Carolina Caring

11/21/2025

When a sudden power outage hit the home of Carolina Caring patient, Brenda, and husband, Wayne, their hospice team quickly worked together to help. They arranged for Brenda to receive respite care in our hospice house so that she could continue comprehensive support while Wayne handled repairs at their camper.

Once Brenda was settled, the team recognized another need that mattered to her: spending time with her beloved puppy Max, "The King of the Castle".

To ease the couple's mind, the team ensured that Max could receive the vaccinations and check-ups he needed to visit Brenda. When Wayne picked Max up from the vet, he was surprised - and delighted - to hear that the Pet Peace of Mind program covered the cost of their vet bill.

"Even now when I think about it," says Wayne, "not only has Carolina Caring been good to Brenda and me, taking care of Brenda every week and always answering when I call...but they also take care of my pet."

Stories like Brenda and Wayne's remind us that hospice is about more than medical support. It’s about seeing the , honoring the needs and desires that matter most: like cherishing time with our furry family members 🐾.

11/19/2025

We’re incredibly grateful for the generous donors and community groups who have provided handmade blankets for Carolina Caring patients!

These beautiful blankets were carefully crafted to provide comfort and warmth to many patients in our care.

One of our generous donors, Debbie, has been crocheting since the age of 9, after acquiring the craft from her neighbor. Today, she uses that lifelong skill to give back to organizations like , stitching love and compassion into every blanket she makes.

We would like to thank Debbie, the Rufty Holmes Creative Needles Group, and the other individuals who have contributed a this season. Your kindness goes a long way to help patients and families feel seen, supported, and comforted.

Rufty-Holmes Senior Center

11/17/2025

Caring for an aging congregation poses many challenges for those who are called to lead our churches.

Recognizing this need, Carolina Caring Directors of Julie Packer and Tamika Garrison partnered with our local to host "Church & Care" - breakfast sessions for pastors and faith leaders.

More than 50 attendees from across our region shared their experiences in church leadership and listened to real stories of how Carolina Caring has walked alongside patients, families, and faith communities in times of need.

This initiative encouraged & equipped them to strengthen the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of their congregations, reinforcing the power of partnership.

To learn more about Community & Faith Relations, or to request a workshop or listening session catered to the needs of your area, please visit carolinacaring.org/community-engagement-and-support/.

11/14/2025

Do you know what grief and glitter have in common?

Youth ages 5-15 are invited to a magical "Grief and Glitter Workshop" on Saturday, December 6th, 11:00am-1:00pm in downtown Old Fort, NC.

Children will enjoy glitter-filled crafts, opportunities to make new friends, and time to honor & remember a loved one that they have lost. Carolina Caring staff will lead discussions and workshop activities. Pizza will be served.

Don't wait until it's too late! Register your child for this free workshop by Tuesday, December 2nd by visiting carolinacaring.org/support/ or by calling 828.466.0466 ext. 3201.

11/13/2025

We can't wait to see you at tonight!

Join us for the Art of Caregiving TONIGHT!

3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
The SALT Block, Hickory

Register here for this free community event: www.carolinacaring.org/art-of-caregiving

To stream online, visit www.carolinacaring.org/art-of-caregiving and click on the button that says, "Click to View the Livestream."

11/11/2025

Happy Veterans Day! Today, we pause to remember the sacrifices of our nation's heroes and celebrate the lives of the men and women who faithfully serve this country.

This year, Carolina Caring has proudly supported veterans through the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Historic Catawba County Courthouse, our virtual Walk A Mile With Me support group, and the expansion of Veterans Coffee Connections to four locations across our service area.

From parades and community celebrations to ongoing outreach, we continue to create meaningful moments for veterans to be recognized, share their stories, and find the support they deserve.

To learn more about Carolina Caring's Veterans Care program and our commitment to ensuring that every veteran receives compassionate, whole-person care, visit carolinacaring.org/veteranscare/.

