Dr. Amanda Altobell is the Director of Ethics at Mercy Springfield, where she helps patients, families, and care teams navigate some of the most emotionally complex moments in health care. Trained as both a clinician and ethicist, her work is deeply shaped by hands-on hospice experience, a death and dying fellowship, and her own personal journey supporting loved ones through the end of life. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Altobell challenges the way we think about death—especially the belief that dying means failure. She explains why modern medicine often confuses “doing everything” with “doing what’s right,” why hospice is so often misunderstood, and how a simple advance directive can prevent devastating family conflict. She also breaks down hard truths most people never hear: why CPR is rarely successful, what medical TV shows get wrong, how Missouri’s unique laws leave families legally powerless, and why waiting “until later” to plan is often too late. This episode is honest, compassionate, and deeply human—an essential listen for anyone who has aging parents, works in health care, or simply wants to live (and die) with dignity.

What does hospice really look like — and why do so many families misunderstand it?

In this episode of In Good Company, we sit down with Kim Therriault, Director of Hospice at Haven Home Health and Hospice, whose decades-long career has been shaped by one defining belief: people deserve choice, dignity, and a voice at the end of life.

Kim shares the pivotal moment that changed how she practices hospice care forever — a conversation with a patient who chose the freedom to drive his restored car over stronger pain medication. That moment became the foundation of her approach to care: honoring what matters most to the patient, not just the diagnosis.

Throughout the conversation, Kim breaks down:

• Why hospice is often misunderstood — and why families wait too long

• How hospice can actually extend life and improve quality of living

• The power of self-referral and starting the conversation sooner

• Why control, autonomy, and honest conversations matter more than aggressive treatment

• How hospice supports not just patients, but entire families

This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, adult children, healthcare professionals, and anyone navigating serious illness — or who simply wants to understand what compassionate, patient-centered care truly means.

Because hospice isn’t about giving up. It’s about choosing how you live — right to the very end. #InGoodCompanyPodcast #HospiceCare #HospiceAwareness #EndOfLifeCare #PatientChoice #DignityInCare #QualityOfLife #Caregivers #ElderCare #HealthcareWithHeart #MeaningfulConversations #MustListen

In this episode of In Good Company, we’re joined by Dr. Will Vincel, a general dentist at Ozarks Preferred Dental Group in Springfield, Missouri, and an adjunct assistant professor at Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine. With much of his practice focused on older adults, Dr. Vincel shares a patient-first approach centered on listening, conservative care, and clear communication.

We discuss why slowing down matters in healthcare, how involving family improves outcomes, and what it truly means to deliver dignified care as we age.

Learn more about Dr. Vincel and his practice at my417dentist.com.

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of families—but many people don’t realize how much progress depends on advocacy, education, and public policy.

In this episode of In Good Company, we’re joined by Marcia Rauwerdink, a longtime volunteer advocate and board member with the Alzheimer’s Association, to discuss:

• The real impact of Alzheimer’s on families and caregivers

• Why advocacy and legislation matter in the fight against the disease

• Breakthroughs, challenges, and what still needs to change

• How everyday people can get involved and make a difference

Marcia’s journey began after losing her mother to Alzheimer’s, and for over 17 years she has worked at the local, state, and federal levels to raise awareness, push for research funding, and fight for better care and treatment options.

The Alzheimer’s Association® is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. They are dedicated to accelerating global research, driving risk reduction, and advancing early detection and quality care.

🔗 Website: https://www.alz.org

📞 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900 Free, confidential support for people living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, families, and professionals.

💜 Services include:

