News
Vermont Passes 'Aid in Dying' Measure
Vermont is the first state to permit physician-assisted suicide by legislation, rather than referendum or court order.
Insomnia Hints at Future Hospitalization
Large U.S study also found greater odds of home health care use in people with sleep problem Source: HealthDay
When Best Friends Can Visit
A few medical institutions have opened their doors to patients’ own dogs and cats, letting them visit along with spouses, children and friends.
For a Hospice Pioneer, Still a Tough Call
For more than 25 years, Paul Brenner led nonprofit hospice organizations. Yet when his health faltered, choosing to become a hospice patient himself proved unexpectedly difficult.
Weighing the End of Life
How can we measure the quality of life, for our beloved pets or for older, infirm people?
Louisiana: Hospice Cuts Rescinded
Gov. Bobby Jindal’s administration on Wednesday scrapped plans to shutter the state’s Medicaid hospice program in February, meaning it will continue to provide end-of-life care to people who cannot afford private insurance.
Preparing for a Loved One to Die at Home
Here's what specialists say are the most common kinds of equipment and preparations you may need to make to bring your spouse, parent or other loved one home to die.
Costs of Medical Care at the End of Life
Medical professionals and others respond to an Op-Ed article by Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel.
As Nurse Lay Dying, Offering Herself as Instruction in Caring
A nurse terminally ill with cancer volunteered to be a subject of research for students from her alma mater.
Better, if Not Cheaper, Care
It's a myth that a majority of our health care spending goes to the final year of life.
On the Way to Hospice, Surprising Hurdles
Why aren't more terminal patients in hospice care? Many hospices have restrictive enrollment policies, a new study finds.
Early End-of-Life Talks Helps Patients Choose Hospice
Study finds advanced cancer patients who had early end-of-life care discussions received less agressive treatment at the end of life and were more likely to choose hospice.
VPRs Vermont Edition
Jane Lindholm discusses the importance of starting the conversation. Talking is the single most important thing that you can do to prepare for the death of someone you love. Often such conversations are avoided out of an understandable desire to spare each other’s feelings. They need not be.
VNA is Starting the Conversation at The Lodges at Shelburne Bay
Imagine you learn today that your mother has just suffered a serious stroke and is in the hospital. Then imagine that you are now being asked to make decisions about her medical care. You just had lunch with her last week and she seemed so healthy.
Palliative Care Program at Porter Medical Center in Middlebury Closes
The program was popular, but after two and a half years, Partners in Palliative and Home Care will close.
Green Mountain Care Board Members Appointed
Governor Shumlin appoints board members to work on Vermont health care system.
Costs of Medicare Hospice Up 70%: For-profit Companies Benefits Most
Whose interests are being served?
AHA cites Dartmouth-Hitchcock for palliative, end-of-life care
Dartmouth-Hitchcock recognized for palliative care services available to New Hampshire and Vermont residents.
Vermonters don't utilize hospice until too late
Payment structure stacks decks against small, nonprofit hospices.
Health Bills passed in Vermont Legislature in 2011
How did health care reform and palliative care do in the Vermont Legislature?