How To Choose - August 2021

HOW TO CHOOSE A...

Parkland

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HOME LOAN

Hearing Aid

TIRES

Final Resting Place SWING BED PROGRAM

CARDIAC REHAB

FUNERAL HOME C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Homes Plaza Tire Service Iron County Medical Center Iron County Medical Center First State Community Bank Hillview Memorial Gardens Hearing Care Partners ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE:

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FUNERAL FACILITY

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o one wants to choose a funeral home or pre-plan a ceremony. But it’s best not to leave these details when one might struggle to make these difficult decisions or leave it to grieving family members to plan the details.

Facing the death of a loved one requires planning that is not easy, but there are ways to make the process a bit easier.

There are several factors people should consider when choosing a funeral facility.

People often select a funeral home because it’s nearby or has been recommended by someone they trust.

For those who have never chosen a funeral home, they may want to rely on friends’ or relatives’ suggestions on which one they should choose.

Friends and family may be able to share valuable information about the facility including staff, prices, services and more.

Brian Boyer, vice president of C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Homes, said asking questions is important when selecting a funeral facility. His father, Charles, always suggested that people ask their local pastors, social workers, and community members to see what funeral home might be the best fit for them.

“I tell families that there’s no right or wrong way when you’re planning a service,” he said. “It’s up to the individual on what they want.”

Boyer said a family member recently did a eulogy at a service at one of their funeral homes where everyone shared stories and laughed. A minister offered words of comfort and scripture, and then songs that meant the most to the deceased were played for everyone to enjoy.

“People walked out of the service feeling like they had truly celebrated that person’s life,” he said.

Boyer said personalization

Brian Boyer, Vice President of C.Z. Boyer & Son Inc. Funeral Homes and fifth generation funeral director is committed to excellent service in your time of need and proud to be part of the Parkland since 1906.

is important. His staff takes care of details to ensure services are meaningful and reflective of the person’s life.

“For us, we have a large, dedicated veteran staff,” he said. “That’s what I think sets us apart from others.”

Boyer said some of their nearly 20 staff members have worked in the industry for 30 years. His dad, now retired, was in the industry his entire life but still remains a part of the family business. The facilities’ directors on staff have at least 15 years of experience in the business.

“That speaks volumes in two different ways,” said Boyer.

“First, they care about what they do because it is a tough occupation to be in for such a long time. And second, it means they have continued

faith to do the job and provide for the families they serve.”

He said a funeral facility’s reputation is another factor people should consider.

“We have one shot to get one of the most important times of someone’s life right, whether it’s a memorial, funeral or graveside service or celebration of their life,” he said. “There is no rewinding.

There are no takebacks. It’s of the utmost importance that we do everything we can for the family we’re serving.”

He said their dedicated staff gives 110% every time, and customer service is always important.

“That’s what our whole industry is based upon,” he said. “Taking care of that family to our utmost ability so they can properly memorialize their

loved one. It’s what we do, and we do it well.”

C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Homes own and operate five locations in St. Francois County, with their largest funeral home located in Desloge.

Hillview Memorial Gardens cemetery and mausoleum and a crematory, both located in Farmington, are also part of the funeral homes.

Boyer said many families in the area had requested cremation for their loved ones.

Although some funeral homes contract this service, C.Z. Boyer & Son do not.

“We take care of all your family’s needs,” said Boyer, “so your loved ones are with us the whole time.”

C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Homes’ staff play an active role in the community by

being members of local organizations, volunteering, and giving back to the community in various ways.

“I don’t even have to encourage it,” said Boyer. “My staff does it all on their own, and it’s a great feeling.”

He said it’s important for them to give back to the community through outreach and not-forprofit organizations.

“I take great pride in this as an owner because I’m able to watch my staff grow and be part of this wonderful community,” said Boyer. “My uncle Ted, dad and grandpa instilled that in me, so it’s always been a part of my family’s life.”

C.Z. BOYER & SON FUNERAL HOMES CZBoyer.com

Funeral Planning Quick Reference Guide Legal information needed when arranging a funeral: Symbolizing Trust & Caring Service since 1906

Full Legal Name Date of Birth Place of Birth Education & Occupation Social Security Number Parents Names Military Discharge Papers

Information needed to help complete obituary:

Funeral Planning Guides Available Call any of our locations to set an appointment at one of our funeral homes or your home today.

