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How do you know if you need Hospice Care or Palliative Care? It can be difficult knowing which type of care is needed. By answering a few brief and confidential questions, it may help guide you in determining if Hospice Care or Palliative Care is right for you or your loved one. Hospice Care or Palliative Care? How do you know if you need Hospice Care or Pall iative Care? It can be difficult knowing which type of care is needed. By answering a few brief and confidential questions using the tool below, it may help guide you in determining if Hospice Care or Palliative Care is right for you or your loved one. Your answers are private to you, we do not store or share your responses. Available 24/7 • 365 Days a Year • Call Us Anytime: 833.839.1113 Have you or your loved one been diagnosed with a serious illness? A serious illness may include heart failure, COPD, dementia, Alzheimer's, cancer, etc. Yes No If no, this may not be the right time for Palliative Care or Hospice Care, but we welcome a phone call to speak to one of our nurses about your specific situation and answer any questions you may have. Have you or your loved one experienced any of the following within the last 3-6 months? Eating less Declining mobility Hospitalizations Sleeping more Weight loss Worsening shortness of breath that is impacting your quality of life Yes No Are you or your loved one receiving curative treatment, like chemotherapy? Yes No If yes, this may be the right time for Palliative Care. Contact us any time to discuss how our Palliative Care program can help support you or your loved one. Has a physician indicated there may be 6 months or less to live? Yes No If yes, this may be the right time for Hospice Care. Contact us any time to discuss how our Hospice program can help support you or your loved one. If no, this may be the right time for Palliative Care. We welcome a phone call to speak to one of our nurses. They are available to talk to you about your specific situation and answer any questions you may have. We're here to help... Call us anytime. Our nurses will help answer any questions you may have. 833.839.1113 Send us a message . Our friendly staff will review your message and have a nurse contact you at a time that is convenient for you.

About Dr. Soriano joined VIA Health Partners in 2024. Education University of South Carolina School of Medicine Residency Palmetto Health Richland, Internal Medicine Honors & Awards - Certificate for exceptional service & dedication: Augusta University - WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, Gerald N. Olsen Award for Outstanding Clinical Performance Personal Interests Crochet toys for my kids, traveling the world - often by leveraging reward points to discover new destinations & exploring global cuisine Physician Dr. Hsiao (Janny) Soriano, MD

