As the Relay for Life of Mercer County Radiothon airs on WRMJ, local voices are helping listeners better understand the realities of cancer care and the services that support patients and their families. One of those voices is Shelly Larson, a registered nurse and clinical referral specialist with MercyOne Genesis Hospice and Home Health Care. In a conversation with WRMJ’s Terry James, Larson offered a compassionate and detailed look at hospice care—what it provides, when it becomes appropriate, and how it supports both patients and their loved ones.
“Hospice is not about giving up,” Larson said. “It’s about making the most of the days a person has left—focusing on comfort and quality time.” Hospice care, she explained, is a benefit covered by Medicare Part A and some private insurance plans. It includes nursing visits, medications, medical equipment such as hospital beds and oxygen, and 24-hour access to care for urgent medical needs or even just emotional support during difficult moments. “Sometimes it’s just important to have someone you can call in the middle of the night to talk—or cry,” she said.
While hospice is often associated with cancer care, it is available for any patient facing a terminal illness. The decision to enter hospice can be made at any stage, but Larson said it often comes when a patient chooses to stop treatments or hospitalizations and prioritize time at home with loved ones. Each patient is assigned a team that may include their primary care physician, a hospice medical director, nurse practitioner, social worker, and chaplain. Larson noted that MercyOne Genesis also offers music therapy, pet therapy, and even special planning to help patients attend important life events like weddings, graduations, or short trips.
One particularly moving example came from a family who had an anniversary trip planned to Texas. With the help of hospice, arrangements were made to ensure the patient could safely travel and receive care while away. “Our goal is always to meet patients where they are in their journey,” Larson said.
Hospice care also provides support for caregivers, who are often exhausted and overwhelmed by the demands of round-the-clock care. With the hospice team’s help, caregivers learn how to care for themselves as well as their loved one. For many, the option to receive care at home makes a meaningful difference. “While that’s not right for everyone, many see it as an important part of quality of life,” Larson said.
Community involvement plays a crucial role in the success of hospice programs. Larson emphasized the importance of volunteers and the need for broader public understanding. “Even if hospice isn’t appropriate yet, getting the right information out into the community can help people recognize the support that’s available,” she said. MercyOne Genesis offers in-person meetings or phone consultations to help families understand their options and what hospice care might look like for their unique situation.
For those seeking more information, Larson encourages reaching out directly to Mercy One Genesis Hospice and Home Health Care by calling 563-421-5400. “We meet people wherever they are,” she said.
As today’s Relay for Life Radiothon continues, the stories shared on-air—including Shelly Larson’s—highlight not just the medical side of the cancer journey, but the emotional strength and community support that makes healing and comfort possible.