Understanding the Full Spectrum of Support at Life’s End
When families in Missouri are considering hospice care for a loved one, one of the most common questions we hear is: “What exactly does hospice care include?” At Ozark Hospice Care, we believe that understanding the scope of services can help families feel more prepared and supported as they navigate this important chapter.
A Comprehensive, Team-Based Approach
Hospice care in Missouri is delivered through an interdisciplinary team designed to meet the medical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients facing a terminal illness. This team typically includes:
Registered Nurses (RNs)
Monitor symptoms, manage pain and medications, and coordinate care.
Certified Hospice Aides
Assist with personal care such as bathing, dressing, and hygiene.
Social Workers
Provide emotional support and guide families through Hospice.
Chaplains or Spiritual Counselors
Offer non-denominational spiritual care aligned with the patient’s values.
Therapists (if needed)
Physical, occupational, or speech therapists may be involved to maintain comfort and function.
Volunteers
May provide companionship, respite for caregivers, or practical help, depending on availability.
Hospice care in Missouri is delivered through an interdisciplinary team designed to meet the medical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients facing a terminal illness. This team typically includes:
Medications and Medical Equipment
A critical benefit of Ozark’s Hospice Care in Missouri is that medications related to the terminal diagnosis are covered, at no cost to the patient or family. This often includes pain medications, anti-anxiety prescriptions, and other comfort-focused drugs aimed at reducing distress and improving quality of life.
In addition, home medical equipment can be provided as needed. This can include:
- Hospital beds
- Wheelchairs or walkers
- Oxygen supplies
- Bedside commodes
- Specialized mattresses for pressure relief
Where Is Hospice Care Provided?
Hospice care can take place wherever the patient lives:
- At home, where most people prefer to be
- In a nursing home, with hospice staff supplementing facility care
- In a hospital setting, for patients with acute symptoms requiring more intensive support
At Ozark Hospice Care, we bring services directly to the patient—meeting them where they are and adapting our care to their unique setting and situation.
The Focus: Comfort, Dignity, and Quality of Life
While the services may vary depending on each patient’s specific needs, the heart of hospice care remains constant: comfort over cure. Hospice is about easing pain, managing symptoms, honoring the patient’s wishes, and supporting families throughout the end-of-life journey.
Our goal is to help each person live as fully and comfortably as possible for as long as possible—surrounded by support, dignity, and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hospice care includes expert medical oversight, personal care, emotional and spiritual support, and access to needed medications and equipment—all focused on improving comfort and quality of life
Yes. While many patients choose to receive hospice care at home, services are also available in nursing homes and hospitals. The hospice team brings care to wherever the patient resides.
Hospice care is provided by a team of professionals—including nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and others—who collaborate to meet the patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Yes. Ozark Hospice supplies medications for symptom relief and essential medical equipment like hospital beds, oxygen, and walkers.
Absolutely. In addition to care coordination and caregiver guidance, hospice also offers grief support for families for up to 13 months after a loved one passes.
Have Questions About Hospice? We’re Here to Help
If you’re unsure whether your loved one is ready for hospice—or what services they may need—please reach out. Our team at Ozark Hospice Care in Poplar Bluff is honored to walk beside families, offering expert guidance, skilled care, and a comforting presence every step of the way.
