Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge, Inc

07/21/2025

We don’t just enter a room, we enter a sacred space.

When we walk through their door, we bring in our presence, our energy, and our awareness. And that presence matters. People at the end of life feel everything, we can’t hide our distraction, emotional weight, or hurry. They know.

That’s why I leave my own “stuff” at the door. Every visit may be my only visit. Every word I say, every silence I hold, every tool I offer might be the last they receive from me. So I make it count. I bring in peace. I bring in gentleness. I bring in the intention to serve, not just their body, but their heart.

Because what I leave behind is more than a memory, it is meaning.

xo
Gabby
www.thehospiceheart.net

07/20/2025

The Jagged Edges of Grief

grief is sharp and it cuts deep
and can feel as though you have been wrapped tightly with barbed wire
your heart gets snagged by the jagged edges
which can feel like you are being ripped apart
and pieces of you are being torn away

but sometimes there are spaces in between the sharp points which represent the moments when the pain is easier to tolerate
and you realize that the barbed wire is not there
to cut and harm you, it is there to protect you

you might bleed, but that just means you feel
and with grief, we need to feel even when it hurts

xo
Gabby

You can find this poem here:
https://www.thehospiceheart.net/post/the-jagged-edges-of-grief

07/16/2025

We are thrilled to announce that Hospice and Home Care of the Blue Ridge has been awarded the prestigious Hospice Honors Elite for 2025, based on outstanding CAHPS satisfaction scores! A heartfelt thank you to our incredible staff and dedicated volunteers whose unwavering commitment made this achievement possible. Your hard work shines through!

The Hospice CAHPS Honors program recognizes hospice agencies that surpass the MatrixCare National Score on at least 20 evaluated questions. These invaluable evaluations come directly from patient families, addressing critical areas such as family communication, timely assistance, respect for patients, and effective pain and symptom management.

MatrixCare bestows a special accolade, Hospice Honors Elite, upon those hospices that excel by scoring above the MatrixCare National Performance Score on all twenty-four evaluated questions.

We are deeply honored to receive this esteemed recognition, which reflects the dedication of our staff and volunteers in delivering exceptional care to each and every one of our patients. Hospice and Home Care of the Blue Ridge stands proudly as one of just 4 North Carolina hospice organizations to achieve the Hospice Honors Elite status in 2025, and one of only 16 in the state to receive a Hospice Honors award this year.

07/16/2025

Come out to and enjoy a some of the best ice-cream you will ever eat this Friday, 7/18 from 1230-4!!

07/15/2025

07/15/2025

Come out and see what thrifty finds you can come across at
Hospice Thrift Store
5233 NC HWY 226S
Bakersville (Ledger)

07/11/2025

Heat-related illnesses can be a life-threatening emergency, striking when we least expect it. It’s crucial to look after each other during these summer months, recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and understanding that education about the dangers of excessive and prolonged heat exposure can be a matter of life and death. Did you know that nearly 700 people die from heat-related illnesses in the U.S. each year? Knowledge is our best defense.

07/11/2025

Thank you, Mitchell Senior Center, for inviting us to discuss the critical importance of senior health related to heat awareness. In these summer months, ensuring our loved ones stay safe from heat-related risks becomes vital for their well-being.

07/11/2025

Come out and get a yummy pretzel today from 11-2!!

07/09/2025

No matter your specific role, if you are caring for someone at the end of their life, first, thank you, and second, please never forget how deeply meaningful and important your work truly is. You are making a difference in ways that may be invisible in the moment but are felt deeply by those you care for and their loved ones. Your presence, compassion, and commitment matter more than words can fully express.

And while you give so much of yourself to others, please remember to care for yourself, too. This work is emotionally and physically demanding, and your well-being matters. Rest, reflect, ask for support when you need it, and allow yourself moments of peace. You can’t pour from an empty cup, your care for others is most sustainable when it includes care for you.

Compassion fatigue is real, and even with the best intentions, this work can be emotionally exhausting. To truly sustain yourself in this space, it’s essential to find a balance where meaningful work, compassionate care, and self-love coexist. That blend is what allows you to continue giving your best while also honoring your own well-being.

Yours might be the last hand someone holds, the last voice they hear, or the last eyes they look into. Please never forget how profoundly important your work is - and equally as important, how much you matter too.

xo
Gabby
www.thehospiceheart.net

07/09/2025

Also check out our Christmas in July section 🎄

Hospice Thrift Store
5233 NC HWY 226S
Bakersville (Ledger)

Tuesday - Saturday 10-4