Episodios

  • 161 Taking a Pause: Reflecting on Five Years of Hospice Education

    161 Taking a Pause: Reflecting on Five Years of Hospice Education
    Aug 10 2025

    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)

    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

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice


    Marie's Contact
    Marie@HospiceExplained.com
    www.HospiceExplained.com

    Finding a Hospice Agency

    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.
    Más Menos
    4 m
  • 160 Transforming End-of-Life Care: The International Doula Life Movement with Anna Adams

    160 Transforming End-of-Life Care: The International Doula Life Movement with Anna Adams
    Aug 3 2025
    160 Transforming End-of-Life Care: The International Doula Life Movement with Anna Adams In episode 160 of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher RN, interviews Anna Adams, a seasoned professional with over 25 years in hospice and elder care. Anna, a certified end-of-life doula and founder of the International Doula Life Movement (IDLM), shares her journey of establishing IDLM, a global initiative aimed at training and supporting end-of-life doulas. The episode delves into the comprehensive educational programs IDLM offers, emphasizing the importance of community, support, and continuous learning. Anna explains how the organization integrates compassionate, ethical, and culturally sensitive care into the doula role, ensuring every individual receives dignity and respect in their final days. The discussion also highlights IDLM's approach to building relationships with hospices, the unique support system for doulas, and the profound impact of end-of-life education. Anna's insights offer listeners a deeper understanding of the vital role of doulas in hospice care. 00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 00:28 Meet Your Host: Marie Betcher RN 00:46 Partnership with Cloud 9 Care 01:28 Interview with Anna Adams: Experience and Mission 03:16 Founding the International Doula Life Movement (IDLM) 05:49 IDLM's Training and Support Programs 10:59 The Role of a Doula in Hospice Care 17:43 Global Impact and Community Building 30:13 How to Connect with IDLM 31:41 Final Thoughts and Farewell https://www.internationaldoulalifemovement.com/ 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 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com Finding a Hospice Agency 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.
    Más Menos
    33 m
  • 159 Innovative Tools for Dementia Care - An Interview with Angela Fairhurst of Geri-Gadgets

    159 Innovative Tools for Dementia Care - An Interview with Angela Fairhurst of Geri-Gadgets
    Jul 27 2025
    159 Innovative Tools for Dementia Care - An Interview with Angela Fairhurst of Geri-Gadgets In this episode of Hospice Explained, Marie Betcher interviews Angela Fairhurst, founder and CEO of Geri-Gadgets. Angela shares her journey of creating Geri-Gadgets, a company dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with dementia through safe and sensory tools. Highlighting the importance of meaningful connections, Angela discusses the products she developed inspired by her mother's battle with Lewy body dementia. She also elaborates on the profound impact these tools have on patients and caregivers alike, aiming to reduce the stigma around cognitive decline. Additionally, Angela emphasizes the rewarding nature of her work and the importance of proper care and touch in dementia treatment. Throughout the conversation, the significance of hospice care in easing end-of-life transitions is underscored. 00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained 00:48 Understanding Pressure Injuries and Cloud Nine Care 01:25 Interview with Angela Fairhurst: Founder of Geri-Gadgets 02:35 Angela's Personal Journey with Dementia 03:01 Experiences with Hospice Care 06:28 Challenges of Dementia Diagnosis and Care 07:39 Angela's Mother's Final Years 10:58 The Impact of Dementia on Family Life 15:34 The Final Days and Hospice Support 16:23 Discovering the Need for Sensory Toys 17:04 Experimenting with Different Toys 17:59 Creating the Sensory Mat 18:44 Developing a Product Line 19:12 The Story of Jeremy 19:34 Designing for the Aging Eye 20:09 Product Features and Benefits 22:11 Market Reception and Reviews 22:30 Challenges and Future Plans 24:06 Global Interest and Expansion 28:39 The Importance of Connection 29:46 The Comfort of Geri-Gadgets 30:39 Making a Difference 31:13 Conclusion and Call to Action https://www.geri-gadgets.com/ 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 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com Finding a Hospice Agency 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.
    Más Menos
    32 m
  • 158 Exploring Hospice Care and the Legacy of Poet Andrea Werblin Reid

