Compassionate Care Western North Carolina

07/13/2025

Some people don’t want an audience at the end. Some slip away in the quiet moments between goodbyes, after you’ve stepped out the door or just before you return. Maybe there is a quiet intention in that final private breath, a last bit of control over how they’re remembered.

I don’t believe they take that moment with them, I think what they do take with them is who was there all along: the love, the memories, the laughter, the pieces of you that stayed beside them through every season of life.

In the end, the last breath is just a moment, but who we carry and who carries us, that stays forever.

In the end, I don’t think they take with them who was present at their last breath, I think what they take with them, is all of the love you showed them before their last breath.

You were there, don’t doubt that for a second. ❤️

xo
Gabby
www.thehospiceheart.net

07/11/2025

We are again proud of our own Dr. David Craig!

Here he is participating in the 2025 Highland Games in Banner Elk, NC

We are fortunate and blessed to have Dr. Craig and his Scottish heritage as part of our team here at Compassionate Care WNC. Cheer him on as he participates this year. 😁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

07/07/2025

❤️

To me, “meet them where they are, not where you want them to be” means honoring the patient’s emotional and spiritual state without trying to change it. In end-of-life care, it’s about accepting their reality whether that’s denial, fear, peace, or hope, and responding with compassion, not correction. This builds trust, preserves dignity, and ensures truly patient/human-centered care.

I give this advice often, reminding others to not make someone else’s experience about them, which is not always easy to do. If we meet them where they are, we can build trust, offering them a safe place to feel comfortable sharing how they feel even if it doesn’t align with how you feel.

xo
Gabby
Hospice and palliative care nurse/end-of-life doula/death and dying educator
❤️
www.thehospiceheart.net

07/02/2025

Our little friends out in the memorial garden are just about ready to fly.
🐣🦅

06/06/2025

So fitting 😂🤣
In the Queen’s own words “ if it’s not documented, it did not happen!”
We love you, Melissa Hughes! 😜

06/06/2025

It was a privilege to attend the Yancey County Health Resource Fair yesterday. Thanks to Yancey DSS for sponsoring such an amazing event.

Thanks to Morgan Weaver CCWNC Access Coordinator, Cristof Esslian CCWNC Volunteer Program Director & Ms. Marjorie Land CCWNC Volunteer for helping and  participating.

06/05/2025

❤️❤️❤️
If I get dementia, I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live. I want them to remember these things.

1a. Every time you enter the room announce yourself. “Hi Mom- it’s Margaret.”
NEVER ask- Do you know who I am??? That causes anxiety.

1. If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality.

2. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it.

3. If I get dementia, don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.

4. If I get dementia, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me.

5. If I get dementia, and can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet, and see if I can still feed myself.

6. If I get dementia, and I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded.

7. If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am.

8. If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends.

9. If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past.

10. If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me.

11. If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be treated.

12. If I get dementia, make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I don’t eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need.

13. If I get dementia, don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room.

14. If I get dementia, don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not your fault, and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live.

15. If I get dementia, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often.

16. If I get dementia, don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault.

17. If I get dementia, make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot.

18. If I get dementia, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original place.

19. If I get dementia, don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings.

20. If I get dementia, know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes.

21. If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know and love.”

ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴀsᴛᴇ in Honor of someone you know or knew who has dementia. In Honor of all those I know and love and lost who are fighting Dementia/Alzheimer’s.

06/04/2025

We are thrilled to have our new sign up at the office as of today. The beautiful star of compassion will continue to shine bright.

We slowly continue to build back with strength and resilience after Hurricane Helene.

Thank you Pittman Signs & Design and Chris Boone for our beautiful sign and rock columns.

06/03/2025

Our awesome CNA’s enjoying some Kona Ice today.

We appreciate the work they do everyday! Often times our patients and families will express how much the CNA’s mean to them.

They see our patients daily and provide essential personal care.

Building relationships that no one else will build because of how close they become with the patient.
CNA’s provide a kind care that no one else does. They are such a special part of the hospice holistic care model.
Thank you CCWNC CNA’s for all you give and do! We love and appreciate each of you.

Help us give them a shout out and show some love in the comments! ❤️🎉🎉🎉
Happy CNA week!!

06/02/2025

Hi friends & neighbors,

The Kona Ice truck will be at Compassionate Care WNC 856 Georges Fork Rd, Burnsville NC 28714 on Tuesday June 3rd from 3-4:30PM. Listed in this post are the flavors he will have.

Bring your family by to say hi to us and grab yourself and the kids an icy! We would love to see you and say hello.

Please share this post for us 😃🍧🍧🍧