Compassionate Care Plus registered nurse Makale Fox has received the National Alliance for Care at Home’s 2026 Above and Beyond Award. Fox accepted the honor during the Alliance’s conference in Washington, D.C., on Friday, October 30, 2026.
The award marks the first national recognition of its kind for Compassionate Care Plus, formerly Hospice Care Plus.
The Alliance accepts award nominations from members across the country. Its Above and Beyond Award recognizes exceptional service in home-based care. Nominees are evaluated on compassion and empathy, reliability and professionalism, commitment to service, impact on patients and families, and collaboration and teamwork. Nominated by a colleague, Fox was selected as the 2026 recipient.
“I truly never imagined that simply showing up every day, doing a job I love and giving my patients and their families the best of me would lead to something like this,” Fox said.
Her nomination highlighted her determination to reach a hospice patient whose home became isolated during devastating flooding in eastern Kentucky in 2025. Roads were impassable, communication was cut off, and the family was unable to call for help.
Working alongside Jackson County Emergency Management, Fox made her way across floodwaters to reach the patient’s home and provide care.
“The look of gratitude in his wife’s eyes said more than any words ever could,” Fox said. “She reached for my hand and squeezed tightly, and I knew just how much it meant to her that I had made it there.”
Compassionate Care Plus shared the flood response story in 2025. It was widely shared on social media, covered by news stations, and featured in a letter to donors and supporters.
“We are incredibly proud of Makale and this well-deserved recognition,” said Lisa Cox, CEO of Compassionate Care Plus. “Makale’s compassion and commitment shine through in the care she provides and the comfort she brings to patients and their families. She is a wonderful representative of our entire team, and seeing her accomplishments recognized nationally gives all of us something to celebrate.”
Fox worked for nearly 10 years as a nursing assistant before earning her nursing degree. After beginning her nursing career in nursing facilities, she was drawn to hospice through her family’s experience with care for her grandfather.
“They were truly angels to our family during one of the hardest times of our lives, and I remember thinking that I wanted to be that person for someone else,” Fox said.
Now approaching two years with Compassionate Care Plus, Fox credits the shared commitment of her colleagues in supporting patients and families.
“We all may have many different roles, but we all share the same goal, and that’s making sure no one ever feels alone during this hard season of life,” she said.
About Compassionate Care Plus
Compassionate Care Plus, formerly Hospice Care Plus, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1981 and serving Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle counties. Services include home hospice care, inpatient care at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond, grief and loss support, caregiver education, and volunteer services. For more information, visit ccpky.org or call 859-986-1500.
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