New Episodes Every Week

 In this episode of In Good Company: In The Field, we sit down with Kim Sisk, Administrative Director of Home Care Services at CoxHealth at Home, to explore the evolving world of patient-centered care. With more than 22 years of leadership in home health, home care, and hospice, Kim offers invaluable insights into how these services work together to support patients and families across Missouri.  👉 What you’ll learn in this episode:  The key differences between home health and home care—and why they matter for families  How CoxHealth’s hospice initiatives are shaping compassionate, end-of-life care  The challenges of Medicaid reimbursement and what’s on the horizon for 2026 and beyond  Why hospitals in rural areas struggle—and how this impacts communities  Exciting innovations in home care and technology that improve patient outcomes  Kim’s personal perspective on balancing compassionate care with operational excellence  💡 Whether you’re a caregiver, clinician, or patient, this episode will help you better understand the healthcare landscape and how to advocate effectively for yourself or your loved ones. Say something interesting about your business here.

In this episode of In Good Company – Eldercare in Your Backyard, hosts John Ray and Spencer Ernst sit down with Dr. Melissa Gaines, Director of Hospice and Palliative Care at CoxHealth, to explore the true meaning of hospice and the importance of whole-person support at the end of life.  Dr. Gaines shares her personal journey into hospice care, dispels common myths and fears, and explains how hospice teams walk alongside patients and families with dignity, comfort, and compassion. We’ll also talk about challenges in rural communities, the role of emotional and spiritual support, and what families can do when they’re unsure where to begin.  Plus, previewing the feature film: "The Soft Surrender": https://gillioztheatre.com/event/the-... In “The Soft Surrender,” noted filmmaker and photographer Randy Bacon intimately captures the poignant journeys of hospice patients and their caregivers revealing the unexpected beauty, love, hope, peace and resilience of the human spirit amid what could be life’s final chapter while exposing the gaps in palliative care that need attention and reform.  📌 Topics we cover:  What hospice really is—and when to consider it  Common misconceptions about end-of-life care  Conversations every family should have when facing serious illness  How hospice supports both patients and loved ones  Access and equity challenges in rural Missouri  A moving story of impact from Dr. Gaines’s work  What “being in good company” means in the context of end-of-life care  Whether you’re a caregiver, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about the role of hospice, this conversation offers both practical insight and heartfelt perspective.  🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow In Good Company for more meaningful conversations about eldercare and community

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 In this episode of In Good Company – Eldercare in Your Backyard, hosts John Ray and Spencer Ernst sit down with Mark Applegate, Dementia Care Specialist at the SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging and a leading advocate in the fight against Alzheimer’s.  Mark’s journey into dementia care began with his own family’s experiences and has grown into a mission of advocacy, education, and hands-on support. From facilitating 14 caregiver support groups to participating in over 80 clinical research trials, Mark has dedicated his life to helping families navigate dementia with compassion and hope.  💡 In this conversation, we explore:  Mark’s personal story of caregiving and the lessons that shaped his work  Common misconceptions about dementia and how to shift caregiver mindsets  The unique challenges of rural eldercare in southwest Missouri  Safety, innovation, and tech tools supporting dementia care  Resources at SeniorAge and first steps for overwhelmed families  Mark’s vision for the future of eldercare and what gives him hope  ✨ Plus, Mark shares insights from his advocacy with the Alzheimer’s Association, his leadership with the Walk to End Alzheimer’s (coming up Sept. 27 in Springfield, MO), and his reflections on what it truly means to be in good company. 

 Welcome to In Good Company, a podcast where compassion meets conversation. Hosted by John Ray, founder of Haven Home Health and Hospice, and Spencer Ernst, your curious co-host, this show shines a light on the people and stories shaping eldercare in our communities.  Each week, we bring you:  Real conversations with healthcare professionals, caregivers, and advocates on the front lines.  Timely insights into aging, caregiving, Medicare/Medicaid, and local resources.  Practical takeaways for families navigating home health, hospice, and long-term care decisions.  From the emotional realities of caregiving to the systemic challenges in healthcare, In Good Company blends expertise with heart—reminding us that no one walks this journey alone.