Wednesday, November 13 | Cause Connected, Post-Acute Care

Why Hospice Care Matters to Me: Emily's Story

By Emily Eastin, Solution Marketing Specialist

My first experience with a hospice nurse was my teacher in high school. She coached me through my certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification. She was understanding and kind, emphasizing that my focus must always be on the patient and their family.

Today, I support hospice nurses with technology solutions. I credit learning what hospice actually is to my teacher in high school and to my other mentors educating the next generation. 

My understanding of hospice was made possible by leaders who took the time to educate others, share their personal stories and demonstrate their passion for hospice. I am grateful for all the individuals who continue to advocate to make hospice care more accessible to families.

I’ve learned hospice is not a place, rather it’s a type of care that can happen in your home or other care settings. The philosophy is to keep the focus on living well during the time you have left.

Hospice care is not provided by just one person, but by a care team that meets all types of needs – spiritual, emotional and physical. The care team surrounds the patient as well as family members before and after death.

Hospice work is not easy, but it’s extremely rewarding. I believe the hospice benefit is invaluable. I want everyone to know hospice is an option to consider as you or a loved one approaches the end of life.

 

Emily is a solution marketing specialist at Netsmart. She is an inaugural member of the Next Generation Leadership Council for NHPCO (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization). She has been working with hospice and palliative care providers for five years.

 

 

Meet the Author

Emily Eastin Blog Photo
Emily Eastin · Solution Marketing Specialist

From the CareThreads Blog

Two Rules, One Signal. What CMS is Signaling to Post-Acute Providers

Two Rules, One Signal: What CMS is Signaling to Post-Acute Providers

Tuesday, August 18 | Post-Acute Care,Thought Leadership

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the FY 2027 hospice final rule on July 30 and released the CY 2027 home health proposed rule on July 1. Read separately, they look like ordinary annual updates. Read together, they say something more useful about the next three years.

Read the blog
The Current State of Information Blocking: What Healthcare Providers Need to Know Now

The Current State of Information Blocking: What Healthcare Providers Need to Know Now

Monday, August 17 | Care Coordination,EHR Solutions and Operations,Interoperability,Post-Acute Care,Human Services,Legislative/Policy,Thought Leadership

Since the enactment of the 21st Century Cures Act, the concept of information blocking has steadily moved from theory to operational reality. Over the past year, federal agencies have signaled a shift from education and guidance toward active enforcement. For healthcare providers, understanding where things stand today is important.

Read the blog
OASIS and Coding Alignment Avoiding the Pressure Points That Create Compliance Risk

OASIS and Coding Alignment: Avoiding the Pressure Points That Create Compliance Risk

Wednesday, July 08 | Post-Acute Care,Thought Leadership

As coding guidance, OASIS requirements and value-based purchasing expectations evolve, even experienced clinicians can run into areas where the right answer isn’t always obvious. Understanding where documentation challenges happen can help organizations manage risk and streamline consistency.

Read the blog