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Oxford News
Oxford Voted Best Home Health Care Agency for Eighth Year
In February 2010, Oxford HealthCare was named Best Home Health Care Agency for the eighth consecutive year in the Springfield News-Leader’s Best of the Ozarks survey. Oxford is the only home care agency to receive the award since the inception of the poll and considers it a privilege to care for the people in our community.
New Executive Director Leads Mid-Missouri Expansion
Oxford's recent expansion to Boone and 10 surrounding counties in central Missouri has brought a full range of home care services to the area. Scott Andrews has been named the new Executive Director for Mid-Missouri and will help facilitate this expansion. Andrews has over 11 years of home care experience and is a former board chairman and member of the Missouri Council for In-Home Services and the Missouri Alliance for Home Care.
"Oxford is a great home care choice for Columbia and central Missouri. The combination of innovative technology, dedicated staff delivering excellent patient care, and a complete line of home care programs will allow residents to live as independently as possible in their own homes," said Andrews.
Oxford Expands Services in West Plains Area
Oxford is pleased to announce the addition of Holly Isom as Regional Director with the responsibility of overseeing and expanding services in West Plains and the nine surrounding counties. Isom, an RN, has 12 years of home care experience and will be the administrator of the Oxford HealthCare West Plains office.
"Oxford has been serving people in the West Plains area for many years, and we look forward to expanding our services and territory with a local office," said Karen Thomas, Oxford President. "Holly's wealth of knowledge and experience will help assure that services meet Oxford's high standards, and she will be hiring additional local nurses, aides and caregivers to help serve the people of the area."
Another Top Dog Joins Oxford's Hospice Team
Oxford has added another furry friend to the team. A golden retriever named Spirit and her handler, Trish Black, have made pet therapy available for Oxford's Hospice patients in Joplin. Oxford Hospice is pleased to provide pet therapy throughout our service area with Spirit in Joplin and Pumpkin in Springfield.
Snow Ball Helps Seniors Celebrate the Season
Oxford Outreach celebrated the holiday season with area seniors at the first annual Snow Ball, Senior Prom on December 5. CoxHealth Meyer Center was transformed into a winter wonderland where more than 400 guests danced the night away to live music from Wings of Swing. The Snow Ball was complete with a celebrity host, Paul Satterfield, who has starred in films and on TV. One of the evening highlights was the recognition of volunteers who serve in our community and the crowning of Snow Ball king and queen from among the nominees.
Columbia Open House Marks Six-County Expansion
Columbia Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors, Oxford representatives and local visitors gathered at Oxford's new Columbia office for a ribbon cutting and open house Oct. 7, in recognition of the recent expansion of Oxford to Boone and five surrounding counties in central Missouri. The new office at 1400 Heriford Rd., Suite 104 offers a full range of home care services.
Oxford finalized an agreement with University of MIssouri Health Care for the acquisition of Sinclair Home Care, effective July 1, and moved the office to the new location Aug. 26. Columbia-area residents can contact Oxford regarding services or employment by calling 573-474-1530 or 1-800-749-6555.
Springfield Business Journal Names Oxford Executive a Most Influential Woman
Springfield Business Journal named Oxford Executive Director of In-Home Services Kim Sisk as one of "Twenty Most Influential Women" in southwest Missouri for 2009 at a banquet on Sept. 25. Sisk was honored as a highly gifted leader who has made a positive impact on the lives of the elderly and disabled populations for whom she has long been a strong advocate. She began her career as a caregiver and now oversees the largest In-Home Services program in Missouri, where she is responsible for 900 employees who care for almost 2,000 clients. Sisk was also honored for her volunteer leadership in community organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, the American Heart Association and the Missouri In-Home Services program.
