In Good Company: Eldercare in Your Backyard

What Really Happens After the Hospital - Casey Cordell on Helping Families Heal

In this heartfelt episode of In Good Company, we sit down with Casey Cordell, Admissions Director at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri, to explore what compassionate, personalized care really looks like during one of life’s most challenging transitions. With five years of experience in healthcare admissions, Casey has helped countless families navigate the journey from hospital to rehab with confidence and calm. She shares her own story, what makes James River Rehab unique, and how her team ensures every admission feels personal, welcoming, and full of heart. 💜 🏥 What You’ll Learn What to expect during the rehab and skilled nursing admissions process How James River Rehab supports patients and families — every step of the way Common myths and misconceptions about rehab care Real stories of healing, hope, and community 💬 Connect with James River Nursing & Rehabilitation 📍 Address: 3550 East Battlefield Street, Springfield, MO 65809 📞 Phone: (417) 882-0320 🌐 Website: www.jamesriverrehab.com 📧 Email: info@jamesriverrehab.com 🎧 Listen, Learn, and Share If you or a loved one are preparing for rehab or long-term care, this conversation is for you. 👉 Watch now, and discover how compassion and connection make all the difference. 💡 Subscribe to In Good Company for more inspiring stories from caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the communities that support them. #InGoodCompany #JamesRiverRehab #SkilledNursing #RehabilitationCare #HealthcareHeroes #PatientStories #CompassionateCare #CaseyCordell

Most People Lose Their Home Care Because of One Wrong Answer

Most families have no idea that they can qualify for Medicaid… and still lose their home care services because of one misunderstood question. In today’s eye-opening episode, longtime caregiver and Director of Home Care Amanda Presley at Haven Home Health and Hospice, reveals the hidden pitfalls in Medicaid reassessments, the mistakes people make out of pride, and why answering based on your “best day” can cost you the help you need on your hardest days. We break down the difference between home care and home health, the myths surrounding Medicare coverage, and the support most people don’t realize is available. Amanda also shares real stories from her 30 years in the field—from helping families keep loved ones at home longer, to caring for clients with extremely high needs who were told a facility was their only option. If you’re caring for an aging parent, navigating Medicaid, or trying to keep a loved one at home safely, this episode could save you thousands of dollars, months of stress, and the risk of losing essential services simply because of how you answer a question. How to qualify. What to avoid. What families don’t know. And how one wrong answer changes everything. This is an episode every caregiver needs to hear.

The Hidden Truth About Parkinson’s: What Everyone in the Ozarks Needs to Know

*In this Quickcast, we break down what you really need to know about Parkinson’s disease — from early symptoms to breakthrough treatments — and highlight the incredible work being done right here in our community by the Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks (PGO).
Parkinson’s is far more than tremors. It affects movement, sleep, mood, speech, and day-to-day independence. But with the right support, individuals can live fuller, more empowered lives — and that’s exactly why PGO exists.
For more than twenty years, the Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks has provided free classes, support groups, education, resource referrals, and financial assistance for families across our region. Their mission is simple: No one in the Ozarks should face Parkinson’s alone.
In this episode, we cover:• What Parkinson’s disease actually is• The three main factors that contribute to developing Parkinson’s• Why exercise is one of the most effective tools for managing symptoms• Breakthrough technologies — including Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)• How wearable devices and digital tools are transforming care• How to get plugged into PGO’s free local support network
If you or someone you love has been impacted by Parkinson’s, this episode is a must-listen.
📞 Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks — Contact & Resources
🌐 Website: https://www.parkinsonsgroup.org📱 Phone: 417-889-1999📍 Programs & Support: Exercise classes, Rock Steady Boxing, support groups, education, and community resources for individuals and caregivers in the Ozarks.

