Engaging the Heart of Hospice
In healthcare and end-of-life services, the intersection of hospice care and funeral services is critical in ensuring that individuals and families receive comprehensive, compassionate support during life's most challenging moments. Greg Grabowski and I decided to write "Engaging the Heart of Hospice" to bridge a gap we observed in these intertwined fields. Based on our years of experience in both hospice care and funeral service, we highlighted a significant need for meaningful partnerships between funeral professionals and hospice providers, which can vastly enhance the quality of care and emotional support offered to families during their time of grief.
Throughout our careers, Greg and I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that effective collaboration between hospice and funeral services can have on grieving families. We have worked with funeral providers that serve less than 100 families each year and others that serve well over 500 families annually. The frustrations and challenges are alike, however the solutions are different. We have also noticed a lack of structured guidance and resources available to foster such partnerships. 'Engaging the Heart of Hospice' was born out of our desire to fill this void with practical insights and strategies. Offering our in-person workshop as well as online coaching equips funeral service professionals to actively engage with their local hospice providers.
I am honored that Ed Defort, a funeral service journalist since 1996, wrote the forward for our book. He writes, "There was a time not that long ago, where a dividing line was drawn between hospice and funeral directors. It was a confounding standoff as both entities looked to impart their expertise on a family that needed both perspectives." Ed's statement effectively captures the historical tension between hospice care and funeral directors, highlighting families' challenges in navigating both services during a difficult time. The importance of integrating these perspectives to support grieving families better is stated perfectly by friend and mentor Ed.
Through 'Engaging the Heart of Hospice,' we hope to inspire a new standard of excellence in end-of-life care, one that honors the emotional and spiritual needs of families as they navigate the complexities of loss. By sharing our insights and experiences, we aspire to empower funeral service professionals to build stronger, more compassionate connections with hospice providers, thus enriching the care they offer to their communities. If you haven't ordered your copy I urge you to do so today! It's a quick and mighty read that is sure to ignite the passion for enhanced community outreach initiatives.