VIA Health Partners has proudly served our North and South Carolina communities for over 4 decades. Visit us to learn more about our end-of-life care services. Facing a serious illness is difficult... ...this is a path we will travel with you . VIA Patient & Family Focused Support VIA Patient Services & Resources VIA Memberships & Affiliations VIA Testimonials More Available 24/7 • 365 Days a Year • Call Us Anytime: 833.839.1113 You don't have to travel this path alone. . . You have the right to live your life with dignity and respect and deserve exceptional care with a team who can offer you the best quality of life possible. This is our mission at VIA Health Partners. Our focus is the well-being of you and your family. . . Our primary focus is you and your family. In fact, you will be treated like family. Which means that our clinicians will consider your family part of ours. It means that you will tell us what your goals are and we will help you reach them - together. Our goal is to put your mind at ease with exceptional care. . . We have a long-standing tradition of excellence and have been offering comprehensive end-of-life care since 1978. We understand the challenges that come with a life-limiting diagnosis and work with you to provide peace of mind, comfort, and security. We want you to be informed. Whether you choose to partner with us, or another organization, we want you to be informed; read our checklist for choosing a hospice. Our Support Hover over each point to learn about VIA's patient & family focused support and care. You have us & a community behind you that's ready to help. . . you can trust VIA Health Partners as the first and largest non-profit hospice in the Carolinas. Patient Services & Resources Patient Services & Resources VIA Health Partners offers exceptional care and resources to patients and families. Along with our care, you may need the assistance of other community organizations. VIA Tools, Resources, & Programs Whether you have just begun the conversation about Palliative Care or Hospice Care, or are caring for a loved one who has been receiving palliative or hospice care for a time, we offer a variety of resources for caregivers at all stages of the end-of-life journey. Hospice Care or Palliative Care? >> Hospice Care >> The VIA Hospice Care Path >> Palliative Care >> The VIA Palliative Care Path >> Specialty Care - Dementia Care >> Specialty Care - Pediatric Care >> Specialty Care - Veteran Care >> Grief Support >> Advance Care Directives >> VIA Volunteer Program >> VIA Resource Documents We offer caregivers a variety of documents to help at all stages of the end-of-life journey. The Final Journey >> Checklist for Choosing the Right Hospice Provider >> Palliative Care - Dispelling the Myths >> Hospice Care - Dispelling the Myths >> VIA Care Guides Caring for a loved one at end-of-life can be filled with uncertainty. Here we offer care guides for the most common end-of-life symptoms so you can feel confident and empowered in caring for your loved one. Caregiver Care Guide - Anxiety >> Caregiver Care Guide - Constipation >> Caregiver Care Guide - Pain >> Caregiver Care Guide - Seizures >> Caregiver Care Guide - Trouble Breathing >> Hospice, Palliative Care, & End-of-Life Organizations There are many organizations that offer end-of-life resources and helpful information online. National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) >> Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina (AHHC) >> South Carolina Home Care & Hospice Association (SCHCHA) >> American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine >> North Carolina Area Health Education Centers (NC AHEC) >> Carolinas Center for Hospice & End-of-Life Care >> National Institute on Aging >> North Carolina Medical Society - End-of-Life Resources >> North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State - Advance Health Care Directive Registry >> North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services - Division of Medical Assistance >> Specialty Care Resources There are many resources available to those caring for a loved one with a specialty diagnosis. ALS Association Publications >> Alzheimer's Association Publications >> Cancer Care Publications >> National Cancer Institute Publications >> VIA Dementia Care Program >> VIA Pediatric Care Program >> VIA Veteran Care Program >> We Honor Veterans Program >> Complete Guide for Veteran Seniors >> Grief Care Resources Wherever you may be in the grief process, know you have support any time you need it. VIA Grief Care Program >> What's Your Grief >> Compassionate Friends >> Grief.com >> Caring Connections >> VIA Youth Grief Program >> Chameleon's Journey >> The Doughy Center >> Memorials & Remembrance We know how important it is to honor our loved ones. Here you will find memorial gifts and events we hold annually to remember and find comfort in community memorial gatherings and celebrations. Annual Butterfly Release Event (Spring/Summer) >> Annual Chameleon's Journey Youth Grief Camp (Spring & Fall) >> Annual Flight of the Dove Cycling Event (Summer) >> Annual Light Up A Life Celebration (Holiday Season) >> Annual Regatta Sailing Competition & Party (Spring/Summer) >> Annual Soup on Sunday Event (Winter/January) >> Commemorative Memorial Bells & Ornaments >> Memorial Bricks >> Memorial Gifts & Donations >> Remembrance Tree Lights >> VIA Upcoming Events & Celebrations >> Memberships & Affiliations VIA Memberships & Affiliations The care we provide our patients and families is strengthened by our memberships and affiliations. Member Organizations Aging & Disabilities Resource Center / Community Resource Connection (CRC) Aging Resources Network (ARN) Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina Charlotte Mecklenburg Aging Coalition (CMAC) Charlotte Mecklenburg Senior Centers (Tyvola, North Meck, Shamrock) Lake Norman Healthcare Forum Mecklenburg Ministries National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Our Children's Memorial Walkway Program of All Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE) Senior Engage The United Way of Lincoln County Collaborative Organizations Mecklenburg Council of Governments – Area Agency on Aging (AAA) >> Alzheimer’s Association (AA) >> North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA) for CE’s >> Area Health Education Center (AHEC) >> Mecklenburg County Medical Society (MCMS) >> American Association of Retired People (AARP) >> Testimonials It is an honor to care for our community - w e care for our patients as if they were our own family. Testimonials " I don't know what I would have done without your help. Losing Frank was like losing half of me. Your care was indeed palliative and much appreciated by Frank, me, and our families. How glad we are that there is an organization like hospice that will step in when the end is near and be there for us all in unbelievable love, compassion, and expertise. " - Louise P.

