Heart & Soul Hospice in Farmington, in partnership with Meadowbrook Assisted Living in Pilot Knob, Mo., made a One More Time wish come true for community resident James Degonia. Degonia,…
Vulnerability comes with options
Some of the paintings I enjoy most are landscapes. Scenes like calm, peaceful, endless miles of ocean or turbulent, churning, white-capped waves amidst twenty foot swells. Or how about soft,…
Learn what hospice care really means to patients and their families
What makes a good death? This is a question that many people prefer not to think about in their day-to-day lives. However, for patients facing an uncertain future, it is…
Valentine’s Day a celebration of life, love
Some of my most cherished memories of the days I spent as a Youth Pastor back in the 80s are those related to making Valentine’s cakes and cookies. The baking,…
How palliative care can help
There’s an important medical term that you may not have heard of: Palliative Care. “Palliate” means to make comfortable by treating a person’s symptoms resulting from a serious illness. Hospice…
Paying for end-of-life care
How to pay for the rising costs of health care? Concerns over these costs are shared not only by elected officials but by almost every family across the country. Many…
Grief during the holidays: Some tips
The winter holidays are generally perceived as “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for those who are facing grief after the death of a loved one, the holidays…
Stay open to the mysteries of the season
By Greg Schmidt, Chaplain, Heart & Soul Hospice Wichita Did you know that when you break a peanut apart, you discover a miniature “Santa Claus” on the inside? Some people…
It’s never too late to thank a veteran, even at the end of life
Americans across the country celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, a special day to salute the men and women who have bravely served our country in the military. These fellow…
Hospice and palliative care: Making a difference
A hospice nurse was recently asked, “How can you work in hospice – it must be so sad!” She answered, “I love providing highly-skilled, compassionate care because I know I…