Suncoast Hospice Provides Care in ALFs and Nursing Homes

By Sherylee Hanson
Community Liaison

Sherylee Hanson

Did you know Suncoast Hospice provides care and support to our patients and families not only in their homes and assisted living facilities (ALFs) but in nursing homes, too?

Our services are the same in all settings, which may come as a surprise to some. For many in our Pinellas County community, the ALFs and nursing homes are their homes and Suncoast Hospice can be there to help those who are affected by advanced or chronic illnesses, caregiving or grief.

Our care teams are experts in hospice care and palliative care, also known as comfort care. It’s our privilege to partner with and work alongside the staff of these skilled and assisted living facilities to provide specialized physical, emotional and spiritual care to our patients and families. We work together with our patients and families and their doctors and health care providers to establish personalized care plans that honor the decisions and wishes of our patients and families. Our goal is to bring them improved quality of life. 

Some of the members of our care teams include board-certified hospice and palliative medicine physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed counselors and therapists, chaplains, certified home health nurses aides and trained volunteers. Our teams provide pain and symptom management, palliative therapies (pet, music, massage, aroma, etc.), emotional and spiritual counseling, caregiver training and support, family support and more.

Our services may be paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, private health insurance, private payments and the generous financial support of our community. Through community donations, we’re able to care for all who need us regardless of their ability to pay.       

I believe there is hope in hospice and at Suncoast Hospice we’ve learned how to redefine hope. Many find that at this time in their lives they hope for new things. It can manifest itself in ways, such as when our patients benefit from our pet therapy. A majority of our pet therapy visits happen in nursing homes, ALFs and our care centers. We had one patient who had closed himself off from others, and only after trying pet therapy did he open up to the dogs that visited him, his care team and others.

Our teams are there to be supportive and bring comfort, dignity and hope in the journeys of our patients and families. Most patients and families say they wish they had called us sooner. It’s never too early to ask about our care and services. 

Are you wondering if it’s time for hospice for you or a loved one?

Call us any time for information at 727-467-7423 or submit an online request form.

Women’s Group Sews for a Cause – Comforting Patients

It’s a drizzly September afternoon outside the St. Petersburg Woman’s Club, but upstairs a room is buzzing with patterning, stuffing and sewing of neck pillows. Several members of the club’s sewing group are producing these pieces with great care.

The tight-knit group meets weekly 11 months a year and has a member working from home on comfort items for adults and children served by several local organizations, including Suncoast Hospice. Many of their sewing supplies are donated by the community. They also collect and donate personal care items, toys, Easter baskets and more to the organizations.

The ladies began volunteering making the pillows for Suncoast Hospice patients around 2000. They’ve also done crochet and quilted lap robes and specialty bibkins (half adult bibs/half napkins) designed by Mildred Gardner, a former group member and longtime Suncoast Hospice supporter. They like creating special holiday items and patriotic items, which are given to and appreciated by our patients who are veterans. It’s a rewarding operation.

“We have a lot of fun doing this. Suncoast Hospice performs a wonderful service,” said Marjorie Joiner, assistant chair and longest-serving member of the group. 

Want to volunteer to help our mission? 

Join our volunteer recruitment and coffee socials this month at our St. Petersburg and Clearwater community service centers and Mid-Pinellas Care Center.

Want to make a donation to the Suncoast Hospice sewing club? Call (727) 822-4982.

Teen Volunteer Receives NHPCO Award for Outstanding Service

Christina Solazzo

Christina Solazzo, a longtime, award-winning Suncoast Hospice teen volunteer, has received the prestigious Volunteers Are the Foundation of Hospice Award for outstanding teen service. She was one of three award winners honored for their exceptional, inspirational volunteer service at National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s (NHPCO) clinical team conference in Kansas City on Sept. 26.

This award was a major honor for Christina, who’s now attending her freshman year of college. She volunteered with Suncoast Hospice throughout high school giving her heart to our mission. She received our 2013 Suncoast Hospice Volunteer of the Year outstanding student award last spring.

Christina stood out with her compassion, dedication and thoughtfulness to our patients and families. She visited patients at our care centers and local nursing homes, bringing cheer, companionship and comforting music. Her service also included fundraising, special events, community outreach and office and resale shoppe support. She did all this while excelling academically and serving on her school’s teen council board. She was an inspiration to other teen volunteers.

Watch Christina in her video acceptance speech talking about the impact her hospice volunteerism had on her life, including a story of her endearing relationship with one special patient.

Do you know a teen who wants to make a difference? Check out our opportunities with our teen volunteer program.