Hospice Explained

Marie Betcher RN
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This is a podcast to Explain what is hospice. The goal of this show is to decrease fear and increase education for patients and their families during the end of life season. The show will also share some experiences and stories to help the listener understand what does Hospice mean, and how a person can help care for their loved one.

  1. 181 Feeling Supported and Prepared for Death on Hospice

    3D AGO

    181 Feeling Supported and Prepared for Death on Hospice

    181 Feeling Supported and Prepared for Death on Hospice In episode 181 of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, shares a listener story about a new nurse who felt unsupported and unprepared for his mother's death on hospice and still carries a negative memory 16 years later. Marie reflects on the need for hospice staff to assess families' education and experience levels, ask leading questions, clearly explain what to expect, and ensure people know who to call and feel safe doing so. She also shares her own experience with her oldest brother's death, realizing she stayed in "nurse role" to support others and didn't emotionally prepare herself to grieve. She invites listeners to be a guest and share positive or negative hospice stories so others can learn and do better in the future.  00:00 Welcome and Disclaimer 00:29 Episode Intro and Purpose 00:47 Listener Story Feeling Unsupported 01:48 Hospice Staff Must Assess Needs 02:24 Personal Story Brother's Death 03:48 Check In and Teach Caregivers 04:52 Share Your Story and Closing IF You want to share your story please email me: Marie@HospiceExplained.com   If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice  Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com,  When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You) Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com   Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

    6 min

  2. MAR 22

    180 Hospice Buddy: Practical Symptom Support, Caregiver Logbooks, and Grounding Prompts with Jamie Haberman RN

    180 Hospice Buddy: Practical Symptom Support, Caregiver Logbooks, and Grounding Prompts with Jamie Haberman RN   Host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, interviews returning guest Jamie Haberman RN, a hospice nurse with nearly 20 years of end-of-life experience and founder of Hospice Buddy. Jamie describes her hospice background and explains Hospice Buddy as a caregiver support platform offering free resources, a Facebook support group, and paid one-on-one support calls. She outlines her publications: six caregiver logbooks designed for the six-month hospice timeframe to track medications, symptoms, vitals, and notes, plus simple activities like reflections, puzzles, and coloring; a five-minute caregiver grounding journal focused on gratitude, breathing, and letting go; and a Christian faith-based symptom management guide covering common hospice issues (pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, congestion, falls, DNR) with practical, nonclinical tips. They discuss why information is hard to absorb during crises, the need for overnight support, and how some patients seem to time their death when family briefly steps away.   00:00 Welcome and Disclaimer 00:29 Meet Host Marie 00:55 Introducing Jamie Haberman 01:50 Jamie Hospice Background 02:36 Hospice Buddy and Books 04:25 Five Minute Grounding 06:45 Faith Based Support 08:51 Symptom Management Guide 10:16 Formats Pricing and Calls 13:57 Why Extra Support Matters 16:17 Night Shift and Passing Timing 20:25 Caregiver Logbooks Activities 24:17 Where to Find Jamie 25:25 Final Encouragement and Wrap https://hospicebuddy.com/   If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice  Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com,  When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You) Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com   Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

    27 min

  3. MAR 15

    179 Hospice Is About Living: Honest Conversations, Palliative vs. Hospice, and Supporting Nurses with Gina Harris MSN, MSQT

    179 Hospice Is About Living: Honest Conversations, Palliative vs. Hospice, and Supporting Nurses with Gina Harris MSN, MSQT Host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, interviews Gina Harris MSN, MSQT, Chief Clinical Officer at Marisol Health in South Carolina, about hospice education and reducing fear around end-of-life care. Gina shares her career path from mortgage banking to 25 years in nursing, including critical care leadership and work as a CMS-certified surveyor, and explains how hospice nursing is emotionally demanding and often undervalued. The conversation centers on the need for honest communication about dying, including a story of a woman with recurring cancer who pursued a third major surgery before choosing hospice and dying days later, highlighting "chasing normal" and the limits of prognostic estimates. Gina describes hospice as support for living with comfort and dignity, outlines palliative care versus hospice, and explains how Marisol trains staff through in-services, role playing, interdisciplinary visits, and certification. 00:00 Welcome and Disclaimer 00:29 Meet Host Marie 00:45 Introducing Gina Harris MSN, MSQT 02:11 Gina's Nursing Journey 04:09 Why Hospice Matters 06:05 Coaching Nurses to Talk 08:29 Chasing Normal Story 13:42 Hard Truths and Hospice 18:21 Hospice Is About Living 20:23 Palliative vs Hospice Care 23:32 Training Staff for Truth 26:44 Hospice as a Choice 28:15 Signing Up and Opting Out 29:42 Closing Thanks and Location 30:21 Final Wrap Up   https://mirasolhealth.org/   If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice  Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com,  When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You) Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com   Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

