Gratitude in the Quiet
How presence, advocacy, and connection shaped patient care last month
As the days grew shorter in November and the holiday season approached, the rhythm of patient care shifted. This time of year often brings a paradox: it is a season of gratitude, yet for many patients, it is also a season of profound quiet.
In November’s edition of Moments That Matter, we look back on the conversations that filled that stillness and reflect on how Vivo Care’s nurses helped bridge the gap.
September taught us the value of reliability. October reminded us to show up in moments of urgency. November revealed a quieter truth: the power of bearing witness. The impact of being present as some patients navigate loneliness, financial strain, and quiet resilience.
Many of our interactions began as routine clinical protocols. In the hands of a skilled Care Navigator, the conversation evolved into lifelines.
At Vivo Care, our Care Navigators partner one-on-one with patients as a trusted extension of the clinic – not as a remote call center. Our infrastructure fosters care to go beyond standard remote protocols. Through thoughtful conversations, going the extra mile, and building lasting relationships, our Care Navigators cultivate meaningful connections with our patients in any season of life.
When a Call Becomes Connection
A routine clinical wellness call that transforms into a moment of genuine connection
Maria contacted a patient after a critical alert. He lives alone following the loss of his wife, and as they spoke, the conversation naturally drifted from vitals to life. By the end of the call, his vitals had stabilized, but something else had settled too. He shared how much he appreciated the outreach, saying he was grateful someone was checking on him since he now lives alone.
Christine experienced a similar moment with a new patient. After reviewing an elevated reading, he opened up about losing his wife earlier this year. He told her, “No one really does anymore since my wife passed.” The consistency of Christine’s calls had given him a sense of structure he had lost. A reminder that consistent patient care is not just clinical – It is comfort.
Amanda turned a monthly wellness call into a journey through memory. Her patient, grieving the loss of both her husband and child, began sharing stories of the small farm she once ran. As she talked about raising chickens and caring for animals, Amanda listened. Later, she reflected on how she could hear happiness return to the patient’s voice. The patient told her she gets lonely and hopes to talk to Amanda again soon.
Advocacy that Changes Direction
Care Navigators often uncover barriers that never appear in a patient chart.
When a patient admitted she stopped physical therapy due to financial strain, Eva did not document non-adherence and moved on. She searched for solutions, identified nonprofit support, and coordinated next steps to restart therapy at home. The patient was visibly relieved, sharing her fear that without therapy, “it’s not going to be long before I’m put away in a nursing home.” By staying with the problem, Eva helped change the trajectory.
In another case, Angie spoke with a patient who had grown discouraged and disconnected from his care. He had not seen a pulmonologist in years and had lost trust in the system. Instead of pushing compliance, Angie met him with encouragement. By the next call, he had scheduled long-overdue appointments and started making healthier daily choices. The gratitude here was not spoken. It showed up in action.
Supporting Dignity Beyond the Diagnosis
A patient’s health is inseparable from stability.
When Amy learned that a patient with progressing MS was struggling to consistently access food, she researched and shared local resources. On a follow-up call, the patient shared that she had received food deliveries and gained weight for the first time in months. She expressed gratitude not only for the help, but for being treated with dignity.
Rebecca heard similar appreciation from a patient recently discharged from the hospital. The patient described her as a “guardian angel” and shared that Rebecca was the only person consistently checking in. Sometimes, care means being a steady presence during an overwhelming transition.
Gratitude in the Smallest Moments
Not every moment that matters is heavy
Michelle was told by a patient that he prays for her every night because she is an important part of his life. Pearl shared how meaningful it felt when a patient answered the phone and immediately said, “This sounds like Pearl,” later explaining she saved the number that way because it felt personal.
There were lighter moments too. Michelle once reached a patient who answered while in the middle of getting a deer out of the woods. Diane was asked to pass along Thanksgiving wishes to the entire team. Small exchanges that carried warmth and reminded us of the humanity on both ends of the line.
Our Team Behind the Moments That Matter
As we reflect on these stories from November, we also recognize the team that makes our patient stories possible.
To support growing partner demand during the holiday season, Vivo Care welcomed 12 new Care Navigators in November. Each Care Navigator is U.S.-based and licensed in the states they serve – enabling patient connection, clinical judgment, and continuity of care that partner practices can rely on.
Vivo Care’s relationship-first, one-to-one model is intentional. Our model protects the time required to listen, follow up, and advocate. Vivo Care operates as a true extension of the clinic – supporting patients between visits while reducing burden on care teams. The moments shared are a direct result of the clinical structure in action.
A Season of Gratitude
As 2025 comes to a close, our team’s stories remind us that gratitude is rarely found in grand gestures, but in simple presence.
For patients, knowing there is a dedicated nurse navigating the space between visits changes how they experience care. For partner practices, it means patients are supported by a clinical team focused on continuity, trust, and follow-through.
Between visits, during the quiet seasons, and in moments that may never appear in a chart, remote patient care is the work that matters.
To read more reflections like these, explore other blog entries in our Moments That Matter series.
For partner practices, these stories offer a glimpse into what it means to have a dedicated Care Navigator team supporting patients between visits.