Hand In Hand Hospice

09/18/2025

Every September, we recognize Healthy Aging Month to promote ways people can stay healthy as they age.

Explore our efforts to promote health for older adults
https://odphp.health.gov/our-work/national-health-initiatives/healthy-aging/about-healthy-aging

Bookmark the Healthy People 2030 Healthy Aging Custom List
https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/custom-list?list=odphps-healthy-aging-custom-list

Share our Move Your Way® materials
https://odphp.health.gov/moveyourway -adults

or

Check out the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report it’s all about strategies to help older adults stay active.
https://odphp.health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/physical-activity-guidelines/current-guidelines/midcourse-report

Source: US Department of Health and Human Service

In business since 1983, Hand In Hand Hospice is the local, five-star not-for-profit hospice organization in Emporia, Kansas. We serve the residents of Lyon, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage and Chase County and parts of Wabaunsee, Anderson, Woodson & Butler counties. It is our commitment to you and to those you love to provide outstanding support, guidance, and care.

Healthy living is healthy aging. Developing and maintaining healthy aging practices throughout the lifespan contributes to greater resilience and opportunities to thrive as we age — from infancy through older adulthood. At ODPHP, our Healthy Aging work is grounded in research that demonstrates:H...

09/11/2025

In business since 1983, Hand In Hand Hospice is the local, five-star not-for-profit hospice organization in Emporia, Kansas. We serve the residents of Lyon, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage and Chase County and parts of Wabaunsee, Anderson, Woodson & Butler counties. It is our commitment to you and to those you love to provide outstanding support, guidance, and care.

08/30/2025

Today, is National Grief Awareness Day, but for most people it’s just another day they no longer have their loved one.
Grief is universal and often described as passing through five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. It can also be described in seven stages that elaborate on the complexities of grief, such as feelings of guilt.

Visit https://tr.ee/Ysvxn-du2r for more information on what to expect in dealing with the loss of a loved one.

In business since 1983, Hand In Hand Hospice is the local, five-star Medicare rated not-for-profit hospice organization in Emporia, Kansas. We serve the residents of Lyon, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage and Chase County and parts of Wabaunsee, Anderson, Woodson & Butler counties. It is our commitment to you and to those you love to provide outstanding support, guidance, and care.

08/21/2025

People think “death” when they hear the word Hospice. Hospice is about providing comfort, support, and providing care for not only the patient, but for their loved ones, too.

Learn about what Hospice is by visiting:

https://tr.ee/gCN8DOfhEn

In business since 1983, Hand In Hand Hospice is the local, not-for-profit hospice organization in Emporia, Kansas. We serve the residents of Lyon, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage and Chase County and parts of Wabaunsee, Anderson, Woodson & Butler counties. It is our commitment to you and to those you love to provide outstanding support, guidance, and care.

08/14/2025

“As people who care about caregivers, we have a role to play.”

Follow this link to help a friend who is likely overwhelmed by being a caregiver.

https://tr.ee/XW3RGVfYmr

In business since 1983, Hand In Hand Hospice is the local, not-for-profit hospice organization in Emporia, Kansas. We serve the residents of Lyon, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage and Chase County and parts of Wabaunsee, Anderson, Woodson & Butler counties. It is our commitment to you and to those you love to provide outstanding support, guidance, and care.

08/12/2025

When people hear the name Connie Cahoone, they typically think of her being the Executive Director of S.O.S. for twelve years. She has earned an impeccable reputation of being a staunch advocate for the underdog, for empowering not only women, but people in general. She is a strong woman of faith, having led Bible studies in the past.

In her retirement, Connie serves as a Hand In Hand Hospice volunteer. She wanted to become a Hospice volunteer, after helping a friend as she battled cancer.

“I walked through a friend’s cancer journey. It was the hardest and most fulfilling thing I have ever done. I helped bring others around my friend to decorate for her birthday and Christmas. I helped to bring in meals, sing worship songs, all for Brenda,” said Connie. “I saw how Hospice helped her and I wanted to give back to help others.”