No Cost & No Obligation

Personal attention is given to each family.

Our experienced and caring staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Bonne Terre

Desloge

(573) 358-2277

(573) 431-2686

Park Hills

Leadwood

(573) 431-3143

(573) 562-7411

Farmington (573) 756-4533 “Our family serving your family for over 100 years”

www.czboyer.com

Nicknames Immediate Family Members Names Hobbies & Areas of Interest Church Membership Awards Lodges & Organizations Military History

Items to consider when preparing for a funeral: Type of Service Music Selection for Service Minister Conducting Service Floral Choices Pictures to be Displayed Cemetery Information

The lists above contain information and items that will in most cases be needed when preparing to arrange a funeral service for a loved one. Whenever possible this information should be gathered ahead of time and kept safe until needed. If you would like a Free Funeral Planning Guide please contact C.Z. Boyer & Son, Inc. at one of our four convenient locations or online at www.czboyer.com

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s your car vibrating at certain speeds? Is the roar of your tires louder than the radio? Are your tires spinning when you try to start in the rain? Has your fuel mileage dropped off? All these factors can be signs of issues with your tires.

It’s an inevitable fact that a vehicle’s tires will wear out.

When it’s time to replace them, that’s where the experts come into the picture.

Plaza Tire Service has been in business for 58 years. They opened their first store in Park Hills in 1978. The familyowned tire company is based in Missouri and now has 69 stores throughout Missouri, Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky and Northern Arkansas. Plaza Tire Service is focused on three factors: service, selection and price.

Keith Hummel has worked with Plaza Tire Service for more than 24 years. He is the area supervisor for locations in Park Hills, Farmington, Desloge, Fredericktown, Ironton, Potosi and Rolla.

“We pride ourselves in providing the best level of service in the industry,” said Hummel. “If a customer comes in for four tires, our policy is that we want those tires installed on a vehicle in one hour so the customer can get back on the road. The way we can do that is because we have a huge number of tires in stock and ready to be installed immediately.”

“Our goal is to say, ‘Let’s install your new tires right now and get you back on the road,’” he said.

Hummel added that sometimes determining the size can get a little confusing because many vehicles have multiple size options. He said on most newer vehicles, all the tire size details can be found on the sticker located inside the driver’s side door jamb.

When helping a customer

TIRES select tires, Hummel said they’re going to ask some questions about their driving habits. What type of driving do they do? How many miles do they drive in a year? Have they been happy with their current tires? Asking these questions helps identify which options would work best for a customer.

Hummel said it’s sometimes hard for people to really see the differences in brands of tires. He added that customers really do get what they pay for. For instance, Bridgestone and Michelin, both premium brands, include the latest technology in their designs.

That technology can help with road noise, long tread life and dispersing water efficiently to help avoid hydroplaning.

He said Plaza Tire Service employees are trained on the tire brands they sell and can point out the features and benefits of them.

“We sell a lot of mid-range brand tires because they provide very good service at a little lower price point,” said Hummel. “They’re a good balance of quiet ride, wet weather performance and lower price.”

Sometimes customers may not be prepared for the expense of new tires. Plaza Tire Service offers a credit card with six months deferred interest on purchases of $149 or more. They also have no credit needed financing options available.

“These options can help people who may really need four tires but only have a budget for two,” said Hummel.

“There are early pay-off options which also allow our customers to avoid additional finance charges.”

Everybody is looking for the best deal, and Plaza Tire Service is committed to providing that with their Low-Price Pledge.

They will match a customer’s written estimate from

Plaza Tire Service utilizes state-ofthe-art equipment in its stores for tire installation, balancing, wheel alignment and other tire and maintenance services.

a competitor.

“When a customer buys tires from us, we offer a free alignment check to see if the vehicle is within manufacturer specification,” he said. “We do this as standard practice because improper alignment can quickly cause a vehicle’s tires to wear poorly.”

Plaza Tire Service provides wheel alignment in all its locations. In addition to a onetime alignment, their optional premium alignment provides regular checks and adjustments of a vehicle’s alignment every 6,000 miles up to two times per year for as long as you own the vehicle.

Another important aspect of tires is rotation. Most manufacturers recommend tire rotation every 6,000 miles.

Hummel said this is an easy way to get more life out of tires.

