Statement on Death of Nurse Joyce Grayson

November 6, 2023

On behalf of all our members and the entire care at home community, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) would like extend our deepest and most profound condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Joyce Grayson, a visiting nurse murdered during a patient visit in Willimantec, Connecticut last Saturday, October 28. Joyce’s shocking and senseless death saddens everyone who works to provide care in the home for America’s elderly and disabled.

Joyce worked for decades as a mental health nurse in Connecticut and, with her husband, fostered children for about 20 years. In 2017, Joyce and her husband were recognized as Foster Parents of the Year by the state Department of Children and Families. Described as “a beautiful soul who dedicated her life to caring for others” by those who knew her, Joyce leaves behind six children and four grandchildren.

“The hard-working women and men who provide care in the home need and deserve to feel safe while doing their jobs,” said NAHC President William A. Dombi. “NAHC and our members will continue to do everything in our power to improve the safety and well-being of home care workers. We are currently partnering with our members on a workplace safety task force to improve workplace safety. That work will not end until everyone who provides care in the home feels safe and secure while doing their job.”

A gofundme has been set up to provide support to Joyce’s surviving family.

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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.