Visiting Nurse / Hospice Atlanta Blogs

Hospice… Game Over? No, Game On!

By: Dr. Bryan Hooker, Hospice Atlanta Medical Director

What do you think of when you hear the word hospice? You think “game over,” right? Well that’s not necessarily accurate. Hospice care, as a philosophy, focuses on the relief of terminally ill patients’ symptoms and pain while attending to their emotional and spiritual needs. Contrary to the assumption that hospice equals death, data shows that early referral to hospice actually improves life expectancy.

The appreciation for hospice care has grown; in fact, November has been named Homecare and Hospice Month. The month that hosts Thanksgiving, and as leaves fall to the ground most likely to represent the end of life, November is an ideal time to discuss hospice philosophy and examine how Hospice Atlanta serves a vital role in caring for the most vulnerable in our community.

The Journey of Hospice

Recently at our inpatient unit Hospice Atlanta Center, an elderly man Jim (not his real name) was admitted after suffering an intracerebral hemorrhage from a fall. He was unable to speak and was partially paralyzed in more than half his body. He was very agitated and restless and appeared to be in pain. His medical records also revealed he suffered from cancer. With the help of the social worker and several other team members, we discovered Jim was an attorney living in squalor with his beloved dog, Roscoe. Our team made daily visits and rarely did we notice family members present. Although Jim’s condition improved over time and he was finally able to speak in 4 to 5 word sentences, it became clear to us that he would no longer be able to live independently. Although we provide care for those without means for payment, we do not provide the type of living facility Jim needed, so we began searching for a safe place that would accept patients without funding. As we nursed him back to health, our social worker found the perfect facility for him and even found a happy home for Roscoe too. We discussed our plan of care with his family, who felt some sense of relief that their father would continue to receive excellent supportive care.

Through the tireless efforts of our entire team, including nurses providing compassionate care, aides helping to bathe and feed Jim, his social worker scouring options for placement, our volunteer sitting at his bedside, and our chaplain praying for us all, the last few days of Jim’s life were peaceful and comfortable. This journey that our hospice team took with Jim and his family reminds me of the quote by Robert Frost: “Hope is not found in a way out but a way through.” It is this type of journey all of us at Hospice Atlanta hope to give each and every patient.

So ask yourself again, what do you think of when you hear the word hospice? At Hospice Atlanta, we hope our patients think “game on.”

Connect with Us on Instagram
Today, we remember and honor all who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication will never be forgotten. Forever grateful. 🕊️
#MemorialDay #HonorAndRemember #NeverForget #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

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🏌️‍♀️ We’re proud to be part of a great cause on and off the course!

Visiting Nurse Health System | Hospice Atlanta was honored to participate in and sponsor this year's LeadingAge Georgia Golf Tournament—an event that brings together healthcare partners and changemakers in senior care. 

This tournament helps sustain the vital work of LeadingAge Georgia, empowering member organizations that serve and advocate for our aging population across the state. It’s a privilege to be part of a community so committed to compassionate, quality care for older adults. ⛳️💙

#LeadingAgeGA #GolfForACause #SeniorCare #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #HospiceAtlanta #AgingWithDignity #CommunitySupport

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🎉 Please join us in celebrating our Employee of the Month – Dykia Brummitt! 🌟

Dykia’s dedication, compassion, and positive team spirit make a lasting impact on everyone she cares for. Her commitment to our mission and values here at Visiting Nurse Health System shines through in all she does, and we are so grateful to have her on our team. 💙👏

Congratulations, Dykia—you truly embody what it means to provide care with heart! 🏆

#EmployeeOfTheMonth #VisitingNurseProud #HealthcareHeroes #ThankYouDykia #visitingnursehealthsystem

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🎉 Celebrating Nurses Month continues with our incredible nursing team at Hospice Atlanta | Visiting Nurse Home Health! 💙🩺Here's our Home Health team celebrating this week! We’re so proud of our compassionate, dedicated nurses who go above and beyond every day to care for our community in the comfort of their home. Thank you for all that you do! 👏

#NursesMonth #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #ThankYouNurses #hospiceatlanta

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We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us last Saturday for Hospice Atlanta's 3rd Annual Resilience bereavement event. Whether you came to listen, speak, or simply be present, your participation helped create a space of healing, support, and strength.

A special thank you to our incredible speakers, who so generously shared their stories, insights, and compassion. Your words touched many and reminded us all that even in grief, we are not alone.

To every attendee — your presence was powerful. Thank you for showing up for yourselves, and for each other. Together, we honored our losses and found comfort in community. Thank you to our gracious volunteers and staff who supported the event operations. Let’s continue to walk this path together. 💛

 #ResilienceEvent #GriefSupport #ThankYou #HealingTogether #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

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💐Happy Mother's Day!💐

#mothersday #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem

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Happy Nurses Week! 
Celebrating this week the incredible dedication, compassion, and resilience of nurses here at Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta and everywhere! 🌟🩺
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing unwavering support and care to patients and their families. In 2025, we continue to recognize the vital role they play in our communities and their commitment to improving lives. Let's take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for these healthcare heroes. 

Join us in celebrating Nurses Week by sharing a story of a nurse who has inspired you or by simply saying “thank you” to a nurse who has made a difference in your life.

Thank You For All You Do!! Happy Nurses Week! 💙🏥 #nursesweek2025#healthcareheroes#ThankYouNurses#visitingnursehealthsystem#hospiceatlanta

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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

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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❤️

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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

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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

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