A hospice patient seeking immediate safety after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene received vital care thanks to the newly established partnership between CaroMont Health and Carolina Caring.
Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina in late September 2024, causing widespread damage and leaving thousands of residents without power, food, water, and shelter. Many communities were devastated by the hurricane’s winds and severe flooding, including Yancey County, where Hospice Compassionate Care Western North Carolina experienced significant destruction. This left many of Compassionate Care’s patients and staff in urgent need of support.
Among those affected was 84-year-old Grace, a hospice patient requiring critical medications and oxygen. She was airlifted from her hometown of Burnsville, NC, to temporary shelter at the Catawba Valley Community College Tarlton Complex in Hickory, NC. In dire need, Catawba County Emergency Medical Services reached out to Carolina Caring for assistance, as Grace was rapidly depleting her medication and oxygen supplies.
Within 48 hours of the initial call, Grace was successfully transferred to hospice care at the Carolina Caring Robin Johnson House. Though she felt anxious upon her arrival, Grace was comforted by the attentive support of Carolina Caring staff. When asked about the quality of care that she received, Grace described her experience as “wonderful.”
“I don’t like being away from home even when I’m sick,” she shared. “But that was the nicest place I’ve ever been to for being so far away from home. I felt wanted and loved. If I could say anything to the nurses, it’s that I love and appreciate what they’ve done.”
This accommodation was made possible by a recent partnership established between CaroMont Health and Carolina Caring.
On October 1st, CaroMont Health and Carolina Caring launched a strategic partnership, with Gaston Hospice now operating under the name Carolina Caring. While all services are branded Carolina Caring, hospice and palliative care operations will remain unchanged in Gaston County, specifically at the Robin Johnson House in Dallas, NC, which continues to welcome patients and families in need of inpatient hospice care.
Grace finished her care at the Robin Johnson House and returned home safely once conditions improved. She expressed immense gratitude for the assistance provided during her time of need, transforming from a vulnerable state to one filled with hope and appreciation. The patient left a lasting impression on the staff at Carolina Caring, who were thankful for the opportunity to serve such a kind and resilient individual.
“We are thrilled to witness how this partnership enhances our mission of compassionate care,” said Justin Grigg, Carolina Caring Robin Johnson House Director. “These efforts not only improve patient experiences but also foster encouragement among our hospice facilities and staff who diligently provide serious illness and end-of-life care.”
Carolina Caring remains committed to supporting patients and their families during challenging times, ensuring that compassionate care is always available, even in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