• Caregiver support and education

• Local community programs

• Research funding and advocacy

• Guidance for navigating diagnosis and care

If you or someone you love is affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, help is available, you are not alone.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we sit down with Camelia Jacob, founder and CEO of Jacob’s Ladder, Jacob’s Houses, and Jacob’s Care Center—alongside Luchiia Lebed, manager and integral part of the mission. Together, they share the incredible story behind a network of intimate, faith-led end-of-life homes where compassion isn’t just a value… it’s the culture. What began as a leap of faith—sparked by prayer, purpose, and a $5,000 sign—grew into one of Missouri’s most unique care models: small, home-like environments where dignity is protected, families are supported, and no one has to die alone. Camelia and Luchiia reveal: How a calling became a community resource for those facing the hardest moments of life Why traditional facilities struggle to deliver truly personal care What families need (but aren’t told) when navigating end-of-life decisions Common hospice misconceptions and what comfort care actually looks like How Jacob’s Ladder gives peace—not just to patients, but to entire families The extraordinary stories of healing, reconciliation, and faith they witness daily This episode will open your heart, challenge your assumptions, and leave you hopeful about what end-of-life care can be. Contact Jacob’s Ladder If you or someone you love needs guidance, support, or care—reach out. Jacob’s Ladder is here to help. 📞 Phone: 417-425-4409 🌐 Website: https://jacobsladdercare.org 📧 Email: Jacobsladdercare@gmail.com 🏠 Jacob’s Houses Email: Jacobshousesllc@gmail.com 📱 Follow on Social Media: Instagram & Facebook — Jacob’s Ladder and Jacob’s Houses #JacobsLadder #JacobsHouses #EndOfLifeCare #HospiceCare #NoOneDiesAlone #CompassionateCare #FaithBasedCare #CaregiverSupport #DignityInDeath #ComfortCare #HospiceAwareness #HealingJourneys #FaithInAction #HopeAndHealing #SpringfieldMO #OzarksCommunity #FamilyCaregivers #CommunitySupport #InspiringStories #PodcastEpisode #HumanStories #ReconciliationStories #PurposeDrivenLife

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with the Development Director of the Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) to uncover the powerful work happening behind the scenes of one of the region’s most impactful nonprofits. For nearly 60 years, OACAC has been quietly transforming lives—helping individuals and families break cycles of poverty, access essential resources, and move toward long-term self-sufficiency. OACAC is part of a nationwide network of Community Action Agencies founded to combat poverty at the local level. Today, the organization serves ten Southwest Missouri counties through a wide range of programs designed to meet people where they are. From education and employment opportunities to housing assistance, crisis support, early childhood programs, energy assistance, community partnerships, and more, OACAC works every day to create real, lasting change. In this conversation, you’ll learn: ✨ What Community Action Agencies are—and why they matter ✨ The story behind OACAC’s mission and decades of service ✨ How local families are supported through wraparound programs ✨ Why collaboration, compassion, and community leadership are essential in addressing poverty ✨ How YOU can get involved, support the mission, or connect someone in need Whether you’re familiar with OACAC or discovering this organization for the first time, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of poverty in the Ozarks—and the hopeful, hands-on work being done to fight it. 🔗 Learn more about OACAC: https://oac.ac (Replace with your actual link if different) If you enjoy conversations that highlight meaningful local impact and the people creating real change, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

In this heartfelt episode of In Good Company, we sit down with Casey Cordell, Admissions Director at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri, to explore what compassionate, personalized care really looks like during one of life’s most challenging transitions. With five years of experience in healthcare admissions, Casey has helped countless families navigate the journey from hospital to rehab with confidence and calm. She shares her own story, what makes James River Rehab unique, and how her team ensures every admission feels personal, welcoming, and full of heart. 💜 🏥 What You’ll Learn What to expect during the rehab and skilled nursing admissions process How James River Rehab supports patients and families — every step of the way Common myths and misconceptions about rehab care Real stories of healing, hope, and community 💬 Connect with James River Nursing & Rehabilitation 📍 Address: 3550 East Battlefield Street, Springfield, MO 65809 📞 Phone: (417) 882-0320 🌐 Website: www.jamesriverrehab.com 📧 Email: info@jamesriverrehab.com 🎧 Listen, Learn, and Share If you or a loved one are preparing for rehab or long-term care, this conversation is for you. 👉 Watch now, and discover how compassion and connection make all the difference. 💡 Subscribe to In Good Company for more inspiring stories from caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the communities that support them. #InGoodCompany #JamesRiverRehab #SkilledNursing #RehabilitationCare #HealthcareHeroes #PatientStories #CompassionateCare #CaseyCordell

Most families have no idea that they can qualify for Medicaid… and still lose their home care services because of one misunderstood question. In today’s eye-opening episode, longtime caregiver and Director of Home Care Amanda Presley at Haven Home Health and Hospice, reveals the hidden pitfalls in Medicaid reassessments, the mistakes people make out of pride, and why answering based on your “best day” can cost you the help you need on your hardest days. We break down the difference between home care and home health, the myths surrounding Medicare coverage, and the support most people don’t realize is available. Amanda also shares real stories from her 30 years in the field—from helping families keep loved ones at home longer, to caring for clients with extremely high needs who were told a facility was their only option. If you’re caring for an aging parent, navigating Medicaid, or trying to keep a loved one at home safely, this episode could save you thousands of dollars, months of stress, and the risk of losing essential services simply because of how you answer a question. How to qualify. What to avoid. What families don’t know. And how one wrong answer changes everything. This is an episode every caregiver needs to hear.