Learn about VIA Health Partners' compassionate palliative care services. Discover how we provide comfort, support, and specialized care for serious illnesses. Palliative Care Path Walking this path together . You are not alone on this journey. We support you each step of the way. Available 24/7 • 365 Days a Year • Call Us Anytime: 833.839.1113 Palliative Care helps those living with a serious illness maintain their quality of life while also providing support to family and loved ones. Living with a serious illness, or illnesses, can be challenging. We understand this and have a medical team, Palliative Medicine Consultants, dedicated to providing supportive care to patients with serious illnesses. Illnesses may include Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), kidney failure, liver failure, dementia, Parkinson's, and cancer. Their specialized knowledge, compassionate care, and guidance helps to alleviate worries and ensure you feel supported in managing your illness. Our Palliative Nurse Liaisons will make a visit to get to know you and gather information. Follow-up visits are made as you need us, typically once a month with a Nurse Liaison. Nurse Practitioners also make visits as needed. They work closely with the patients' existing healthcare providers to coordinate patient care and symptom management. Our After Hours Team is also available to answer questions and make recommendations around-the-clock. While it's comforting to know that supportive care is available to you, it can still be a bit confusing knowing when the right time is to consider it... Supportive Care Palliative Medicine can help you when: Your quality of life has been suffering due to illness. Your condition has worsened despite the best care by your doctors. You need more help from family and friends. Information provided by your doctor is confusing. You have had frequent trips to the doctor's office or hospital. You need help understanding options for your care & what to expect. Your quality of life is our focus. We get to know you so that we can work to ensure your needs and wishes are met. For some, this may be avoiding hospital visits, or helping their physician understand their wishes. We are here to support you and advocate your personal care choices. Considering Palliative Medicine Getting to know you and learning what is important to you, is the key to ensuring you receive the care you envision. Your first visits with us will help us understand your wishes by: Reviewing your understanding of your illness and what your doctors have told you. Asking about your spiritual and cultural beliefs. Asking how you are coping with your illness. Asking how you feel physically. From there, we: Provide assistance understanding your illness and what to expect. Provide guidance with decisions on complex treatment options. Offer close communication and support. Ensure expert management of pain and other symptoms. Advocate for you, your dignity, comfort, and quality of life - as defined by you. Create a care plan based on your goals and preferences. Assist with Advance Care Directives. Communicate with your doctor(s) regarding your consultation. Having a serious illness doesn't have to mean confusion and coping with symptoms day-to-day, you have an expert team to ensure your wishes are met with Palliative Medicine Consultants. Palliative Medicine Services When you're ready, we are here. Call anytime - 833.839.1113

Learn about VIA Health Partners' Privacy Practices. Discover how we protect your personal health information and ensure compliance with privacy regulations. Privacy Practices Your Information. Your Rights. Our Responsibilities. We are committed to providing compassionate care and protecting the privacy of our patients and families. We may use and disclose your health information for purposes surrounding your treatment. However, we take careful precautions to maintain the privacy of your Protected Health Information (PHI) and prevent the unnecessary disclosure of your individually identifiable health information. We will request your permission before using your individual health-related information in marketing communications such as newsletters, our web site, social media, or other community outreach. You may also choose to opt out of any marketing or fundraising solicitations by contacting our Philanthropy Department at 704-375-0100. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires that we have a full Notice of Privacy Practices available to patients. The Notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Sections include: Use and Disclosure of Health Information Authorization to Use or Disclose Health Information Patient Rights Regarding Health Information Duties of the Organization If you would like to read our full “Notice of Privacy Practices,” click here . If you have any questions or concerns about patient privacy and your rights under the federal privacy standards, please contact our Privacy Officer at 704-375-0100 or privacy@hpccr.org .

Dr. Bridget Hiller, Chief Medical Officer, VIA Health Partners Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bridget Hiller, MD HMDC About Dr. Hiller received her medical degree from State University of New York Brooklyn. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at North Shore University Hospital 2005 and went on to serve as Chief Resident. She completed her fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine in 2012, became fellow for the Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine in 2019, and also passed her Hospice Medical Director certification in 2019. In 2021 she was chosen as one of 50 women physicians as a Woman’s Wellness through Equity and Leadership (WEL) Scholar from the American Hospital Association. Dr. Hiller’s experience and background in improving access to care for patients living with serious and life-threatening illnesses will be of vital importance as we continue to provide excellence in care to the communities we serve. Read more about her inspiring journey here: Medical Professionals Charlotte - December 2024

