Volunteers

Meet Ruby Collins … Volunteer since 2003

Volunteer Ruby Collins

Nine years ago, Hospice of Palm Beach County helped Ruby Collins care for her husband, Charlie, in their home. “It was hospice care the way you hope it would be,” said Ruby. The experience was so meaningful to Ruby that she has been a volunteer with us ever since! “Hospice relieved so much of the burden from our shoulders and gave us more personal time together,” she explained. “They bathed and exercised Charlie, who had become completely immobile. And music therapy became his greatest pleasure.” After Charlie’s death, our grief support services helped Ruby come to terms with her loss and everything she’d been through in those four difficult months. Now, Ruby volunteers her time at fund-raising events that support our patient care and grief support programs. Wanting to help others receive the care that her family did, Ruby has been a tireless volunteer, helping out in our offices, at Foundation events and making “Caring Calls” to family members to offer condolences and information on our bereavement services.

Thank you, Ruby! You touch the lives of countless people and make it possible for us to care for everyone who needs us! 

You can help families when they need it most! 

Are you looking for a meaningful volunteer experience? Here are some of the many ways that you can help.

• Patient Visitors - Personal visits are a gift of compassion and kindness that mean the world to our patients and families. 
• Special Events - Our volunteers help Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation at their fund-raising events that help us care for the people in our community. 
• Resale Shops - Helping out at our upscale resale shops are a great way to get involved If you have a few hours per month and you would like to make a difference please call us at 561.227.5138.

Finding Comfort in Care

Mother and daughter, Carmen and Maria.

When Maria Gonzalez moved to the U.S. twenty-two years ago, she was reaching for dreams she has since achieved, dreams of becoming a citizen and raising a family here. The hardest part of moving here was leaving her parents in Colombia.

Over the years, they visited one another as often as they could afford to, but Maria longed to be with her mother, Carmen. Carmen was a homemaker who raised five children in a small town near Cali, Colombia. She loved tropical music, dancing, cooking and being in nature.

When Carmen came to visit in April 2012, Maria noticed that her mother seemed exhausted. Carmen assured her that she was fine, she was just tired and had a sore back. She was happy to be here to rest, relax and to spend time with Maria and the grandchildren she missed so much.

In the car one day, Carmen began to cry, telling Maria she was in great pain and wanted to return to the house. Maria insisted on taking her to the emergency room at JFK Medical Center, where an MRI was performed, detecting a stage four, inoperable tumor in her lower back. Carmen was admitted to the oncology floor right away.

Explaining the shocking news that Carmen's cancer was too advanced for treatment and she may have as little as a week to live, the oncology staff suggested that Maria admit her mother to the care of Hospice of Palm Beach County. "I had no idea what hospice was. We were in shock. It was all happening so fast," said Maria.

A Hospice chaplain and nurse met with Maria and Carmen. "Right away, they were so kind to my mother, offering her some warm soup, making her comfortable," shared Maria. "They explained what hospice care is and that it is a benefit under Medicare and insurance, but my mother didn’t fall into any of those categories. I told them that we had no medical insurance, money or resources to pay for her care," she continued. "They told me not to worry, that my mother would not have to move from there - that they would take care of her and she would have everything she needed." Carmen was cared for in the Jay Robert Lauer Hospice and Palliative Care Center located right there in the hospital.

"Everyone cared for my mother with such gentleness, compassion and respect," Maria explained. "When the Music Therapist came I was holding my mother’s hand. As she sang songs in Spanish and English, my mother responded. It was a meaningful and wonderful experience."

Maria with her son, Angel.

Carmen was 68 when she passed, and had been in our care for two weeks. "We were not prepared emotionally for a funeral and we did not know what to do," Maria continued. "Again, Hospice told us not to worry and they would take care of us." We arranged for a local priest to hold mass right at the hospital, and it was a touching experience for the whole family.

"It was a gift from God to have all of this. It is a gift to have peace in our sorrow. We are so grateful to Hospice of Palm Beach County. We are so grateful to everyone," Maria concluded.

