanish! Check out the free video tutorials from Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here.   Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here.  Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work? Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com.  If you’re interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here.   Connect with IDLM on social media. Facebook  IG YouTube  If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice: Facebook, IG Twitter (X) LinkedIn.

Death Doula Jo-Anne Haun has found growth and meaning in working with the dying. As co-founder of Death Doula Network International, Jo-Anne works to support and educate about the work of death doulas. Jo-Anne uses her personal gift of gentle humor in her volunteer work as a therapy clown (Code Name: Buttons). Jo-Anne’s habit of incorporating a little fun into a discussion about end of life wishes is a gentle lead-in to deeper conversations about dying and death.   You can connect with Jo-Anne Haun at eola.ca. Find Death Doula Network International at ddnint.com.   Order your copies of The Care Plan here. It’s available in English and Spanish! Check out the free video tutorials from Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here.   Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here.  Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work? Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com.  If you’re interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here.   Connect with IDLM on social media. Facebook  IG YouTube  If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice: Facebook, IG Twitter (X) LinkedIn.    

Death literacy advocate and Community Doula Francesca Arnoldy is sharing the role of a death doula and how to support someone through a time of intensity.  She’s the author of The Death Doula's Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared, a workbook that offers the opportunity ​​to explore mortality and end-of-life care planning.  In her work as an end of life doula, Francesca focuses on end of life planning conversations.  She’s seen the benefits of exploring those EOL wishes, freeing us to live more fully and recognize the opportunities in the time that’s left.  Francesca recognizes the value of conversation abouts mortality.  She’s designed a Death Journal in which she’s writing, and creating her own end of life plan.  It includes messages to her loved ones and lists of things that mean happiness and comfort for her.   While it’s a creative outlet, it also tells her family how to best care for her as she’s dying.  Francesca’s journal includes song lyrics, poems, and memories - so many reflections that tell the story of who she is.   You can purchase a Death Journal to create your own story and end of life wishes.  Click here to get started.    Order your copy of The Death Doula's Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared here or here. Enjoy this excerpt from The Death Doula's Guide: https://contemplativedoula.files.wordpress.com/2023/08/excerpt_deathdoulasguide.pdf. Read what Francesca has to say on how we sustain ourselves in death work: https://francescalynnarnoldy.com/2024/02/09/vital-deathcaring-maintaining-connection-to-our-humanity/ Visit francescalynnarnoldy.com to connect with Francesca.    Find Francesca on Facebook, IG, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Order your copies of The Care Plan here.  It’s available in English and Spanish! Check out the free video tutorials from Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here.   Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here.  Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work?  Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com.  If you’re interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here.   Connect with IDLM on social media.   Facebook    IG   YouTube  If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice:   Facebook,   IG   Twitter (X)   LinkedIn.

Award-winning End of Life Educator Barbara Karnes takes a deep dive into the unique challenges of caring for someone with dementia at end of life.  Caregivers often find their responsibilities accumulating over time as the disease trajectory continues. They’re forced to live in the present, to see their loved one as who they are today.  The goal is to bring joy and quality of life to a beloved today, in this moment.   Hospice care for a person with end stage dementia can be tricky.  The timing of the admission is often difficult to determine, and patients are often discharged from hospice if their health decline is not evident, which means the patient no longer meets hospice criteria.  When a patient needs to be discharged, it’s vital that the hospice team support the caregiver with robust discharge planning.  That caregiver needs all the resources and support the team can provide before the hospice care ends.  Discharge from hospice can feel like abandonment to a caregiver.  Where will the medical equipment, medications, and personal care assistance come from?  The hospice team is responsible for helping caregivers set up a system of support that can be there when hospice workers are gone. Isolation is also a big concern for caregivers providing care for someone with dementia.  It’s important to have a support system of friends and community who will fill in when the caregiver needs time away.  It truly takes a village.  Caregivers deserve to have quality of life, too. You can find Barbara’s dementia guide “How Do I Know You?” at bkbooks.com. Purchase “By Your Side” from Barbara Karnes here.   Read Barbara’s blog at bkbooks.com. Connect with Barbara Karnes on Facebook   IG   LinkedIn   Twitter (X)    YouTube Odonata Care offers help for caregivers at thecareplan.net. Order your copies of The Care Plan here.  It’s available in English and Spanish! Check out the free video tutorials from Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here.   Register for the Tree of Life Conference from the International Doula Life Movement here.  Want to know more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work?  Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com.  If you’re interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here.   Connect with IDLM on social media.   Facebook    IG   YouTube  If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice:   Facebook,   IG   Twitter (X)   LinkedIn.

