For Healthcare Professionals
Welcome to the Unity Hospice & Palliative Care blog for healthcare professionals — your go-to resource for actionable insights, clinical guidance, and practical tools related to hospice and palliative care. Whether you’re a case manager, nurse, or social worker navigating complex patient needs or looking to strengthen your knowledge of hospice referral practices and comfort-focused care, this blog delivers evidence-based strategies and expert perspectives to support your work and improve patient outcomes. Explore our latest articles on hospice care fundamentals, advance care planning, caregiver support, and more — all designed with the needs of busy healthcare professionals in mind. See our blogs for patients and families.
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Learn why hospice referrals happen too late, common clinical barriers, and how healthcare professionals can refer patients earlier – with support from Unity Hospice and Palliative Care…
Help patients and families with confidence. Learn how hospice works, common myths, clinical benefits, and when to consider a referral for comfort-focused care…
Caregiver stress is a hidden driver of hospital readmissions. Learn how healthcare professionals can identify, assess, and support caregivers to improve patient outcomes and reduce avoidable hospitalizations…
Advance care planning (ACP) is one of the most powerful tools healthcare professionals have to ensure patients receive care that is aligned with their values. Especially during transitions from hospitals to home care, skilled nursing, or hospice, having a clear, compassionate plan reduces confusion, prevents…
As healthcare professionals, we understand the urgency and importance of health literacy. Too often, we assume patients—especially seniors—understand their health information. But the truth is, many do not. Health literacy is more than just reading ability; it impacts a person’s entire healthcare journey—from following a…
Heart Disease: A Leading Cause of Death in the U.S. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for nearly 697,000 deaths annually—about 1 in every 5 deaths. Among cardiovascular conditions, heart failure is a major contributor to mortality and…
Patient-centered care isn’t just an idea—it’s a way of providing healthcare that puts patients’ needs, values, and choices at the heart of every decision. For case managers, social workers, and nurses, especially those helping patients transition to hospice, this approach can transform care experiences for…
Honoring Our Veterans: Unity’s Commitment to Individualized Hospice Care This Veterans Day, and every day, Unity Hospice and Palliative Care honors the service of over 18.2 million Veterans living in the United States. These brave people have made immense sacrifices. They deserve end-of-life care that…
Unity Hospice and Palliative Care, a leader in end-of-life care, announced today that it has signed an agreement with Northwestern Medicine to become a member of its Post-Acute Network (PAN). Unity specializes in providing exceptional hospice and palliative care to people with serious illnesses. Unity’s membership…
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 6 million Americans over age 65. A progressive brain disorder, Alzheimer’s disease slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually, the ability to perform simple tasks. Although, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s…
This blog highlights 6 factors when choosing a hospice provider…
While providing hospice care in the home is the most desired by patients and families and accounts for virtually most care under hospice, hospice GIP is a hospice level of care that is an effective short-term solution for patients in crisis. Unity partners with hospitals…
While providing hospice care in the home is the most desired by patients and families and accounts for virtually most care under hospice, hospice GIP is a hospice level of care that is an effective short-term solution for patients in crisis. Unity partners with hospitals…
Imagine the wave of emotions individuals and their loved ones experience after receiving a diagnosis of ALS – sadness, anger, shock, and fear. Individuals living with ALS face a myriad of uncertainties concerning their future. Many are seeking answers to questions they have about their…
By Joe Green, Assistant Director of Support Services/Lead Chaplain Hello there! I’m Joe Green, Assistant Director of Support Services and Lead Chaplain at Unity Hospice and Palliative Care. I’m here to talk about a vital member of your Hospice Care Team: the hospice chaplain. You…
Unity Hospice and Palliative Care, a leader in providing end-of-life care, received the 2023 Top Workplaces Chicago Tribune Award. This is the ninth consecutive year that Unity has received this honor. “This award is based solely on the feedback Unity employees offered through the employee…
Veterans Day is observed on November 11 and is intended to thank and honor all those who served our country. This week, Unity Hospice will honor aging Veterans for their bravery and heroic efforts in serving their country and share important insights about aging veterans…
Approximately 90 million people in the US are living with a serious illness. That number will more than double over the next 25 years. Palliative care or hospice care can improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Here is an overview of…