Where do your donations go?

When you make a donation to Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation, your generosity offers comfort and assurance to families who are facing the end of life. The funds and resale store goods you donate are used to fill the significant gap between what is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance, so that each patient and family can have the highest possible quality of life. With more than 1,000 families in our care each day, your support has a profound effect on so many lives in our community.

In addition to funding our extensive Grief Support and Music Therapy programs, it is your support that directly provides our patients the non-reimbursed treatments and medications that are crucial to their comfort, and offers hospice care for families without insurance or the ability to pay.

Carl, a middle-aged man with metastasized cancer, wants to go on hospice care at home. He wants to get relief from his symptoms, spend his remaining time at home with his wife and children and make sure they get the emotional and grief support they need. To relieve the intense pain caused by the size of his tumor, he needs to continue radiation treatments. Yet, they are not covered under his insurance policy's hospice benefit. Thanks to our donors, we are able to admit him and patients like him who need complex treatments for comfort, such as radiation, chemotherapy, transfusions and IV medications. Many hospices, without our "open access" approach to care, simply would not admit Carl.

The Robinsons, a family with no medical insurance or resources, needs our care for their 12-year-old child who has cancer. Thanks to our donors, we are able to provide charitable care for this family, offering expert medical care and comfort for their son and the emotional and spiritual support their whole family needs.

Miriam, an elderly woman in an independent living facility, has developed difficulty breathing. Each and every hour it makes her uncomfortable, interrupts her sleep and causes her great emotional distress. She needs treatments to ease her breathing, but the medications are not covered under her hospice diagnosis. Your donations are used to provide these medications, giving her welcome relief.

Sharon is grieving the loss of her husband, who recently died from Alzheimer's. After 50 years of marriage and 10 years of caregiving, Sharon feels lost. Miles away from her adult children, she struggles with managing the intensity of her emotions, getting adequate sleep, and finding the hope that life can one day be good again. Your donations help to provide bereavement counseling for people like Sharon so that they can better cope with the challenges of losing a loved one.

These are just four stories of the thousands each year, as families are cared fro by Hospice of Palm Beach County. "As a not-for-profit hospice, our philosophy is simple to do whatever it takes to offer everyone in our community the comfort, compassion and dignity they need during their final months. Thanks to your support, we can make that possible," explained Greg Leach, president of Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation. "We are so very grateful for our donors and the many good people who support our events and resale shops. Your generosity means so much for families at their time of greatest need."

THE IMPACT OF YOUR DONATIONS...

• For $15 per day, we can provide medication for one patient.
• For $155 per day, we can provide end-of-life care to one indigent patient.
• For $175 we can provide in-home assistance for one 8-hour day for one caregiver.
• For $250 we can buy a guitar for one of our music therapists.
• For $300 per day, we can provide one day of palliative chemotherapy for a patient.
• For $375 we can send one grieving child to Camp SeaStar.

As the fundraising arm of Hospice of Palm Beach County, the Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation is an independent, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with its own staff and board of directors. The Foundation raises funds through special events and donations of all kinds.

A Healing Story

“I hope that everyone who is struggling with the loss of a loved one will reach out for the help available at Hospice of Palm Beach County...”

– Valencia Campbell

When Valencia Campbell was twenty years old, she and her husband, Cornel, had a beautiful baby boy named Jonathan. Life was full and happy for the young couple as they were working, going to college and raising their son. When he was just six months old, Valencia discovered that she was pregnant again, this time with a little girl.

Jonathan and Kayla

There was something very special about Kayla. No one in the Campbells’ large, extended family or circle of friends had known a baby quite like her. She seemed intently aware of people, paying close attention to them and engaging them. “She was like a little princess who attracted everyone around her, and they responded to her with so much love,” said Valencia.

Yet, life was about to take a tragic turn for the Campbells. When she was just three months old, Kayla died very suddenly from a traumatic medical event. As one might expect, her death was a devastating shock to the family and very difficult for them to accept. Bereft members of the family reacted differently – some withdrew, others cried continuously, and still others functioned in a haze of grief.