*Trigger warning - this episode contains a description of an intense death event and the death of a child. Please make space for your self care if you find the topic overwhelming. Juli Henderson has turned the loss of her son into meaningful advocacy, sharing her wisdom with other caregivers. Juli and her husband Chris were the parents of a son, Robert. Robert had a rare mitochondrial disorder. Genetic testing revealed that he had a gene alteration that predisposed him to seizures and developmental disorders. Robert’s disease was progressive, and he was eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy, autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Caring for him and managing his symptoms meant spending days in the hospital. Being a caregiver for a child with a rare life-limiting illness changed Juli forever. She describes the experience as fearful, devastating, lonely, life-altering, and angry.   Managing Robert’s medical needs was a big part of their lives, but Robert was so much more. Juli’s stories of Robert include laughter, joy, music, and family. She’ll tell you Robert was known for his big, toothy smile, and his all-embracing hugs, along with his capacity to give and receive love.  After Robert’s death at the age of 18, Juli came to a place of recognition of the joy of caring for Robert. These days, she calls it a gift to have had Robert just as he was. Her website In Our Arms shares insights about her experience through her blog, and includes resources on self care, grief, and epilepsy.   If you have a medically fragile or seriously ill child, connect with In Our Arms at inourarms.blog. Read about Juli’s story here. Read Robert’s story here. Social media for Juli Henderson and In Our Arms:  Instagram  Facebook Odonata Care offers help for caregivers at thecareplan.net. Order your copies of The Care Plan here. It’s available in English and Spanish! Check out the free video tutorials from Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here.   If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

Hospice physician Dr. Karen Wyatt wants people to get comfortable thinking about death, and have time to plan for the end of their lives.  Karen is the host of the End of Life University podcast and author of 7 Lessons for Living from the Dying.   She’s considered a thought leader in end of life care.  We talked about lots of topics related to hospice in this great conversation, including trends in the industry, advance care planning, and how bedside hospice professionals are giving their best to patients and caregivers.  Listen to the End of Life University podcast here. Website: www.eoluniversity.com Connect with Dr. Karen Wyatt on Facebook. Find all the services and products Odonata Care offers at thecareplan.net. Order your copies of The Care Plan here. Check out the free video tutorials from Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here.   If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook,  Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

*Trigger warning - this episode contains a description of an intense death event. Please make space for your self care if you find the topic overwhelming.  Death doula Karen Hendrickson’s brother died suddenly when she was sixteen years old. That event became a lifelong lesson in death and dying, grief, and how to support teens during a loss.  As co-founder of Death Doula Network International, Karen Hendrickson specializes in end of life planning and education. As a death doula, she provides grief support and guidance for those who are dying and their caregivers. In her personal life, Karen experienced the death of her older brother Ernie when she was only sixteen years old. He was only 22 years old. That life event changed forever the culture of her family. As Karen describes it, it was “the beginning of us tucking our grief into the shadows”.   Karen learned for herself what it’s like to experience a traumatic loss as a teenager. Now she teaches about caring for teens as they grieve - making them feel seen, understanding they’re not responsible for taking care of the adults in the family.   Connect with the Death Doula Network International at ddint.com. Join DDNI as a corporate or individual member here. Find Death Doula and DDNI partners working in your area here. Find all the services and products Odonata Care offers at thecareplan.net. Order your copies of The Care Plan here. Check out the free video tutorials from Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here.   If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiving podcasts by clicking here.

