South Carolina Home Care & Hospice Association

04/16/2026

As technology evolves, so does the way we experience grief.

A recent article from Hospice News explores the rise of AI “grief bots”—tools designed to simulate conversations with loved ones after they’ve passed. While some see potential comfort in maintaining a connection, experts warn these tools may complicate the grieving process and raise important ethical concerns around consent, privacy, and emotional well-being.

👉 Read more: https://hospicenews.com/2026/04/09/ai-grief-bots-present-new-complexities-in-bereavement-care/

Artificial intelligence is expanding in the bereavement care space through the development of “grief bots” designed to allow for virtual interaction with

04/15/2026

Proposed Medicaid cuts could have consequences far beyond healthcare access—they may reshape childhood for millions of kids.

A recent article highlights how reductions in home-based care services could force more children to take on caregiving roles for sick or disabled family members. Today, more than 5.4 million children in the U.S. already serve as caregivers, often managing responsibilities well beyond their years.

Without adequate support, families are left with few options—and children may pay the price through missed school, increased stress, and long-term mental health challenges.

We must recognize and support these young caregivers—and ensure policies protect both access to care and the well-being of our children.

Read more: https://time.com/article/2026/04/12/medicaid-cuts-could-force-more-kids-to-become-caregivers/

Trump’s Medicaid cuts are expected to limit access to home care services—potentially forcing many kids to become caregivers, warns Lisa McCarty.

04/07/2026

Today is World Health Day—a reminder that care doesn’t only happen in hospitals, but right where people feel most comfortable: at home.

Home care, home health, and hospice professionals play a vital role in delivering compassionate, personalized care that supports dignity, independence, and quality of life. From helping patients recover, to managing chronic conditions, to providing comfort and support at the end of life—these caregivers make a lasting impact every single day.

Let’s take a moment to recognize and thank the dedicated individuals who bring health care home. 💙

04/02/2026

Family caregivers are the backbone of our care system—and their impact is staggering.

The latest AARP Valuing the Invaluable report shows that unpaid family caregivers now provide care valued at over $1 trillion annually in the U.S.

Behind that number are millions of individuals balancing careers, finances, and personal well-being while supporting loved ones.

As demand for care continues to rise, the need for stronger support systems, policies, and resources has never been greater.

It’s time we recognize, support, and invest in those who give so much—often without recognition.

🔗 Read the report: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/valuing-the-invaluable-report-2026/

AARP exclusive report: Family caregivers provided 49.5 billion hours of care in 2024, ranking among America’s largest workforces

03/31/2026

A recent article from Hospice News highlights a critical gap: individuals experiencing homelessness are often unable to access hospice care during their final stages of life. Many face serious illness without stable housing, caregiver support, or consistent healthcare—leading to delayed diagnoses, unmanaged conditions, and, too often, dying alone.

As the homeless population continues to age, the need for compassionate, coordinated hospice services is only increasing. Experts emphasize that stronger collaboration between healthcare providers, social services, and community organizations is essential to delivering equitable, person-centered care.

Hospice care is about dignity, comfort, and support—values that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

💙 It’s time to rethink how we extend care to our most vulnerable populations.

Read more on this topic: https://hospicenews.com/2026/03/30/homeless-populations-in-need-of-stronger-hospice-support/

A growing, aging population of individuals experiencing homelessness often does not receive hospice care in their final stages of life.  These

03/25/2026

🚨 Hospice Update You Need to Know

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued new clarifications that could significantly impact hospice operations and patient transitions.

📰 CMS clarifies hospice revocations, face-to-face encounters

Here’s what matters:
✔️ Patients who revoke hospice care are not required to wait before re-electing the benefit
✔️ Updated guidance reinforces flexibility around face-to-face encounter documentation
✔️ CMS continues efforts to reduce administrative burden while improving compliance clarity

These updates help remove barriers for patients needing timely access to care while giving providers clearer direction on documentation requirements—especially around physician or NP attestations.

💡 Why it matters:
This clarification supports smoother care transitions, reduces confusion for providers, and ensures patients can access hospice services without unnecessary delays.

🔗 Read more: https://ow.ly/JP4r50YyAHf

If a hospice patient is discharged from care or has their benefits revoked, they do not have to complete a waiting period to arrange for new care, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which provided such clarifications earlier this month.

03/23/2026

💭 Who cares for the caregivers?

In hospice work, supporting others through life’s most difficult moments is deeply meaningful—but it also comes at a cost. This powerful piece challenges us to rethink self-care—not as a checklist, but as something deeper, more intentional, and embedded in the culture of care.

Because to truly care for others, we must also care for those who hold the space.

🔗 Read more: https://ehospice.com/editorial_posts/holding-the-holders-rethinking-self-care-in-hospice-work/

03/05/2026

Workforce shortages remain one of the biggest challenges in hospice care.

A new report from Hospice News highlights concerns from the National Alliance for Care at Home that a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Education could further restrict the pipeline of clinicians entering hospice and home-based care by reducing student loan borrowing limits for key health care degree programs.

Read the full article:
https://hospicenews.com/2026/03/04/national-alliance-doe-proposed-rule-would-exacerbate-hospice-workforce-shortages/

A proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) would significantly constrict the pipeline of incoming clinicians to the hospice space,

02/27/2026

The home care workforce is shrinking in 2026.

What started as +4% growth in early January has turned into week-over-week contraction by mid-February.

For agencies, this means:
📉 Harder-to-staff cases
📈 Higher recruiting costs
⏳ Longer time-to-fill
🔥 Increased overtime and burnout

The question isn’t whether staffing pressure is coming — it’s how prepared your recruiting pipeline is.

Join CareConnect for a live webinar breaking down:
- What the new labor data means
- How to stabilize hiring before shortages hit revenue
- How agencies are cutting time-to-fill by up to 50%

Register here → https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8Fudze-UQdKKDxpi5S2Q0w #/registration

02/27/2026

💻🏡 Virtual-First Care is Transforming Rural Health
Experts say moving beyond hospital-centric models and investing in virtual-first primary and specialty care could help keep rural patients healthier right at home — especially when paired with Rural Health Transformation funding. 💡🌾 By bringing care to patients instead of the other way around, telehealth can improve access and outcomes for communities that struggle with distance and limited local services.
🔗 https://www.mobihealthnews.com/video/virtual-first-care-can-keep-rural-patients-healthier-home

👩‍⚕️📱

Ovatient CEO Michael Dalton recommends that states use Rural Health Transformation Program money to move beyond hospital-centric care models and supplement local health services with virtual-first primary and specialty care.

02/25/2026

A recent feature in HomeCare Magazine explores Before I Forget by Tory Henwood Hoen — a novel that sheds light on Alzheimer’s caregiving from a younger caregiver’s perspective.

For providers and professionals, it’s a thoughtful reminder of the emotional, financial, and relational realities families navigate every day.

Tory Henwood Hoen's novel, "Before I Forget," explores the challenges of young caregivers facing Alzheimer's.

02/24/2026

What an incredible day at South Carolina Home Care & Hospice Advocacy Day!
Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, and stood up for home care and hospice. Your dedication to protecting patients, supporting caregivers, and strengthening care at home across South Carolina truly makes an impact. We are stronger together!