VIA Health Partners promises to provide exceptional hospice and palliative care, to guide you and your family on this journey, and to respect your choices. Your comfort, needs, and wishes come first. You can count on us - where you need us and when you need us. ​ That is our promise. tailored treatment for a unique diagnosis... ...KidsPath We believe that each patient under our care deserves focused, tailored treatment designed to alleviate pain and symptoms unique to their diagnosis. We offer specialty care through our Dementia Care, KidsPath®and Veteran Care programs. Refer a Loved One Request More Information What is our Pediatric Care program? KidsPath® How is KidsPath® paid for? Pediatric Nurse Qualifications Chameleon's Journey Grief Camp More Available 24/7 • 365 Days a Year • Call Us Anytime: 833.839.1113 What is our Pediatric Care program? What is our Pediatric Care program? Compassionate, best-in-class care, for our children... VIA Health Partners is committed to providing compassionate care to people of all ages. We are one of only a few hospice and palliative care programs in the United States that provides a specialized program of care for seriously ill children and perinatal patients and we are the only dedicated pediatric program in our area. We are a licensed provider of Kids Path®, a unique program founded in Greensboro, NC that offers a different approach for care and support. Team-oriented care is offered by a nurse, social worker, volunteer, and other specialists as needed, such as a chaplain or therapist. Call us at 833.839.1113 for more information or to schedule a consultation. More resources: Caregiver Resources >> Patient & Family Resources >> KidsPath YouTube Video >> KidsPath® KidsPath® Children with illnesses need the type of care that only our KidsPath ® program can provide... All children need special care. Children with illnesses, however, need the type of care that only our KidsPath® program can provide. KidsPath is a unique program for children, ranging in age from infancy to eighteen years of age, who are living with a serious illness or condition. Our pediatric care team offers physical, emotional, and spiritual care with a goal of enhancing the quality of life for children and teens and also their families. A KidsPath staff RN can make intermittent home visits (as ordered by a doctor). KidsPath team members may include a social worker, nursing assistant, physical therapist, and other disciplines as ordered, to meet specific treatment goals. A physician's order is required for home care services. Call us at 833.839.1113 for more information or to schedule a consultation. More resources: VIA Health Partners Service Area >> VIA Health Partners Office Locations >> VIA Health Partners Hospice Houses >> How is KidsPath®paid for? How is KidsPath® paid for? Community contributions and limited reimbursement from insurance and Medicaid have enabled VIA Health Partners to offer the community this comprehensive and specialized program which incorporates direct care for ill children in their homes and support services for families and grieving children. We also rely on community donations for support of our KidsPath program. Thank you for your financial support and for attending events that benefit our patients and their families. Your support helps us to continue our mission to care for the children who need us. Call us at 833.839.1113 for more information or to schedule a consultation. Pediatric Nurse Qualifications What type of qualifications do pediatric nurses have at VIA Health Partners? Our Registered Nurses are nationally Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurses (CHPPN). Click here to view an innovative YouTube video by Adeline Brady, which explains the benefits of KidsPath. Call us at 833.839.1113 for more information or to schedule a consultation. Chameleon's Journey Grief Camp Chameleon's Journey Grief Camp Chameleon's Journey is a grief camp for children and teens... VIA Health Partners offers bereavement and grief support services for children. Through counseling sessions as well as our Chameleon's Journey Grief Camp for children and teens, we offer specialized care for children who have suffered a significant loss. Call us at 833.839.1113 for more information or to schedule a consultation. More resources: Youth Grief Resources >> Chameleon's Journey Grief Camp Website >>

