{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/698a47d141bb4de4910eed2d/69cc566ad0d5402d881c9c1c?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Understanding Hospice Care: What Families Need to Know with Lee Blank","description":"<p>Most families wait until the final days to call hospice, missing out on weeks—or even months—of support that could improve their loved one's quality of life. In this inaugural episode of <em>Insights on Aging</em>, Steve Lorberbaum sits down with <strong>Lee Blank</strong>, Board Chair of <em>Companioning the Dying</em>, to strip away the fear and jargon surrounding end-of-life care.</p><p><strong>What we cover in this episode:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>What Hospice Is (and Isn't):</strong> Why it’s a team-based approach to <em>comfort</em> rather than <em>curative</em> care.</li><li><strong>The Medicare \"Basket\":</strong> A breakdown of the services covered at no cost, from hospital beds and oxygen to music therapy and social workers.</li><li><strong>The Myth of \"Giving Up\":</strong> How entering hospice earlier can actually improve and extend the quality of life.</li><li><strong>Companioning vs. Caregiving:</strong> The unique role of volunteers and being \"present\" at the bedside.</li><li><strong>Solo Agers:</strong> Advice for those navigating this journey without local family support.</li><li><strong>The 13th Month:</strong> Understanding the bereavement support available to families long after their loved one has passed.</li></ul><p><strong>Guest Bio:</strong> Lee Blank is the President of the Board of Directors for <em>Companioning the Dying</em>. With over 25 years of experience as a hospice volunteer and massage therapist, Lee specializes in the \"ministry of presence\" and helping families navigate the deep emotional waters of the end-of-life journey.</p>","author_name":"Marianne Bailey"}