Howard County Home and Hospice

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is hospice?
Hospice is a special kind of care that focuses on improving the quality of life for those with life-limiting illness. Our specially trained hospice staff works to control pain and other symptoms the patient may experience, as well as provide emotional and spiritual support for patients and their families.
Who can benefit from hospice?
Anyone of any age, ethnicity, or religion, who is diagnosed with any illness with a limited life expectancy, and who chooses not to continue aggressive medical treatment, can benefit from hospice services.
Can hospice care be provided at home?
Yes. Most hospice patients receive care in the comfort of their homes surrounded by family and friends. Our hospice staff offers guidance and support so that family members are able to provide much of the care themselves. In addition, hospice care is also given in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals.
At what facilities can Howard County Home Health and Hospice provide hospice care?
Cooper County Memorial Hospital of Boonville
Ashley Manor of Boonville
Lakeview Healthcare and Rehab Center of Boonville
Riverdell Care Center of Boonville
Fayette Caring Center of Fayette
Rest Haven Retirement Home of Fayette
Golden Hour Retirement Home of New Franklin
Katy Manor of Pilot Grove
University of Missouri-Columbia
Boone Hospital of Columbia
Colonial Manor of Glasgow
Chariton Park of Salisbury
 
 
 
Who is on the Hospice team?
Our specially trained hospice staff is devoted to providing an individualized plan of care specifically tailored to each patient's needs.

Team members include:
  • The patient's personal physician
  • Hospice Medical Director: Dr. Hope Tinker MD
  • Hospice Patient Care Coordinator: Serese Wiehardt RN CHCE
  • Primary Nurses: Pat Merk RN, Dina Polson RN, Katie Boeger RN, and Beverly Stowers RN, as well as assisting nurses Melinda Hart RN, Suzanne Cook RN, Ellen Stallman LPN and Brenda Scott LPN
  • Social Workers: Logan Comegys MSW, Sarah Wies MSW
  • Chaplains: Rev. Tom Brack
  • Volunteer Coordinator: Logan Comegys MSW
  • Dietitian: Candy Gabel RD
  • RNs, LPNs, Nurses Aides
  • Volunteers
  • Physical Therapist: Jennifer Dressler RPT
  • Occupational Therapist: Lori Leer OT
  • Speech Therapist: Lachelle Crain ST
How does one get hospice services get initiated?
Anyone - physician, family member, or friend - can contact us about beginning hospice services. Patients and family members are encouraged to discuss choosing hospice with their physician. Call Howard County Home Health and Hospice for more information at 660-248-2100 or toll free 866-748-2100. May also click on contact us to email questions.
How do I become a hospice volunteer?
A hospice volunteer is a person who receives 16 hours of orientation to hospice care including examining their personal feelings about dying, learning effective communication, and empathetic listening. Click here to learn more about becoming a hospice volunteer. Email questions about volunteering or call 660-248-2100 or toll free 866-748-2100 to learn more.
Does a hospice patient need to be homebound or bedfast in order to be eligible for services?
No. A hospice patient can be driving and very active when they are referred for services. There is not a homebound requirement for hospice services. As a matter of fact, hospice staff encourages patients to go as much as they would like, only asking that the patient notify us if they will not be available for a scheduled visit.