Gentiva Hospice

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for the opportunity to care for families in communities across the country. Wishing you a holiday filled with warmth, joy, and meaningful connection.

11/21/2025

The votes are in and the 2025 Clinicians of the Year have been awarded! We'd like to congratulate this year's winners for their dedication to our patients, families, and colleagues. And thank you to all the clinicians in the Gentiva family for touching the lives of so many. To see the winners, please visit: https://birdeye.cx/alylgt

11/12/2025

During Home Care Week, we celebrate the dedicated professionals who provide essential care and support in the homes of those we have the privilege to serve. From medical assistance to daily living support, their work helps individuals live independently, safely, and with dignity – wherever they call home. We honor the compassion, skill, and the personal warmth they bring to every visit.

11/11/2025

This , we’re proud to share the story of one of our patients. Nathan, a veteran and former law enforcement officer, came to our attention not long ago when we discovered his online review of our hospice services. It was heartfelt, honest, and…surprising. Read his story now: https://birdeye.cx/mp35f5

11/10/2025

We have a special place in our hearts for Nurse Practitioner Week – a time to lift up the leadership and expertise that sets our nurse practitioners apart. You set the standard for care while balancing the complex needs of our patients and their families – and you do it with a full measure of heartfelt kindness that inspires us year-round. Thank you for everything you do – and all the ways you inspire us.

11/06/2025

It's Month, a time to honor those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia – and the families who care for them. Our commitment is to help patients live with dignity and compassion, while supporting loved ones throughout their journey. We invite you to explore our resources and specialized care: https://birdeye.cx/6cv1ls

11/03/2025

During Hospice and Palliative Care Week, we celebrate the incredible professionals who bring comfort, dignity, and peace to patients and families facing serious or life-limiting illness. Their work is a testament to compassion in action, and we’re proud to recognize the meaningful difference they make every day.

11/02/2025

As we participate in National Corporate Compliance and Ethics Week, we recognize the vital role ethical practices play in building trust with our patients, their families, and our community. From clinical care to operational transparency, our commitment to doing what’s right is the foundation of everything we do.

11/01/2025

During , we celebrate the clinicians who make home a place of healing. Their care helps patients live with dignity and comfort, surrounded by those they love. Whether you're exploring care options or need guidance, our nurses are here to help – anytime, day or night: 855-488-7026.

10/31/2025

10/24/2025

Meet the clinicians who go above and beyond. Our 2025 Regional Clinicians of the Year represent the heart of our mission – delivering life-changing care and inspiring those around them. Nominated by their peers, they exemplify what it means to lead with compassion. To view the winners, please visit: https://birdeye.cx/m80x98

10/22/2025

"We’re excited to celebrate “Why Week,” a time for each member of our team to reflect on the reasons why they choose to do this special kind of work. We spoke with Amber to hear her “why” and get a snapshot into a career defined by compassion and leadership: Read her story now: https://birdeye.cx/600u25

09/02/2025

We recently had the privilege to show our appreciate to Wendy Hassler for her military service. Ms. Hassler was a Sergeant in Army National Guard, serving 6 years in the Army National Guard and 2 years in the Army Reserves. Thank you so much Ms. Hassler for your service to your country! You are appreciated!

08/21/2025

Jenn chose to volunteer with Gentiva Hospice in Harrisonburg after several years of studying spiritual teachings and meditation, and in memory of her friend, who died in a hospice house in 2013, surrounded by family and friends. After years of working in oncology data and public health, Jenn values the privilege of personally connecting with patients, offering presence to those nearing the end of life, who often carry stories, wisdom, and meaning to share. Originally from Maine, Jenn has lived in Virginia with her family since 2017. She is also an artist and writer, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Ram Dass and from Paul Kalanithi’s memoir When Breath Becomes Air. She is most inspired by her twins, whose curiosity and resilience often lead her to moments of stillness and beauty that can be found amidst the speed of life’s changes, whether or not we are ready for them.

