Better Together

In this Better Together episode, Steph Cain sits down with Sarah Stephens, Manager of Support Services at Our Hospice, to demystify advanced care planning—before a crisis hits. Sarah shares how simple, early conversations about “what matters most to you—today and later” can bring families peace, reduce stress, and ensure care aligns with personal values, faith, and end-of-life wishes. You’ll hear: Why talking now (while calm) protects your loved ones during hard moments A moving family story about honoring faith traditions at the end of life Practical first steps: how to start the conversation with your care team and family The role of living wills and healthcare proxies—and how they work together How hospice support (social workers, chaplains, nurses) helps you plan so you can be present Listen & subscribe: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/OurHospiceSpotify Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/OurHospiceApplePodcast YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/OurHospiceYoutubeChannel If this episode helps, please share it with a friend or caregiver who may need it. We’re here to make every moment count—together. 💜

Hosted by Steph Cain — President of Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, this inspiring conversation with community leader and philanthropist Sherry Stark explores how small acts of service grow into a lifetime of impact. Sherry shares the family values that shaped her giving, the transformational gift honoring her parents that helped advance palliative care, and a fearless “off-the-diving-board” moment that changed her path. Guided by Steph’s thoughtful questions, you’ll learn practical ways to start serving today—and how generosity, curiosity, and community help families make every moment count across South Central Indiana. Listen here: Spotify: tinyurl.com/OurHospiceSpotify Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/OurHospiceApplePodcast YouTube: Https://youtu.be/VoMBOcGNmyE

In this Better Together episode, host Steph Cain sits down with Sarah Stephens, LCSW and Manager of Support Services at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, to talk candidly about caregiving—the hardest job many of us will ever do, emotionally and physically. Sarah shares how her team of social workers, chaplains, and bereavement counselors surrounds families with education, safe space, and practical tools, so caregivers feel less alone and more confident throughout the hospice journey

In this heartfelt episode of the Better Together Podcast, host and President Steph Cain sits down with retired Air Force Major General Mark Pillar to share the meaning and impact of Our Hospice’s We Honor Veterans program. General Pillar walks us through a typical pinning ceremony—from coordinating with families to reading a tribute poem, presenting a custom plaque crafted by local C4 students, and offering a final salute. Along the way, he reflects on powerful moments: veterans opening up with stories their families had never heard, a light-hearted exchange with a WWII WAC, and a note from a family who saw their loved one smile one last time after a ceremony—“a priceless memory.” Whether you’re a veteran, a caregiver, or a community member, you’ll hear why this volunteer-led program restores dignity, sparks connection, and creates lasting comfort for families across South Central Indiana. Interested in serving alongside us? Learn more at OurHospice.org and follow Our Hospice on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

In this Better Together episode, host Steph Cain sits down with Our Hospice chaplain Mark Phillips to unpack what spiritual care really looks like in hospice—and why it’s far more than “last rites.” Mark shares how chaplains support the whole person (body, emotions, and spirit) by first listening deeply, meeting people where they are, and creating space for honest talk about beliefs, doubts, and what matters most at the end of life. Mark describes common misconceptions (“chaplain = final prayer”) and explains how the role is about presence, conversation, music, and story-gathering that families can keep. He also reflects on a veteran whose son heard treasured stories for the first time—an unexpected gift of chaplaincy. You’ll hear how “hopes and worries” conversations open doors for gentle advance-care planning, and how chaplains support caregivers through anticipatory grief while also caring for our clinical team. Learn more or ask a question at OurHospice.org or call 812-314-8083. We’re here to make every moment count.

On Episode 5 of the Better Together Podcast by Our Hospice, host Steph Cain talks with Julie Davis about her journey into Our Hospice’s Personal Care service—a program dedicated to supporting patients and families with the everyday help they need at home. Julie shares how this service provides not just practical assistance, but also comfort, dignity, and peace of mind for those facing daily challenges. Discover how “Helping to support your daily living needs at home” is more than a tagline—it’s the heart of Personal Care at Our Hospice. To learn more about Our Hospice and the services we provide, visit OurHospice.org. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to stay connected and hear more stories that inspire and support our community. Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/OurHospiceFacebook Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/OurHospiceInstagram Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/OurHospiceYoutubeChannel Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/OurHospiceSpotify Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/OurHospiceApplePodcast

In this episode of Better Together, Our Hospice Medical Director Dr. Leigh Anderson joins host Steph Caine to discuss how hospice teams proactively manage pain and symptoms to ensure comfort and dignity at the end of life. Dr. Anderson explains the importance of being proactive with care, the use of “comfort kits” to support families in the middle of the night, and how equipment and medication adjustments can make daily life easier. He also addresses common concerns about reducing medications and the safe use of opioids in hospice. Through the story of a patient whose quality of life transformed with the right support, Dr. Anderson highlights the true purpose of hospice: focusing on what matters most to each patient and their family. Whether it’s managing shortness of breath, calming agitation, or offering emotional and spiritual support, this conversation shows how hospice care is about more than medicine—it’s about making every moment count

In this episode of Better Together, host Steph Cain sits down with nurse practitioner Donna Butler to explore the true meaning of palliative care. Donna shares her journey from home health and cancer care into palliative medicine, clarifying the difference between hospice and palliative care while highlighting the unique role her team plays in supporting patients and families. Listeners will hear a powerful patient story that illustrates how palliative care restores dignity, relieves symptoms, and helps families navigate tough decisions with compassion. From collaborating with oncologists to providing emotional, spiritual, and social support, Donna explains how her team “meets people where they are” — making every moment count for more than 250 patients and families across South Central Indiana

In this powerful follow-up episode of Better Together, host Steph Cain, President of Our Hospice, sits down again with Dr. Lee Anderson, Medical Director at Our Hospice, to tackle one of the most tender and difficult questions families face: How do you talk to a loved one about hospice care? Together, they unpack real-world strategies for starting these emotional conversations with clarity, empathy, and respect. You’ll learn how to assess understanding across family members, explore your loved one’s hopes and worries, and gently guide the conversation with phrases that build trust—not fear. Dr. Anderson shares insights from VitalTalk training and introduces the “NURSE” framework—practical tools for expressing empathy in moments of uncertainty. This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, healthcare providers, and anyone navigating end-of-life conversations with loved ones. Because talking about hospice isn’t giving up—it’s changing the goal. 📘 Explore tools for compassionate communication: https://www.vitaltalk.org Nurse PDF https://tinyurl.com/42w5w9yr ☎️ To learn more or connect with Our Hospice, visit ourhospice.org or call 812-314-8000.

Is hospice really about giving up—or is it about living fully when it matters most? In this powerful first episode of Better Together, host Steph Cain, the president of Our Hospice, sits down with Dr. Leigh Anderson, Medical Director of Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, to explore what hospice care really is — and what it isn’t. You’ll learn: Why hospice is a compassionate choice, not a surrender How interdisciplinary teams bring whole-person support—body, mind, and spirit What it means to qualify for hospice and how it actually improves quality of life How families can shift from guilt to grace in caregiving If you’ve ever feared the word “hospice,” this conversation will change your perspective. Hospice Center Tour Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/lSeDb-TGDmw?si=U4n57xHIgyRt8vwK 📞 Learn more: OurHospice.org | (812) 314-8083 Because when it matters most — we’re better together.