Liberty Home Care & Hospice to Acquire ECU Health Home Health & Hospice in NC

Liberty Home Care & Hospice to Expand Reach with ECU Health Home Health Acquisition

Greenville, N.C. – Liberty Home Care and Hospice has reached an agreement to acquire the home health and hospice business unit of ECU Health, a leading health system in eastern North Carolina. The deal, announced on March 5, 2026, aims to bolster access to vital home-based and end-of-life care services in a region facing increasing healthcare challenges. The transaction encompasses four home health offices located in Greenville, Windsor, Washington, and Kenansville, three hospice locations in Greenville, Ahoskie, and Kenansville, and the Service League of Greenville Hospice House. Financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

The move comes as ECU Health seeks to ensure the long-term sustainability of its home health and hospice offerings amidst a changing rural healthcare landscape. According to Brian Floyd, chief operating officer of ECU Health, shrinking reimbursement rates and other pressures necessitate exploring all options to maintain high-quality, accessible care for the people of eastern North Carolina. “This decision was made with sustainability and continuation of services at the forefront,” Floyd stated. “Liberty Home Care and Hospice brings the scale, expertise and mission-driven focus needed to help ensure uninterrupted high-quality home health and hospice care for patients and families who depend on these services.”

The acquisition is contingent upon approval from the North Carolina Attorney General’s office, a standard regulatory step for transactions involving healthcare providers. Once approved, Liberty Home Care and Hospice will assume full operational responsibility for the transferred services, promising a seamless transition for patients and families currently receiving care from ECU Health. This expansion represents a significant step for Liberty, which already operates across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Addressing a Growing Need for Home-Based Care

The demand for home health and hospice services is steadily increasing, particularly in North Carolina, where the senior population is rapidly expanding. Data from the state’s Office of State Budget and Management reveals that the proportion of residents aged 65 or older grew from 13.2% in 2011 to 17% in 2021. Projections indicate this trend will continue, with the senior population expected to reach approximately 2.7 million by 2040. ECU Health recognizes this demographic shift and the corresponding need for accessible, compassionate care delivered in the comfort of patients’ homes.

Home health care provides a range of medical services, including skilled nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, to individuals recovering from illness or injury. Hospice care, focuses on providing comfort and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Both services play a crucial role in improving quality of life and reducing the burden on hospitals and other acute care facilities.

Liberty Home Care & Hospice: A Mission-Driven Provider

Liberty Home Care and Hospice has a long-standing commitment to serving communities across the Carolinas. Donna Turlington, president of Liberty Home Care and Hospice, emphasized the organization’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of patients and families. “For more than 150 years, Liberty has focused on meeting the evolving needs of patients and families across the Carolinas,” Turlington said in a statement. Liberty Home Care and Hospice aims to ensure long-term stability and continuity of care for residents of eastern North Carolina.

The acquisition also holds significance for the Service League of Greenville, which has operated the Hospice House for over 80 years. ECU Health stated that the deal will help advance the impact of the Service League, which has a long history of compassionate service to the community. The Service League of Greenville Hospice House will continue to operate under Liberty’s management, ensuring its continued availability to patients and families in need.

Challenges Facing Rural Healthcare

The decision by ECU Health to sell its home health and hospice division reflects broader challenges facing rural healthcare systems across the United States. These challenges include declining reimbursement rates from government and private insurers, increasing operating costs, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. Hospice News reports that these pressures are particularly acute in states like North Carolina, where a significant portion of the population resides in rural areas.

By partnering with a larger, more financially stable organization like Liberty Home Care and Hospice, ECU Health hopes to ensure the continued viability of these essential services. The scale and expertise that Liberty brings to the table are expected to help navigate the complex regulatory and financial landscape of the home health and hospice industry.

What This Means for Patients and Families

ECU Health and Liberty Home Care and Hospice have both emphasized their commitment to a smooth transition for patients and families. Officials have stated that there are no anticipated disruptions in service during the transfer of ownership. Patients will continue to receive care from the same familiar faces, and existing care plans will remain in place. However, patients may notice changes in billing procedures or insurance coverage as the transition progresses.

The acquisition is expected to enhance the quality and accessibility of home health and hospice services in eastern North Carolina. Liberty Home Care and Hospice plans to invest in new technologies and expand its team of healthcare professionals to meet the growing demand for these services. This investment will help ensure that patients have access to the care they need, when and where they need it.

Looking Ahead: Regulatory Approval and Implementation

The next critical step in this process is securing approval from the North Carolina Attorney General’s office. The Attorney General’s office will review the transaction to ensure that it does not violate antitrust laws and that it is in the best interests of patients and the public. The review process typically takes several weeks or months to complete.

Once the Attorney General’s office grants its approval, Liberty Home Care and Hospice will begin the process of fully integrating ECU Health’s home health and hospice operations. This will involve consolidating administrative functions, aligning clinical protocols, and training staff on new systems and procedures. The companies have not yet announced a specific timeline for the completion of the integration process.

This acquisition marks a significant development in the healthcare landscape of eastern North Carolina, promising to strengthen access to essential home-based and end-of-life care services for a growing population. The successful completion of this transaction will depend on the collaborative efforts of ECU Health, Liberty Home Care and Hospice, and the North Carolina Attorney General’s office.

Key Takeaways:

• Liberty Home Care and Hospice is acquiring ECU Health’s home health and hospice division.
• The deal is pending approval from the North Carolina Attorney General’s office.
• The acquisition aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of these vital services in eastern North Carolina.
• The senior population in North Carolina is rapidly growing, increasing the demand for home health and hospice care.
• Both ECU Health and Liberty Home Care and Hospice are committed to a smooth transition for patients and families.

We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences with home health and hospice care in the comments below. Your feedback is valuable as we continue to cover this important topic.