Understanding Hospice & End of Life Support with Dr. Melissa Gaines

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.

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