You’ll get more even wear, and it’s a great opportunity to catch any issues that may be causing improper wear, such as misalignment or tires that are out of balance.

“Making sure tire pressure is correct based on manufacturer’s specifications is really important and possibly one of the easiest things to do to get more life out of your tires,” Hummel said. “We’ll check and adjust your air pressure at no charge at any Plaza Tire Service location.”

Plaza Tire Service offers a tire protection plan which includes free tire rotations for the life of the tires, free flat-tire repairs, and a free replacement tire in the first 12 months

or 12,000 miles if the tire is damaged due to a road hazard and is beyond repair.

“This is a real value to customers because it’s not much additional money and provides customers with great peace of mind,” said Hummel.

The company contributes to its local communities regularly through various sponsorships of local youth sports teams, donations for door prizes and silent auctions for events, and more.

PLAZA TIRE SERVICE PlazaTireService.com Farmington – 573-760-1500 Park Hills – 573-431-2453 Desloge – 573-431-1991 Fredericktown – 573-783-6689 Ironton – 573-546-3893 Potosi – 573-436-2777

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SWING BED PROGRAM

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ocated in Arcadia Valley, Iron County Medical Center (ICMC) has been offering compassionate care close to home since opening in 2006.

An important component to the services ICMC offers is Next Steps – a swing bed program for patients who need therapy and rehabilitation services before transitioning from the hospital to where they most want to be: home.

Critical Access Hospitals like ICMC, commonly referred to as CAHs, are federally approved to use their in-patient hospital rooms as extended stay rooms for patients that need therapy and other services to improve their mobility and physical skills before they can return home. Patients can “swing” into skilled care through the “Next Steps between hospital and home” program and get the physical rehabilitation they need to regain their independence “For instance, there are times following surgery or treatment for a debilitating injury or illness when a patient no longer needs acute care, but they are not yet strong enough to return to independent living,” shared Mandy Harris, ICMC Social Worker. “For those patients, ICMC offers Next Steps. This program provides them additional recovery time to help improve physical functions before being discharged to return home.”

According to Harris, the length of stay for a swing bed patient is dependent upon their specific needs and individualized care plan, but on average is from seven to 14 days.

Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and most insurance companies do cover the cost of swing bed programs for those who qualify. To qualify for acceptance into a swing bed program, patients must meet specific eligibility criteria

including 1) patient must have three consecutive midnights in an acute hospital within the past 30 days; 2) patient must have coverage through Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or other commercial insurance provider.

It is important to be aware that Medicare Advantage insurers and commercial insurance plans require pre-authorization before being admittance into a swing bed program. Also noteworthy is that swing bed programs are not covered by Medicaid.

According to Allison Sanders, ICMC Therapy Services Director, the Next Steps program can include various types of therapy including physical, occupational and speech therapy.

“We take great pride in providing every patient quality, compassionate care,” stated Sanders. “As a plus, because we are a CAH, we have lower patient-to-staff ratios which means we are able to provide our patients with more individualized attention and care.

“Though a majority of our swing bed patients request our program so they can stay as close to their home and loved ones as possible, we have many patients outside of our geographical area who hear about our program from former swing bed patients, or it is recommended to them by their attending physician. Our goal is for every patient to have an excellent patient experience that gets them as close to ‘back to normal’ as possible so they can return home.”

When ICMC receives a swing bed patient, the patient’s individualized therapy and care plan is handled by an entire care team – nurses, CNAs, physical therapists, and a social worker. Respiratory Therapists and the Pharmacist join the team when needed.

Sanders is quick to share another reason to choose

Mandy Harris (left), ICMC Next Steps Swing Bed Coordinator and Allison Sanders (right), ICMC Therapy Services Director pose by a bed.

ICMC’s Next Steps program.

When a swing bed patient is being cared for at ICMC, if their condition declines in any way, a physician can order labs or imaging that can be done onsite without the patient having to be transferred to another facility.

“The staff members assigned to the Case Management Team work closely together to provide the individualized care needed by every swing bed patient,” stated Sanders. “That care, though, goes beyond the established care plan developed and approved.

“We throw birthday parties, we bring in special foods – within what their diet allows, of course -- and we celebrate their big and little successes in various ways throughout their journey. We make them a part of our ICMC family,” she continued.