Oxford Outreach Appoints Inaugural Advisory Board
Oxford Outreach recently appointed its inaugural advisory board members to a one-year term. Bonnie Bell, President of Sales and Talk-Show Host, Meyer Communications; Sen. Norma Champion (R)-30; Roy W. Holand, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon,
Ferrell-Duncan Clinic; and Stephen Visio, President, Executive Data Control, Inc., will serve as community liaisons and assist with program planning. Oxford Outreach provides caring people with volunteer opportunities that enhance the lives of patients, families and others in need throughout the Springfield and Branson metro areas. For additional information or to volunteer, please contact Community Outreach Coordinator Sheila Boutwell at 800-749-6555.
Oxford Outreach--Reaching Beyond Ourselves
In response to the changing economy and many community needs, Oxford is coordinating an effort whereby volunteers from throughout the area can make a difference in the lives of those in their community. A new program, Oxford Outreach--Reaching Beyond Ourselves, will give caring people an opportunity to come together and use their special gifts and abilities to touch the lives of Oxford patients and families as well as others in need.
The public is invited to join the efforts by volunteering. There are many opportunities to serve in various areas, and any person with a heart to serve and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others is a potential member of Oxford Outreach. To volunteer, or for additional information, please contact Community Outreach Coordinator Sheila Boutwell at 800-749-6555.
Oxford Opens Columbia, Missouri Office July 1
Oxford HealthCare has finalized an agreement with University of Missouri Health Care for the acquisition of Sinclair Home Care, effective July 1, 2009. Oxford's new office in Columbia provides a full range of services including Medicare home health care, private duty services, state-funded personal care and homemaker services, consumer directed services, telemonitoring and Lifeline Medical Alert. With the expansion of services, Oxford is currently in the process of hiring additional nurses, therapists, aides, and in-home aides in Randolph, Howard, Cooper, Boone, Callaway, Audrain and Cole counties. Individuals in the Columbia area can contact Oxford HealthCare regarding services or employment by calling 1-800-749-6555.
Partner with
Oxford HealthCare wants to make sure that anyone in our community can enjoy a cool breath of fresh air. When the temperatures soar and the heat index tops the charts young children, senior citizens, and those with other health concerns suffer. Many of these people do not have air conditioning.
Oxford HealthCare is asking for your help to donate fans immediately that will be distributed to those in need. New electric fans or funding for fans can be dropped off at the Oxford HealthCare office, 3660 S. National,
Requests for the fans may be made by calling 417-883-7500 or 1-800-749-6555.
Collaboration Helps Patient Catch Big Dream
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Dream Foundation, Eric's Elite Guide Service of Nixa and Oxford Hospice, 62-year-old hospice patient Gary Martin was able to catch his most longed-for wish of spending a day on the lake with his grandson Jacob Ballard. June 11, the Dream Foundation hosted Martin's medical transportation, Eric Olliverson volunteered his professional fishing-guide services and Oxford arranged details for a special fishing-trip-of-a-lifetime for Martin and Ballard. Martin also enjoyed seven catches and hundreds of bites.
Oxford Team Supports Kidney Foundation
Oxford employees Chuck Mathews and Steve Fortner raised $405 participating in the National Kidney Foundation's May 30 Kidney Walk at Phelps Grove Park. Proceeds go toward patient and community services, public and professional education programs, kidney research and patient advocacy.
Oxford Team Raises Funds for American Heart Association
April 25, a team of Oxford walkers raised $989 to benefit the American Heart Association during its annual Start! Heart Walk. Proceeds help provide research, advocacy and professional and public education programs to prevent heart disease.
Oxford Hospice Expands, Serves 17 Counties
Oxford Hospice has expanded its services to include Barry, Barton and McDonald counties, bringing to 17 the number of southwest Missouri counties it now serves with compassionate end-of-life care. The expansion will allow patients and their families in those areas to benefit from important services that are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. It will also allow for a strong continuum of care for patients there who are already receiving other Oxford services and whose conditions make hospice an appropriate option.
