This course provides a comprehensive overview of hospice care, designed for individuals seeking to understand the critical aspects of end-of-life care. Participants will learn about what hospice care entails, including its focus on comfort, pain management, and emotional support for patients with terminal illnesses. Key topics will include who typically pays for hospice services, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance coverage, as well as how hospice differs from palliative care in terms of purpose and timing. The course will also guide you through recognizing when it is the right time for hospice, understanding the signs that indicate a patient may benefit from this type of care. Additionally, the course will cover the importance of communicating and documenting end-of-life wishes, such as advanced directives, to ensure that individual preferences are respected. This course is ideal for caregivers, family members, and anyone looking to better understand the options available for compassionate end-of-life care.

With 25 years of healthcare experience as a clinician, educator and administrator, JoAnn Panza has first- hand knowledge of the challenges of end-of-life decision making. During her 10-year career in hospice she provided education to physicians, nurses, social workers as well as patients and their families. She is a passionate advocate for advanced planning and decision making. She encourages everyone to understand hospice and the benefits it brings to end of life care.