Understand the importance of Advance Care Directives with VIA Health Partners. Learn how to plan your care decisions and ensure your wishes are honored. Advance Care Planning Honoring the wishes of your loved one. Advance care directives provide clarity for when the time comes to use them. Advance Directive Health Care Power of Attorney Advance Directive for a Natural Death (Living Will) Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST) Additional Resources More Available 24/7 • 365 Days a Year • Call Us Anytime: 833.839.1113 Advance Directive Advance Directive When the time comes, advance directives help honor the wishes of your loved one... An advance directive is a legal document that outlines choices about being kept alive by artificial means when suffering from a terminal illness, permanent brain damage, or advanced dementia. Such documents are utilized when we lose decision-making capacity. While many of us have strong opinions about whether we would like to receive these types of treatments in an attempt to keep us alive, few of us actually take the steps to ensure that our wishes are honored. Studies have found that most of us would refuse to be kept alive by artificial means if we have dementia or a terminal illness*. Studies have also found that only 50% of terminally ill patients execute advance directives**. However, there are several easily completed documents that will allow loved ones to understand a patient's wishes regarding end-of-life care, even if the patient lacks decision-making capacity. The state of North Carolina recognizes two advance directive documents. Revised in 2007, they are the Heath Care Power of Attorney and the Living Will. These documents are legal when they are completed by an individual with decision-making capacity, signed by two witnesses, and notarized. There are also two medical orders recognized by North Carolina. They are the Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) and Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) forms. These forms are obtained from the physician or healthcare provider. Health Care Power of Attorney Health Care Power of Attorney The Health Care Power of Attorney allows a person to name someone to make healthcare decisions for them, should the person be unable to communicate their wishes. Advance Directive for a Natural Death (Living Will) Advance Directive for a Natural Death (Living Will) The Living Will should be used as instructions for the future for anyone who would like their healthcare providers to withhold or withdraw life-prolonging measures in certain situations. There is no legal requirement that anyone execute a living will. Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) The DNR form is a medical order that communicates a person’s desire to forgo cardiopulmonary resuscitation should their heart stop beating and they stop breathing. It is utilized outside the hospital setting, and is bright yellow with a red stop sign in the middle. Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) In North Carolina the MOST form is a medical order that describes a patient's end-of-life plan of care. It is intended for patients experiencing a terminal illness with a prognosis of less than one year. Since it is a medical order, any physician in any setting can follow the orders. It is also bright pink so that it can be easily identified. Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST) Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST) In South Carolina a POST form is a designated document designed for use as part of Advance Care Planning (ACP) and consists of a set of medical orders signed by a patient’s physician addressing key medical decisions consistent with patient goals of care concerning treatment at the end-of-life that is portable and valid across health care settings. A POST form should be completed by a trained facilitator or qualified health care professional in conversation with the patient. Additional Resources Additional Resources If you would like more information about end-of-life planning, these websites will also help: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) - www.nhpco.org Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina - www.ahhcnc.org North Carolina Medical Society - End of Life Resources - www.ncmedsoc.org North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State - Advance Health Care Directive Registry North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services - Division of Medical Assistance __________________________ * SUPPORT Principal Investigators. "A Controlled Trial to Improve Care for Seriously Ill Hospitalized Patients: The Study to Understand Prognoses and Preferences for Outcomes and Risks of Treatment." Journal of the American Medical Association, 274: 1591-1598. ** Degenholtz HD, Arnold RA, Meisel A, Lave JR. "Persistance of Racial Disparities in Advance Care Plan Documents Among Nursing Home Residents." Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 50: 378-381, 2002

Explore youth grief resources from VIA Health Partners. We offer support and guidance to help children and teens navigate the challenges of grief with care and understanding. Youth Grief Resources We understand the needs of grieving children and teens are unique. VIA Tools, Resources, & Programs Youth Grief Resources Chameleon's Journey Grief Camp More Available 24/7 • 365 Days a Year • Call Us Anytime: 833.839.1113 VIA Tools, Resources, & Programs VIA Tools, Resources, & Programs Grief Support >> You are not alone. We listen . We support . We care . Grief is a normal, natural response to the loss of someone or something important. It is unique to the person experiencing it and is as individual as the relationship that brought it about. Because of this uniqueness and individuality, there is no set timetable for how a person goes through the process. Likewise, what is helpful for some people may not be helpful for others. Wherever you may be in the grief process, know you have support any time you need it. Youth Grief Resources Youth Grief Resources We understand the that the needs of grieving children and teens are unique and offer grief support through counseling and our Chameleon's Journey Grief Camp. Youth Grief Care Program & Resources Chameleon's Journey................ www.chameleonsjourney.org The Doughy Center.................... www.dougy.org

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Todd Fontenot, Vice President & CFO, VIA Health Partners Vice President & CFO Todd Fontenot About Todd Fontenot joined Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region (HPCCR) as Chief Financial Officer in September 2018. In this position, Todd is responsible for the overall financial strategy and direction at HPCCR, as well as Facility and Materials Management. Prior to joining HPCCR, Todd held previous Hospice and Home Health CFO roles for Southern California based Mission Healthcare and Central California based Optimal Health Services. He also spent just over 8 years at Amedisys serving as the Regional Director of Financial Operations for the Midwest Region. Throughout his nearly 14-year career in Hospice and Home Health, Todd has established a reputation for building outstanding teams and for aligning financial and business metrics to support business strategy and high-growth. He holds a BS in Finance and MBA from Southeastern Louisiana University.

Physician Dr. Kelsey Nestor, MD HMDC About Dr. Nestor joined VIA Health Partners in 2025. Education University of Florida College of Medicine Residency Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Emergency Medicine Fellowship University of North Carolina Hospitals, Hospice & Palliative Medicine Board Certifications - Emergency Medicine - Hospice Medical Director Certification - Hospice & Palliative Medicine Honors & Awards - Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society - Gold Humanism Honor Society Personal Interests Reading, yoga, pilates, & chasing after my toddler