Joplin Business Journal Honors Oxford Health Care Heroes
The Joplin Business Journal named three Oxford employees as Health Care Heroes at an awards ceremony March 31 in Joplin.
Oxford Regional Director of In-Home Services Wes McGuirk received recognition for developing innovative computerized scheduling processes that have enhanced patient care, employee and client satisfaction and various business indicators.
Wound Care Coordinator Jerri Richardson, AB, BSN, RN, CWOCN, was honored for launching and leading Oxford's Joplin wound-care specialty program that has provided 14 years of standards-setting care to thousands of southwest Missourians.
In-Home Aide Rosie Hubert received an award for her extraordinary efforts on behalf of clients and for her response to emergencies. She provides exemplary care and does much more than is normally expected because she deeply cares about her clients.
Oxford President Appointed to National Home Care Boards
The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) recently reappointed Oxford President Karen Thomas to a one-year term on its Private Duty Home Care Association Advisory Board and as an ex officio member of its Home Care Technology Association of America Advisory Board. NAHC helps assure that the voice of the home care and hospice communities is heard in
Oxford
The Missouri Senate, Ninety-fourth General Assembly, recently extended congratulations to Oxford Vice President Cheryl Fitch for being named one of "Twenty Most Influential Women in Southwest Missouri for 2008" by the Springfield Business Journal. Fitch received the recognition for influencing legislators and
Joplin
Employees from Oxford's Joplin office raised $820 to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters during the charity's March 7 annual Bowl for Kids' Sake. Oxford In-Home Services Regional Director Wes McGuirk noted that
Partnerships Help Keep Patients Safe
KOLR Spotlights Oxford Hospice Dog
KOLR spotlighted Pumpkin, Oxford Hospice dog, as a special “live” guest during newscasts Jan. 29, complementing “A Paw to Hold,” a feature story about her by KOLR Reporter Emily Baucum and Photojournalist Glennon Williams. To discover how Pumpkin comforts hospice patients, click here.
Oxford HealthCare is Not Associated with Oxford Health Plans
National news sources have recently reported on a settlement between UnitedHealth Group and the New York Attorney General's office regarding patient reimbursements by an insurance company called Oxford Health Plans. We have received questions from individuals thinking this is our company. Oxford HealthCare Home Care and Hospice is not, and has never been, associated with either company. Oxford HealthCare is a part of CoxHealth, based in Springfield. The similarity in company names is nothing more than coincidence.
New E-newsletter Highlights Home Care and Hospice
Oxford's quarterly Care Update is now available via E-mail. You can register to receive it and other helpful information by clicking on "Join Our E-mail List" under the "Contact Us" section of the Home page. The free publication features home care and hospice news and human-interest stories about Oxford's clients and employees.
KOLR's "Tom's Ozarks Marketplace" Spotlights Oxford
Once a month at 9 a.m. Thursday, KOLR's "Tom's Ozarks Marketplace" showcases Oxford's standards-setting programs and services. Previous shows can be accessed at OzarksFirst.com under Tom's Ozarks Marketplace, and the next upcoming Oxford segment is scheduled for Jan. 15.
Oxford Offers Assistance in Applying for Free or Reduced-price Prescriptions
Oxford is now able to assist clients, employees and the general public in accessing income-based medication-assistance programs that offer hundreds of free or reduced-price prescriptions. Additional details are available by calling an Oxford Care Coordinator at 417-883-7500 or 1-800-749-6555.
Joplin Business Journal Names Oxford Employee to 40 Under 40
Joplin Business Journal recently named Carl Wilson, Oxford Regional Director, Joplin, among its 40 Under 40 honorees during an October 21 banquet in Joplin. The annual award recognizes 40 individuals under the age of 40 for outstanding leadership, community involvement and contributions to the workplace. An independent panel of judges selects winners from nominees throughout 21 counties in Mo., Okla., and Kan. Wilson is well known within the Joplin community for his strong advocacy for the elderly, veterans and special-needs children. He was recognized for his outstanding leadership, unique ability to inspire teamwork, commitment to health care community education, contributions as a youth sports coach and compassionate dedication to Oxford clients and employees.
