Podcast

Living Forever, Not an Option

Care Dimensions is proud to launch our new podcast Living Forever, Not an Option. With their vast knowledge about hospice and palliative care, hosts Mary Crowe, LICSW, ACHP-SW, C.D.S., CDP, Director of Professional and Community Education, and Lyn Skarmeas, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, discuss various topics to dispel the myths surrounding hospice, palliative care and end of life. Their goal is to empower individuals with advanced illness to access hospice and palliative care services sooner, thereby providing more opportunity to improve their quality of life. 

Care Dimensions During the Covid-19 Pandemic

On this episode of Living Forever, Not An Option, Lyn and Mary speak with guest Stephanie Patel, Care Dimensions’ Medical Director, to discuss how Care Dimensions adapted to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Coping with the Holidays After a Loss

Hosts Mary and Lyn discuss coping with the holidays after a loss. The holidays can be a challenging time for people in general, but coping with the holidays after a loss adds a new level of difficulty to anyone’s life.

Understanding Hospice and Palliative Care

Hosts Mary and Lyn explain the differences between hospice and palliative care, the philosophy and history of hospice, and dispel some of the myths surrounding hospice care because "living forever is not an option."

Starting the Conversation Around Death and Dying

Hosts Lyn and Mary tackle the challenges of starting a conversation starting a conversation about death, dying, and making your wishes known.

Hospice Myths and Misconceptions

Hosts Lyn and Mary discuss several myths and misconceptions surrounding hospice care. Lack of understanding or awareness of the services and support that hospice can bring to patients and families, as well as preconceived notions often perpetuate these misconceptions about hospice.

Hospice Volunteers

In this episode, hosts Lyn and Mary discuss the role of hospice volunteers with Care Dimensions' Director of Volunteer Services and Complementary Therapies, Sheryl Meehan.

Caring for the Caregiver

Hosts Lyn and Mary discuss the importance of caring for the caregiver to ensure the best quality of life for both the patient and caregiver.

Concepts of Grief and Loss

Hosts Lyn and Mary touch upon the realities of grief and loss and ways that we can care for each other during those times.

Meet the hosts

Mary Crowe, LICSW, ACHP-SW, C.D.S., CDP Over the past 15 years, Mary has led the Care Dimensions' professional and community educational outreach, coordinating and delivering hundreds of programs each year for healthcare professionals, families and community groups. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work, and post graduate certificates in gerontology and alcohol counseling. Mary worked as a medical social worker for over 25 years in acute care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing and adult day health settings caring for individuals and families with advanced illness or at end of life.

Lyn Skarmeas With over 25 years of experience in business development and marketing for hospice and home health care organizations, Lyn has excelled at developing and managing cohesive and motived teams that focus on achieving results consistent with the overall growth, success and mission of the organizations as well as identifying opportunities through new programs and services, and developing strong relationships with the local medical community and referral facilities. She is a seasoned leader and proven manager with significant expertise in strategic planning, marketing, business development, budgeting and resource management. In her role at Care Dimensions she is responsible for leading all major activities associated with the growth of the organization as well as strategic leadership and direction for new business offerings and expansion. Lyn is a graduate of Providence College.