If you have the chance to meet Carolina Caring hospice patient Shirley, you will be pleasantly surprised. Nearing 70 years old, Shirley lives on the third floor of her apartment complex in Burke County. Just last year she could easily navigate the stairs to her apartment, zooming up and down as needed. But one day, Shirley noticed a sharp decline in her health. The abrupt changes limited her ability to get out of the house, drive a car, and live life the way she was used to.
Shirley’s journey with Carolina Caring began in the spring of 2024, when she was unexpectedly hospitalized for symptoms of malnutrition and heart failure. Shirley does not remember much about the first few weeks she spent in the hospital, but she does remember how confused and concerned she felt the moment that doctors diagnosed her with congestive heart failure.
Before she was released from the hospital, Shirley and her two daughters were informed of Carolina Caring’s Advanced Cardiac Care program. The prospect of hospice frightened her daughters, but Shirley was open to assistance.
Though Shirley is receiving hospice care, she does not let her congestive heart failure diagnosis define her. She was discharged from the hospital and currently lives a full, relatively independent life at home. Carolina Caring is her primary care provider and her nurse, Sami Shepherd, visits her weekly. Shirley also has a certified nurse assistant (CNA) who helps twice a week with daily care routines, health practices, and even some household chores.
“I couldn’t ask for better help,” Shirley says. “It really feels like we’re a team. These people are my self-motivators, helping me stay active, and their care encourages me to go further than I thought possible.”
Shirley follows her Advanced Cardiac Care plan diligently, doing whatever it takes to maintain independence. Although her lifestyle has slowed down due to her condition, Shirley remains as active as her body allows. She sticks to her exercise routines and keeps a daily journal to track her health progress. This helps her and her nurse, Sami, monitor any changes in her condition.
“I know what my nurse and CNA expect of me,” she says. “I take my vital signs, check my blood pressure, weigh myself every morning, and I always ask a lot of questions.”
Shirley’s social worker, Saharia Hicks, is another important member of her Carolina Caring team. Saharia visits Shirley monthly and provides valuable support. After Shirley was discharged from the hospital, Saharia arranged a group call with Shirley and her daughters. During the call, Saharia listened attentively to their questions and concerns, helping them feel more at ease with the idea of hospice care and the overall treatment plan.
Shirley believes this conversation was crucial in helping her daughters develop trust in both the care team and the Advanced Cardiac Care program.
Hospice has provided Shirley with a stable routine which helps her stay comfortable, confident, and as active as possible. She continues to set personal goals and stay connected to the people and places she loves. She’s a dedicated member of her church group, attending meetings every Wednesday.
Perhaps best of all, the care provided by nurse Sami Shepherd and CNA Hannah has vastly improved her quality of life and extended her life expectancy beyond what was initially expected.
“During my time at the hospital, I was told that I would die within the year,” Shirley says. “I know I would be a ‘goner’ if it weren’t for hospice. Hospice has been great. Once I was sent home, my Carolina Caring providers prescribed the medications I needed to increase my appetite, manage congestive heart failure, and maintain a healthy weight. One year later, here I am—thanks to God and my hospice team.”
Shirley’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact hospice care can have on a person’s life. With the help of her dedicated team, Shirley continues to live a full, enriching life, and she is grateful for each day.
