Thursday, October 31, 2013

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.

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