Cardinal Hospice of Kansas

03/19/2026

Today was one of those days that stays with you.

We said goodbye to two incredible women—each surrounded by love, each leaving a mark not only on their families, but on everyone who had the privilege to care for them. I had the honor of truly knowing them and walking alongside their families in such a sacred time.

One taught me that sometimes a simple song can carry more comfort than words. The other reminded me that even a quiet “hi” can be the most powerful goodbye when strength and breath are gone.

Moments like these strip everything down to what really matters.

Today reaffirmed exactly why I chose this path—to show up, to go above and beyond, to be present when it matters most. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s meaningful. Because it’s needed.

It is a privilege—an absolute privilege—to care for these beautiful souls as they transition, and to support the families who love them so deeply.

Grateful for the trust. Honored by the calling. Changed by every single patient.

03/03/2026

This week, we begin sharing the first three of our Cardinal Hospice Guiding Virtues. They establish the foundational commitments that shapes how we show up for patients and families every single day. These are not just ideals on paper. They are promises. In moments that matter most, we are called to protect, to act with integrity, and to be unwaveringly dependable. Hospice care demands nothing less.

Cardinal Hospice Guiding Virtues-1, 2, & 3
1. I protect dignity
We honor Human Dignity. We believe every human being is placed on earth to live their special life story. We believe no matter where our patients are in life’s journey, they deserve to get the most out of every day. We believe we play a vital role in making sure their words and wishes are heard and respected.

2. I act with honesty and integrity
We will always follow Cardinal principles and be true to our mission. We will demonstrate the heart and courage to always maintain open and honest communication with patients, families and each other. We always do what is right.

3. I am dependable
We always keep our word. We understand the critical role we have in maintaining the trust of our patients and families. We understand the importance of timeliness in meeting the expectations of our patients and families.

These first three virtues form the heartbeat of Cardinal Hospice. They define our character, guide our actions, and ensure that every patient and family experiences care rooted in trust, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

03/02/2026

Hospice is not about giving up. It’s about choosing how the story is written in the final chapter.

Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and meaning — managing pain, easing symptoms, and supporting the emotional and spiritual needs of both patients and families. It shifts the goal from curing disease to honoring the person.

It creates space for clarity. For connection. For peace.

Quality of life isn’t measured in days added. It’s measured in comfort restored, suffering reduced, and moments that still matter.

Because what life is left to be had deserves to be lived well.

03/02/2026

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Social Worker to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing support and assistance to individuals facing various life challenges. This role involves working closely with patients in a hospital setting, utilizing therapeutic techniques to promote mental health and well-being. The Social Worker will engage in crisis intervention, develop treatment plans, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Applicants will need: A degree in Social Work or a related field is required; a Master's degree is preferred.
Experience working in an inpatient hospital setting is highly desirable.
Familiarity with ICD-9 coding is beneficial for documentation purposes.
Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and special education practices is a plus.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential for effective patient interaction.
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment while maintaining professionalism. Message us or apply Indeed Link https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Cardinal-Hospice-of-Kansas/jobs?jk=5f19b8f33c1d3173&q=&l=Wichita%2C%20KS&start=0 #

02/23/2026

Over the next several weeks, we’ll be sharing the Cardinal Hospice Guiding Virtues and what they mean to our team.

Choosing virtues instead of values was intentional.

Values can be ideals, priorities, or even opinions.
Virtues, however, are the behaviors that demonstrate character. They are self-evident truths that show how we care for patients, support families, and treat one another every single day.

At Cardinal Hospice, we believe cultivating these virtues serves the good of everyone we care for. They guide how we support our patients, partner with families, and honor the lives entrusted to us.

02/23/2026

When you’re assessing hospice eligibility, you’re not looking for one dramatic event. You’re looking at trajectory.

Take advanced COPD.

If oxygen needs keep climbing…
If they’re short of breath even at rest…
If they can’t finish a sentence without stopping to breathe…
If exacerbations are more frequent…

That’s not just “bad lungs.” That’s declining physiologic reserve.

Now layer in function.

PPS 50% or less.
Sleeping most of the day.
Wheelchair or bedbound.
Eating less.
Talking less.
Needing help with almost everything.

That’s systemic decline.

The most important clinical question:

Would you be surprised if they died in the next 12 months?

If the honest answer is no — it’s time to think hospice.

Hospice isn’t giving up.
It’s shifting the goal.

For advanced COPD, that means:
• Managing air hunger aggressively
• Reducing hospital transfers
• Supporting family
• Protecting comfort and dignity

If they’re not likely to be here next year, the priority becomes:
How do we make the time they have left better?

That’s good medicine.