Hospice nurse and end of life doula Gabby Jimenez of the Hospice Heart shared her thoughts in our great conversation about supporting MAID caregivers, and her new book Dignity Day. Hospice and end of life workers should know what Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) is, regardless of their personal opinion about MAID. If patients and caregivers ask questions, every EOL worker should be able to answer questions and provide resources.    Gabby wrote her new book Dignity Day to respond to the fear and confusion that surround the use of Medical Aid in Dying. Here’s how she describes the book: “This book is written from my experience as a hospice nurse and as an end of life doula. I have been present for many people who have chosen to do this, and I have seen how difficult and beautiful it can be for everyone involved. This book is designed to offer clarity, remove fear and uncertainty, and give permission to everyone at the bedside to feel whatever they need to feel, but to still stay present for someone they love. I have no intention of trying to change your mind, my intention is to ask that you not walk away. My hope for this book is that it invites healthy conversation, welcomes curiosity, answers some of the big questions, and supports each person by honoring their different thoughts and opinions about it.”  Connect with Gabby Jimenez of The Hospice Heart at thehospiceheart.net. Purchase a copy of Dignity Day (or one of Gabby’s other books) here. Needing a speaker for your event or conference? Click here to book Gabby to speak.      Find The Hospice Heart on Facebook. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak for your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiving podcasts by clicking here.

Caregiver, physician, wife, and griever - Dr. Lucy Kalanithi shares her remarkable journey with her husband Dr. Paul Kalanithi, author of When Breath Becomes Air. Lucy’s experience with her terminally-ill husband and his death has shaped how she approaches patient care and thinks about human suffering.    Dr. Kalanithi is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society and an honoree of Mass General Cancer Center’s “the one hundred” and Stanford’s Medical Staff Awards. She has implemented novel healthcare delivery models in primary care, hospitals and health systems, and served on leadership boards for TEDMED, the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care and the American College of Physicians. She has appeared on stage at TEDMED, on NPR, PBS Newshour, and Yahoo News with Katie Couric. Her award-winning podcast, Gravity, explores narratives of suffering.  Connect with Dr. Lucy Kalanithi on lucykalanithi. Find Dr. Lucy Kalanithi on X (formerly Twitter) Read Ady Barkan’s article “I’m Dying. Here’s What I Refuse to Accept with Serenity” in The Nation here.  If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Need a dynamic speaker for your event or conference? Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiving podcasts by clicking here.

Chaplain J.S. Park has a powerful voice - raw, transparent, and real. He’s using it to influence how people care for people at the end of life. J.S. will tell you he’s heard all the regrets in his work with the dying. As a hospital chaplain in a Trauma 1 center, J.S. provides grief counseling, attends every death, helps with end-of-life decision-making, and advocates for patients and families in crisis. He’s also worked as a chaplain for the homeless, including trauma-informed care, grief support, church wound recovery, faith-based programs for low-income families, and staff care for coworkers. J.S.’s IG account has over 102K followers, and his content is powerful. Remembering our own humanity makes us better providers of health care for other humans.  With an open heart and authentic communication, J.S. Park is holding space for respect and compassion. He’s leading with his heart. His voice is needed.   If you’re an end of life worker, connect with JS Park on Instagram. Read more about JS Park and his work, and read his blog at jsparkblog.com.  Get J.S. Park’s book, The Voices We Carry, by clicking here.  If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Need a dynamic speaker for your event or conference? Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiving podcasts by clicking here.

Diane Hullet, host of the Best Life Best Death podcast, believes in authentic conversations, holding space for those who are dying, and supporting others as they define their own “best death”. With the experience in her own family of eight deaths supported at home by hospice and having worked as a teacher for many years, Diane felt drawn to combine teaching with end of life work. She completed the Sacred Passage End of Life Doula course at The Conscious Dying Institute and the volunteer training at her local TRU Hospice. As an End of Life Doula, Diane empowers others during their end of life experience. She works to facilitate conversations about mortality that lead people to know what matters most to them. As the host of the Best Life Best Death podcast, she talks with experts working in the death and grief space. Diane brings a compassionate and authentic voice to her show, and to this great discussion. Listen to the Best Life Best Death podcast here. Read more about Diane Hullett’s work at bestlifebestdeath.com. Sign up for Diane’s Best 3 Months course here. If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Need a dynamic speaker for your event or conference? Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiving podcasts by clicking here.

