Patient Stories

Patient Stories

Charles has been bedbound for an extended period of years, and left his bed only a few times when taken by stretcher to a doctor or hospital. After a previous physical therapy effort with another agency was a complete failure, he had given up hope of ever seeing anything but the four walls of his bedroom. After Visiting Nurse assumed responsibility for his care, Charles began a new life.

First, he was fitted for a wheelchair, a big step for Charles as he was nervous about transferring to it. Charles recalls, “And then, the miracle: I re-entered the larger world, under my own power, for the first time in over four years. I rolled from by bedroom into my den; something that almost anyone else would take for granted, but for me, it was so much more: it was freedom to live again.”

But Charles’ team was not done helping him improve his life. Charles later achieved another incredible goal: his legs bore weight for the first time in many years. “My legs were no longer just useless appendages; they have suddenly become a working part of me again,” he said. Charles is working up to his next set of goals, but first took the time to write to Visiting Nurse to express gratitude for his new life.

“Perhaps the most important thing your staff has brought me is hope, simple hope. They have made my life so much better I do not want any other home health care agency providing service for me. I have learned the most important part of any medical service is the people providing it, and I have complete and absolute confidence in Visiting Nurse. I cannot sing the praises of my team enough.”

Jon met his future wife Sally when she filled in at the last minute in a play he was doing. Little did heknow, he would soon be playing a new role in a full house. Sixteen years older, Sally’s family included her daughter, two grandchildren and a niece, all under one roof.

Sally began to have chronic health problems. Debilitating arthritis was followed by kidney failure and arterial blockages. Then doctors discovered Stage 3 breast cancer that soon spread to her liver and lungs. After many long talks, Sally and Jon left the difficult regimen of aggressive treatment and chronic hospitalization and entered hospice care with Visiting Nurse.

More than anything, Sally wanted to be at home with her family. “Don’t send me to Shady Pines,” she would joke. That was possible, Jon says, only because the nurses, social workers and volunteers of Visiting Nurse taught him what he needed to do to take care of her and to take care of himself.

“Sally passed away like everyone hopes for,” says Jon, “at home, surrounded by all of us, kissing her, telling her we loved her, and that’s because our hospice team had shown us how to do that.”

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Join us in celebrating World Kindness Day! 
At Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta, kindness is at the heart of everything we do — from comforting patients and families to supporting one another as teammates and volunteers.
We celebrate today as a reminder that even the SMALLEST gestures can make a big difference.
✨ Hold the door for someone.
✨ Share a smile or an encouraging word.
✨ Volunteer your time.
✨ Spread positivity online.
Remember, kindness truly heals! 
Let us know how do you show your kindness - post on our page!
#NationalKindnessDay #WorldKindnessDay #KindnessHeals #VisitingNurse #HospiceAtlanta #CompassionInAction #hospiceatlanta

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We've had a great day honoring our Veteran hospice patients for their courage, service, and connection. Our Veteran Volunteer retired Navy Captain Alan, traveled around to our patients’ homes today, honoring their service with a We Honor Veterans pinning event. A few of our patients honored today are shown here: Duane, an Air Force pilot, and later a commercial pilot, with a flawless 30-year flying record, and Edward “Ted,” a Navy veteran and centenarian honored at age 102. 
Alan, our Volunteer and a retired Navy Captain who served aboard the USS Long Beach during the Vietnam War, has spent over 15 years giving back to fellow veterans through visits and veteran pinning ceremonies. Through these events, Alan brings honor, understanding, recognition, and the unique bond that only a fellow service member can share. 
#veteransday #volunteers #veteranvolunteers #hospicealtanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

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This Veterans Day, Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta proudly honors the brave men and women who have served our country. We are especially grateful for the opportunity to care for Veterans and their families with compassion, dignity, and respect—today and every day.
#VeteransDay #HospiceAtlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #HonoringOurHeroes

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Our Visiting Nurse Community Care Program leaders were proud to participate in today’s Newton County Senior Center community event, sharing how our full continuum of healthcare, aging services and provider networks offer the necessary care and resources needed. Every conversation and resource provided ensures those who need care know about the resources available, and understand the steps to access the healthcare and services they need.

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Make a difference in someone’s life today! 
Volunteer with Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta and bring comfort, support, and joy to patients and families. 
Apply now at vnhs.org
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Visiting Nurse loves celebrating Our Amazing Home Health PTs and PTAs!

October is Physical Therapy Month, and our Home Health leader Jacqueline Ralph Blair brought the team together for a fun evening of bowling to celebrate the incredible work they bring into homes every day. This celebration was a small way to say thank you for the big impact they make in people’s lives.

In these times, connection and appreciation mean more than ever — and it was wonderful to spend time together as a team. 💙

#PhysicalTherapyMonth #HomeHealth #TeamVNHS #Rehabilitation #ThankYouPTs #EmployeeAppreciation

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Congratulations to our employee of the month!

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🎉 Congratulations to our Employee of the Month, Kim Shuford! 

Kim’s dedication, compassion, and commitment to this organization is second to none. She consistently goes above and beyond her role, each day, helping behind the scenes, truly embody the mission of Visiting Nurse Health System. Her commitment to excellence, drive and team spirit are key to how she consistently supports our clinical teams and our care partners to care for our patients and families. We are so grateful Kim is part of our team, and celebrate the positive impact she makes every day here at Visiting Nurse.

Please join us in celebrating Kim for this well-deserved recognition! 👏👏

#EmployeeOfTheMonth #TeamVNH #ExcellenceInCare

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🌟 Hospice Atlanta is proud to have been a sponsor of the 2025 ALS Walk in Atlanta! 🌟

Our team was honored to walk alongside our patients families, friends, and community partners, all coming together to raise awareness and honor those affected by ALS. It was an inspiring day filled with hope, strength, and compassion. 💜

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and supported this important cause. Together, we are making a difference!

📸 Check out some moments from this special day below.

#ALSWalk #HospiceAtlanta #CommunityCare #TogetherForALS

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Honored to bring together distinguished individuals from across Georgia at this week's Healthcare Champions community event at the Buckhead Club. We are grateful for our sponsor, Cadence Bank, for their support, and to the amazing keynote speaker Amaka Eneanya, MD, MPH, FASN, whose insights and expertise inspired meaningful dialogue among the packed room of leaders. hashtag#community hashtag#healthcareforall hashtag#georgia hashtag#visitingnursehealthsystem hashtag#hospiceatlanta

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