Bridging Hospice and Funeral Services: A Compassionate Continuum of Care

Hello, everyone! My name is Greg, and I am thrilled to invite you to join me at CANA’s 2025 Symposium in Las Vegas this February. This year, I have the privilege of presenting a program that is close to my heart, titled “Bridging Hospice and Funeral Services: A Compassionate Continuum of Care." In this session, we will explore the vital relationship between funeral and cremation professionals and hospice providers, and how you can foster meaningful and impactful collaborations. I'm excited to share insights, strategies, and real-world examples that will empower you to enhance your services and truly resonate with the needs of hospice care teams, patients, and families.

One of the key takeaways from my program is the significance of cultivating strong relationships with local hospice providers. As funeral and cremation professionals, it's essential to understand the unique challenges and needs of hospice care team members. By establishing meaningful connections with hospice organizations, you can ensure that your services are compassionate, thoughtful, and aligned with the expectations of the individuals and families cared for by hospice. You will walk away with insights into how these partnerships can lead to more personalized and supportive experiences for care team members, patients, and families during their most difficult times. Those efforts will truly make you a part of the continuum of care. Remember, your role goes far beyond managing the logistics of death care. You are an integral participant in continuing the holistic care that families and their loved ones have received from hospice providers.

Finding Funeral-Hospice Synergy

I understand the frustration funeral and cremation providers feel. For decades, hospice providers were often viewed by the medical profession as simply the "end of the line," with little attention given to the critical transition from curative treatment to compassionate end-of-life care. This perception made it challenging for hospices to communicate their mission and highlight the benefits of their services for terminally ill individuals and their families. I know it’s not uncommon for you, as a funeral and cremation provider, to face a similar challenge as you strive to connect with hospices.

Throughout our session, I will share successful collaboration ideas that have been proven to enhance the synergy between funeral providers and hospices. These strategies are designed to benefit both parties, creating a win-win situation that ultimately leads to better care for families. From joint community outreach programs to integrated support services, these examples will provide attendees with practical tools and inspiration to implement similar initiatives in their own communities.

Relationship Management in the Digital Age

Another critical component of our discussion will focus on utilizing Hospice Medicare Death Data. This data presents a wealth of opportunities for collaboration between funeral and cremation providers and hospice organizations. By analyzing this information, you can identify the number of hospice providers in your area and the annual volume of patients they serve. You’re looking to uncover potential partnerships that may have otherwise gone unnoticed and which organizations are most active and potentially aligned with your funeral home's services. You may even be surprised by the number of hospice providers located near you.

In addition to data management, another consideration in today's digital age is Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. They play a crucial role in managing and nurturing connections with hospice providers. During our program, I will talk about the importance of CRM systems in ensuring that every interaction is personalized and thoughtful. This will include an inside look at our new CRM called The Healthcare Relationship Management System. I know the importance of time management and that you and your team are wearing multiple hats. The key is to streamline communication, track interactions, and maintain strong, lasting relationships with hospice organizations. That way the focus is more on compassionate care and collaboration and not administrative tasks.

Making Funerals and Memorials an Extension of Hospice Care

Finally, I will discuss the importance of a well-crafted strategic plan that aligns with both the funeral provider's goals and the expectations of hospice organizations. A strategic plan serves as a roadmap for sustainable and impactful collaborations. Attendees will gain insights into how to develop a plan that not only meets immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term partnerships. By aligning your goals with those of hospice organizations, you can create a cohesive and symbiotic relationship that benefits all parties involved. If you have heard me speak before you know I always stress the importance of a WHY statement. I will share some examples in Vegas.

As a token of appreciation for your attendance, everyone will receive a copy of the book I co-wrote with Lacy Robinson, Engaging the Heart of Hospice - Making Funerals and Memorials an Extension of Hospice Care. This book offers additional insights and guidance for fostering meaningful collaborations. It is our hope that this resource will serve as a valuable tool as you continue to build bridges between funeral homes and hospice providers.

I am truly excited to engage with you at CANA’s 2025 Symposium and explore the opportunities for collaboration between funeral and cremation professionals and hospice providers. By building strong relationships, leveraging data, and implementing proven strategies, you can enhance the care you provide and make a positive impact on the lives of hospice patients and their families. See you in Las Vegas!

Greg Grabowski takes the stage for CANA's 2025 Symposium this February 26-28 in Las Vegas! In his keynote, Greg will explore how funeral professionals can become integral resources in supporting hospice care efforts and healthcare resources, fostering a seamless transition for families as they navigate end-of-life. He will provide attendees with actionable strategies to engage both their hearts and their skills in delivering value to the healthcare continuum. See what else we have planned and register today!

In 2025, we're exploring success at every step: from pre-planning to at need and aftercare practices, the CANA Symposium is your space to discover solutions that work for your business and your families.

Now through December 8, save 10% on Attendee Registration with code CYBERCANA — it's our gift to you this holiday season!

Since 1999, Greg Grabowski has been a trailblazer in hospice care, bringing visionary leadership and entrepreneurial expertise to the forefront. With extensive experience across nonprofit, for-profit, and national hospice organizations, Greg has transformed cultures, driven growth, and fostered leadership development.

As a partner at Hospice Advisors and Hospice Insights for over eight years, Greg has specialized in helping hospice and funeral professionals, including cremation providers, enhance their operations, expand services, and strengthen partnerships. His expertise in leadership coaching, strategic planning, and mergers has been instrumental in improving care quality and operational efficiency. Co-author of Engaging the Heart of Hospice with Lacy Robinson, Greg emphasizes how funeral and cremation services can be meaningful extensions of hospice care.

A dynamic speaker, Greg inspires funeral and cremation professionals to embrace innovation, build lasting connections, and deliver impactful care for families navigating loss.