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.
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162 A Return to Hospice: Embracing the Spiritual Side of End-of-Life Care
Season 9 · Episode 162
Sunday, November 16, 2025 • Duration 07:55
162 A Return to Hospice: Embracing the Spiritual Side of End-of-Life Care
In episode 162 of 'Hospice Explained,' host Marie Betcher RN, a former hospice nurse, returns from a brief hiatus to continue her mission of educating and alleviating fears around end-of-life care. Marie introduces her second podcast, 'Hospice Encounters, Piercing the Veil,' and discusses her intention to explore the spiritual aspects of hospice care alongside the physical and mental aspects. She shares personal stories, including an experience where she felt protected by an unseen presence and an emotional account of her son's dog Ranger's final moments, speculating about the presence of angels. Marie encourages listeners to remain open to different spiritual beliefs and teases upcoming spiritually focused episodes.
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:47 Host's Personal Update and Podcast Direction
01:53 Spirituality in Hospice Care
03:10 Angel Story: A Protective Presence
03:51 Ranger's Story: A Dog's Final Moments
06:55 Haley's Perspective on Ranger's Final Moments
07:35 Conclusion and Call to Action
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)
If you would, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link
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.
161 Taking a Pause: Reflecting on Five Years of Hospice Education
Season 8 · Episode 161
Sunday, August 10, 2025 • Duration 03:31
161 Taking a Pause: Reflecting on Five Years of Hospice Education
In this episode of 'Hospice Explained,' host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse with a background in hospice care, discusses the purpose of the podcast and its aim to educate and alleviate fears about hospice and end-of-life care. Marie shares a heartfelt message from a listener named Dorian, expressing gratitude for the podcast's impactful guidance. Marie announces a temporary break from weekly recordings and updates on guest submissions. She encourages listeners to leave reviews and share the podcast, ending with a blessing for her audience.
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:31 Host Background and Podcast Journey
01:07 Listener Testimonial and Impact
02:07 Call to Action and Future Plans
02:46 Closing Remarks and Blessings
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)
152 The Importance of Rest and Laughter in Hospice Care
Season 8 · Episode 152
Sunday, June 8, 2025 • Duration 04:10
152 The Importance of Rest and Laughter in Hospice Care
In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, emphasizes the importance of rest and laughter for caregivers and families navigating the end-of-life season. Marie discusses the need for periodic breaks and introduces listeners to the Cloud Nine care system for preventing pressure injuries. She shares practical tips for incorporating rest, prayer, and humor into daily routines. Marie also hints at an upcoming episode featuring Nicole, a founder of Hero Generation. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and share the podcast.
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:29 Host Introduction and Podcast Creation
00:47 Partnership with Cloud Nine Care System
01:13 Short Episode Announcement
01:29 Importance of Rest and Self-Care
02:34 Encouragement and Inspiration
03:35 Conclusion and Upcoming Episode Teaser
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)
Annie McDonnell's Testimony of Hospice Care
Season 4 · Episode 62
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 • Duration 49:24
Annie McDonnell's Testimony of Hospice Care
The weight of grief may seem almost unbearable, especially with a devastating double loss of a father and mother. However, amidst these darkest moments, hospice care can provide a ray of light and comfort. The compassionate and dedicated care offered by the hospice team makes the otherwise torturing process more manageable and lessens the burden of pain. With their support and understanding, the journey through loss becomes more seamless and allows you to navigate the overwhelming emotions more easily. Tune in to this conversation where Annie McDonnell joins us to talk more about her experience of losing her parents within a short time span and her most loved pets. It can be really painful!
Annie McDonnell is a New York State licensed acupuncturist specializing in stress-related ailments. With a background in children's book editing, she understands the impact of stress on health. Annie's mission is to help you transform pain into healing using acupuncture, sound healing, breathwork, and other holistic practices. Her practice, Joy Alchemy Acupuncture, aims to reconnect you with inner joy, allowing you to tap into your body's natural healing power for true wellness.
Tune in!
