Empowering Comfort and Compassion: The Role of Certified Nursing Assistants

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Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are essential to the daily care and comfort of patients receiving hospice and home health care. Their hands-on involvement ensures that patients’ physical needs are met with professionalism and compassion, all while maintaining the dignity of the individual receiving care. At Solaris Healthcare, CNAs often spend the most time with patients during the workweek, providing consistent and attentive support that extends beyond physical care to include emotional connection and companionship.

CNAs play a critical role in supporting the quality of life for patients in hospice and home health settings. Their responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities and monitoring patient well-being, but their impact goes far deeper. Through their presence and actions, CNAs embody the philosophy of care that is central to palliative and hospice services — preserving comfort, promoting dignity, and respecting each patient’s unique needs and preferences.

Compassion stands out as the defining characteristic among the CNAs at Solaris Healthcare. As one employee shared:
“The difference between empathy and compassion is ACTION. Our CNAs turn compassion into meaningful care that meets the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of every patient they serve.“
This dedication drives CNAs to go beyond tasks, ensuring that every interaction contributes positively to the patient’s comfort and well-being.

CNAs not only support patients but also play a crucial role in easing the burden on families. By managing physically demanding and intimate care tasks, CNAs reduce the stress and fatigue experienced by family caregivers. This support allows family members to focus on the emotional and relational aspects of caregiving, preserving important family roles and strengthening bonds during a time of profound transition.

Hospice and home health care can be isolating for many patients. CNAs provide essential companionship and emotional support, often becoming trusted confidants and steady sources of comfort. Their ongoing presence helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and anxiety, fostering a caring environment that honors the patient’s dignity and humanity throughout their care journey.

To every CNA at Solaris Healthcare, thank you. Your gentle hands and compassionate hearts bring peace, dignity, and comfort to those in their final season of life and to patients managing chronic conditions at home. Your selfless dedication and presence provide invaluable support not only to the patients but also to their families. During CNA Week 2025, we honor your extraordinary contributions that make all the difference in hospice, home health, and palliative care.