And if you want to round more efficiently, recognize decline earlier, and have these conversations with confidence — that’s exactly what we teach inside Remedy Rounding.

02/23/2026

When you’re assessing hospice eligibility, you’re not looking for one dramatic event. You’re looking at trajectory.

Take advanced COPD.

If oxygen needs keep climbing…
If they’re short of breath even at rest…
If they can’t finish a sentence without stopping to breathe…
If exacerbations are more frequent…

That’s not just “bad lungs.” That’s declining physiologic reserve.

Now layer in function.

PPS 50% or less.
Sleeping most of the day.
Wheelchair or bedbound.
Eating less.
Talking less.
Needing help with almost everything.

That’s systemic decline.

The most important clinical question:

Would you be surprised if they died in the next 12 months?

If the honest answer is no — it’s time to think hospice.

Hospice isn’t giving up.
It’s shifting the goal.

For advanced COPD, that means:
• Managing air hunger aggressively
• Reducing hospital transfers
• Supporting family
• Protecting comfort and dignity

If they’re not likely to be here next year, the priority becomes:
How do we make the time they have left better?

That’s good medicine.

And if you want to round more efficiently, recognize decline earlier, and have these conversations with confidence — that’s exactly what we teach inside Remedy Rounding.

02/20/2026

02/20/2026

Terminal restlessness is one of the most misunderstood symptoms at end of life.

Families often say, “They’re fighting.”
Staff sometimes assume it’s anxiety.
But clinically, it’s usually delirium.

Terminal delirium happens when the brain is under physiologic stress — hypoxia, metabolic shifts, organ failure, medication effects, infection, urinary retention, f***l impaction, uncontrolled pain. The list is long. And the causes matter.

This is why assessment comes first.

Before automatically reaching for medication, pause and ask:
Is their pain controlled?
Are they retaining urine?
Are they impacted?
Were medications recently adjusted?
Is this potentially reversible?

Look for the hallmarks of delirium:
• Fluctuating awareness
• Disorganized thinking
• Hallucinations
• Picking at sheets or reaching for unseen objects

When the cause is reversible, treat it.

When it’s truly terminal delirium, medications can help — often antipsychotics, sometimes combined with benzodiazepines depending on severity and presentation. But it’s always case by case.

Benzodiazepines alone can worsen confusion in some patients. Thoughtful prescribing matters.

Most importantly: this is not a character change.
It’s not stubbornness.
It’s not someone “choosing to fight.”

It’s a brain struggling as the body shuts down.

Our job isn’t just to quiet the movement.
It’s to protect dignity, reduce suffering, and guide families through what they’re witnessing with honesty and calm.

Terminal restlessness is common.
It’s treatable.
And it deserves assessment — not assumption.

02/16/2026

Serious illness follows patterns.
It’s not random.

We call this disease trajectory.

There are four common paths.

First — sudden decline.
Someone is independent, then a massive stroke or traumatic event changes everything overnight.

Second — cancer.
There may be stability for a while, then a sharper decline in the final months or weeks.

Third — organ failure.
Heart failure. COPD. Kidney disease.
It’s a cycle: hospitalization, partial recovery, then another setback.
Each time, the person returns a little weaker.

Fourth — frailty or dementia.
A slow, steady decline over years.
Less walking. Less eating. More sleeping. Increasing dependence.

Many families wait for a dramatic drop.

But decline is often gradual and predictable.

When you understand the trajectory,
you can plan ahead instead of reacting in crisis.

And that changes everything.

02/16/2026

Serious illness rarely declines randomly.

It follows patterns.

We call this disease trajectory.

When families and caregivers understand these patterns,
they are better prepared to plan ahead instead of reacting in crisis.

There are four common trajectories.

The first is sudden decline from an acute illness.
For example, someone may be living independently and then suffer a massive stroke or traumatic injury.
The change is immediate and dramatic.

The second is often seen in cancer.
A person may remain fairly active during treatment — attending appointments, spending time with family —
and then experience a noticeable decline in the final months or weeks as the disease progresses.

The third pattern is organ failure — such as heart failure, COPD, or advanced kidney disease.
This looks like a cycle.
Shortness of breath worsens.
There’s a hospitalization.
They improve slightly.
Then it happens again.
Each time, they return home a little weaker than before.

The fourth is frailty or dementia.
This is a slow progression over years.
Walking becomes harder.
Eating decreases.
Infections become more frequent.
Sleep increases.
Independence gradually fades.

Many families wait for a dramatic drop.

But decline is often gradual and predictable.

When we recognize the trajectory early,
we can focus on comfort, support, and quality of life —
instead of waiting for a crisis.

Understanding the pattern changes how you care.
And it changes outcomes.