Compassionate Conversations at Life’s End: Featuring Helen Bauer of The Heart of Hospice
At the Whole Care Network, we believe storytelling connects us. Education empowers us, and compassionate conversation can transform how we experience life and death.
That’s why we are honored to spotlight Helen Bauer, RN, CHPN, Host of the Heart of Hospice podcast, founder of Hospice Navigation Services, and proud WCNFluencer.
Helen has tirelessly advocated for patients and families navigating end-of-life care for decades. With warmth, empathy, and clinical expertise, she has helped countless people better understand what hospice truly means—a place or service and a philosophy of care rooted in dignity, comfort, and presence.
A Voice for the Dying—and the Living
In 2016, Helen launched The Heart of Hospice podcast. What began as a simple platform for educating families and professionals about hospice care has become an indispensable resource. It serves anyone facing life-limiting illness—whether as a patient, caregiver, or clinician.
The podcast covers essential but often avoided topics. These include how to have end-of-life conversations, what hospice really offers, caregiver burnout, grief, ethics in palliative care, and the often-unspoken emotional toll on those providing care. Helen’s straightforward, compassionate approach has made her a trusted palliative and hospice care voice.
As a WCNFluencer, Helen uses her platform to expand awareness, foster community, and inspire others to have courageous conversations around aging, caregiving, and dying with dignity.
Hospice Navigation Services – Guiding Families Through the Hospice Journey
- One-on-one consults to explain hospice eligibility and how to access services
- Education on care options beyond hospice, including palliative care and advanced directives
- Advocacy for patients and caregivers to ensure their goals of care are honored
- Support for healthcare professionals who want to communicate more effectively with families about end-of-life issues
Unlike traditional hospice providers, Hospice Navigation Services is not affiliated with any particular agency or health system. This allows Helen and her team to offer unbiased, client-centered support that prioritizes families.
By empowering people with knowledge and compassionate coaching, Helen helps families feel prepared, not panicked. Helen brings a sense of calm to an otherwise stressful time.
Shaping the Future of End-of-Life Care
Helen’s work with The Heart of Hospice podcast, Hospice Navigation Services, and her advocacy as a WCNFluencer reflect the core values of the Whole Care Network: care, connection, and community. Helen’s voice continues to resonate with caregivers and advocates around the world. She reminds us that hospice is not about giving up, it’s about living fully until the very end.
We’re proud to share Helen Bauer’s story, amplify her voice, and support her mission to bring humanity, education, and grace to the final chapters of life.
Listen to The Heart of Hospice Podcast (and subscribe wherever you get your favorite podcasts): HERE!
Explore Hospice Navigation Services: HERE!
Watch Helen’s WCNFluencers Podcast
In this episode of the WCNfluencer podcast, Christopher MacLellan speaks with Helen Bauer from the Heart of Hospice podcast. Helen and Chris discuss the importance of hospice care, the role of teams in caregiving, and the evolving perspectives in hospice nursing.
Helen’s four-part series with the Stanford Medicine Palliative Care team is an added bonus. It features a variety of guests who bring to life their experiences with hospice and palliative care.
Throughout the episode, Helen shares insights from her experience and emphasizes the value of diverse voices in caregiving. Chris and Helen also explore Hospice Navigation Services offered by the Heart of Hospice, and how this critical service supports families and caregivers in end-of-life care.
To learn more about Helen, the Heart of Hospice Podcast, and the Hospice Navigation Services, visit The Heart of Hospice website by clicking HERE! Visit the Heart of Hospice Whole Care Network landing page. You can listen to the special four-part series with Sanford Medicine Palliative Care by clicking HERE! Email Helen at Helen@theheartofhospice.com
Takeaways:
- The Heart of Hospice podcast aims to make difficult conversations easier
- Caregivers play a vital role in patient care.
- Open-mindedness in nursing can lead to better patient relationships.
- Language used in healthcare can impact caregiver perceptions.
- Remote caregivers contribute significantly to the caregiving team.
- Every caregiver’s perspective has value and can benefit others.
- The Heart of Hospice podcast has over 560 episodes, amplifying various voices.
Chapters
- 03:07 The Importance of Team in Hospice Care
- 06:02 Evolving Perspectives in Hospice Nursing
- 09:06 The Value of Diverse Voices in Caregiving
- 12:11 Understanding Hospice Navigation Services
- 14:47 Connecting with the Heart of Hospice