Springfield Business Journal Names Oxford VP as a Most Influential Woman
Springfield Business Journal named Oxford's Vice President Cheryl Fitch as one of 20 Most Influential Women in Southwest Missouri at an awards banquet September 26 at the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, Springfield. Fitch is a prominent national and state leader in home care issues and a widely influential advocate for the health and welfare of the elderly and disabled. Her accomplishments include spearheading a high-tech health-monitoring network for Medicaid patients that has significantly enhanced the quality of life for thousands of Missourians, reduced Medicaid recipients' unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency room visits by up to half and saved Missouri millions of dollars in Medicaid expenditures.
Oxford Aide Receives Southwest Missouri Office on Aging Scholarship
Southwest Missouri Office on Aging Foundation awarded Oxford In-Home Aide Frantine Speer a $1,000 scholarship at its August board meeting in Springfield. Speer was recommended for the award based on her "dedication, hard work, quick and consistent attention to needs and kind respect for all those with whom she interacts." Each year, the foundation awards a scholarship to one promising gerontology student. Frantine graduated from OTC with an associate degree and is currently a student at Drury University working toward a career in social work or academic research. Besides six years of home care service to the elderly, she has extensive experience as a volunteer/mentor for elementary school children at Schweitzer United Methodist Church.
Council of Churches Honors Oxford Lifeline Volunteers
The Council of Churches of the Ozarks named Oxford Lifeline volunteers Ralph and Retha Bowman 2008 Volunteers of the Year during a June 26 luncheon at Bass Pro Outdoor World's White River Room. The couple and eight other recipients received the council's annual Gift of Time award for contributing thousands of hours to enhance the quality of life for others in the community. The Bowmans have worked in 2,692 homes, traveled 51,000 miles and logged nearly 17,500 hours of service.
Hearts for Hospice Fundraiser Generates Fun and Generosity
Oxford's first annual Hearts for Hospice Fundraiser generated fun and nearly $4,000 at the agency's Sunshine office in Springfield June 20. Antique cars, frozen custard, kids' games, clowns, raffles and music and theater groups helped raise funds to provide hospice patients and their families with assistance, including nutritional supplements, medications, equipment, household supplies, groceries, funeral expenses and travel costs for family members visiting a loved one or attending a funeral. Sixty sponsors generously contributed their time and resources to help make the fundraiser a success.
Oxford VP Named to State and National Leadership Positions
Cheryl Fitch, Oxford Vice President of Community Relations, was elected as a member of the regulatory affairs subcommittee for the National Association for Home Care and Hospice, located in Washington, D.C., and was confirmed as a board member of the Missouri Alliance for Home Care. Both agencies advocate for home care and hospice organizations and clients.
Joplin Business Journal Names Oxford Aide a Health Care Hero
The Joplin Business Journal recently named Oxford In-Home Aide Lisa Barber a Health Care Hero for her excellence and commitment in caregiving and for making a significant impact on the quality of health care. Lisa received the award at a ceremony on March 26 in Joplin.
The winner in the Health Care Provider category, Barber received recognition for delivering standard-setting care to her patients and members of the community. During a severe ice storm, she cared for her patients and stayed in close proximity to them by living in her van for two weeks, despite having sustained a back injury from a falling tree limb. Last year, she saved a motorcycle accident victim from leg amputation by providing first aid, and, another day, delivered a baby for a neighbor of an Oxford patient.
The annual competition, which has seven categories, recognizes and honors health care excellence and innovation, educates the business community about outstanding health care accomplishments, and encourages emulation of the honorees.
