Going Over and Beyond
By Jeanie Edgmon
Ascend Hospice and Palliative Care provide hospice services across Kansas and Missouri, focusing on patient-centered care and support for families during the final stages of life. The organization aims to be present, reliable, and compassionate, helping patients and their loved ones navigate the challenges of terminal illness with dignity.
L to R: Chris Cole-Director of Business Development, Anne Bartels-Assistant Executive Director, Kaylene Kern-Vice President of Business Development, Jill Recker-Executive Director, Christine Rutledge-Clinical Director, Kym Johnson-Clinical Director
A key part of Ascend’s approach is its vigil program. When patients are nearing the end of life, usually in the final 24 to 48 hours, a team stays at the bedside until the patient passes. This team can include a nurse, home health aide, chaplain, social worker, volunteer or other staff members. Families who do not need someone there continuously are still supported in ways that allow them to rest, shower, or take a break. Jill Recker, the Executive Director, explained that these final hours are sacred moments. “Being at the bedside when someone passes is not only important, it’s an honor and a true privilege” she said.
“Mom’s care team with Ascend were incredible. The care and support they gave to my mom, my dad and myself was incomparable. Veronica, and Caidyn stayed in close communication with me almost daily. Veronica even brought a plant and her dog over to lift mom’s spirits on her birthday. Divina stayed with us the night mom passed until the funeral home came to get her. She was so kind and comforting. I can’t say how much they all turned a sad time into a time of cherishing the time we had left.” -Britt Miller
L to R: Veronica Lamping-RN Case Manager, Divina Wright-Home Health Aide
Recker said hospice work is both challenging and rewarding. Staff experience grief alongside moments of laughter and joy. She explained that the work is emotionally demanding but also deeply meaningful. “Death is inevitable, and leaving this world is no less sacred than entering it. It can be really powerful,” she said.
Ascend goes beyond what Medicare requires, offering extra services that focus on comfort and quality of life. Patients can receive weighted blankets if they have trouble sleeping and weighted dolls for those with dementia. Aromatherapy is used to promote relaxation. Five full-time music therapists and six massage therapists are part of the team, providing therapies that help with physical symptoms, emotional comfort, and overall well-being.
Music therapy can bring back positive memories, calm anxiety, and ease pain or breathing difficulties. Some therapists record a patient’s heartbeat and set it to a favorite song, creating a keepsake that families can treasure. Massage therapy helps with contractures, sore muscles, and general discomfort while providing human touch and reassurance. Recker explained that these therapies are not just extra luxuries, they are an important part of providing compassionate care.
Additional personalized services include hand casting, which allows family members to preserve the feeling of holding their loved one’s hand, and custom music or heartbeat recordings. These efforts help make each hospice experience unique and meaningful. “We make it personal,” Recker said. “It’s not always found in hospice care across the board.”
Ascend has a large, responsive on-call team that includes nurses, home health aides, and other staff. Recker emphasized that being available when needed is a central part of the organization’s care model. “If someone needs us at 3 a.m., we will be there,” she said. This level of responsiveness ensures patients and families feel supported and confident that care is always accessible.
Patient care is guided by the preferences of the patient and their loved ones. Families often know the patient best and Ascend works to make sure care reflects their wishes. Leadership is careful to implement changes smoothly, minimizing disruptions for staff and ensuring patients continue to receive consistent, high-quality care. Recker emphasized that the organization’s focus is on serving patients, not following a rigid agenda.
Ascend employs about 275 staff members and prioritizes their well-being. Hospice work can be emotionally intense, so leadership strives to provide support for staff to process grief, stress, and the demands of the job. Employees also have access to professional development and learning opportunities.
L to R: Julia Goes-RN Case Manager Anne Clark-Clinical Quality Improvement Coordinator
All-staff meetings are a major part of creating a positive culture. These events include educational sessions, team-building activities, and social time with food and games. Themes have included Olympic-style events and western-themed activities. Recker explained that a positive work environment helps staff feel valued and supported, which in turn improves the care they provide. “We want our team to feel happy and appreciated. If they do, they can give their best to their patients,” she said.
Hospice care through Ascend is typically for patients with a prognosis of six months or less. Care is provided in the patient’s home so they can focus on comfort. Services include nursing, home health aides, chaplain support, social work, medications, supplies and medical equipment. All aspects of care are coordinated through a single point of contact, reducing the stress families often face when managing multiple providers. Medicare Part A covers hospice care, and Medicaid and private insurance covers these services as well.
Recker described the value of hospice in practical terms. Patients no longer need to travel to appointments, and families do not have to manage multiple providers. The focus is on comfort, quality of life, and supporting families through the process.
Ascend strives to make hospice care meaningful and personal. Patients have opportunities to participate in activities that bring comfort and joy, such as special dinners with family or receiving the available music and massage therapy. All of this is designed to enhance the patient’s quality of life. These initiatives demonstrate the organization’s commitment to holistic care and patient engagement.
Ascend also contributes to the broader healthcare community. The organization hosts professional symposiums for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. These events offer continuing education and share best practices in end-of-life care. Recker said these initiatives help improve knowledge within the industry and provide opportunities for collaboration among professionals.
Jill Recker, who holds a master’s in social work from the University of Kansas, began her career in family and children’s social work before transitioning to hospice care. She has more than 20 years of experience in hospice and joined Ascend in 2019, becoming Executive Director in 2022. Recker emphasizes that Ascend is focused on providing the highest quality care. The organization currently serves nearly 600 patients and continues to evaluate opportunities for improvement and expansion in both Kansas and Missouri.
In the future, Ascend plans to expand its office locations and continue community engagement initiatives, including additional professional symposiums and learning opportunities for healthcare providers. These efforts demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement in hospice care.
Recker summarized Ascend’s guiding principles by stating, “All we want to do is make this experience the best that we can. It is an honor to help. There is no greater pride. Our mission is to serve those who trust us with their journey.” The organization’s approach combines clinical expertise, holistic therapies, and strong support for both patients and staff, ensuring that hospice care is delivered with dignity, compassion, and respect. Ascend Hospice and Palliative Care exemplify a model of care that is responsive, patient-focused, and forward-thinking, providing comprehensive support to families during some of life’s most significant moments.
For more information on Ascend Hospice and Palliative Care visit ascendhealth.com, or call (913) 287-5678 / (816) 584-8111
