Does hospice speed up death? The research says no: Medicare patients who chose hospice lived an average of 29 days longer, and comfort doses of morphine have not been shown to shorten life. Why the fear exists and what hospice really changes, for Southeast Michigan families.

Evan Shelline, the Navy SEAL veteran who chairs Lily Hospice's Veteran Advisory Committee, has launched The Veteran Muster with Evan Shelline, a podcast on peer support, the Buddy Check and our oldest Veterans.

Lily Hospice joins Veteran Advisory Committee Chairman Evan Shelline, a Navy SEAL veteran, in asking metro Detroit to call one veteran this Veterans Day.

Michigan's patient advocate designation, DNR order and MI-POST explained in plain language: who signs, who witnesses, where each applies, and which ones a person on hospice usually needs.

Feeding tubes and IV fluids rarely help someone who is dying. What the evidence says, how the decision works under Michigan law, and what hospice does instead: comfort feeding, mouth care and a plan made with the family.

Before the year ends: the Medicare plan before December 7, Michigan's patient advocate designation, the Winter Protection Plan and Home Heating Credit, paid sick time, holiday prescriptions, and when to ask about hospice.

What to say, text or write to a friend or coworker whose mother or father is dying or on hospice: words that help, what to avoid, and specific ways to show up.