Let's Talk Hospice: The Gift of Being Home

Coastal Hospice

Welcome to The Gift of Being Home. We started this podcast because, honestly, we hear it all the time, ‘We wish we had called hospice sooner.’ At Coastal Hospice, we’ve been caring for our Lower Eastern Shore communities for 46 years, and families have trusted us to walk alongside them during some of life’s hardest moments. This podcast is just an extension of that, helping people understand what hospice really is, when to call, and how it can make a difference sooner rather than later. If we can help even one family feel more prepared or supported, then it’s worth it.

Episodes

  1. Sep 10

    The Final Days: What Changes and Why?

    One of the most difficult parts for families is not knowing what to expect or understanding what is normal during the final days of life. We will walk you through some of the common changes, why they happen, and how hospice helps keep patients comfortable through it all. Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Ann Lovely RN, BSN, CHPN, Coastal Hospice President & CEO Coastal Hospice to discuss, “The Final Days: What Changes and Why” and help educate the community about the many layers of support hospice provides. Some key points discussed include: Decreased appetite and increased sleep are natural parts of the process.Changes in breathing and circulation are expected and managed for comfort.The body is gradually conserving energy.Hospice prepares families for what to expect to reduce fear and uncertainty.Hospice helps prepare families for what to expect, reducing fear and uncertainty.The focus remains on dignity, peace, and comfort.At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way. Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

    The Final Days: What Changes and Why?

  2. Sep 10

    Managing Pain Without Fear

    Managing pain can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with the fears and questions that often come with it. A lot of people worry about medications, or wonder if they’ll be too strong, or if it means something more serious is happening. And those are normal concerns. We’re going to talk through how hospice manages pain safely, what to expect, and how we make sure patients are comfortable without that fear. Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Lyndsey Hogue, DNP, MHA, CRNP, FNP-BC, Nurse Practitioner in Hospice and Palliative Care, Coastal Hospice to discuss “Managing Pain Without Fear” and help educate the community about the many layers of support hospice provides. Some key points discussed include: Pain management is individualized and closely monitored.Medications are used safely and adjusted based on patient response.The goal is comfort without unnecessary sedation.Hospice teams address physical, emotional, and spiritual pain.Education helps families feel confident, not fearful about care.At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way. Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

    Managing Pain Without Fear

  3. Aug 27

    What’s the Difference between Hospice Care in a Facility vs Hospice Care at Home?

    Hospice care at home vs. in a facility: What Families Should Know is that you have options. Some people picture hospices as just one setting, but they can look a little different depending on what you need and how to figure out what’s the best fit for you and your loved one. Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Lauren Blair, LMSW, VDTCT, DACE Coach Director of Business Development, to discuss “What’s the Difference between Hospice Care in a Facility vs Hospice Care at Home?” and help educate the community about the many layers of support hospice provides. Some key points discussed include: Hospice care meets patients wherever they are: at home, assisted living community, or a skilled nursing center. The hospice team partners with facility staff to enhance care.The same philosophy and services apply across settings.Families remain an important part of the care team in any setting.The goal is consistent, compassionate care regardless of location.At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way. Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

    What’s the Difference between Hospice Care in a Facility vs Hospice Care at Home?

  4. Aug 27

    Caring for Someone at Home: What Families Should Expect

    Many families hope to care for their loved one at home, though navigating that journey can sometimes feel overwhelming. You want to do it right; you want them to be comfortable, and sometimes you’re just not sure what to expect day-to-day. So, we’re going to walk through what caring for someone at home really looks like, and how hospice supports you along the way. Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Stacy Cottingham PhD, RN Director of Quality Improvement, to discuss “Caring for Someone at Home: What Families Should Expect” and help educate the community about the many layers of support hospice provides. Some key points discussed include: · Hospice provides guidance, training, and 24/7 support. Families are never alone. Equipment and medications are delivered to the home.The care plan evolves as needs change.· Caregiving can be emotional and challenging; support is built in. The goal is comfort, dignity, and honoring the patient’s wishes at home.At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way. Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

    Caring for Someone at Home: What Families Should Expect

  5. Aug 27

    The Role of the Hospice Team

    A lot of people don’t realize just how many people are there to support you. It’s not just one nurse or one visit here and there; it’s a whole team, all working together around the patient and the family. We’re breaking that down a little bit, who’s involved, what they do, and how they all come together to support you. Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Holly Murray, RN, BSN, Coastal Hospice Chief Clinical Officer, to discuss “The Role of the Hospice Team” and help educate the community about the many layers of support hospice provides. Some key points discussed include: Nurses manage symptoms and provide clinical expertise.Social workers offer emotional support and resource navigation.Chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support based on each patient and family’s beliefs, values, and preferences.Hospice aides assist with personal care and comfort.Volunteers and bereavement teams extend support beyond the patient’s life.Music TherapyAt Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way. Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

    The Role of the Hospice Team

  6. Aug 5

    The 6 Month Myth: Explaining Eligibility & Hospice Care

    You’ve probably heard that hospice is only for the last six months of life, and that’s where a lot of folks get stuck. Because it’s not really that simple. We’re going to clear up what that means, how eligibility and hospice care really work, and why waiting for a timeline can sometimes cause people to miss out on support they could have had sooner. Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Lauren Blair, LMSW, VDTCT, DACE Coach Director of Business Development, to discuss “The 6 Month Myth: Explaining Eligibility & Hospice Care” and help guide families through those important first steps. Some key points discussed include: Hospice eligibility is based on a physician’s prognosis of about six months or less.Patients can receive hospice care for longer if they continue to meet criteria.Some patients improve with hospice support and may even be discharged.Waiting for an exact timeline often delays beneficial care.Hospice is about need and eligibility, not a countdown.At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way. Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

    The 6 Month Myth: Explaining Eligibility & Hospice Care

  7. Aug 5

    What Happens During the First Visit?