ICMC takes that personal touch even a bit further for their patients. In addition to the newly remodeled private and comfortable patient rooms, complete with colorful canvastype sound boards and scenic views, the hospital auxiliary donated funds to build a pergola with seating. Surrounded by a healing garden containing flowers, plants, vines, and hummingbirds, patients find it a soothing place to be one with nature.

“Our groundskeeping staff maintain this beautiful area,” shared Sanders. “When our patients feel well enough, we take them outside to visit the healing garden. Many have commented that they feel like they are sitting on their porch or deck at home, and it lifts their spirit.”

According to Harris, ICMC’s Next Steps program is producing results they are

very proud of. Recent data at ICMC shows 84% of patients that have participated in ICMC’s program have been able to return home or to their previous living arrangement.

The remainder return to their former long-term care facility.

According to Harris, “Our ultimate focus from the time a patient is admitted to our swing bed program is to provide them the best possible care and rehabilitation to the extent that they can function safely and independently in the place they most want to be – home, because we all know there’s no place like home.”

Visit www.icmedcenter.org to learn more about ICMC’s Next Steps program and the other services they offer.

IRON COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER 301 N Highway 21, Pilot Knob 573-546-1260

301 N Hwy 21, P.O. Box 548 Pilot Knob, MO 63663 (573) 546-1260 www.icmedcenter.org NEXT STEPS TRANSITIONAL CARE PROGRAM What happens when a patient is discharged from the hospital, but is not yet physically able to function independently at home? ICMC’s “Next Steps between hospital and home” program provides continued, in-patient supervised nursing care with an emphasis on rehabilitation. The transitional care provided to patients participating in this program is geared to individual needs with an overall focus on helping the patient return home safely and live as independently as possible. With an average stay of 10-14 days, the care plan may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, IV antibiotics, respiratory therapy, and skilled nursing.

IRON COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER’S “Healing Garden”, complete with pergola, bench seating, and patio table and chairs, is a tranquil, calming place for patients to relax, refresh, and meditate along their path to recovery.

Who qualifies for the Next Steps Program?

The patient must have Medicare or commercial insurance coverage. (Medicaid does not cover swing bed services.) In addition, the patient must have been hospitalized as an acute patient for three consecutive midnights within the past 30 days and must need at least one of the following services: ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy IV Antibiotics/Therapies Skilled Nursing Care

ICMC occupational therapist Meggan Eaves looks on as Next Steps participant Susan Colyott displays the chocolate-covered strawberries she prepared for staff members.

Why choose IRON COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER’s Next Steps Program Quality, compassionate care with 24-hour access to a skilled healthcare team including Nursing, Physician or Hospitalist, CNA's, Respiratory Therapist, Lab, Radiology Private room and bathroom with attractive sound-proofing decor Therapy services by Missouri licensed therapists available 6 days a week in accordance with individualized care plans Fun and therapeutic activities that support the plan of care

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omeone in the U.S. has a heart attack every 40 seconds. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide. Stroke ranks second globally. These are staggering statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association.

While these events don’t always result in death, they can cause disability and diminish the quality of one’s life.

What happens to people who survive a cardiac event?

How do they recover from what, many times, is a lifechanging event? The answer is cardiac rehabilitation.

While it cannot change your past, it can help improve your heart’s future.

Iron County Medical Center recently opened their brand-new, state-of-the-art cardiac rehabilitation facility.

Cardiac rehabilitation – more commonly referred to as cardiac rehab – is a medically supervised outpatient program that is customized and designed to help patients improve their cardiovascular health through education and exercise.

Cardiac rehab typically includes education regarding healthy lifestyle changes; exercise training; counseling and emotional support; dietary, heart-healthy nutrition guidance; stress reduction techniques; and more.

Through rehab, participants regain their strength and reduce their risk of possible heart-related issues in the future.

Nichole Pritchett, cardiac rehab coordinator at ICMC, shares that the program they offer is a supervised exercise program designed to improve heart health after having a cardiac event. This covers numerous health issues including a heart attack, cardiac stent, heart failure, chest pain, cardiac bypass surgery, heart

CARDIAC REHAB transplant, or heart valve repair or replacement.

Pritchett’s focus has been on healthcare for all of her adult life. She first earned certification to become a CNA during high school. Her career at ICMC began shortly thereafter. She completed nursing school and left ICMC to gain more experience elsewhere. She returned to ICMC a few years later as a registered nurse and has been with ICMC for the last four years.