Key Highlights from the Episode;
[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Annie McDonnell
[01:46] A bit about Annie as an acupuncturist and sound healing practices
[02:46] A hospice care at home for her cat that became Annie's game-changer
[06:06] What Annie did to her cat to comfort them at the end of her life
[11:36] Growing options for your pets in their end of life
[15:56] Annie's experiences with her parents in hospice
[26:36] A comforting and peaceful death of her dad
Notable Quotes Resources Mentioned Let's Connect
Unexpected Loss and Unprepared Grief: Finding Hope in Hospice with Aly Bird
Season 4 · Episode 61
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 • Duration 36:33
Unexpected Loss and Unprepared Grief: Finding Hope in Hospice with Aly Bird
We live in a culture that encourages us to numb discomfort and find quick solutions to our problems. However, grief defies these norms. It is a complex and ever-evolving experience that cannot simply be "gotten over." When faced with an unexpected loss, we find ourselves unprepared for the tumultuous journey of grief and uncertain about its duration. In such times, seeking assistance and support from hospice becomes invaluable, as they can guide us in navigating and coping with grief in a healthy way. It is natural for us to feel like we're more capable of managing our grief early on, but we must not undermine our grief by denying ourselves the support and solace that hospice bereavement services can offer. In this episode, Aly Bird talks more about grief and the tools you need to navigate through grief positively to transform your perspective and empower yourself with greater agency and comfort.
Aly Bird is a coach, author, hospice volunteer, registered psychotherapist with qualifying status through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Since her husband's untimely death, Aly has poured her heart into helping those who feel hopeless during unexpected crises. Her extensive studies of grief psychology and culture, combined with her devastating first-hand knowledge, led her to create a road map for the courageous and dedicated individuals willing to show up for themselves and the people they love with unconditional love, empowerment and reverence. As a speaker, coach and registered psychotherapist, Aly is committed to changing the way our culture recognizes and handles grief. To aid in her mission, Aly has authored Grief Ally: helping people you love cope with death, loss, and grief and is pursuing a graduate degree in counseling psychology. She is also a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and an active member of the Bereavement Ontario Network.
Tune in!
Key Highlights from the Episode;
[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Aly Bird
Notable Quotes Resources Mentioned Let's Connect
Navigating Wound Care in Hospice with Nurse Vanessa, an Experienced Wound and Ostomy Nurse
Season 4 · Episode 60
Thursday, July 6, 2023 • Duration 24:59
#Navigating Wound Care in Hospice with Nurse Vanessa, an Experienced Wound and Ostomy Nurse
Wound care in hospice is crucial to providing compassionate and comprehensive end-of-life care. Hospice aims to alleviate suffering and promote comfort for patients with advanced illnesses and wounds that can significantly impact their quality of life. Skilled healthcare professionals in hospice settings are trained to assess, treat, and manage various types of wounds, including pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, and lesions. The primary goal of wound care in hospice is to prevent infection, minimize pain, and promote wound healing while prioritizing the patient's comfort and dignity. In this episode, Vanessa Maxwell, also known as Nurse V, shares her wealth of knowledge and expertise on wound care management for patients both at home and in a Hospice setting.
Vanessa is the owner and principal Consultant of Wound Care Solutions By Vanessa LLC. Vanessa is certified in wound ostomy nursing and has been doing this for 12 years. She is passionate about her role and possesses over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse, with a background in Medical-Surgical, Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency Department Observation, Float Pool, and Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing. While Vanessa is actively building her consulting business, she works full-time as a certified wound and ostomy nurse in acute care settings. In addition to her professional endeavors, Vanessa is working on educating the public on treating and preventing wounds.
Tune in!
Key Highlights from the Episode;
[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Vanessa Maxwell
[01:42] Vanessa's backstory and what she does in the wound care space
[02:37] About Vanessa's business and why she stretched to do consulting on wound care
Beyond Fear and Hesitation: Empowering Your End-of-Life Journey with Kacie Gikonyo
Season 4 · Episode 59
Friday, June 23, 2023 • Duration 42:52
Beyond Fear and Hesitation: Empowering Your End-of-Life Journey with Kacie Gikonyo
Have you considered preparing for your journey's end? How would you envision the transition? Would you prefer the presence of your loved ones? And have you thought about whether you would prefer a serene setting such as a hospice or a more clinical environment like a hospital? While the concept of death may evoke fear and hesitation for many, it is an inevitable part of our human existence.