    You may wonder what happens during that first hospice visit. This is what a lot of people feel unsure about. You’ve made the call, and then it’s like, okay, now what? The good news is, it’s not overwhelming. It’s just a conversation, getting to know you, and figuring out how we can help. We’ll walk through what the first visit looks like and what to expect. Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Alison Andrews Patterson, BSN, RN, Coastal Hospice Clinical Documentation Professional/QAPI, to discuss “What Happens on the First Visit” and help guide families through those important first steps. Some key points discussed include: A comprehensive assessment of physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs.· Time is spent listening to and understanding the goals of both the patient and their family. A personalized care plan is developed collaboratively.Medications, equipment, and services are arranged quickly.Families leave with clarity, support, and a direct line to help.At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way. Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

    What Happens During the First Visit?

  8. Aug 5

    What Happens When You Call Hospice?

    Let’s talk about what happens when you call hospice. For a lot of people, that first call feels like a big step. And honestly, it’s usually a lot simpler and a lot more supportive than people expect. We will walk through it, so you know exactly what the first call looks like and what happens next. Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Nancy Stewart, Coastal Hospice Director of Access and Coastal Palliative Care Services, to discuss “What Happens When You Call Hospice” and help guide families through those important first steps. Some key points discussed include: · A compassionate team member responds quickly, often the same day. An evaluation is scheduled to determine eligibility and needs.The team explains services, answers questions, and supports decision-making.Care is coordinated seamlessly with the patient’s physician.There is no obligation, just information and support.At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way. Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

    What Happens When You Call Hospice?

  9. Jun 15

    We Wish We Called Hospice Sooner

    We wish we had called hospice sooner. Once families experience hospice care, they get it. It’s not what they thought, it’s more support, more help, and more peace than they expected. A lot of people just don’t know that, so they wait. Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Ann Lovely RN, BSN, CHPN, Coastal Hospice President & CEO, to discuss “We Wish We Called Hospice Sooner” and help guide families through those important first steps. Some key points discussed include: Many families say they didn’t realize how much support hospice truly provides until they experienced it.Earlier involvement means better symptom management and improved quality of life.Hospice supports the entire family, not just the patient.Waiting too long can mean missing opportunities for comfort, meaningful conversations, and planning.Hospice is about adding care, not taking anything away.At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way. Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

    We Wish We Called Hospice Sooner

  10. Jun 15

    When is the Right Time to Refer?

    When is the right time to refer to hospice? It’s not usually as clear-cut as people think. A lot of families wait, just because they are not sure. Let’s talk about what to look for and how to think about timing a little differently. Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Jen Dixon, RN, Coastal Hospice Team Leader, to discuss “When is the Right Time to Refer?” and the importance of starting the conversation early. Some key points discussed include: When curative treatment is no longer effective or aligned with patient goals.Increased hospitalizations, ER visits, or noticeable decline are key indicators.When symptom management becomes more complex or burdensome.When patients or families begin prioritizing comfort over aggressive treatment.Earlier referrals lead to better outcomes. There’s no downside to starting the conversation.At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way. Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

    When is the Right Time to Refer?

  11. Jun 15

    Hospice Does Not Mean Giving Up

    Choosing hospice means giving up. Honestly, that’s just not what it is. For many families, hospice is where they find more support, more comfort, and more meaningful time together. Let’s talk about what hospice really means and maybe reframe it a little bit. Our moderator, Lauren King, BSW, Coastal Hospice Provider & Community Relations Team Leader, recently sat down with Rev Joel Beiler MDiv, CPE Supportive Services Team Leader, to discuss “Hospice Does Not Mean Giving Up” and help guide families through those important first steps. Some key points discussed include: Hospice shifts the focus from curing to caring.Patients often experience improved quality of life and even stabilization.It empowers patients to define what matters most in their time.Choosing hospice is an active, thoughtful decision, not a passive one.It allows families to focus on connection, not crisis.At Coastal Hospice, we understand these conversations are not always easy, but no one has to navigate them alone. We are here to provide expert, compassionate care and support every step of the way. Referrals are welcomed by patients, families, and healthcare providers; no doctor’s referral is required to start the conversation. To make a hospice referral, call 410-742-7878 or go online. We accept referrals 24/7, 365 days a year!

    Hospice Does Not Mean Giving Up
  • 11 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Gift of Being Home. We started this podcast because, honestly, we hear it all the time, ‘We wish we had called hospice sooner.’ At Coastal Hospice, we’ve been caring for our Lower Eastern Shore communities for 46 years, and families have trusted us to walk alongside them during some of life’s hardest moments. This podcast is just an extension of that, helping people understand what hospice really is, when to call, and how it can make a difference sooner rather than later. If we can help even one family feel more prepared or supported, then it’s worth it.

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