Parkinson's Met Its Match - Hope Didn't Quit, Neither Did He

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Cory Davis, a courageous man living with Parkinson’s who opens up about his personal journey — the fear, the faith, the setbacks, and the moments that pushed him to keep going. His message to anyone facing the disease is simple but profound: never give up. We also highlight the incredible work of the Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families living with Parkinson’s through education, exercise programs, support groups, caregiver resources, and unwavering community connection. Cory’s wife, Dawn Davis, plays a vital role in this mission as she leads one of the organization’s impactful programs, bringing strength, empathy, and guidance to families navigating their own Parkinson’s journey. We’re also joined by Cassi Locke, the Executive Assistant of the Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks, who shares insight into the organization’s expanding vision and the meaningful ways they’re transforming lives across the region. Whether you’re directly affected by Parkinson’s, love someone who is, or simply need a dose of inspiration, this episode delivers a moving reminder of resilience — and the power of community that ensures no one fights Parkinson’s alone. 👉 Listen now to hear Cory’s story of strength, Dawn’s compassionate leadership, and Cassi’s dedication to a mission that truly matters. https://www.parkinsonsgroup.org/ info@parkinsonsgroup.org 417-814-6067

The Hidden Side of Senior Living No One Talks About

What’s the hidden side of senior living that families don’t see? In this episode of In Good Company, Sales Director Emily Christopher pulls back the curtain on what really happens inside senior living communities—and why the journey into eldercare is far more emotional, meaningful, and human than most people realize. Emily’s path is anything but typical. After 14 years as a NICU nurse, she discovered a new calling in post-acute care and eventually found her passion in senior living. Today, she sits with seniors and their families every day, guiding them through one of life’s most emotional decisions with empathy, humor, and heart. 🌟 In This Episode, Emily Shares: • The surprising moments that drew her from NICU nursing to senior living • What families don’t know about choosing a senior community • Why listening to seniors’ stories can change everything • The emotional side of the transition that many overlook • Behind-the-scenes insights from The Waterford at Ironbridge (Sonida Senior Living) • How empathy and education shape her approach to senior care Emily reminds us that everyone has a story—and when you take the time to listen, seniors will share the most beautiful, unexpected truths.

If You See THIS at Thanksgiving… Act Now!

In this episode of In Good Company, John and I dive into the heart of the holidays — the traditions, the memories, and the moments that remind us how important family truly is. But we’re also tackling a conversation that so many families avoid… until it becomes urgent. 🦃 Thanksgiving is often the first time all year we see our aging parents or grandparents up close. That makes it the perfect — and sometimes unavoidable — moment to ask the hard questions: Are they safe at home? Are they starting to struggle more than they let on? Is it time to consider home care support? Whether it’s changes in mobility, memory lapses, or subtle signs they’re overwhelmed, the holidays can reveal a lot. And pretending not to notice doesn’t help the people we love most. In this episode, we talk about: Our favorite Thanksgiving family traditions The red flags you might see at holiday gatherings How to approach “the talk” with grandparents compassionately Why early conversations about home care protect dignity — not take it away Practical tips for navigating family emotions, resistance, and fear 💛 If you’ve been putting off this conversation, this episode will give you the confidence, framing, and language to finally have it — with love. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who’ll be sitting across from aging parents this holiday season.

Cremation versus Funeral - The Truth Behind America's Big Shift

In this eye-opening conversation, we sit down with Ryan Horn — veteran, funeral director, and co-founder of Eden Cremation Services — to explore a cultural transformation: why more Americans are choosing cremation over traditional funerals, and what that shift really means for families, values, and the end-of-life industry. What you’ll discover in this episode: Ryan’s personal journey: from military service to founding a veteran & family-owned funeral home grounded in compassion and integrity. Eden Cremation Services Why the rise of direct cremation isn’t just about cost—but about simplicity, dignity, and redefining how we honor our loved ones. How the industry is evolving, and what families should know to make informed decisions during one of life’s most difficult moments. The emotional, practical, and societal factors driving America’s big shift from traditional funerals to cremation. Ryan’s insights on how funeral homes can serve families better in this changing landscape. edencremation.com Why this matters: Funeral traditions are deeply personal, yet many find themselves navigating confusing options at the worst possible time. With expert-guidance from Ryan, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a fresh lens on how to honor life and legacy with intention. 🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected: If you’re drawn to these deeper conversations around life, loss, and legacy, make sure to subscribe so you never miss future episodes. We’d also love to hear from you—share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.