However, we have the power to approach it with a proactive mindset, embracing the opportunity to shape a graceful and meaningful conclusion to our time on Earth. Today, we are joined by Kacie Gikonyo, a compassionate Death Doula and Death Educator, who will share invaluable insights, guidance, and practical steps you can take to create a beautiful and fulfilling end-of-life experience.
Kacie Gikonyo is also the CEO and Founder of End of Life Consulting, a Registered Nurse, Death Doula, and Death Educator. With over 12 years of experience working closely with patients at the end of life, Kacie offers invaluable physical, spiritual, and emotional support to clients and their loved ones. Passionate about reducing fear and anxiety surrounding death, she excels in her role as a Death Educator, providing education to healthcare professionals, aspiring death doulas, and the general population. Kacie's unwavering commitment lies in helping clients plan and experience a beautiful death, making her a beacon of compassion and guidance in this essential aspect of life.
Tune in!
Key Highlights from the Episode;
[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Kacie Gikonyo
[02:03] Kacie's backstory and how she became a Death Doula and Death Educator
[05:47] Why preparing for your death is golden
Importance of Social Emotional Intelligence in Hospice with Elizabeth Dario Bockheim MS-EdL, RN-CNE, SEI-C
Season 4 · Episode 58
Saturday, June 10, 2023 • Duration 47:08
Importance of Social Emotional Intelligence in Hospice with Elizabeth Dario Bockheim MS-EdL, RN-CNE, SEI-C
In this Episode we Discuss what is Social Emotional Intelligence and how Hospice Staff imporove their approach to patients and families.
Social Emotional Intelligence (SEI) refers to the ability to understand and manage one's emotions effectively, as well as to recognize and empathize with the emotions of others. It involves being aware of one's feelings, having the capacity to regulate emotions in various situations, and demonstrating empathy towards others by understanding and responding to their emotional states. In hospice, being a truly effective caregiver goes beyond just medical skills. It demands having Social Emotional Intelligence.
When hospice professionals develop their SEI, they become better at connecting with patients on a deeper level, providing both physical and emotional care. SEI helps them become better companions in the final stages of life, offering comfort and understanding when needed. Join this conversation with Elizabeth and learn insights on becoming a better hospice professional using social emotional intelligence. Elizabeth is a wife, mother, certified nurse educator, and an Influential Awareness Leader.
Tune in!
Key Highlights from the Episode;
[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Elizabeth Dario Bockheim
[01:50] Elizabeth's backstory and how she became a Social Emotional Intelligence expert
[03:20] Social Emotional Intelligence from the aspect of the hospice professional
[05:11] Why becoming aware of your emotions is golden for hospice professionals
[07:39] What is empathy, and why is it important
Notable Quotes Let's Connect
Books that Empower Hospice Patients, Families, and Staff with Derek J. Flores
Season 4 · Episode 57
Saturday, May 27, 2023 • Duration 36:39
Books that Empower Hospice Patients, Families, and Staff with Derek J. Flores
Books can empower and offer insights, guidance, and solace during the challenging journey of end-of-life care. They provide knowledge, comfort, and a sense of connection, helping individuals navigate the complex emotions and experiences accompanying the hospice experience. Join this conversation with Derek Flores, a returning guest to Hospice Explained, as we discuss his multiple books to help patients, families, and staff with the Hospice Experience.
Derek J. Flores is a registered nurse (RN), Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN), and a best-selling author. In May 2020, he appeared as a guest on the internationally broadcast TV show 'The Doctors,' where he provided expert advice on hospice care. His first book, 'Seven Keys to a Peaceful Passing,' is a step-by-step guide for patients and families facing hospice decisions.
His latest work, 'Letters to a Hospice Nurse,' is a compilation of stories from families of hospice patients. It includes a companion journal, 'My Letter,' for recording personal thoughts and emotions. Nurse Derek also publishes helpful resources like notebooks and journals for nurses, patients, and families.
Tune in!
