Carolina Caring House Calls breaks down traditional medical care barriers

Published 12:00 am Sunday, March 10, 2024

ROWAN COUNTY — County residents now have more access to healthcare providers than ever thanks to Carolina Caring House Calls, a home-based medicine program that offers high-quality medical care in the comfort and safety of patients’ homes.

House Calls is designed to serve patients who face barriers to accessing routine medical care, including disabilities, chronic illnesses, mobility problems and more.

Care is delivered by an expert team of board-certified providers, including Laura Walker, M.D., who serves as the primary care medical director, and Nurse Practitioners Julie Brooks, Jenn Hickman and Angela Regalado.

“Carolina Caring’s core services are hospice care and palliative medicine, which provide comfort and support to patients who are navigating serious illness, allowing them to make the most of each day,” says President and CEO Dana Killian. “Many of our patients face health challenges that make it difficult to leave their homes for regular doctors’ appointments. House Calls grew out of a need to meet those patients where they are. We believe everyone deserves to have their basic healthcare needs met.”

Carolina Caring House Calls offers routine, in-home medical care, including labs, X-rays and EKGs, holistic care, treatments plans and medication management, wellness initiatives and more. Unlike many traditional doctor’s offices, House Calls offers after-hours care, as well as weekend on-call service. Services are often covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurers. Visits can be made to private residences or assisted living facilities.

Meet the House Calls nurse practitioners 

With more than 27 years of experience, Brooks has worked with patients of all ages. She earned her nursing degree from Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing, and her bachelor’s degree in science in nursing from Lees McRae University. She obtained her master’s degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and is a board-certified family nurse practitioner.

Brooks believes in offering all patients exceptional care with a patient-based approach, high standards and the ability to go above and beyond.

“No matter what a patient’s diagnosis or prognosis, all are deserving of the same care, compassion and support,” Brooks said.

With more than 20 years of experience, Hickman earned her bachelor’s degree in science in nursing from Winston-Salem State University. She went on to complete her master’s of science in nursing with a concentration in health systems management at Queens University. She obtained a post-master’s certification from the University of South Alabama and is a board-certified family nurse practitioner.

Hickman strives to be a part of the solution for eliminating disparities in her community. With a focus on working with her patients and their caregivers as a team, she desires to develop a care plan that is evidenced-based, but equally important, patient-centered.

“This allows patients to play a part in their care and to develop goals that are realistic and attainable,” Hickman said.

With more 12 years of experience, Regalado, earned her associate’s degree in nursing from Gaston College, and her bachelor’s degree in science in nursing from Gardner-Webb University. She obtained her master’s degree of science in nursing from Simmons University and is a board-certified family nurse practitioner.

Regalado believes in offering all patients exceptional care by meeting them and their needs where they are.

“Every person matters and deserves quality, individualized care to help them live the best quality of life possible,” Regalado said.