A Day by the Pool: Celebrating Carla’s Joy with Hospice Care

Our hospice team recently had the honor of helping create a joyful, memory-filled day for Carla Meyers, a vibrant 57-year-old patient at Gower Convalescent Center. Once an avid beach and pool lover, Carla has spent the past several years in a nursing facility due to health challenges. After her hospice admission, her daughters—Katie and Cassie, both employees at Gower Convalescent Center—shared how much she longed to be near the water again.

Carla was often spotted reading in the sun-filled courtyard, soaking in the warmth and light. When her family mentioned her love for lounging poolside with a margarita in hand, we knew we had a special opportunity to bring some of that happiness back into her life.

At first, we planned to host a “pool day” at the facility, but we quickly realized it wouldn’t be possible to get Carla into a pool—or to fit her whole family into the courtyard. That’s when the idea took a new direction. The administration thought we were taking her to a pool, which sparked the plan to visit the Plattsburg public pool, known for its zero-entry design that would allow Carla to safely enter the water.

What followed was an unforgettable afternoon. About 30 of Carla’s loved ones gathered at the pool to celebrate her and create new memories. With her daughters by her side, Carla eased into the water and spent the day just as she had hoped—relaxing poolside, surrounded by family, and watching her grandchildren swim.

It was a day of normalcy, joy, and deep connection. For Carla, it wasn’t just about the water—it was about feeling like a “normal grandma” again.

This is what hospice care is all about—honoring life, creating meaningful moments, and embracing the things that truly matter.