Better Together

In recognition of National Social Work Month, this episode highlights the vital role our hospice social workers play in supporting patients and families across every stage of care. Joined by three members of our social work team, Steph explores how they provide guidance, emotional support, and practical solutions—helping families navigate complex decisions while keeping what matters most at the center.

From meaningful patient stories to everyday moments of connection, this episode offers a closer look at how social workers walk alongside families—easing burdens, honoring wishes, and helping ensure each experience reflects our mission of Making Every Moment Count.

In this episode of the Better Together Podcast, President Steph Cain sits down with Brittany Meyer, RN, and Jen Bitner, MSW Intern, to talk about what families may notice as a loved one approaches the end of life.

Brittany shares the physical changes that often occur in the final days and weeks, including increased sleep, changes in appetite, and how the body naturally begins to slow down. Jen offers perspective on the emotional side of the journey, explaining how families often experience uncertainty, anxiety, and questions about what to expect—and how the hospice team helps guide them through those moments.

Together, they discuss common concerns families have, such as eating and drinking, recognizing signs of comfort, and how simply being present can be one of the most meaningful ways to support a loved one. They also share personal stories from their work that highlight how end-of-life moments can still be filled with connection, memories, and even joy.

Through education, compassion, and guidance, the hospice team walks alongside patients and their loved ones to help make every moment count.

To learn more about hospice services, visit ourhospice.org or call 812-314-8083.

As a serious illness progresses, daily life can begin to look different for both patients and the people who care for them. In this episode of the Better Together Podcast, Steph Cain, President of Our Hospice, sits down with Clinical Director Amy Lowe to talk about what families often notice first when care needs begin to change.

Amy shares what comfort really means in day-to-day hospice care, the symptoms families tend to worry about most, and how the care team supports both patients and their loved ones when things begin to feel overwhelming. It’s an honest conversation about recognizing changes, understanding what to expect, and how hospice walks alongside families to help them focus on what matters most.

Learn more about Our Hospice and listen to the podcast at ourhospice.org/podcast or call 812-314-8083 to learn more about our Family of Services.

When the word “hospice” is first mentioned, it can bring a wave of emotions — fear, uncertainty, relief, and sometimes even guilt. In this episode of Better Together, Christy Henderson, Referral Specialist, and Susie Wagner, Admissions RN, walk us through what really happens when hospice enters the conversation.

From that first referral call to the initial admission visit, they share what families are often feeling, the questions they ask most, and the misconceptions that can cause hesitation. More importantly, they explain what families actually experience during those first steps — and how hospice is designed to support, not overwhelm.

If you or someone you love is navigating serious illness, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and insight into one of life’s most important transitions.

To learn more about hospice care or to speak with someone on our team, visit ourhospice.org or call 812-314-8083.

In Part 2 of this conversation, host and president Steph Cain continues her discussion with Lorie Mount to debunk common misconceptions around trusts, probate, and long-term care planning. Lorie explains why having a trust does not automatically protect assets, how Indiana’s probate process works, and what families should understand about Medicaid and nursing home care. She also shares real-life examples of how thoughtful planning can bring peace of mind, reduce stress during crisis, and even create meaningful charitable legacies.

Planning ahead is not just about assets — it’s about protecting people and preserving what matters most.

To learn more about the Better Together podcast, visit:

https://www.ourhospice.org/podcast

To learn more about Our Hospice services or speak with someone about care, call:

812-314-8083

For more information about estate planning services with Voelz, Reed & Mount LLC, visit:

https://voelzlaw.com/

In Part 1 of this conversation, host and president Steph Cain is joined by Lorie Mount, a Columbus-based attorney and board member of Our Hospice, to talk through the legal planning steps that matter most at the end of life. Lorie breaks down estate planning into clear, approachable terms, focusing on advance directives, health care decision-making, and powers of attorney — and why having these documents in place can bring peace of mind long before a crisis occurs. Together, they explore how planning ahead helps ensure wishes are honored, reduces stress for loved ones, and supports our shared goal of making every moment count.

Listen now at ourhospice.org/podcast or call 812-314-8083.

In this episode, host and president Steph Cain sits down with Jacob Fleckenstein, Director of Business Development, to talk about the family of services and how different types of care work together as needs change. From personal care to hospice, Jacob helps break down where each service fits, clears up common misconceptions, and explains why reaching out earlier can make a meaningful difference for patients and loved ones. It’s a helpful conversation for anyone trying to understand what support is available—and where to start when questions come up.

Listen now at ourhospice.org/podcast

In this episode, Steph Cain sits down with Dr. Anderson, Our Hospice and Palliative Care Medical Director, to talk about goals of care—what the term really means, why these conversations matter, and how they help ensure care is guided by what matters most to each person.

They discuss how goals-of-care conversations can bring clarity and peace of mind for patients and loved ones, especially when they happen before a crisis. Dr. Anderson also shares insight on advance care planning tools like Five Wishes, which you can explore at:

https://www.fivewishes.org/for-myself/

During the conversation, Steph and Dr. Anderson also reference Episode 2, “How Do You Talk to a Loved One About Hospice Care?”, which can be found here:

https://youtu.be/wYXB60x41l0

To listen to this and other episodes, visit ourhospice.org/podcast.

Hospice, Faith, and Service:

A Conversation with Walter Glover

In this episode, Steph Cain, President of Our Hospice, sits down with Walter Glover, a longtime bereavement volunteer whose relationship with hospice has come full circle. Walter spent many years walking alongside others through grief—facilitating bereavement groups and mentoring chaplains—and now joins the conversation as someone receiving hospice services himself.

Walter reflects on faith, service, loss, and what it means to care for the whole person. He also shares how his experiences in ministry, writing, and adventure have shaped his life, including using his travels and books as a way to give back.

Walter is the author of several books exploring adventure, pilgrimage, and meaning. Signed copies are available at Viewpoint Books in downtown Columbus.

As we begin a new year, this special episode of Better Together looks back at some of the most meaningful conversations from our first 17 episodes. From reflections on history and growth to stories of compassion, service, and what matters most, this year in review highlights the voices and moments that shaped the podcast in 2025.

Join us as we revisit key insights, memorable stories, and the themes that continue to guide the work and mission of Our Hospice—making every moment count.

Listen now at ourhospice.org/podcast or call 812-314-8083 to learn more.