What is hospice?
Most of us have heard the term “hospice,” but many misconceptions still exist. One common myth is that hospice is a place. It’s not; hospice is a type of medical care for patients who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. Comfort care and symptom management become the primary focus, rather than ongoing efforts to find a cure.
Avalon Hospice cares for patients of all ages wherever they call home: in their own or a family member’s home, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility anywhere across our coverage area.

In the Home
Many patients with advanced illnesses may remain in the comfort and security of their own homes while receiving hospice care. Directed by physicians, registered nurses coordinate the activities of our hospice care teams that visit these patients. Services can include physician-directed care, Registered Nurse visits, Home Health Aide visits, Social Worker services, Chaplain assistance, volunteer support, medications and equipment related to diagnosis, 24-7-365 availability of staff, and bereavement services.

In a Nursing Home
Avalon Hospice does not replace nursing home care; it actually supplements those services. As part of that extra care, a hospice nurse will visit the person as part of scheduled care. However, the patient’s nursing home physician will remain in charge of all care, with the hospice nurse following orders from that doctor. Avalon Hospice has a registered nurse on call every night, including weekends. During a change in a patient’s condition, an Avalon Hospice nurse can be dispatched to address and alleviate any concerns. Avalon Hospice also will provide medications and medical supplies related to the patient’s hospice diagnosis for symptom control and pain relief. Other services hospice provides in the nursing home include extra bathing and personal care, hospice chaplain, hospice social workers, volunteer support, and bereavement services. Avalon Hospice acts as an extra set of hands, eyes, and ears in working with facility staff to ensure your family member is as comfortable as possible.
Avalon Hospice is located on the square in downtown Neosho, and we are honored to be called upon to serve our community. Please don’t hesitate to call with questions, or if you think someone you know might benefit from our services.

Always Available, Always Ready… Always Avalon
417-212-0888
417-208-7401