    158 Exploring Hospice Care and the Legacy of Poet Andrea Werblin Reid
    Jul 20 2025
    158 Exploring Hospice Care and the Legacy of Poet Andrea Werblin Reid In episode 158 of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, RN, interviews Sarah Sawyer, a writer, artist, musician, and chaplain. Sarah shares her journey of friendship with Andrea 'Andi' Werblin Reid, her experiences with hospice care, and the unique role of psychedelics in managing end-of-life anxiety. Andi, a poet who passed away from ovarian cancer, left manuscripts of over 150 poems that Sarah and a group of friends have worked to publish posthumously. The episode discusses the process and significance of publishing Andi's book, 'To See Yourself As You Vanish', which captures her experiences with illness and end-of-life. Sarah also highlights the importance of early hospice care and opens up about the emotional and spiritual aspects of supporting a loved one through their final days. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 00:29 Meet Your Host: Marie Betcher 00:47 Partnership with Cloud 9 Care System 01:31 Introducing Sarah Sawyer 01:52 Sarah's Friendship with Andi 02:30 Andi's Poetry and Legacy 04:23 Sarah's Experience with Psychedelics 08:10 Andi's Hospice Journey 18:23 Final Moments and Reflections 20:34 Publishing Andi's Poetry 22:25 Exploring the Metaphor of Language as a Virus 23:06 The Impact of War Metaphors on Cancer Patients 25:26 Discussing the Book Release and Pre-Order Details 26:16 The Unique Perspective of the Book 31:23 The Role of Poetry in Coping with Illness 35:11 The Journey of Publishing the Book 39:41 Final Thoughts and Reflections https://www.toseeyourselfasyouvanish.com/ https://www.weslpress.org/9780819502070/to-see-yourself-as-you-vanish/ 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 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice Marie's Contact Marie@HospiceExplained.com www.HospiceExplained.com Finding a Hospice Agency 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.
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    42 m
  • 157 Understanding Hospice Care with Hospital Chaplain Janice Willett Part 2

    157 Understanding Hospice Care with Hospital Chaplain Janice Willett Part 2
    Jul 13 2025

    157 Understanding Hospice Care with Hospital Chaplain Janice Willett Part 2

    In this episode of 'Hospice Explained,' host Marie Betcher RN, a former hospice nurse, interviews Janice Willett, a hospital spiritual care chaplain and author of several inspirational books. Janice shares her experiences and insights into end-of-life care, discussing her books 'Affairs of the Heart,' 'Dying Without Crying,' and 'Bye-Bye Butterfly.' These books offer guidance and support for patients, caregivers, and children dealing with grief and loss. The episode also touches on the importance of comfort, boundaries, and forgiveness in hospice care, as well as the vital role of chaplains in providing emotional and spiritual support.

    00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

    00:49 Understanding Pressure Injuries and Cloud 9 Care System

    01:25 Introducing Janice Willett and Her Work

    02:04 Discussing Fear of Death and Pain Management

    04:43 Exploring Janice's Book: Dying Without Crying

    07:36 Communicating Grief to Children: Bye-Bye Butterfly

    17:03 The Role of a Chaplain in Hospice Care

    19:18 Janice's Spiritual Journey and Her Book: Affairs of the Heart

    25:17 Conclusion and Contact Information

    https://jiwillett.com/meet-j-i-willett/

    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

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice


    Marie's Contact
    Marie@HospiceExplained.com
    www.HospiceExplained.com

    Finding a Hospice Agency

    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.
    Más Menos
    27 m
  • 156 Understanding Hospice Care with Hospital Chaplain Janice Willett

    156 Understanding Hospice Care with Hospital Chaplain Janice Willett
    Jul 6 2025

    156 Understanding Hospice Care with Hospital Chaplain Janice Willett

    In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, RN, interviews Janice Willett, a hospital spiritual care chaplain and author of several books on grief and end-of-life preparation. They discuss the role of chaplains in providing emotional and spiritual support to patients and families, the importance of creating a sacred space for sharing emotions, and common challenges faced by caregivers. Janice shares personal stories of her experiences in hospital chaplaincy, including the significance of spiritual guidance during end-of-life care, patients' varied responses to dying, and inspirational stories that highlight the human spirit's capacity for acceptance and peace. The episode concludes with information on Janice's works and upcoming book signings.