    31 min
  4. 178 How to Talk to Someone About Hospice: Communication Tips and Resources

    MAR 8

    178 How to Talk to Someone About Hospice: Communication Tips and Resources

    178 How to Talk to Someone About Hospice: Communication Tips and Resources Host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, explains that Hospice Explained is an educational resource and not a substitute for medical advice. She discusses how to communicate about hospice with patients, families, providers, and caregivers: be truthful, expect emotions, keep the focus on the person you're talking to, practice active listening, and use clear, simple language. She recommends asking simple, open-ended questions, pausing to listen, treating the discussion as a collaborative conversation rather than a debate, and being prepared with referrals and plans to find answers together. She suggests pulse.org and fivewishes.org as accessible resources to start end-of-life planning conversations, and encourages listeners to subscribe and share the podcast. 00:00 Welcome & Medical Disclaimer 00:29 Meet Your Host: Why This Podcast Exists 00:42 How to Talk About Hospice: Truth, Emotions & Listening 01:10 Keep It Simple: Questions, Pauses, and Conversation (Not Debate) 01:49 Be Ready With Resources: POLST & Five Wishes 02:47 Wrap-Up: Start the Conversation + Subscribe polst.org https://www.fivewishes.org/   If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice  Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com,  When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You) Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com   Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

    3 min

  5. MAR 1

    177 Hospice, Caregiving, and Long-Term Care Planning with Raymond Lavine

    177 Hospice, Caregiving, and Long-Term Care Planning with Raymond Lavine Host Marie Betcher, a former hospice nurse and longtime registered nurse, interviews Raymond Lavine, Raymond explains he designs long-term care plans that can help pay for caregiving either at home or in a facility, addressing the common misconception that long-term care insurance is only "nursing home insurance." They discuss caregiver stress and the need to support caregivers with respite and practical help. Raymond outlines how long-term care policies generally work as a pool of money over a set period, often with inflation or cost-of-living features, and notes that benefits may not cover 100% of costs depending on the plan and setting. Raymond advises making incremental home modifications in advance to support aging in place and reduce falls. The episode ends with Raymond offering Zoom, phone, and in-person meetings, directing listeners to his website tools and FAQ features, and Marie encouraging listeners to subscribe and share. 00:00 Welcome + Medical Disclaimer  00:29 Meet Your Host Marie Betcher  00:46 Raymond Lavine's Backstory: Army, Vietnam & Career Path 02:43 What Raymond Does: Long‑Term Care Planning Meets Hospice Reality 04:21 Caregiver Burnout: Supporting the Family, Not Just the Patient 05:50 Does Long‑Term Care Insurance Pay for In‑Home Care or Facilities? 07:28 What Hospice Covers Under Medicare (and What It Doesn't) 11:00 How Long‑Term Care Policies Work: Pools of Money, Inflation Riders & Costs 16:08 Affordable Options When Money's Tight: Life Settlements, Reverse Mortgages & Hybrids 20:12 Avoiding Crisis: Planning, Home Modifications & Real‑World Care Logistics 22:09 Hospice Isn't a Daily Caregiver: Building a Care Team https://raymondlavineofficial.com/ https://www.lavineltcins.com/   If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice  Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com,  When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You) Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com   Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