When Dr. Zia Ahmad, ICMC’s Cardiologist, encouraged ICMC to develop a cardiac rehab program, Pritchett was immediately interested and worked with him and others to develop a program. She has been serving in the role of cardiac rehab coordinator since March.

“A lot of thought, research and consultation went into developing and implementing this program, including ordering and setting up new cardiac-focused exercise equipment” stated Pritchett.

“An individualized program is established for each patient to meet their specific needs and in accordance with their abilities – and almost all of our exercise equipment is readily accessible to those with disabilities.”

According to Pritchett, a patient typically completes three sessions a week for a total of 36 sessions in the cardiac rehab program.

“We start patients out with a low-intensity exercise routine and then gradually advance them to each of their individualized program levels,” said Pritchett. “We do not allow it to become an overwhelming effort.

“In fact, to ensure this does not happen, patients are medically monitored while they exercise to check their blood pressure, heart rhythm and heart rate. This allows our patients to exercise safely

Nicole Pritchett, ICMC Cardiac Rehab Coordinator, stands in ICMC’s recently opened cardiac rehabilitation facility.

and alleviate any fears they may have during and after exercising,” she added.

Pritchett also shared that ICMC’s cardiac rehab program does not focus solely on exercise.

“We focus on everything that affects their cardiovascular health, including smoking cessation, nutrition, diabetes, stress management, high blood pressure and high cholesterol,” she said. “The program is geared to address the whole cardiovascular health process.”

Even though ICMC is a small rural hospital, Pritchett said she and the staff never let that limit their mindset.

“We’re always looking at what healthcare components our community needs. We don’t let the fact that we’re small deter us when making decisions to help our patients.”

Before ICMC’s cardiac rehab program opened, Iron County residents from as far away as Viburnum or Des Arc had to drive to Farmington or further for their rehab.

When a patient is utilizing rehab services three times a week,” said Pritchett, “it’s not very realistic to expect them

to add a lot more time to the process with a lengthy drive for that service.”

As their cardiac rehab program expands, Pritchett said ICMC plans to add more staff to assist with patients participating in this program.

“Our program is very personable. An important component to improving health is knowing your patient, their abilities, and their goals,” she said. “So, we also focus on building relationships.

“We get to know a lot about each other, and it gives them a chance to really open up and talk to us. That, in turn, allows us the opportunity to see which aspects of their lifestyle we can help with in setting realistic goals for the best possible outcomes.”

The Adult Fitness Program is a new addition to ICMC’s cardiac rehab program.

That component offers patients who have completed their personalized cardiac rehabilitation the opportunity to continue exercising in the facility.

“They won’t be on the heart monitor,” said Pritchett, “but they can get questions

answered and discuss matters regarding their cardiovascular health and exercise routine.”

“While there is an outof-pocket expense for this program component,” she added, “it is very affordable and allows our patients to continue their progress using the same equipment they have become accustomed to. The goal, of course, is for our patients to maintain the new habits they have adopted through our cardiac rehab program.”

Iron County Medical Center strives to provide the healthcare services their surrounding community members seek, right here, close to home. The addition of their cardiac rehabilitation program is yet another service they have added to promote better health and to assist patients in attaining the goal of a longer, much healthier life.

For more information about ICMC’s cardiac rehabilitation program, call 573-546-6796.

IRON COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER 301 N. Highway 21, Pilot Knob 573-546-1260 www.icmedcenter.org

301 N Hwy 21, P.O. Box 548 Pilot Knob, MO 63663 (573) 546-1260 www.icmedcenter.org WHAT IS CARDIAC REHABILITATION? Cardiac rehabilitation, more commonly referred to as “cardiac rehab”, is a medically supervised program designed to improve heart health following heart surgery and other heart issues.

IRON COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER’s outpatient cardiac rehab program is specifically targeted to meet the patient’s specific needs. With the goal of improving overall health, the program criteria focuses on reducing risk factors for heart disease and increasing heart strength and ability.

Our new high-tech exercise equipment includes monitors to ensure patients are exercising safely and following their individualized plan.

