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.
📌 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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