KOLR-10 Spotlights Oxford On "Tom's Ozarks Marketplace"
Thurs., March 13, at 9 a.m. KOLR's Tom Trtan showcased Oxford HealthCare on "Tom's Ozarks Marketplace," the area's first local broadcast television home shopping program. Trtan and Oxford's President Karen Thomas and Vice President of Community Relations Cheryl Fitch joined in a lively conversation highlighting the agency's standards-setting, innovative programs that help people of all ages remain independent at home. Once every other month from March through January 2009, the weekly Thursday morning show will also spotlight specific Oxford services such as Lifeline medical alert, telemonitoring and hospice. Previous shows can be accessed at OzarksFirst.com under Tom's Ozarks Marketplace.
Oxford Named Best Home Health Care Agency
For the sixth consecutive year, the Springfield News-Leader has named Oxford HealthCare as the "Best Home Health Care Agency" in its "Best of the Ozarks" readers' survey. Results for 2007 were announced in February 2008, and Oxford is the only home care agency to receive the award since the inception of the poll.
"We are thankful for our dedicated employees who make such a difference in the lives of others and for the many people who voted for us," says Oxford President Karen Thomas. "Oxford appreciates the News-Leader's 'Best of the Ozarks' vote and is committed to continuing a thirty-plus year tradition of excellence."
Oxford and Northview Center Offer Wellness Fair and Free Health Screenings
Oxford HealthCare and Northview Center (formerly Doling Family Center) invited seniors ages 55 and up to receive free health care screenings Thurs., Feb. 28. Representatives from Oxford provided bone density, blood pressure and glucose screenings, with Wal-Mart Vision Center offering vision tests and Preferred Hearing Care, hearing assessments. Participants signed up for a complimentary gift-basket drawing, which included a handmade throw and dinner certificates to local restaurants.
Ribbon Cutting Marks Expansion of Oxford's Hospice Program
Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce ambassadors, Oxford representatives and visitors gathered at Oxford's Joplin office for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tues., Feb. 26, in recognition of the recent expansion of Oxford's Hospice program in Jasper, Newton, Dade, Lawrence, and Barry counties, including Monett, Mo. The new program is designed to meet the special needs of area patients and families who are facing a life-threatening illness. Oxford President Karen Thomas presented remarks at the ceremony, where refreshments were served.
Oxford's team of highly qualified professionals is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of patients and families, especially at a time when illness limits life expectancy. Hospice services include pain and symptom management, skilled nursing care, bereavement counseling, personal care and housekeeping assistance and provision of medical equipment, supplies and medications.
New Journeys Support Group Provides Gentle Healing for Grief
The grieving process can lead to gentle healing with the help of Oxford's Hospice Team and its newest support group: Journeys. Caring team members will connect people experiencing grief with the help they need so they can begin the journey of renewing their hope, understanding their feelings and coping with their loss.
Senior centers are the setting for the friendly, caring groups, which began Feb. 19 in Aurora, Feb. 19 in Monett, and Feb. 22 in Crane. For additional information, call Renee at 417-883-7500 ext. 3235 or 800-749-6555.
HomeCare Innovations Cover Story Features Oxford CEO
The cover story for the premiere January/February 2008 issue of HomeCare Innovations, a nationally distributed magazine published for the home care industry, features Oxford President Karen Thomas and her pioneering work in telemedicine.
The article relates how Thomas and Oxford have taken telemonitoring into new territory--Medicaid and private insurance coverage. Under Thomas' leadership, Oxford introduced telemonitoring technology to southwest Missouri and to Missouri's Medicaid program with dramatic outcomes. Telemonitoring reduces unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency room visits by up to half and thereby also decreases health care costs.
Oxford Supervisor and Family Receive Award on Behalf of Newborns In Need
Oxford Business Services Supervisor Amber Albert and her family received a Community Block Builder Award from Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Inc. at an awards presentation in January 2008. The Alberts received the award on behalf of the Springfield chapter of Newborns In Need (NIN) because they are models of dedication to the nonprofit organization and have helped build volunteerism and community service in children. NIN regularly donates handmade layettes to more than 50 facilities in southwest Missouri, including hospitals, clinics and foster-care programs. At Christmas, the Alberts helped make and fill 192 stockings with quilts, blankets, toiletries, booties, bibs, hats, bottles, pacifiers and Bibles. NIN has about 40 volunteers who work with them on a regular basis.