IRON COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER’S new, state-of-the-art cardiac rehab equipment, complete with software components to monitor safety and progress, provides the tools our patients need to help them make the most of their individualized, goal-specific program.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM ICMC CARDIAC REHABILITATION ➢ An individualized physical activity/exercise program based on your specific needs and capabilities ➢ Monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure and cardiac rhythm throughout your exercise regiment ➢ Counseling and education about your heart condition and modifiable risk factors ➢ Access to support and training to help you set health goals, return to work or normal activities, and to learn how to best manage your heart condition ➢ At discharge, care team will assist you in developing a long-term maintenance plan to continue your heart health initiatives to meet your goals

PT patient Thomas Pritchett building strength at ICMC

Patients participating in ICMC’s rehabilitation programs receive one-on-one attention and our commitment to helping them achieve the best possible outcomes.

Why choose IRON COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER’s Cardiac Rehab program ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Qualified, compassionate care team to ensure safety and progress throughout the process New, disability accessible, exercise equipment with safety monitoring software Multi-faceted, tailored approach to boost your overall physical and mental well-being Adult Fitness Program optional following completion of individual program We are right here, close to home!

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Parkland

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HOME LOAN

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t’s located on a tree-lined street with a spacious yard.

Inside, there is an updated kitchen with walk-in pantry. There are plenty of bedrooms, two bathrooms and even a large attached garage.

It’s the perfect place, and the family has already fallen in love with the home. It’s at a price they can afford, so now what do they do?

According to First State Community Bank Mortgage Loan Officer Taylor Miller, a family who wants to achieve the dream of homeownership should always look at getting prequalified as their first step.

“That is crucial in this market to be able to get an accepted offer on a home,” said Miller. “Not only does it help your offer look more attractive than others, but it allows you to have a plan for your down payment if needed, monthly payment amount and what guidelines the house would need to meet.”

She said prequalification does not mean someone is committed to a mortgage.

However, it does mean that individual has spoken with a mortgage lender and the bank is willing to lend a specific amount for a home purchase to that person based on his or her credit and income.

Miller started working at FSCB six years ago as an intern in the loan department and advanced to loan officer. She now serves the community as a mortgage loan officer at the bank.

“First State Community Bank is a true one-stop-shop for loans,” she said. “We are right here, present in your community, ready to serve you.”

Miller said the FSCB staff takes the time to listen to families’ needs and wants when they are exploring various financial options.

“Whether you’re just starting out and needing to

The FSCB Farmington mortgage loan team includes Loan Officer Brian Boyd, Loan Officer Greg Sebastian, Mortgage Loan Officer Taylor Miller, and Mortgage Loan Officer Andrew Huhman.

build credit, building your dream home, starting a business or buying your first home,” she said, “we do it all.”

She added that people who walk into FSCB are not customers or “just another number on a loan report.

They’re families we want to serve, generation after generation. There is truly nothing more rewarding than that.”

Miller said FSCB offers USDA, VA, FHA and conventional fixed-rate loans. In addition, there

are adjustable-rate options available for those who may not fit the fixed-rate criteria.

There are also loans offered as low as 0% down to purchase a home. The bank also has extremely competitive rates and closing fees.

The FSCB team is responsive and works with those who may not qualify at the time of initial application to form a plan of getting to the point of approval.

“It is our goal to offer the best advice and be there for families in every step of their

financial journey,” she said.

More information and helpful home loan resources can be found at FSCB’s website at fscb.com.

“We feature a variety of helpful blogs which guide a buyer through the home-buying process from start to finish,” said Miller.

“It’s an awesome tool that we are proud to offer to our communities.”

The FSCB staff is ready to assist families and individuals who are ready to take their first step to get pre-qualified to

purchase a home.

FSCB has grown since opening its doors in 1954.

Nearly 70 years later with almost 800 employees at 56 different branches, they remain true to their roots and continue to focus on building strong relationships with their communities. They are truly committed to communityled banking.

FIRST STATE COMMUNITY BANK Over 50 Branch Locations www.fscb.com

Taylor Miller Mortgage Loan Officer p. 573.454.3052 tmiller@fscb.com NMLS#1453285

Andrew Huhman Mortgage Loan Officer p. 573.705.3322 ahuhman@fscb.com NMLS#1559335

Apply online @ fscb.com | NMLS# 412605 | Member FDIC

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FINAL RESTING PLACE

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or many people, choosing a final resting place involves much more than selecting a plot and gravestone. It involves choosing a peaceful location that connects a loved one with their family and keeps their memory alive.

