In Good Company Podcast: Age Better

In this episode of In Good Company, we sit down with Carol Hudspeth, Executive Director of the Missouri Alliance for Care at Home, to explore the critical fight to protect and expand home-based services in Missouri. Carol shares how the Alliance is working tirelessly to prevent funding cuts, advocate for sustainable Medicaid reimbursement, and ensure seniors and individuals with disabilities can continue living independently in their own homes.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R) – 📞 DC: 202-224-6154 | Springfield: 417-869-4433

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R) – 📞 DC: 202-224-5721 | Springfield: 417-290-5000

Rep. Eric Burlison (R), MO-07 – 📞 DC: 202-225-6536 | Springfield: 417-889-1800

Sen. Lincoln Hough (R), SD-30 – 📞 573-751-1311

Sen. Curtis Trent (R), SD-20 – 📞 573-751-1503

Sen. Mike Moon (R), SD-29 – 📞 573-751-1480

🏠 Missouri State House

Greene County Rep. Bill Owen (R), HD-131 – 📞 573-751-2948

Rep. Jeremy Dean (D), HD-132 – 📞 573-751-3795

Rep. Melanie Stinnett (R), HD-133 – 📞 573-751-0136

Rep. Alex Riley (R), HD-134 – 📞 573-751-2210

Christian County Rep. Burt Whaley (R), HD-138 – 📞 573-751-3851

Rep. Bob Titus (R), HD-139 – 📞 573-751-3833

Rep. Jamie Ray Gragg (R), HD-140 – 📞 573-751-2565

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.

In this episode of In Good Company, we sit down with Rachel Fortenberry, founder and attorney of Fortified Elder Law & Estate Planning. Rachel and her team have helped families protect more than $12 million from being lost to nursing home costs. Recognized as one of Biz 417’s 10 for the Next 10 and the Springfield Business Journal’s 20 Most Influential Women (2025), she brings both sharp legal expertise and heartfelt compassion to her work. Join us as we dive into: Rachel’s journey from prosecutor to elder law attorney & entrepreneur How elder law helps families age well and plan for long-term care Medicaid, asset protection, and the myths families need to know Why estate planning should happen sooner rather than later Essential documents: Powers of Attorney, Wills, and Trusts How to avoid guardianship and crisis planning Community resources and partnerships supporting elder care Whether you’re planning for yourself or a loved one, this conversation offers practical insights and real-world guidance to help you protect what matters most. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more episodes of In Good Company, where we explore meaningful conversations on family, planning, and purposeful living.’

In this powerful episode of In Good Company, hosts John Ray and Spencer Ernst welcome Paul Morrison, financial advisor at Edward Jones, who brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the conversation.

Paul opens up about his journey caring for his mother-in-law with Alzheimer’s, and how that experience deepened his passion for supporting families facing similar challenges. As an active supporter of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Paul is committed to raising awareness and reminding caregivers that there are resources to help.

💡 In this conversation, you’ll discover:

Practical financial strategies for caregivers balancing loved ones and family needs

How to prepare financially across different life stages

Ways to reduce stress and bring compassion into tough financial seasons

Paul’s personal story of caregiving and how it shapes his work today

Why trust, faith, and community are the foundation of his approach

This episode is about more than numbers—it’s about hope, resilience, and building a legacy of care and trust.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of In Good Company, where we share stories that inspire purpose and community connection.

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.

In this episode of In Good Company: we sit down with Sara Curry, Program and Outreach Director at The Bungalows at Springfield East. With nearly a decade of experience in eldercare programming, Sara brings passion, creativity, and a personal connection to her work. She shares how her grandfather’s battle with Alzheimer’s shaped her calling, why meaningful activities are vital for building community among older adults, and the joy she finds in moments of connection and compassion. We also explore her professional growth through certifications, her children’s book project on dementia, and the role of faith, hope, and joy in end-of-life care. ✨ What you’ll hear in this episode: The difference creative activities make in eldercare How personal experiences with dementia inspire professional purpose Stories of transformation and connection with residents Sara’s journey in balancing compassion, leadership, and creativity If you’re interested in eldercare, dementia support, or simply the power of human connection, this episode will inspire and uplift you.

What happens when rehab ends but the care journey continues? In this inspiring conversation, hosts John Ray and Spencer Ernst welcome Ney Ortiz, Rehab Social Services and Discharge Planner at James River Nursing & Rehabilitation. Ney shares the heart and strategy behind smooth care transitions, helping families move from uncertainty to confidence. Whether you’re preparing for a hospital discharge, supporting a parent at home, or planning next steps, this episode is full of encouragement and practical wisdom. 👉 You’ll discover: The role discharge planners play in keeping families supported Key questions to ask before a loved one leaves rehab How to avoid feeling lost during transitions in care A must-listen for anyone facing the realities of eldercare.

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. 💡 Whether you’re caring for a loved one, working in healthcare, or simply curious about how we age with dignity, this podcast offers stories, guidance, and encouragement that matter. 👉 Subscribe now to stay connected, share your story, and be part of a growing community that believes in compassion in action. #ingoodcompanypodcast #compassioninaction #EldercarePodcast #healthcarepodcast #educationalpodcast #CaregiverPodcast #agingwithdignity #humanconnection #purposefulliving #storiesthatinspire #eldercare #caregiversupport #homehealthcare #hospicecare #palliativecare #seniorcare #aginginplace #healthcareheroes #patientadvocacy #endoflifecare #healthcareeducation #faithandcommunity #HopeAndHealing #buildingcommunity #HealthcareCompassion #healthcareinnovation #compassionatecare #NoOneWalksAlone #medicare #medicaid #healthcaredecisions #healthcareaccess #retirementplanning #healthcareforall #JohnRay #SpencerErnst #HavenHome #HavenHomeHealth #HavenHomeHospice #nosalespitch