08/11/2025

Meet Sandy Burner-Cave
Sandy has been the Volunteer Coordinator at Gentiva Hospice for over seven years. Her job is to recruit, train, and coordinate the volunteer team… which is currently over forty strong! She pairs volunteers with patients so they can regularly visit or offer respite time to patient's families. “Our volunteer team plays a crucial role” she says. Their visits often become the highlight of the patient’s week”. Sandy’s position also allows her several other ways to spread a little joy. She leads our WE HONOR VETS program, where she organizes a special visit with Veteran Volunteers to honor our Veteran patients. She also spends one day a week visiting various partnering facilities to have “Craft time with Sandy.”
Outside of work, Sandy lives with her husband in Fort Valley, Va. where you can often find her volunteering at her church or the Fort Valley Ruritan Club, where she is currently the Club President. She loves to spend time with family (especially her grandchildren), hike in the beautiful mountains surrounding the Shen. Valley, and “travel as much as I can!”

08/07/2025

Meet Starr Carmody. Starr says she decided to volunteer for Hospice to spread kindness and joy. She had worked in the Hospitality industry for 34 years and wanted a change. She lost her mother and mother-in-law to cancer, and she felt Hospice played a role in both of their passing. Starr said they made them feel as comfortable as possible both at home and at the hospital. This experience has even influenced her career path, as she will start school in August for her CNA license. She says she is so excited for this next chapter, helping people and making them as comfortable and cared for as possible. And when talking about her time as a new volunteer with Geniva Hospice, she says “The smiles of my patients when I get to see them every week is irreplaceable”.

08/06/2025

Meet Emmah Payne

Emmah is a fourth-year student at Virginia Tech on a pre-physical therapy track. Outside of school you can find her spending time with family or doing anything outdoors. She joined our volunteer team earlier this year and weekly visits a 97-year-old lady that resides in an Assisted Living Facility here in Harrisonburg. They immediately created a wonderful bond, and when speaking of Emmah, her patient fondly says, “she is like my daughter”.

07/30/2025

We recently had a wonderful visit with 95-year-old Korean Army Veteran, Mr. Charles Ripley from Timberville, Va. Mr. Ripley comes from a family with strong miliary roots. All of his brothers, his son-in-law, and many nephews also served our country in various branches, and his father was a WW1 Veteran. It was such an honor and privilege to visit with Mr. Ripley and present this certificate, along with a few other tokens of our appreciation. From all of us here at Gentiva Hospice, please know your service is greatly appreciated. Thank you, Mr. Ripley!

05/07/2025

Meet Rory Leslie, a Gentiva Hospice volunteer at the Harrisonburg Branch. Rory is currently a third-year nursing student at James Madison University, with aspirations to become either a labor and delivery nurse or a flight nurse. Outside of her studies, she says she cherishes time with her family, including her three younger siblings, two dogs, and a cat. Whenever she has the chance, she loves backpacking and hiking, especially with her family and boyfriend. When Rory talks about volunteering with hospice, she says, “My passion for nursing is rooted in a deep desire to connect with others, and I’ve always enjoyed hearing people’s life stories. Hospice care offers a unique opportunity to form meaningful relationships, and I’m grateful to contribute to creating those connections in such an impactful way.” We are so happy to have Rory as part of our volunteer team!

05/06/2025

Meet Veteran Volunteer Scott Lane. Scott served in the US Army and later retired as a State Police officer, but now he volunteers for Gentiva Hospice in Harrisonburg, VA. Scott often can be found accompanying Gentiva staff to honor and show our respect and gratitude to our veteran patients. He has visited dozens of veteran patients, sometimes as often as once a week. While representing the entire staff, Scott presents these very special men and women with a framed certificate, some pins, and a challenge coin specific to the branch they served. But maybe, most importantly, a very special heartfelt salute. Scott even “recreated his dress greens” for these occasions! We are so very pleased to have Scott as part of our volunteer team!

04/28/2025

We recently had a wonderful visit with Mr. & Mrs. William Peale, and we honored him for his service in the US Army. Thank you, Sir, for your service to your country; it is very much appreciated!