Connie curiosity makes her an enthusiastic lifelong learner.

“I try to be calm when I, or others, are under pressure. I work to think of others and their needs; the why and what that makes them who they are,” said Connie. “I care a lot about others. I am always looking for ways to improve and continue to learn and grow.”

“Everyone should be able to die with dignity, if possible,” said Connie. “Dying is part of life, but not all are ready for it.”

Erin Reece, Volunteer Coordinator, was thrilled when Connie came on board.

“When Connie signed up to become a Hospice volunteer, I automatically knew it was the perfect fit for her and our team. She is a woman I have deeply admired for many years. She automatically connects with people and is a strong shoulder for them to always be able to lean on. Her compassion and empathy are refreshing.”

In business since 1983, Hand In Hand Hospice is the local, five-star Medicare rated not-for-profit hospice organization in Emporia, Kansas. We serve the residents of Lyon, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage and Chase County and parts of Wabaunsee, Anderson, Woodson & Butler counties. It is our commitment to you and to those you love to provide outstanding support, guidance, and care.

07/31/2025

In business since 1983, Hand In Hand Hospice is the local, five-star Medicare rated not-for-profit hospice organization in Emporia, Kansas. We serve the residents of Lyon, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage and Chase County and parts of Wabaunsee, Anderson, Woodson & Butler counties. It is our commitment to you and to those you love to provide outstanding support, guidance, and care.

07/24/2025

When should I call Hand In Hand Hospice?

Many patients who receive hospice care say they wish they had known about hospice earlier. It is appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s care options, including hospice, at any time when faced with a life-limiting illness. By law, the decision belongs to the patient. Many people are not comfortable talking about the end of life. The hospice team is sensitive to these concerns and is always available to discuss them with the patient, family, and physicians.

Hospice serves those who are at the end-stage (having a life expectancy of six months or less) of any disease. As health care changes and chronic diseases increase, hospice serves a widening range of patients. People commonly served by hospice include those with cancer, diseases of the heart and lungs (CHF, COPD), AIDS, ALS (Lou Gehrig´s disease) and Alzheimer´s disease.

It takes time to say good-bye to immediate and extended family and friends. Patients and families benefit from the expertise and guidance that hospice provides during the last months of life.

In business since 1983, Hand In Hand Hospice is the local, five-star Medicare rated not-for-profit hospice organization in Emporia, Kansas. We serve the residents of Lyon, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage and Chase County and parts of Wabaunsee, Anderson, Woodson & Butler counties. It is our commitment to you and to those you love to provide outstanding support, guidance, and care.

07/17/2025

There are some angels who walk on this earth among us and Lisa Brinkman is one of those rare, genuine, and sweet souls.

Lisa has been happily married for over forty-years. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their three adult children, along with their spouses, and their five grandchildren.

Her family and friends bring her joy. She loves playing the piano, the organ, singing, and loves to read.

She describes herself as a happy-go-lucky personality with a glass half-full outlook on life.

Lisa absolutely loves helping. In addition to being a stellar volunteer for Hand In Hand Hospice, she is a weekly volunteer for her church.

“I love being around different personalities. I just love people,” she said.

Hospice is nothing new to Lisa. She helped care for her Mother-in-Law, her Father-In-Law, and her brother. She served as a caretaker for her brother during his dying process.

The reason she wanted to be a Hospice volunteer was simple.

“To support patients and families through the difficult time of the end-of-life,” she said.

Erin Reece, Volunteer Coordinator, appreciates the multiple strengths Lisa brings to the team.

“Lisa is always willing to help. She has done a tremendous job of helping with administrative tasks, such as preparing our Angel Tree ornaments and bereavement letters. She is extremely detailed oriented and very efficient,” said Erin. “She has also provided respite relief so a caregiver could run some errands. Lisa is truly a bright and sparkling soul on our team, and we are so appreciative of her support.”