Whether individuals are pre-selecting for themselves or a family member or completing the task for a deceased loved one, choosing a final resting place is not always an easy task.

There are a few things to think about when doing so.

C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Homes Vice President Brian Boyer suggests people visit cemeteries, do some research and then make a list of questions after checking the grounds.

Hillview Memorial Gardens, which is owned by C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Homes, is located on 11 acres on the south edge of Farmington off Westmeyer Road. It is a memorial park with flat markers and no upright headstones. There is some consideration to possibly add an area in the future for upright stones.

Boyer said one thing to consider when selecting a final resting place is if the site has special meaning for that person.

Some might say making the choice is similar to purchasing real estate, because location plays a large part in choosing a cemetery plot or mausoleum.

Another consideration is to find out how the grounds are maintained. The property manager should be able to give details about ongoing maintenance and plans for the future.

Boyer said individuals should visit a cemetery to see how it looks and whether it’s been maintained. They should also find out: Are the graves leveled? Are the new graves properly tended? Is the grass

Hillview Memorial Gardens is located south of Farmington, just a short distance off OO Highway on Westmeyer Road.

cut? Have the stones and other areas been landscaped? Are the roads entering and exciting the cemetery maintained?”

At Hillview Memorial Gardens, two employees maintain the grounds.

“Their No. 1 job is taking care of the cemetery,” said Boyer.

When people inquire about purchasing a plot there, Boyer provides the address so they can view the site in person.

In addition, there is a staff member who is dedicated to taking care of Hillview Memorial Gardens plot sales, answering questions regarding

the cemetery or mausoleum, discussing payment options, and more.

Yet another consideration in choosing a final resting place is to inquire about how a place will be maintained after the cemetery is full. What are the long-term plans to take care of the grounds?

Boyer said Hillview Memorial Gardens is an endowed cemetery. This means a percentage of each grave, mausoleum or niche sold goes to an endowed care fund at a local bank which is regulated by the state of Missouri. That fund is set

aside to pay for the upkeep of the cemetery once it becomes full.

“It might be 100 years down the road,” he said, “but does the cemetery have an endowed care fund set up to maintain it?”

The mausoleum at Hillview Memorial Gardens was constructed a few years ago to provide above-ground burial options for families. Caskets are placed in mausoleum crypts, or tandem crypts for spouses who plan to be buried together. Niches are also available, which is where cremains, or ashes, are placed.

“We have had several

families who expressed their desire to have their loved ones buried above ground, so we felt this was an important addition to the grounds,” said Boyer.

Regardless of what cemetery or mausoleum someone chooses as their final resting place, this location will honor a legacy for many years to come. It’s important to take the time to plan this final step to honor someone’s life.

HILLVIEW MEMORIAL GARDENS 5229 Westmeyer Road, Farmington 573-756-5257

An Endowed Care Cemetery

Located just south of Farmington on Westmeyer Road

573-756-5257

Prepayment Plans available for both Mausoleum Crypts and Grave spaces.

Ask about monthly installment plans

Mausoleum space now available for those families who prefer that option.

Hillview Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum

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HOW TO CHOOSE A

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AREA GUIDE

e all have favorite sounds: calming ocean waves lapping against the shore, rain falling softly in the night, the crackling of a fireplace, birds chirping on a quiet morning, melodic music, children’s sweet laughter.

Sometimes these sounds are difficult to hear. When someone struggles to hear, they might feel excluded from taking part in group conversations. They may find it hard to complete phone calls or even watch TV without turning the volume to higher-thannormal levels.

People who have hearing difficulties often feel frustrated, excluded and sometimes even sad. Untreated hearing loss affects people in many ways. It’s a common physical condition in the U.S. and many people often refuse to acknowledge this and are unwilling to seek treatment or use a device.

But hearing devices do more for people than simply help them hear. They improve their physical, emotional and mental health; boost their self-confidence; offer a sense of safety; improve relationships; and so much more.

Dr. Karen Melton, a local audiologist, said if someone believes they need hearing aids or have a hearing loss, the first thing they should do is consult with their hearing care provider.

“At Hearing Care Partners, we walk everyone through our four-step hearing treatment process,” she said.