Key Highlights from the Episode;
[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Derek J. Flores
[02:21] A bit about Derek's newest book; Letters to a Hospice Nurse
[07:21] Some of the great stories in the book
[13:03] How the twelve stories in the book came about
[14:54] Other books Derek has put out lately
The importance of honest communication in hospice
Hospice End-of-Life Care: Making Death And Dying Conversations Less Scary with Lisa Pahl
Season 4 · Episode 56
Friday, May 5, 2023 • Duration 39:25
Hospice End-of-Life Care: Making Death And Dying Conversations Less Scary with Lisa Pahl
When planning care for a loved one in their end-of-life disease progression, talking about death and dying can be scary. Hospice care plays a vital role in end-of-life care, focusing on maximizing comfort and peace for both the individual nearing the end of life and their loved ones. With a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs that arise during this delicate time, hospice care providers offer specialized care to make death and dying less scary and keep your loved one at the most symptom relief they can be to enjoy their days with as much quality as possible. Choosing hospice is not giving up or hastening death. It's acknowledging the reality of the situation and fostering an atmosphere of comfort, acceptance, and peace. In this episode, Lisa Pahl shares more about hospice care and support and provides valuable strategies to help you facilitate open and safe death and dying conversations to orchestrate the departure your loved one desires in a compassionate way.
Lisa Pahl is a social worker and co-creator of The Death Deck and The E•O•L Deck, games that inspire meaningful conversations on what matters most in our lives and in our deaths. Lisa is also an expert contributor for Help Texts which provides expert grief and mental health support via text messages. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over fifteen years of experience in hospice and emergency medicine, Lisa helps people cope with illness, dying, and grief. With a passionate belief that peace at the end begins with meaningful conversations over time, Lisa engages people in talking about and preparing for this important stage of life.
Tune in!
Key Highlights from the Episode;
[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Lisa Pahl
[01:43] Lisa's backstory and what she does as a clinical social worker
When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)
If you would, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link
[01:57] Aly's background and what she does in the psychotherapy space
[02:32] Aly's grief story, her life-changing loss and traumatic bereavement
[05:14] How to navigate grief from a sudden and unexpected loss
[07:28] How Aly's husband's death propelled her to be a therapist
[09:22] Aly's emotional shock after her husband's death and how people supported her
[13:15] How Aly is helping people get the tools before they need them
[16:17] About the tools that are in Aly's book: Grief Ally
[19:04] What inspired Aly to become a hospice volunteer, and her work
[24:32] What peer bereavement means
[25:55] How much time Aly spends with people she is paired up with as a hospice volunteer
[27:59] What made Aly seek out bereavement services as a window with a traumatic loss
[30:56] Services that Aly offers to help people through their grieving process
[33:04] Aly's advice on using hospice services to support you in your grief
[35:40] Wrap-up and end of the show
The closer you are to the bereaved person, the more mistakes you're going to make, but the more mistakes you make, the more you strengthen your relationship. [12:06]
No one can prepare for an unexpected death, and no one is prepared for what grief would look like and how long it will take to be okay. [13:32]
Grief is something that is innate to every human being, and our bodies know what to do if we give it the time it deserves. [19:45]
Don't compare; it is in our nature to compare, but don't do yourself the disservice of devaluing your grief by denying yourself any sort of bereavement support if you think it will be of benefit to you; healthy coping with grief can change your perspective and the way you live your life. [33:26]
Often, in the beginning, we think we're more capable than we might be at managing our grief, so early on, when we're offered bereavement service, we might shrug it off as something we don't need but a few months down the road we might not be fine, and it is okay to go back and explore it; there is nothing wrong with doing it later in the road if it's available to you. [35:03]
[10:20] What to do to manage a wound to the bone for hospice patients
[11:57] Ways hospice patients can manage old wounds at home
[12:53] The products Hospice companies give to help the patients
[16:06] A wound care recipe to help manage wound drainage, pain, and smell
[16:14] Where to get more information or help with wounds care
[17:36] Vanessa's final thoughts on wound care and Hospice
[20:40] Vanessa's recommendation on how often to turn your patient
