Choosing Hospice Isn’t Giving Up, It’s Choosing More Time for What Matters
One of the biggest misconceptions about hospice is that it’s only for the final days of life. Unfortunately, that’s exactly when many people begin receiving hospice care. Research shows that roughly 30–40% of hospice patients enroll less than two weeks before they die. While hospice teams work tirelessly to provide comfort and support from the […]
Understanding the “Purpose Paradox” in Hospice Care
Conversations about hospice care often focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life during life’s final chapter. Yet researchers and clinicians have identified a complex emotional dynamic sometimes referred to as the “purpose paradox.” This paradox highlights the tension between patients finding meaning near the end of life while caregivers simultaneously experience intense emotional strain.
Rethinking Hospice: Our Conversation on the In Good Company Eldercare Podcast
We recently had the pleasure of joining the In Good Company Eldercare Podcast to talk about The Soft Surrender and the importance of rethinking hospice care. During the conversation, our Executive Director, Anjanette Labellarte, shared insights on how hospice is not about giving up, it’s about living fully, embracing compassion, and ensuring comfort and dignity […]
The Soft Surrender: Springfield’s Night to Shine
On November 1, 2025, Springfield will roll out the red carpet at the historic Gillioz Theatre for the highly anticipated premiere of The Soft Surrender, a powerful full-length documentary and portrait series by local artist and filmmaker Randy Bacon, executive produced by Hospice Foundation for Outreach (HFO). More than a film, The Soft Surrender is […]
Introducing Hospice Foundation for Outreach: A New Name for a Broader Mission
We’re proud to announce that Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks is now Hospice Foundation for Outreach.
This name change reflects more than a new title—it represents our growing purpose and the expanding impact of our work across communities beyond the Ozarks. While our roots are planted firmly in southwest Missouri, our mission has evolved. We’re no longer just funding local nonprofits; we’re leading national conversations, programs, and partnerships that are reshaping how end-of-life care is approached in communities across the country.
The Dues of Dying: Why Planning Ahead Matters—Financially, Legally, and Emotionally
The recent InvestigateTV segment, “Dues of Dying: Why Death Without a Plan Costs More Money, Time,” features our friend Joe Miller from Springfield, MO, and highlights the critical importance of advance care planning—a topic we at Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks address regularly. Watch it here. In the segment, Joe shares his family’s experience navigating […]
Why Conversations Around Death Matter
At Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks, we believe that talking about death is talking about life. We recently came across a powerful article from Northern Express titled “Getting Real About the End,” which features the work of Alua Arthur—author, death doula, and founder of Going with Grace. Her message is deeply aligned with our mission: […]
Creating Spaces of Comfort: The Importance of Social Model Hospice Homes
The journey through end-of-life care is a deeply personal and often challenging experience for both patients and their loved ones. A recent Springfield Daily Citizen article, Finding a Place for a Peaceful Goodbye: A Journey with Esther and Jacob’s Ladder, highlights the importance of having dedicated spaces where individuals can pass with dignity, surrounded by […]
Why You Should Attend the Inaugural End-of-Life Care Summit 2025
The End-of-Life Care Summit 2025 is more than just a conference—it’s a movement to illuminate the needs of fragile patient populations and promote better outcomes for individuals, caregivers, and medical professionals. This inaugural event, hosted by Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks, is an extraordinary opportunity to gather, learn, and grow alongside passionate professionals dedicated to […]
Embracing Conversations: National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
November marks National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to recognize the vital role hospice and palliative care play in providing comfort, dignity, and support to patients and their families during life’s most challenging moments. It is also a powerful reminder to educate ourselves and our loved ones about end-of-life care and planning—a conversation […]