Providing Patient Care in the Home

Giovanni Bordignon

Our staff and volunteers have the honor of providing care and support in the homes of our patients and families. They get to know patients and families, and honor their care choices.

Giovanni Bordignon is a counselor with one of our home–based care teams. When he goes into homes, he learns everything he can about those in his care so he can make them feel comfortable.

“Our care teams support our patients and their families and caregivers by getting to know their stories. We openly answer the personal questions they ask us. We offer validation and affirmation to their choices of treatment and provide any clarification they need. We embrace their lifestyles and environments, taking roles as guests in their homes,” Giovanni said.

He says developing good relationships from the start helps bring enormous relief. “It’s quite amazing to experience their relief and comfort once we are able to provide them with information and resources. The relationships are well–established and a good rapport is found,” he said.

Joan Briant also likes going into the homes of families to provide help. She’s a registered nurse (RN) with our supplemental staff–PRN department who works in admissions and talks with families about our care.

“I’m really grateful for this job. It’s great to go into families’ homes and find out what they need. A lot of times they feel relieved,” Joan said.

Do you have a story about the care you or a family member received at home? Please share it.

Teen Volunteers Spread Cheer

(left to right) Patient Corinda Pecchio enjoys visit
with Cheer Team members Carina Gobes,  Jenna Rugel,
Nandini Adhikari, Katie Johnson and Max Tansky

Our teen volunteers support our patients and families in many ways. One way they provide support is serving on Cheer Teams, visiting with patients and families to uplift their spirits.  

One of our Cheer Teams, all good friends, was full of zest one Friday afternoon as they met with their patients and families at Stratford Court of Palm Harbor assisted living facility. They spread cheer singing a mix of holiday tunes. They couldn't think of a better way to spend their afternoon.

“Cheer Team is fun. I really like to do it. The patients may have no one to talk to and we can fill that void,” said Nandini Adhikari as her team gathered beforehand. Carina Gobes agreed, “It’s a good feeling. They say this is good for them but it’s good for us, too.”

The cheer team prepares to delight Corinda with a song

On this day, the team had fun bringing music to one of their dearest couples at Stratford. In the future, the teens hope to learn how to do the do si do square dance, which has been requested. They aimed to do whatever they could to bring happiness to this couple. “You look at them and think that’s what I want to be like in 80 years,” said Jenna Rugel.

Making a Connection 

The team looks forward to volunteering each week. They enjoy spending time with their patients – listening to stories, delivering crafts, laughing, singing, dancing and even praying.

“We have had a patient who doesn’t speak English but is religious. He prays to us in Polish,” said Max Tansky. Carina added, “It’s almost like language isn’t a barrier.”

The teens do grow close to their patients and feel a loss when they die. But they appreciate all the time they do get to provide compassion and joy. “I remember one of our patients who died. We only had three visits with her. It’s cool to have had that bond with them. And you know they are in a better place,” Jenna said.

Do you know any teens who are interested in becoming volunteers? Please call for information on our teen volunteer program.

Providing Care and Support in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs)

Did you know Suncoast Hospice provides care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities (ALFs)? We value the partnerships we have with these local facilities allowing us to come in and provide hospice care where the patient is most comfortable.

Some of our hospice aides serve our patients and families in nursing homes and assisted living facilities (ALFs). They work together with Suncoast Hospice staff and facilities’ staff to provide care and support.

Cristina Diamantopoulos

Collaborating on Patient Care

Cristina Diamantopoulos is a hospice aide with one of our facility–based care teams. Cristina loves working for Suncoast Hospice and the team collaboration in caring for her patients and families.

“Suncoast Hospice’s care for patients and support to families are wonderful and I’m lucky to be part of it. As a certified nursing assistant (CNA), I work closely with a Suncoast Hospice nurse who is assigned to a nursing home or ALF. The nurse, the facility and I build a relationship and work collectively to serve our patients,” Cristina said.

She added how everyone is involved in the care planning. “We have care plan meetings with the facilities and family members to discuss the best courses of action and how we may assist in care. We must keep the lines of communication open so we can respond to patients as their health and needs change. We always support the choices of the patients, families and facilities. It’s all about the patients and doing what’s beneficial for them to improve their quality of life.”

Carol Hogan

Working Together to Support Patients & Families

Carol Hogan, another facility–based care team hospice aide and CNA, enjoys the connection she has with her patients and families and the facilities’ staff.

“I’m greeted with smiles and warmth when walking into a nursing home or ALF that partners with Suncoast Hospice. The staff always is ready and willing to assist with our patients’ needs and inform us of any changes in their health. A bond is created with the patients, hospice aides and facility aides,” Carol said.

Carol said her patients and families receive lots of support. “Families benefit from the entire Suncoast Hospice care teams including our chaplains, volunteers and other team members. All the right people work together to care for our patients and families. We all want the same things for them – love, kindness, comfort and peace of mind.”

Has someone you know received care by one of our hospice aides in an ALF or nursing home? Please share your story.