In business since 1983, Hand In Hand Hospice is the local, five-star Medicare rated not-for-profit hospice organization in Emporia, Kansas. We serve the residents of Lyon, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage and Chase County and parts of Wabaunsee, Anderson, Woodson & Butler counties. It is our commitment to you and to those you love to provide outstanding support, guidance, and care.

07/10/2025

Debunking Hospice Myths

https://linktr.ee/hihhospice

When many people hear the term “hospice” they often associate it with end-of-life care and a short prognosis. However, recent research and expert insights show that hospice care is not solely about providing comfort in the final stages of life; it’s also about enhancing the quality of life and promoting longevity through comprehensive support and specialized care.

Hospice care focuses on relieving pain, managing symptoms and improving comfort. By addressing these aspects of care, individuals receiving hospice support often experience enhanced quality of life, allowing them to live more comfortably for longer periods of time.
Source: Heartlinks

In business since 1983, Hand In Hand Hospice is the local, five-star Medicare rated not-for-profit hospice organization in Emporia, Kansas. We serve the residents of Lyon, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage and Chase County and parts of Wabaunsee, Anderson, Woodson & Butler counties. It is our commitment to you and to those you love to provide outstanding support, guidance, and care.

06/26/2025

Tammy Wyatt knows how to put the petal to the metal when she is determined to get something done. That goes both professionally and personally, as she has even raced a dirt track racecar.

Tammy was a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) when she started with Hand In Hand Hospice in 2020, however, she continued to work full time and went back to school to become a Registered Nurse Case Manager. (She passed her boards on the first try in July 2024.)

Healthcare is the only career she has known, and she has proven hard work and dedication can take you where you want to be in life.

“I started in the kitchen at the nursing home in Yates Center; while working there I earned my Certified Nursing Assistant. I then worked at Presbyterian Manor for eighteen years,” she said.

“I have worked in Long Term Care my entire nursing career. I was asked by a Hand In Hand Hospice RN, if I would apply for an LPN position they had,” she said. “I really was not looking for another job as I loved Presbyterian Manor, but I believe God had other plans for me. I am so grateful I stepped out of my ‘comfort zone’ and accepted the job with Hand In Hand Hospice. I am honored to be able to work in what I call “Heavens Waiting Room.”

A Yates Center Native, she earned her LPN license from Flint Hills Technical College and her RN license from Rasmussen University.

“When I hear the word Hospice, I think of comfort and living the best life you have left. Eat the ice cream, take the trip, and enjoy every moment,” said Tammy. “Hospice is about not worrying and just living.”

Her favorite quote is by Eleanor Roosevelt. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams, because “if I didn’t believe in my dreams, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

She describes herself as quiet, easygoing, and compassionate.

Her colleagues describe her as extremely caring.

Andrea Elwood, Director of Hand In Hand Hospice, admires Tammy’s dedication and perseverance.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Tammy as an essential part of our team. She is always thinking of ways to not only help our patients, their loved ones, but also her colleagues. She is a tremendous team player and puts her heart into everything she does,” said Andrea.

Her biggest inspiration is her parents. They have always believed that one day she would be an RN.

Her sons, Kolten and Mason, bring her the biggest joy in life. “My boys are my world.”

Tammy and her husband Zach have been together for nearly two decades, he has been her biggest supporter, encouraging her to always chase her dreams.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family. Her sons keep her very busy and when she has some free time, she relaxes by reading or watching TV.

In business since 1983, Hand In Hand Hospice is the local, five-star Medicare rated not-for-profit hospice organization in Emporia, Kansas. We serve the residents of Lyon, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage and Chase County and parts of Wabaunsee, Anderson, Woodson & Butler counties. It is our commitment to you and to those you love to provide outstanding support, guidance, and care.