**Jeanie Decker (left) and Rowena Greene (right)**

Rowena Greene's wit and humor shined through, even as dementia began to take its toll on her. Her daughter, Jeanie Decker, recalls spending summer afternoons with her mother at her grandmother’s fishpond, Poplar Fish Lake, which was a precious spot for them.

Rowena would help her mother with some of the duties around the lake and Jeanie would fish and enjoy time with her mom and grandmother. It was a time of fond memories for Jeanie in the small town of Sawmills, N.C.

But as time went on and Rowena’s disease progressed, it became more difficult for Jeanie to care for her. So, she decided to call Carolina Caring, a local serious illness care provider, for supportive hospice care.

"It was a long and difficult journey following my mother’s dementia diagnosis,” says Jeanie. “I am so very thankful to have experienced such love from the nurses, aides and volunteers at Carolina Caring, who had endless compassion as they assisted with Momma’s care."

Jeanie and Rowena's lives were touched by so many special people at Carolina Caring — including Harley Hood, a CNA who bathed Rowena every week; Tonya Church, a social worker who sat and told her stories; Chaplain Bruce Dayton, who brought light when both mother and daughter needed it most; and Cherri Scronce, RN, and Kathy Greiner, RN, who compassionately cared for Rowena. Jeannie is also grateful to Vivian Scott, a volunteer who frequently brought beautiful cards to her mother's room at the Catawba Valley Hospice House. What a joy it was for her to read them to her mother.

“Carolina Caring made the end-of-life process so much easier,” says Jeanie. “They gave us peace of mind knowing everything would be taken care of, so we could focus on the important things in life — and experience peace and comfort during mom’s last days.”