Dr. Kaishauna Guidry is keeping it real when it comes to difficult conversations about hospice, dying, and death. As the host of the Dr. G at the Heart of Healthcare podcast, she’s teaching her listeners about challenging healthcare issues. She’s a fierce advocate for quality care, and empowers others to get the best from their care. She’s comfortable with the hard topics, discussing what people and caregivers need at end of life. Her mobile medical service provides care for patients who may have been discharged from hospice but still need a medical provider wherever they call home. Dr. G also provides consulting and mentoring for other physicians and organizations who need to improvise their physician documentation. Her book Dr. G’s H.O.S.P.I.C.E. Guide: 7 things Hospice Physicians Need to Know to Be Ready for Work provides support for doctors working in end of life care. She’s also the author of The Real Deal about Hospice: Short Stories Highlighting the Advantages of Hospice Care for Patients and Families.   Storyteller, advocate, mentor, and physician - Dr. G’s voice is strong and so necessary for today’s healthcare system.  Find out more about Mourning Dove Medical at mourningdovemedical.com.   Listen to the Dr. G at the Heart of Healthcare podcast here. Connect with Dr. G on social media. Facebook IG Twitter  LinkedIn Get your copy of Dr. Guidry’s books here.     If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Need a dynamic speaker for your event or conference? Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiving podcasts by clicking here.  

Hospice physician Lauren Templeton knows the power of pausing, taking a moment to reflect on end of life wishes even when things are tense and chaotic. Dr. Templeton is a fierce advocate and a strong voice for advance care planning, palliative care, and upstream discussions about end of life. As a hospice medical director, Lauren walks alongside seriously ill patients and their caregivers. She says she’s learned to appreciate the fullness of her own life from working in hospice. Dr. Templeton will tell you a typical day in the life of a hospice doctor is unpredictable, involving both clinical and administrative responsibilities. Troubleshooting symptom management with nurses, prescribing the appropriate medications, and documenting in the clinical record are some of the tasks included in the medical director job. Lauren brings her heart to this work and finds meaning in the care of her patients.   If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.   Need a dynamic speaker for your event or conference? Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com. Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiving podcasts by clicking here.

Hospice nurse Juli Boit works to care for the dying in Kenya, providing desperately needed care and services. She is an author, community builder, and nonprofit leader working at the intersection of faith, global health, and human dignity. For eighteen years, Juli has lived and worked in Africa, founding and serving as International Director of Living Room International, a community-led nonprofit providing hospice and palliative care services to adults and children in Western Kenya. A Family Nurse Practitioner, Juli has combined her dual passions of healthcare and social justice into a unique expression of love that provides desperately needed services in an underserved community. That said, Juli would be the first to add she’s the one who has been loved the most by her patients and neighbors in her home village of Kipkaren—most notably by Titus, her Kenyan husband, and their children Sharon, Alice, Ella, Geoffrey, and Ryan. Connect with Juli Boit and her work at juliboit.com.   Subscribe to receive the Kimbilio newsletter here. Read about the work of Living Room International here. You can support the work of Living Room International at livingroominternational.org.    Visit internationaldoulalifemovement.com to learn more about doulas, or connect with others who are doing death doula work.   Register for IDLM’s FREE 2024 Birthday Bash Jan. 8 - 12, 2024 here.  If you’re interested in becoming a certified death doula through IDLM, click here. Access all the courses that IDLM provides here. See all the events that IDLM is offering by clicking here.  Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)  Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to helen@theheartofhospice.com.  Follow The Heart of Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.  Connect with The Heart of Hospice podcast on The Whole Care Network, along with a host of other caregiving podcasts by clicking here.