[23:22] Key takeaways from the Vanessa
[24:20] Wrap-up and end of the show
Notable Quotes
● Nutrition is one of the key indicators of healing wounds, having enough vitamins, minerals, and proteins to heal the wounds; If you cannot get the patient to eat, you cannot heal the wound. [08:02]
● When you're thinking about wounds, you have to have the right dressing for the right wound. [14:31]
● All patients won't need the same wound care plan; it is very individualized. [15:03]
● Skin is an organ, and we need to pay attention to it; you need to be turning your loved ones, don't leave them in one spot. [20:28]
[10:39] Cultivating empathy to become the right hospice support to your patients
[12:07] Correlation between hospice and emotional intelligence
[14:18] How to use the skills of SEI as a personal caregiver
[19:40] Elizabeth's insights and experience of taking care of her mother
[31:26] What Elizabeth wishes the hospice team to have done better for her mother
[41:18] Golden takeaway nuggets from the guest
[46:33] Ending show and calls to action
As caregivers grow in their profession, they are always given opportunities to learn about Social Emotional Intelligence and what it can do for their patients. [03:33]
Hospice professionals must put more energy into becoming emotionally aware of themselves so that they can be able to manage their patients better. [06:02]
The most generous thing you can do to anyone else is to take care of yourself. [09:07]
Compassion is the essence of hospice. It involves recognizing and being sensitive and having an emotional and empathetic concern for their pain and suffering. [10:41]
Marie's Contact: feedback@hospiceexplained.com www.hospiceexplained.com http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice Marie@hospiceencounters.com Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080
[15:49]
[18:43] The power of homemade journal
[20:47] Insights into Derek's publishing journey
[25:15] Why starting your hospice journey earlier is golden
[30:44] Other directions within hospice that Derek would wish to explore
[34:53] Ending show and calls to action
Notable Quotes
● When honest and open communication is established, it will always be a win-win between a hospice caregiver and the patients. [17:06]
● The best outcomes in hospice result from families that are open and work well with the hospice caregiver. [17:27]
● We can never meet our expectations if we do not know what will meet them. [17:42]
● Hospice care aims to empower patients and help them get through that experience. Anybody with that knowledge will always be better positioned to determine their needs. [24:37]
Derek's Books
Seven Keys to a Peaceful Passing: A Hospice Nurse's Step-by-Step Guide to Hospice: https://amzn.to/44yiGM3
[02:35] Lisa's experience in the emergency department for seven years
[04:42] The services Lisa offers in hospice care as a clinical social worker
[07:54] How Lisa helps families make decisions regarding the burial of their loved one
[11:36] About Lisa's products; Death Deck and The E•O•L Deck games
[20:52] How to open up and create a safe space to talk about death and dying
[23:14] The difference between Death Deck and The E•O•L Deck games
[26:36] Lisa's top questions she wants to be asked as a social worker visiting a home of a hospice patient
[30:14] Lisa's advice on choosing hospice care to get a little more comfort at end-of-life
[33:24] Help Texts and the support they provide to the caregivers and bereaved
[37:57] The art of practicing talking about death and dying now
[38:36] Wrap-up and end of the show
Notable Quotes
● There are different options for burial that may sound unusual, but we should amp up our comfort level with death and the willingness that we have to approach death head-on instead of keeping it in the shadows or like something that should not be discussed. [10:56]
● Even though people think they don't want to talk about death and dying, most do; once they are given the prompt, permission, and a place to discuss, most people have a lot of thoughts, opinions, beliefs, and stories. [20:10]
● Most of the time, when people start talking about death and dying, they become eager to talk more about it because usually, we don't give many opportunities to have this conversation. [21:47]
● When patients and their families are able and willing to acknowledge the reality of the situation, there is so much beauty and a lack of regrets in terms of things being out in the open. [29:18]
● Choosing hospice is not giving up. It's not hastening death or doing anything to make death come sooner; it's keeping a person at home with the most symptom relief they can have to enjoy their days with as much quality as they can have. [31:03]
● Talking about death and dying takes practice, and it's much easier to practice now before a diagnostics or a medical crisis of you or your family member so that when that time comes, you have a place to start from, and it doesn't seem so scary. [38:01]
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