Hospice Of The Florida Suncoast Inc

Programs: Hospice services - founded by volunteers, suncoast hospice's mission of care focuses on persons with chronic or serious illnesses and extends to those acting as caregivers or working through grief or trauma. Suncoast hospice is recognized nationwide for its innovative service delivery, advocacy for social change, technological development in the area of patient records, as well as other technology-related innovations. In addition to providing care in private homes and apartments, suncoast hospice serves those who reside in nursing homes, assisted living facilities (alfs) its own care centers, hospitals and other settings. Of those who died in pinellas county last year, approximately 70% were served by suncoast hospice. Suncoast hospice serves all people without regard to diagnoses, age, religious, ethnic or financial circumstances. Over $966,000 in uncompensated care was provided to individuals and families last year. (continued in schedule o)

the suncoast hospice care centers, also known as inpatient centers, are places of refuge for our patients when they suffer severe pain or experience acute symptoms that cannot be resolved or managed in their own homes. Care with compassion is provided at these three centers. Each suncoast hospice care center is staffed by expert medical teams available 24 hours a day 7 days a week in settings designed expressly for the comfort and convenience of our patients and their families. Our patients stay in suncoast hospice care centers until their pain and symptoms are resolved and controlled enough to allow them to comfortably return to their residences - their chosen activities - their lives. Each center has its own distinct environment and setting but shares a common goal of creating a sense of comfort, peace and tranquility. Our care centers offer care with dignity in private rooms with outdoor views. (continued in schedule o)

palliative care programs - palliative care services include: -visits from registered physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, home health aides and trained volunteers; -counseling with social workers and chaplains for patients and family members; -palliative arts such as massage, therapeutic touch, aromatherapy, expressive arts, reiki, pet therapy, humor therapy;-advance care planning assistance;-help with accessing community resources and financial assistance resources;-caregiver education; and-pain and symptom management consults in collaboration with community hospitals and nursing homes. During the year, 1,283 patients were served.

other programs- important among the programs and services suncoast hospice and its family of programs offer is grief or bereavement support and counseling. While stages of grief have been identified, no two people grieve in exactly the same way or in prescribed time frames. Suncoast hospice offers grief counseling and support to those it serves in its hospice programs, as well as to the entire community. Suncoast hospice counselors are called upon to help people affected by traumatic deaths, such as accidents or suicides, as well as grief experienced when crime is the cause for loss of life. A special camp for children in grief is offered each year, as well as other programs and sessions for youngsters who are trying to come to terms with the death of someone who has been close to them. As testament to its commitment to the pinellas community and the well-being of its citizens, suncoast hospice offers education and training on a wide variety of subjects and to varied audiences. Some of the offerings are for continuing education credits, while others are simply to inform and enlighten audiences. Training is also available for potential volunteers as well as volunteers wishing to help out in areas that require lengthier, specialty-targeted courses. Training and guidance is also provided for those who act as caregivers for family members or friends. Suncoast hospice staff members demonstrate hands-on practices and teach care techniques, which include self-care for caregivers. Such training is open to the community. There is perhaps no more difficult, heartbreaking challenge in life than having a child diagnosed with a serious, life-threatening illness. Family dynamics change - siblings may feel left out as parents devote time and attention to the sick child and extended family members may feel helpless in attempts to be supportive. Programs and services cover the span from newborn to age 21. Youngsters may receive care from stepping stones 4 kids in their own homes or anywhere else that meets their needs. Focus is on bringing comfort to the children and providing much-needed support for their families. Services include medical care and symptom relief, nursing care, home health aides and palliative arts, such as pet therapy, massage therapy, music therapy and more. Families are supported with visits from trained volunteers, family fun nights for the whole family, assistance with difficult decisions and emotional and spiritual counseling. Children's programs provide excellent, special counseling for youngsters and other family members who need help to find healing after the death of a child or other family member. In addition, special perinatal care is available for families with pregnancies that cannot be carried to term or those whose pregnancies end in the tragedy bearing a stillborn child. Every effort is made to help families find their ways toward healing following such incidents, including special compassionate touches such as unbelievably tiny, ultra soft baby clothes for parents to wrap their little ones in right after birth or for burial. Suncoast hospice's speakers network is made up of staff and volunteers who provide presentations regarding all aspects of hospice and palliative care. Suncoast hospice speakers are willing presenters for neighborhood associations, civic groups, professional associations, faith communities, nursing homes, chambers of commerce and other audiences. Speakers cover a wide range of topics from the basics of hospice and palliative care to volunteer opportunities, special events, children's programs, palliative arts and more. In addition, the community is invited to suncoast hospice community service centers to hear nationally known or local speakers, attend programs or perhaps make use of the specialty libraries at all centers. Over $966,000 in uncompensated care was provided to individuals and families last year.