Before You Die - The One Conversation You Can’t Avoid

What happens when you stop avoiding the hardest topic of all — your own mortality? In this raw and deeply human episode, John Ray, Spencer Ernst, and Executive Producer Alex Wallace sit down to have the conversation most people never do — about death, legacy, and the relationships that shape who we are. This episode explores the Hospice Foundation for Outreach’s inspiring Bucket List +1 program — a simple but powerful initiative that helps people plan the life they still want to live, and prepare for the moment we all eventually face. 🔍 In this episode: The story and purpose behind Bucket List +1 (hospiceoutreach.org/bucketlist) How to talk honestly about death — and why doing so can make you more alive Navigating medical choices, funerals, and the pain of estranged relationships What it means to live fully before it’s too late Why facing the end might be the most important act of courage you’ll ever take 💡 About the Bucket List +1 Program: Created by the Hospice Foundation for Outreach, this free initiative gives you the tools to Talk • Learn • Plan • Notarize your end-of-life wishes. Participants receive a resource packet with an advance health-care directive and step-by-step guides to make their choices known — clearly, compassionately, and legally. 👉 Learn more or request your packet here: hospiceoutreach.org/bucketlist 🕯 Why this conversation matters: Most of us spend our lives planning for everything except the end. But when we finally do — something shifts. We find gratitude. We find courage. And sometimes, we find healing where we least expected it. 🎧 Watch. Reflect. Share this episode with someone who needs the reminder: it’s never too early to start the conversation that matters most. #BucketListPlusOne #HospiceFoundation #legacy #endoflifecare #beforeyoudie #leadership #healing #podcast #ingoodcompanypodcast #HospiceFoundationforOutreach

Could You Lose Access to Major Hospitals? Here's the Truth

Mayo Clinic has announced that starting January 1st, 2026, it will leave most UnitedHealthcare and Humana Medicare Advantage networks. For thousands of seniors across the Midwest, Mayo will no longer be “in-network.”
In today’s episode of In Good Company: Eldercare in Your Backyard, host Spencer Ernst breaks down exactly what this means—clearly and without the noise.
🎙️ In This Episode, We Cover:
✔️ Who’s affected by Mayo’s network exit✔️ Why Mayo and insurers are splitting✔️ How top hospitals like Johns Hopkins, MD Anderson, and Cleveland Clinic handle Medicare Advantage✔️ A simple refresher on Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage✔️ Five essential steps to protect your access to care✔️ Why these changes signal a bigger shift in the healthcare system
Whether you’re a senior, a caregiver, or someone planning ahead, this episode gives you the insights you must know before the next Medicare enrollment period.
🏥 What’s the Bottom Line?
Top hospitals—including Mayo—are pulling away from many Medicare Advantage plans due to rising costs, tight reimbursements, and heavy prior-authorization requirements.
But the good news?Original Medicare + Medigap continues to be accepted almost everywhere, including every major specialty hospital in this episode.
Your healthcare access shouldn’t be a guessing game.
🧭 What You Should Do Next
🔍 Review your Annual Notice of Change📞 Call your plan to confirm hospital access🗓️ Use October 15–December 7 to switch plans if needed🛡️ Consider whether a Medigap plan fits your needs and budget💵 On Advantage? Explore critical illness coverage for added protection
If you want real, practical guidance for navigating Medicare, eldercare, and the healthcare decisions that matter most, you’re in the right place.
👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe
If you found this episode helpful, please like the video, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you don’t miss future conversations that help you care for yourself and the people you love.
Welcome to In Good Company. We’re glad you’re here.

What Leadership Really Feels Like When the Stakes Are High with Dr. Curt Mattson (Part 2)

What does leadership really feel like when the stakes couldn’t be higher? In this riveting episode, Dr. Curt Mattson pulls back the curtain on the emotional, mental, and even spiritual reality of leading when pressure mounts and failure isn’t an option. Forget the highlight reels — this is what it looks like when courage meets exhaustion, when confidence meets doubt, and when conviction is tested by crisis. Dr. Mattson shares hard-won insights about how leaders stay grounded when everything feels like it’s coming apart — and why those moments, though painful, can become the most defining seasons of our lives. Whether you’re leading a team, a company, or a family, this conversation will challenge what you think you know about leadership and remind you that great leaders aren’t born in comfort — they’re forged in the fire. #healthcaredecisions #healthcarecosts #healthinsuranceexplained #healthcareupdate #healthcarepolicy #healthcarepodcast #healthcareinnovation #futureofhealthcare #healthcareleadership #healthcaretransformation #empathyinmedicine #humancenteredcare #patientexperience #humanconnection #digitalhealth #aiinhealthcare #healthtech