Oxford President Receives Missourian Award
Karen Thomas, President of Oxford HealthCare received the prestigious Missourian Award September 29, 2007 at a ceremony in Jefferson City. The Missourian Award is an acknowledgement of the most accomplished citizens of the state of Missouri for their outstanding contributions to the state in civics, business, arts or politics. Recipients must be Missouri natives or long-time residents.
Thomas was one of twelve recipients of the 2007 award. Past recipients include newsman Walter Cronkite, developer John Q. Hammons and Bass Pro shops founder John L. Morris along with President Harry S. Truman, General John J. Pershing, Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and Walt Disney.
Joplin Business Journal Names Oxford Employee to 40 Under 40
Wes McGuirk, Regional Director for In-Home Services in Joplin was named to the Joplin Business Journal's first group of 40 Under 40 at an awards dinner held on September 25, 2007 in Joplin. This award honors forty top upcoming professionals under age 40 for their leadership, community involvement, and contributions to the workplace.
Wes is an excellent manager and has a strong commitment to excellence. But beyond knowledge and internal drive, he has a compassion that sets his leadership apart. In addition to his work at Oxford, Wes is also active in several community service organizations, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the American Cancer Society, and the Southwest Missouri Alzheimer's Association.
Missouri Council for In-Home Services Recognizes Oxford Employees
Several Oxford employees were recognized at the Missouri Council for In-Home Services awards ceremony held September 10, 2007 in Springfield. The Council is comprised of more than 80 In-Home Services providers throughout the state, and it recognizes employees each year for outstanding leadership and service to clients.
Susan Anderson, Executive Director of Oxford's In-Home Services Division with offices in Springfield, Joplin and Branson received the Council's 2007 Leadership Award. She was chosen from among all her peers for her outstanding leadership in the industry throughout the state.
At the same ceremony, Geselle Scott and Terri Chambell, Field Coordinators and In-Home Aides for Oxford in Joplin were recognized by the Council as the 2007 Above and Beyond Caregiver Award winners. Another In-Home Aide, Lisa Barber, was also nominated for the award. They were all recognized for their outstanding acts of care and compassion that went above and beyond the call of duty. Carolyn Clark, RN was nominated for the 2007 Professional Caregiver Award.
New Oxford HealthCare Web Site
Work is in process on the new Oxford HealthCare web site. This site includes more information, videos and a new design that we hope you will find helpful. Please keep checking back for additional information and new features.
Oxford HealthCare Radio Show
We are pleased to announce a new radio program hosted by Oxford HealthCare on KWTO 560 AM Mondays at 3:00 p.m. starting September 3, 2007. Boomer—News and Views is an informative hour filled with discussions directed to the largest segment of today’s population—the baby boomers. The focus is to provide valuable information for listeners age 45 and older. Oxford brings together local professionals, who are respected and seen as experts in their fields, to discuss real life. The subjects will encompass such issues as health, wellness, home care, finances, pharmacy, and many other areas of interest. We invite you to join us!
Snow Ball Helps Seniors Celebrate the Season
Oxford Outreach celebrated the holiday season with area seniors at the first annual Snow Ball, Senior Prom on December 5. CoxHealth Meyer Center was transformed into a winter wonderland where more than 400 guests danced the night away to live music from Wings of Swing. The Snow Ball was complete with a celebrity host, Paul Satterfield, who has starred in films and on TV. One of the evening highlights was the recognition of volunteers who serve in our community and the crowning of Snow Ball king and queen from among the nominees.
Columbia Open House to Mark Six-County Expansion