What Does a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)/Hospice Care Aide Do at Gilchrist?
At Gilchrist, our mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to people with serious illness—wherever they call home. One of the most vital roles in fulfilling this mission is that of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), also known as a hospice care aide. These dedicated caregivers are often the heart of the hospice team, providing hands-on care, comfort, and dignity to patients at the end of life.
What Is a CNA/Hospice Care Aide?
A CNA/hospice care aide is a specially trained professional who provides personal care and emotional support to hospice patients. This includes helping with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, light housekeeping, and sometimes even meal preparation. But their role goes far beyond physical tasks—they offer companionship, a listening ear, and reassurance during one of life’s most tender stages. “Being a hospice aide means walking with someone in their final journey—not to fix, but to comfort, honor, and be present. What I love most is the quiet connection and the trust built during such a tender time. I wish more people understood that this work isn’t just about death—it’s about dignity, peace, and the deep beauty of helping someone feel truly cared for at the end of life,” shares Lakiya Carter-James, Gilchrist Hospice Aide.
At Gilchrist, our CNAs are an essential part of the interdisciplinary team, working closely with nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers to ensure each patient receives holistic, individualized care.
Where Do Gilchrist CNAs Provide Care?
One of the things that makes Gilchrist so special is that we bring care to wherever patients need it most. Our hospice care aides serve in a variety of settings, including:
- Home Care
Many patients wish to remain at home surrounded by familiar comforts and loved ones. Gilchrist CNAs help make this possible by visiting patients in their homes, providing gentle, respectful care that helps maintain independence and dignity. - Senior Living Communities
For patients residing in senior living communities, our CNAs coordinate with facility staff to provide seamless care, ensuring patients receive the same level of compassion and attention as they would at home. - Gilchrist Care Centers
For patients with more complex needs, Gilchrist offers three beautiful care centers designed to feel like home while providing round-the-clock medical and supportive care:- Gilchrist Center Towson: Nestled in the heart of Towson, this center offers a peaceful, homelike environment with spacious rooms, comfortable family areas, and a beautiful garden where loved ones can gather.
- Gilchrist Center Howard County: Located in Columbia, this center provides serene surroundings and family-friendly spaces, ensuring patients and families can spend meaningful time together.
- Gilchrist Center Baltimore: As the only residential hospice center in Baltimore City, this location is a cornerstone of compassionate care, serving a diverse community with warmth and respect.
The Gilchrist Difference
What truly sets Gilchrist apart is not just what we do, but how we do it. Our CNAs don’t just provide care—they build relationships. They get to know each patient’s preferences, needs, and life story, making sure every touch, every word, every moment reflects dignity and compassion. “One thing many hospice aides wish people knew is that while the work can be emotionally intense, it’s not just sad it’s often beautiful, peaceful, and profoundly human. Hospice isn’t about giving up; it’s about honoring life and ensuring comfort, even in the final chapter,” Carter shares.
Families frequently express their gratitude for the exceptional care provided by Gilchrist’s hospice aides. Whether it’s a gentle touch, a reassuring smile, or simply sitting quietly by a patient’s side, our CNAs help create moments of comfort and peace in even the most difficult times.
Join Us in Celebrating Our CNAs
At Gilchrist, we are incredibly proud of the compassionate CNAs who help carry out our mission every day. Their dedication, kindness, and skill are a powerful reminder that hospice care is not just about managing symptoms—it’s about helping people live fully until the very end.
To learn more about Gilchrist’s hospice services or to join our incredible team, visit gilchristcares.org.