Founder, Debbie Johnston, with her father, Richard

Meet founder and CEO, Debbie Johnston, a health care expert of over 30 years, who many in Richmond, Virginia know as not only a company leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, but most importantly — a nurse with a huge heart. Yet, the role Debbie holds most dear is caretaker and daily cheerleader for her father, Richard, known lovingly to many as simply, “Pappy.” When Debbie’s father became ill and qualified for hospice care, Debbie had to make a choice that is never easy. Fortunately, this wasn’t Debbie’s first run-in with hospice care. 

Years ago, Debbie’s mother, Eunice, was suffering with crippling arthritis. Although she qualified for hospice, Debbie like most loved ones when faced with the word “hospice,” denied and fought it. Debbie thought that referring her mom to hospice meant she would lose her forever. Only later did Debbie realize that her mom could have received better care, a greater quality of life, and potentially lived longer, if the mere idea of hospice hadn’t been so frightening.

So for the care of her father, Debbie’s approach has been entirely different. When her father fell ill, Debbie tried for months to access a hospital bed, medications, walker, and everything her father needed for his care, with no avail. Pappy became overwhelmed running from one doctor’s appointment to the next, juggling different treatments, medications, and specialists, and eventually told Debbie, “I can’t do this anymore.” That very day Debbie referred her father to hospice, and not only did his level of comfort and care improve immediately, but his family received the support and peace of mind that they desperately needed.  What a relief for hospice to arrive the same day Debbie called, with the bed, medications, and everything her father had needed for so long. Suddenly, and with one simple phone call to hospice, Pappy’s quality of life improved tenfold.

I didn’t know what to expect when my dad started hospice, but the care he received was so wonderful and caring that I became inspired to provide that same care for other patients and their families.

– CEO & Founder, Debbie Johnston

Much to Debbie’s surprise, her father’s health improved so significantly while in hospice care that he eventually became a “hospice graduate” — a term to describe patients who, during hospice care, improve to the extent that they no longer need hospice. Debbie wants all families to know that the sooner they make the decision to refer a loved one to hospice care, the sooner their quality of life can improve dramatically. Debbie learned the power of hospice while witnessing the wonderful care of her father, and not long after, Serenity First came to fruition.

But, where did it all begin?

Debbie’s story in health care started when her parents scraped up a three-year tuition for her to attend the Johnston-Willis School of Nursing. Following nursing school, she worked as a recovery room nurse and it was there that she ultimately became inspired to pursue home health.

“I began to see people being discharged quicker and sicker, which prompted my curiosity about what was happening to patients once they were sent home. It was this curiosity that led me into my career of home care,” said Debbie.

Debbie’s concern for home health patients inspired her to found Care Advantage in 1988, and it quickly became a leading company for personal and companion home healthcare, with 15 offices and affiliates throughout Virginia. Under Debbie’s leadership, Care Advantage, Inc., Nurse Advantage, and All About Care, together employed approximately 3,000 health care professionals in Central Virginia and surrounding areas. In 2017 Care Advantage Inc. was sold to Bell Health and today Debbie serves on their board.

Serenity First Hospice Care was created from the heart by Debbie and her team of caring staff. Debbie feels grateful and guided by her father to provide the best hospice care in our Richmond community. “Serenity” defined, is the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. That’s what we provide for all our patients. The symbol of a butterfly is at the center of our mission, representing colors, joy, and change, as well as a sign of resurrection and the miracle of transformation. Most important of all, and at the center of all we do at Serenity First, is the life and legacy of each individual in our care.