In The Passenger Seat: Hospice Conversations

Join us for a meaningful conversation with Katie Canada and Jordan McCoy from Uplifted Care, a Level 5 We Honor Veterans partner organization. We explore what makes end-of-life care for veterans unique, how military experiences shape their physical and emotional needs, and the ways hospice teams can provide compassionate, informed care, and how they became a "veteran-centered" hospice organization. Katie and Jordan share insights on how they embraced the We Honor Veterans Program and impactful stories from their work honoring those who served. If you are interested more in learning about We Honor Veterans, please check out their website at https://www.wehonorveterans.org/Want to improve your care for veterans at end of life? Uplifted Care is ready to provide mentorship to your organization through their We Honor Veterans partnership. Please contact Katie or Jordan for more information: [email protected] -and- [email protected]

In this week’s episode of In the Passenger Seat, we’re joined by Ellen Byrne, Director of Policy and Advocacy for the Illinois Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (ILHPCO), for a timely discussion on hospice and palliative care legislation that transcends politics.Amid a divided political climate, Ellen highlights the issues that unite us all—ensuring dignity, choice, and quality of life at the end of life. We’ll explore current state and federal legislation impacting hospice and palliative care, why these initiatives matter, and how providers can engage in advocacy efforts that make a real difference.Tune in for a grounded, hopeful conversation about the power of collaboration, shared values, and the collective voice of hospice professionals working together to improve care for patients and families across Illinois.

 When an individual living with ALS reaches the point of considering hospice care, the journey can feel overwhelming—for both patients and their families. In this episode of In the Passenger Seat, we sit down with Anne Marie Doyle from the Les Turner ALS Foundation to explore how their team provides specialized support during this critical transition.  Whether you’re new to supporting ALS patients or a seasoned hospice provider, this conversation offers valuable insights and tools to help you deliver expert, patient-centered care when it matters most. Here are some quick links to the resources discussed in today's episode: Email:  [email protected] or [email protected]:  https://lesturnerals.org/My ALS Decision Tool™:  https://lesturnerals.org/my-als-decision-tool/ALS Learning Series:  https://lesturnerals.org/support-services/als-learning-series/Information Guides: https://lesturnerals.org/als-decision-tools-guides-and-webinars/Support Groups: https://lesturnerals.org/support-services/free-als-support-groups-online/Grants & Equipment Loans: https://lesturnerals.org/support-services/grant-programs-equipment-loans/

 In this episode of In the Passenger Seat, we’re joined by Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) Rachael Miller and Allison Bush, who share how Child Life professionals support children and families in hospice care. Together, we explore what a CCLS does, how they help children navigate serious illness and loss, and how they collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to provide compassionate, developmentally appropriate care. You’ll hear about practical tools, common challenges, and the deeply rewarding moments that come with guiding young hearts through difficult times.

What is CAHPS, really — and why does it matter to you, the frontline hospice caregiver?Shelley Cartwright, CEO of APEX Hospice & Palliative Care, joins us this episode to pull back the curtain on the CAHPS Hospice Survey. Whether you're a nurse, CNA, chaplain, social worker, or provider, this episode will help you understand how your everyday actions directly shape the patient and family experience — and how that experience is captured in the survey.This isn’t about chasing scores — it’s about honoring the sacred work you already do. CAHPS just gives families a way to tell that story.

Advocacy starts with awareness—and this week’s upcoming episode of In the Passenger Seat is one you won’t want to miss.We’re joined by Madison Summers, Public Affairs Professional with the Alliance for Care at Home, who brings timely insight into national legislation impacting hospice care and how these changes affect the work we do every day.Madison also shares practical ways that anyone—no matter your role—can get involved in grassroots advocacy to help protect and strengthen the future of hospice care.

This week on In the Passenger Seat, we’re joined by Ryan Fordice, MDiv, Director of Spiritual Care at Unity Hospice Chicagoland, for a thought-provoking episode titled: "Spiritual Triage: The Chaplain’s Role and Beyond."Together, we explore the concept of spiritual triage—how all members of the interdisciplinary team can provide meaningful spiritual support in the field. We also take a closer look at the unique and essential role of the hospice chaplain in supporting not only patients and families, but the care team itself.This is a powerful conversation for anyone working in hospice and palliative care.

This week, we're diving into the world of nursing orientation with Heather Faber, Clinical Staff Educator at UpliftedCare! Join us as we uncover key strategies to help nurses not just survive, but truly thrive in Hospice & Palliative Care—long after orientation ends. Whether you're a new nurse or a seasoned professional looking to support your team, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!