“We recommend bringing a companion to your appointment, as a secondary perspective helps understand the impact of hearing difficulties in your life, and they can also be a second set of ears for the information the provider will cover with you.”

Melton said the first step at Hearing Care Partners is to

HEARING AID begin with an interview which helps the provider determine the extent of the individual’s hearing challenges and aids in uncovering any specific areas requiring further attention.

After the interview, the hearing care provider takes a closer look inside the individual’s ear to identify possible obstruction or damage to the ear canal or eardrum.

“We’ll figure out the nature of your hearing loss by conducting a hearing test,” said Melton.

The last step is to determine treatment solutions based on the person’s needs.

There are many types of hearing aids available in various styles, features and price points. From behindthe-ear to custom-fit hearing devices which are nearly invisible, Melton said there are unlimited options from which to choose.

“At Hearing Care Partners, we work with all major manufacturers to help you determine which technology will be the best fit for your hearing needs as well as your lifestyle,” she said.

According to Melton, there are numerous exciting technological features available such as rechargeability and artificial intelligence. These options are examples of why it’s important for individuals to discuss their lifestyle with their hearing care provider to ensure the best technology and fit are recommended during their treatment consultation process.

“Prices can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars and are dependent on your lifestyle and your hearing test results,” said Melton.

“There are no one-size-fitsall recommendations on cost because it can vary depending on the technology level needed as well as any benefits you have available through your insurance.”

Melton said when

Dr. Karen Melton of Hearing Care Partners utilizes the latest technology when helping patients decide which hearing aid is best for them.

individuals schedule an appointment with Hearing Care Partners, their staff assists their patients in checking for any available hearing care benefits they may have through their insurance provider.

“No two people are alike,” said Melton. “We believe your treatment should be the same way. Bring back the sounds of life you love with a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique lifestyle.”

Melton opened Hearing Care Partners in 2003. She and her staff of 23 employees, with 11 of those as providers including hearing instrument specialists David Shepard and Lee Supitilov, work hard every day to make a difference in their patients’ lives. They celebrate every time a patient finds success.

“At the end of the day, it only matters if we made a difference,” she said. “There are days we have celebrated a

win without earning revenue, but that doesn’t matter. I don’t know very many jobs where you can do that.”

Melton said her staff takes the time to get to know their patients and understand their specific hearing issues and needs. This compassion is what sets Hearing Care Partners apart from others.

“We treat our patients like family and take care of them as if they’re our own,” she said.

“We do whatever it takes to meet their needs.”

The staff’s commitment to their patients is evident in their willingness to help at any time, even on holidays and weekends if necessary.

She said audiologists have the unique pleasure of changing people’s lives by helping them communicate with their loved ones. The hearing specialists utilize the necessary training and skills to conduct hearing evaluations,

diagnose and determine the cause of hearing issues, and the best treatment.

Services offered at Hearing Care Partners include hearing tests; hearing treatments; listening devices; hearing protection; swimming molds; tinnitus treatment; ear wax removal; and more.

“If you combine all of our providers together, we have over 50 years of experience,” she said. “We have new providers who bring such a wealth of information that is more recent, and we have more experienced providers. We learn from each other, and it’s the perfect match for offering excellent patient care.”

HEARING CARE PARTNERS 620 Walton Drive, Farmington 866-757-4327 Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

HearingCarePartners.com

Expert Hearing Care We Listen So You Can Hear At Hearing Care Partners, your treatment will be based on your background, situation, and experience.

Come see why thousands of patients call Hearing Care Partners home for their hearing care needs.

Karen Melton, Au.D., CCC-A Doctor of Audiology

Schedule your complimentary consultation to:

EXPERIENCE new hearing technology for yourself with a demonstration of the latest, most advanced hearing devices.

David Shepard, BC-HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist

Dem oc ra t

2021

s ew N

LEARN about your hearing care treatment options.

ress nP to ng

Fa rm i

TEST your hearing, and find out exactly what’s missing from your sound experience.

Best

d

arklan Of The P D a il y J o u r n al

WINNE R

Lee Supitilov, HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist Lynn Royer, M.Ed., BC-HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist

Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation!

573.747.4719

620 Walton Dr • Farmington

HearingCarePartners.com

Additional locations in Ste. Genevieve and Herculaneum