    00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

    00:49 Understanding Pressure Injuries and Cloud 9 Care

    01:25 Interview with Janice Willett: Spiritual Care and Hospice

    02:13 Role and Responsibilities of a Hospital Chaplain

    03:37 Navigating Family Dynamics in Hospice Care

    04:58 Personal Stories and Experiences

    08:26 The Importance of Comfort and Acceptance in End-of-Life Care

    14:41 Inspirational Stories and Final Thoughts

    20:22 Conclusion and How to Connect with Janice Willett

    https://jiwillett.com/meet-j-i-willett/

    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

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice


    Marie's Contact
    Marie@HospiceExplained.com
    www.HospiceExplained.com

    Finding a Hospice Agency

    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.
    Más Menos
    22 m
  • 155 Navigating Life and Death: An Interview with Author Sandy Doyle part 2

    155 Navigating Life and Death: An Interview with Author Sandy Doyle part 2
    Jun 29 2025

    155 Navigating Life and Death: An Interview with Author Sandy Doyle part 2

    In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher RN discusses the complexities of end-of-life care and grief with author Sandy Doyle. They explore Sandy's experiences in the death care industry, highlighting the psychological impacts on families, the importance of planning for end-of-life arrangements, and some unusual but poignant anecdotes from Sandy's career. The episode also emphasizes the importance of seeking professional medical advice and planning ahead to alleviate the burden on loved ones. Additionally, Sandy discusses her book, 'My Life at the Cemetery,' which offers insights into her spiritual journey and experiences in the field.

    00:00 Introduction to Hospice Explained

    00:44 Partnership with Cloud 9 Care System

    01:27 Interview with Sandy Doyle: Life at the Cemetery

    02:16 Stories of Grief and Guilt

    07:34 The Importance of Planning for End of Life

    11:59 Heartfelt Stories from the Funeral Industry

    14:49 Conclusion and Resources

    sandy doyle-author

    Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988

    https://988lifeline.org/

    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

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice


    Marie's Contact
    Marie@HospiceExplained.com
    www.HospiceExplained.com

    Finding a Hospice Agency

    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.
    Más Menos
    18 m
  • 154 Life and Stories from the Cemetery: An Interview with Author Sandy Doyle

    154 Life and Stories from the Cemetery: An Interview with Author Sandy Doyle
    Jun 22 2025

    154 Life and Stories from the Cemetery: An Interview with Author Sandy Doyle

    In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher RN, a former hospice nurse, interviews Sandy Doyle, author of 'My Life at the Cemetery: It's Not As Dead As You Think'. Sandy shares her remarkable experiences from her 12-year career in the death care industry. She recounts intriguing stories about managing funerals, dealing with grief, and the surprising aspects of working in a cemetery. The discussion also delves into the spiritual encounters and coincidences she's witnessed, adding a unique perspective to understanding life, death, and beyond. The episode highlights the importance of end-of-life education and offers insights into the profound journey of dealing with loss.

    00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

    00:28 Meet Your Host: Marie Betcher RN

    00:43 Cloud 9 Care System Partnership

    01:27 Interview with Sandra K. Doyle

    02:21 Sandy's Career in the Death Care Industry

    03:37 Stories from the Cemetery

    06:54 The Impact of Grief

    09:11 Humorous and Strange Encounters

    14:24 Spiritual Experiences and Reflections

    19:40 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

    sandy doyle-author

    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

    https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice


    Marie's Contact
    Marie@HospiceExplained.com
    www.HospiceExplained.com

    Finding a Hospice Agency

    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.
    Más Menos
    21 m