Visiting Nurse / Hospice Atlanta Blogs

How Americans Die Now

Life expectancy in the developed world has been continuously increasing for decades, spurred on by medical breakthroughs, improved sanitation and greater access to medical resources. These changes have also led to differences in how and where people die. No matter what your age, it is never too early to begin thinking about the circumstances in which you would like to spend your final days.

Changes in How Americans Die

In centuries past, Americans died most often from diseases that could not be prevented or cured with the techniques of the time. For instance, in the year 1900, Americans were most likely to die from pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, digestive disease or heart disease. Today, however, Americans are most likely to die from heart disease, cancer, lung disease or stroke. Improved screening processes, lifestyle changes and better medical care allow today’s doctors to manage many of these conditions, giving patients better quality of life in their final stages of life.

As a result, life expectancy has increased. But there has been another major shift in how Americans die. Compared to the early 1900s, when diseases were likely to claim a person’s life after a relatively short illness, many Americans are now managing chronic diseases. Because of this changing face of illness, the end of life is more likely to come in a hospital than ever before. A full 40 percent of Americans die in the hospital, compared to 42 percent who die at home. Understanding your options when it comes to the place of your death can allow you to meet the end with dignity and empowerment, and how and with whom you choose to live your final days.

How Hospice Care Can Benefit Patients at the End of Life

Dying in a hospital provides access to needed medical resources, but it is often costly, with the average person’s final month costing more than $32,000. Entering hospice care provides an opportunity to end life in a dignified, comfortable setting. Not only does hospice care reduce unnecessary medical procedures and costs, it also is associated with greater quality of life compared to dying in the hospital.

Visiting Nurse Health System has long been a leading provider of hospice care in the greater Atlanta area, serving more than 10,000 families at Hospice Atlanta Center during the past 20 years. We provide top quality nursing care in your home or the place you call home – your residence, senior living facility or Hospice Atlanta Center. Contact Hospice Atlanta today to learn how our services may be appropriate for you or your loved one, or schedule a tour of Hospice Atlanta Center and its residences by calling 404-869-3000.

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Thank you Mutual of America for a great time celebrating our mission, Healthcare Champions, and new friends of Visiting Nurse at Mercedes Stadium.

#visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #communityfirst

Thank you Mutual of America for a great time celebrating our mission, Healthcare Champions, and new friends of Visiting Nurse at Mercedes Stadium.

#visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #communityfirst
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We had a great time celebrating OT month, culminating this week with our 2025 Home Health OT Breakfast! 
Thank you OTs for all you do!

#OTMonth #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #teamworkmakesthedreamwork❤️

We had a great time celebrating OT month, culminating this week with our 2025 Home Health OT Breakfast!
Thank you OTs for all you do!

#OTMonth #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #teamworkmakesthedreamwork❤️
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Space Is Still Available - Sign Up Today!

Join us for our 3rd Annual Resilience Event on May 17th, 2025.

This FREE event is designed to support those on the grief journey.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
• Hear from others who understand the grief journey.
• Engage in grief break-out groups for shared support.
• Receive tangible tools to cope with loss and grief.
Together, we can build resilience and support each other through grief. Registration Required.

#hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #grief

Space Is Still Available - Sign Up Today!

Join us for our 3rd Annual Resilience Event on May 17th, 2025.

This FREE event is designed to support those on the grief journey.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
• Hear from others who understand the grief journey.
• Engage in grief break-out groups for shared support.
• Receive tangible tools to cope with loss and grief.
Together, we can build resilience and support each other through grief. Registration Required.

#hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #grief
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As we continue to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week & Month, enjoy this message from one of our longtime volunteers and supporters sharing on why folks volunteer!

Barry gives to our community donating his time and talent in many ways impacting many around the globe, including helping individuals on their grief journey through TGBeyond! Thank you for all you do Barry!

#volunteer #volunteerappreciation #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #TGBeyond

As we continue to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week & Month, enjoy this message from one of our longtime volunteers and supporters sharing on why folks volunteer!

Barry gives to our community donating his time and talent in many ways impacting many around the globe, including helping individuals on their grief journey through TGBeyond! Thank you for all you do Barry!

#volunteer #volunteerappreciation #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #TGBeyond
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Thank you to all of our Administrative Support Professionals! Celebrating you this week, this month and ALWAYS! You're support is second to none, we're grateful for all you do! #support #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta

Thank you to all of our Administrative Support Professionals! Celebrating you this week, this month and ALWAYS! You`re support is second to none, we`re grateful for all you do! #support #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta ...

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Go Hawks Beat the Heat Tonight! 

Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta celebrates the Hawks players, organization and Foundation for all they do to support our Atlanta community! 
Here are some Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta employees and their loved ones, cheering on the Hawks last weekend! 
Good luck tonight taking on the Miami Heat!
#GoHawks #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta

Go Hawks Beat the Heat Tonight!

Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta celebrates the Hawks players, organization and Foundation for all they do to support our Atlanta community!
Here are some Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta employees and their loved ones, cheering on the Hawks last weekend!
Good luck tonight taking on the Miami Heat!
#GoHawks #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta
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We’re proud to share our President and CEO, Dorothy Davis, joined other Georgia healthcare leaders this week in Washington DC, gathering April 9 for LeadingAge Lobby Day. 
The team meet with both Republican and Democratic representatives to ensure healthcare and choice remain an option for seniors. 
As Visiting Nurse began over 76 years ago, our mission is to improve the lives of those we serve, and we carried the voices of our patients and caregivers to the Georgia representatives. 
We honor this dedicated team of healthcare leaders (Ginny Helms, Deke Cateau, Chris Keysor, Karon Nixon) committed to work in connection directly with local and federal policymakers, to continue helping to drive meaningful change and create a more equitable healthcare system for all. Thank you to these strong leaders, for their unwavering dedication and for being a voice for those who need it most. 
#HealthcareEquality #Advocacy #Leadership #MakingADifference #leadingage #washington #visitingnursehealthsystem

We’re proud to share our President and CEO, Dorothy Davis, joined other Georgia healthcare leaders this week in Washington DC, gathering April 9 for LeadingAge Lobby Day.
The team meet with both Republican and Democratic representatives to ensure healthcare and choice remain an option for seniors.
As Visiting Nurse began over 76 years ago, our mission is to improve the lives of those we serve, and we carried the voices of our patients and caregivers to the Georgia representatives.
We honor this dedicated team of healthcare leaders (Ginny Helms, Deke Cateau, Chris Keysor, Karon Nixon) committed to work in connection directly with local and federal policymakers, to continue helping to drive meaningful change and create a more equitable healthcare system for all. Thank you to these strong leaders, for their unwavering dedication and for being a voice for those who need it most.
#HealthcareEquality #Advocacy #Leadership #MakingADifference #leadingage #washington #visitingnursehealthsystem
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Visiting Nurse Health System is proud to announce that Jacqueline Ralph-Blair was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Leading Women for 2025. This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors women executives from all sectors of the healthcare industry for their contributions to care delivery improvement, health equity, policy and gender equity in healthcare leadership. Congratulations Jacqueline!

Please join us in congratulation Jacqueline and enjoy the full press release on our website www.vnhs.org

Visiting Nurse Health System is proud to announce that Jacqueline Ralph-Blair was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Leading Women for 2025. This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors women executives from all sectors of the healthcare industry for their contributions to care delivery improvement, health equity, policy and gender equity in healthcare leadership. Congratulations Jacqueline!

Please join us in congratulation Jacqueline and enjoy the full press release on our website www.vnhs.org
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We are thrilled to announce that Regina Ramsey-Dockett has been named Employee of the Month for April 2025! 🎉

Regina's dedication, innovation, and exceptional teamwork have not only driven her success but have also inspired those around her. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to lead with passion have been instrumental to Visiting Nurse for over a decade now!

Please join us in congratulating Regina on this well-deserved recognition. Regina, we are so grateful you choose Visiting Nurse each day! #EmployeeOfTheMonth #TeamSuccess #Congratulations

We are thrilled to announce that Regina Ramsey-Dockett has been named Employee of the Month for April 2025! 🎉

Regina`s dedication, innovation, and exceptional teamwork have not only driven her success but have also inspired those around her. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to lead with passion have been instrumental to Visiting Nurse for over a decade now!

Please join us in congratulating Regina on this well-deserved recognition. Regina, we are so grateful you choose Visiting Nurse each day! #EmployeeOfTheMonth #TeamSuccess #Congratulations
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Great kick off to the first day of the 2025 LeadingAge Georgia Annual Conference! 
This year's theme is "Ripples of Impact," as Georgia's leaders converge to discover new solutions, empower members to make a rippling impact to Georgia's seniors, families, and communities!
Meet LeadingAge Georgia Leaders: Ginny Helms, President & CEO LeadingAge Georgia, and Dorothy Davis, our Visiting Nurse|Hospice Atlanta President & CEO who is LeadingAge Georgia Board Chair, and LeadingAge National Policy Team Member.
#leadingagegeorgia2025#visitingnursehealthsystem#hospiceatlanta#2025Conference #seniors

Great kick off to the first day of the 2025 LeadingAge Georgia Annual Conference!
This year`s theme is "Ripples of Impact," as Georgia`s leaders converge to discover new solutions, empower members to make a rippling impact to Georgia`s seniors, families, and communities!
Meet LeadingAge Georgia Leaders: Ginny Helms, President & CEO LeadingAge Georgia, and Dorothy Davis, our Visiting Nurse|Hospice Atlanta President & CEO who is LeadingAge Georgia Board Chair, and LeadingAge National Policy Team Member.
#leadingagegeorgia2025#visitingnursehealthsystem#hospiceatlanta#2025Conference #seniors
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