    28 min

  6. FEB 22

    176 Hospice Explained: The Five Wishes and Why They Matter

    176 Hospice Explained: The Five Wishes and Why They Matter Host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, reviews the "Five Wishes" advance care planning document after a prior episode with Yvonne Caputo. She explains where to find and purchase it (fivewishes.org and agingwithdignity.org), notes it can be notarized, and emphasizes completing it through conversations with loved ones. Marie walks through each wish: choosing the person to make decisions when you can't and clearly sharing your choices with them; deciding what medical treatments you want or don't want (also referencing POLST at polst.org); defining what comfort looks like and where you want to be cared for; how you want people to treat you; and what you want loved ones to know, including expressing love and sharing guidance about personal items and other wishes. She invites listeners to share hospice-related stories by emailing her through hospiceexplained.com, and encourages subscribing and sharing the podcast. 00:00 Welcome & Medical Disclaimer (Start Here) 00:28 Meet Your Host Marie + Why This Podcast Exists 00:41 Recap: Last Week's Guest & Introducing the Five Wishes 01:31 Wish #1: Choose Your Healthcare Decision-Maker 02:14 Wish #2: Treatments You Do (and Don't) Want 02:59 Wish #3: Defining Comfort at the End of Life 03:55 Wish #4: How You Want People to Treat You 04:08 Wish #5: What You Want Loved Ones to Know 05:28 Where to Get Five Wishes + Share Your Story (Closing) https://www.fivewishes.org/ https://agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes/   If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice  Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com,  When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You) Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com   Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

    6 min

  7. FEB 15

    175 "Dying with Dad": Intimate Conversations and Five Wishes

    175 "Dying with Dad": Intimate Conversations and Five Wishes In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, interviews Yvonne Caputo, a retired teacher, vice president of human resources, corporate trainer, consultant, and psychotherapist. Yvonne discusses her books, 'Flying with Dad' and 'Dying with Dad,' and shares personal stories about having meaningful end-of-life conversations with her father. The episode delves into the emotional and legal aspects of preparing for end-of-life, the significance of the 'Five Wishes' document, and how these conversations can bring profound joy and lessen the burden during grief. Yvonne offers practical advice on how to approach these discussions with loved ones and the impact these preparations had on her family's experiences with death. 00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained 00:43 Meet Yvonne Caputo: A Multifaceted Professional 01:06 Flying with Dad: A Journey Through WWII Stories 01:15 Dying with Dad: Conversations About End-of-Life Wishes 02:52 The Importance of Advanced Directives 05:57 A Heartfelt Goodbye: Yvonne's Personal Story 12:50 Impact of the Five Wishes Document 21:50 Final Thoughts and Reflections 23:42 Closing Remarks and Call to Action  https://www.fivewishes.org/ https://agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes/   If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice  Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com,  When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You) Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com   Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

    24 min

  8. FEB 8

    174 Facing the Unspoken: Embracing End of Life Conversations

    174  Facing the Unspoken: Embracing End of Life Conversations  In this episode of 'Hospice Explained,' host Marie Betcher RN , a former hospice nurse with a long nursing experience, emphasizes the significance of addressing end-of-life issues early. She discusses the common problem of late referrals to palliative and hospice care and highlights the need for healthcare providers to facilitate honest, fact-based conversations with patients. This approach allows patients to make informed choices, spend quality time with loved ones, and manage their affairs properly. Marie encourages providers to make these discussions a cooperative dialogue, providing resources and advice to help patients prepare for the end of life. She also invites listeners to share their stories and questions. 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 00:28 Meet Your Host: Marie Betcher RN 00:41 Addressing Late Referrals in Hospice Care 01:08 The Importance of dificult Conversations 01:47 Training Gaps in Medical Education 02:09 Empowering Patients with Honest Conversations 02:24 Practical Steps for End-of-Life Planning 03:42 The Role of Healthcare Providers 04:21 Creating a Dialogue, Not a Debate 05:04 Encouraging Hospice Consideration 05:46 Conclusion and Contact Information   If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice  Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast.  Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com,  When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119) When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You) Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com   Finding a Hospice Agency 1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency, 2. choose Find provider 3. Choose Hospice 4. then add your zip code This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.

    6 min
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About

This is a podcast to Explain what is hospice. The goal of this show is to decrease fear and increase education for patients and their families during the end of life season. The show will also share some experiences and stories to help the listener understand what does Hospice mean, and how a person can help care for their loved one.

Information

  • Creator
    Marie Betcher RN
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    182
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © @hospiceexplained
  • Show Website
    Hospice Explained

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