11/10/2025

From Thanksgiving 1942 to Christmas 1945, Private First Class (PFC) James Norris dedicated himself to protecting our nation’s freedom. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division, serving as a courageous paratrooper on D-Day, jumping from aircrafts at 800 feet, and landing behind enemy lines to fight with unwavering bravery. He has been recognized with the Army of Occupation Medal.

Now, at 101 years old, PFC Norris is receiving hospice care at Carolina Caring. Our team was honored to recognize him with a personalized Veterans Pinning Ceremony, surrounded by staff, volunteers, and his loving family.

PFC Norris entered hospice care just over 2 weeks ago. The added layer of support that comes from our whole-person care team has made a big difference in enhancing his comfort, quality of life, and sense of purpose each day. For his daughter Theresa, witnessing the compassionate actions of our staff has been a great source of peace.

Theresa is her father’s primary caregiver. She reflected on how special this pinning ceremony was, because “his service always meant something to him.”

“There’s a connection between veterans that is very unique and very special,” says Blake, Veteran Volunteer at Carolina Caring who performed the pinning ceremony. “A thank-you can always go a long way."

We are always looking forward to the moments we can honor and celebrate veterans like PFC James Norris. Thank you, James, for your courage. And thank you to all veterans who continue to inspire us every day. 💙❤️🤍

11/06/2025

Wouldn't you love to put a smile on a patient's face? Carolina Caring is searching for in the region who want to make a positive difference in the quality of life of our .

As a volunteer, you will:
Visit patients in their home or nursing facility
Be a source of companionship and comfort
Watch over patients with caregivers, as needed
Be an important part of the team

Hospice volunteers are not just an extra set of hands - they are an integral part of our mission to provide compassionate care and support!

Learn more about volunteer guidelines and current volunteer opportunities by visiting carolinacaring.org/volunteer-opportunities/ or by emailing a member of the department at volunteer@carolinacaring.org.

11/05/2025

The Cardinal Kids Fall Festival was fun for all!

We 💙 creating moments that bring joy to Cardinal Kids patients & their families.

11/04/2025

The holiday season is fast approaching - but for those who have experienced loss, these days can bring more stress than comfort. Together, we’ll watch videos that tell stories about how to prepare for surprising emotions during the holidays, what to do about traditions, how to handle holiday parties, and practical tips that can help you move forward.

Monday, November 17th, 2025 | 5:30-7:00pm
Carolina Caring Bldg 1 - 3975 Robinson Rd, Newton, NC

Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 | 5:30-7:00pm
Carolina Caring - 2240 Remount Rd, Gastonia, NC

Virtual Workshop
Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 | 12:00-2:30pm

Register for all events by November 12th.

For more information about these and other support groups, or to register, call 828.466.0466 ext. 3201 or visit carolinacaring.org/support/.

11/03/2025

During National , we celebrate stories like Harvey’s — which remind us that hospice is about seeing the , wrapping them in comfort, dignity, and compassion.

When Harvey was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and early Alzheimer’s, his daughter Lisa, along with other family members, did what he had always done for them - show up when it mattered most. They also made quick arrangements for Harvey to begin hospice at Carolina Caring.

For the hospice team, supporting Harvey meant more than checking the boxes of his care plan. It meant showering him with the compassion and dignity that honored his whole self: body, mind, & spirit.

“It meant a lot to us that we were able to keep my father at home...Dad looked forward to the time he spent with his care team," Lisa shares. "I don’t think many people realize that hospice is not where you go to die or where you’ll be forgotten about. You have so many options for care.”

Whether the team made arrangements for Harvey's pastor to make a final visit or extended bereavement services to Lisa's 89 year-old stepmother after Harvey's passing, what mattered to this family mattered to us.

Follow along this November, National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, as we share the stories, highlights, and surprising facts about the life-changing mission of quality hospice and palliative care.

10/31/2025

🎃Happy Halloween!🎃

During the approaching holiday season - and all year long - Carolina Caring's compassionate team is committed to caring for you and your loved ones as you face the serious illness journey.

For more information about our CHAP-accredited programs or how you might benefit from our specialized care services this holiday, visit carolinacaring.org.