166 Rachel Waters' Journey: From Care Giving Tragedy to Legal Advocacy

Dec 14, 2025

166 Rachel Waters' Journey: From Care Giving Tragedy to Legal Advocacy

In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher RN interviews Rachel Waters. Rachel shares her harrowing journey that began when she was indicted for the death of her mother while she was acting as her caregiver during hospice. Prosecutors alleged she had administered a lethal dose of morphine, leading to charges of murder and the possibility of the death penalty. Rachel describes the 19-month legal and emotional ordeal, the eventual dropping of charges, and how she is now channeling her experience into advocating for Marsha's Law — aimed at protecting family caregivers administering end-of-life medications. Rachel's story highlights the urgent need for compassionate policy reform and systematic change in hospice care protocols.

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

 00:28 Meet the Host: Marie Betcher RN

00:43 Introducing Rachel Waters

02:23 Rachel's Story Begins

03:48 Early Signs of Trouble

05:30 A Rapid Decline

06:28 Entering Hospice Care

09:02 The Final Days

09:58 A Shocking Turn of Events

15:34 Legal Nightmare Begins

20:53 Facing Charges and Seeking Help

22:38 Turning Herself In

Rachel go fund me:  https://gofund.me/77e3e7ad9

  If you want to help, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link   https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

 Hospice Explained Affiliates & Contact Information

Buying from these Affilite links will help support this Podcast. 

Maire introduces a partnership with Suzanne Mayer RN inventor of the  cloud9caresystem.com, 
When patients remain in the same position for extended periods, they are at high risk of developing pressure injuries, commonly known as bedsores. One of the biggest challenges caregivers face is the tendency for pillows and repositioning inserts to easily dislodge during care.(Suzanne is a former guest on Episode #119)

When you order with Cloud 9 care system, please tell them you heard about them from Hospice Explained.(Thank You)

 If you would, you can donate to help support Hospice Explained at the Buy me a Coffee link

 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hospice

Marie's Contact
[e-mail]
www.HospiceExplained.com

 

Finding a Hospice Agency

1. You can use Medicare.gov to help find a hospice agency,

2. choose Find provider

3. Choose Hospice

4. then add your zip code

This should be a list of Hospice Agencies local to you or your loved one.