NAHC Remembers Dr. Ruth Constant, A Champion for Care in the Home
March 13, 2023| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
NAHC Remembers Dr. Ruth Constant, A Champion for Care in the Home
Washington, D.C. – The National Association for Home Care & Hospice celebrates the life of Dr. Ruth Constant, who died on March 10, 2023, in Victoria, Texas. Ruth was a pioneer in the home health community having helped to start the first Home Health Agency in Texas following the enactment of the Medicare program in 1965. Ruth’s devotion to home care began with the establishment of Beaumont Home Health in 1969, along with Wichita Home Health and Home Health Services of Victoria County in 1972 and continued until her death last week.
“Ruth was an extraordinary person in so many ways. Her dedication to and passion for home care was unrivaled. Her strong focus on the quality of patient care was joined with a sharp business acumen. Throughout her life, she expressed a genuine warmth and friendship that always left everyone feeling good. She changed lives for the better,” said NAHC President William A. Dombi.
Ruth received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas in 1966 and 1972 respectively. She received her Ph.D as a Doctor of Education from Texas A&M in 1983.
Dr. Constant received numerous awards recognizing her accomplishments including induction into the Hall of Famer of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice, a Caring Award from the Caring Institute, and the Val J. Halamandaris Award for Inspiration, Innovation, and Caring from the Foundation for Hospice and Home Care. In 1990 she was elected Administrator of the Year and Founding Fellow by NAHC.
“The home care and hospice community have lost a champion with the loss of Dr. Ruth Constant,” said NAHC Executive Vice President Andrea Devoti, a former NAHC Board Chair who knew Ruth for many years. “Ruth’s high standards and knowledge of the industry combined with her loving and nurturing personality have helped many of us, including me through our career path. Her loss will be felt deeply in her beloved state of Texas and the nation. Thank you, Ruth for your work on our behalf.”
During her career, Dr. Constant shared her knowledge and passion for home care with the community of home care at large. She served on the Board of Directors for both the Texas Association for Home Care and the National Association for Home Care & Hospice. During her board tenure. Dr. Constant rose to the position of Board Chair. She also served as Board Chair for the Foundation for Hospice and Home Care.
“The nation is indebted to Dr. Constant for her longstanding efforts to build the foundation of health care at home. Ruth was there at the local and national levels, providing direct care to thousands in her home community while also providing guidance and support across the country through her advocacy with Presidents and Members of Congress. She truly has help create access to care for millions of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Ken Albert, Chairman of the Board at NAHC.
“As a new NAHC Board member, I remember Ruth welcoming me with open arms. Her kindness, knowledge, and experience were so valuable as she took on a mentor role for me. Our industry has lost a wonderful individual and leader, “ stated Mary Gibbons Myers, past-Chair at NAHC.
“She was one of a kind,” said Rod Windley, Chairman of Aveanna and former NAHC Board member. “I worked with Ruth many years with the Texas Association and as a Board Member of NAHC. Ruth was a tireless advocate for our industry always doing whatever it took to further a home care issue and fight the fight at the state or national Level. She was a dear friend and will be remembered by many as one of the true icons of home care.”
A visitation for Ruth will be held Wednesday, March 15, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home, 1801 East Red River Street, Victoria, Texas. A Funeral service will occur Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 10:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 407 North Bridge Street, Victoria, Texas.
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About NAHC: The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) is the voice of home care and hospice. NAHC represents the nation’s 33,000 home care and hospice providers, along with the more than two million nurses, therapists, and aides they employ. These caregivers provide vital services to Americans who are aged, disabled, and ill. Some 12 million patients depend on home care and hospice providers, who depend on NAHC for the best in advocacy, education, and information. NAHC is a nonprofit organization that helps its members maintain the highest standards of care. To learn more, visit nahc.org.
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