In the midst of gathering her bearings, Valencia had decisions to make. Her semester at Palm Beach State College was about to begin. Now one month after her daughter’s death, Valencia had become extremely anxious and depressed, rarely leaving the house. She made the decision to continue with her education as planned, hoping that focusing on something outside of her pain would help break the downward spiral of depression and anxiety she was experiencing.

At school, she attended a class on grief, hoping that it would offer some relief. Someone attending that class recommended that she contact Hospice of Palm Beach County for professional bereavement counseling. She called that day, and it was a call that would change her life.

“If it were not for Hospice of Palm Beach County’s bereavement program, I don’t know if I’d be here today,” confided Valencia. “I felt like I was drowning in the sadness. I just couldn’t accept that my baby wasn’t coming back.” Working with a bereavement counselor, Valencia learned to cope with her stress and depression. She gradually learned to accept Kayla’s death and found ways to deal with it. She also came to understand that everyone deals with grief differently, which helped her family’s healing process.

“Now I know that Kayla is part of me - and that comfort will never go away. Feelings of loss come and go, but I have healthy ways of coping with them,” Valencia continued. “I hope that everyone who is struggling with the loss of a loved one will reach out for the help available at Hospice of Palm Beach County. It can make such a difference if you allow them to help you. I am not unique. If I can do it, anyone can.”

Valencia, Jonathan, and Cornel

Today, Valencia feels like a blessed person. In appreciation of the support of Hospice of Palm Beach County, her professors, family and friends, she set the goal of becoming a social worker to help others. Now, two years after Kayla’s death, she will complete her bachelor’s degree at FAU in 2012 and immediately pursue a Master’s in Social Work. She plans to get her doctorate. “I could never repay everyone who has helped me. Their efforts have shaped my determination and success today. No matter what, I promised myself I would never give up,” added Valencia.

Happy Father's Day, Dad

This special Father’s Day letter was written by one of the family members in our care. She asked that we share it with you. 

Happy Father’s Day, Dad

Dedicated to Ronald J. Kaisen

It will be my second year without you being here. I miss you so much. On Father’s Day I loved to bring you little goodies, buy nice shirts and new clothing to dress you up, and bring you the food you loved from Morgan’s and Dunkin Donuts, too. How time goes by.

I’m so glad that I brought Hospice of Palm Beach County in to tend to your care. It was the best decision that you and I made together.  Hospice not only cared for you during your time of crisis, they also helped me with my grief after you were gone. This helped me so much with all of my losses – you, Mom and my child.

Hospice helped to make your last weeks so peaceful. I’m so glad we got to speak to one another before your condition worsened. I will never forget when we were looking at the old family photos hanging in your room and you told me Mommy was coming for you. I’m so grateful that we had our private moment together when you told me how much you loved me and thanked me for everything I had done for you. Then you passed on, but not before telling me these wonderful things.

I miss you and love you very much.

Your loving daughter,

Debra Kaisen-Kasdon King

Helping Children Heal

Loss affects children of every age differently. While the loss of a loved one has a powerful impact on the psyche, they have distinctly child-like abilities to understand and express it, such as the need to show grief through play rather than words. Through counseling, Hospice of Palm Beach County's John J. Brogan Bereavement Center helps young children and teenagers understand their feelings of loss, find healthy ways of coping and rebuild their view of the world.

As it is with adults, it is important for children to connect with peers who can understand their life experiences. Every March, the school-aged children in our care are invited to attend Camp SeaStar, a fun-filled, 3-day weekend of friendship and healing. Funded by Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation, the camp is free-of-charge for every child who attends. In the pristine Everglades, campers share their stories as they participate in adventure camping activities, music, art, and games.

"With a safe environment and such a powerful common bond, friendships form quickly," shares Chelsea Johnson, Hospice of Palm Beach County Supportive Care Manager. "The campers learn new ways to cope with change, and most of all, they discover how to share their grief with each other in a way that is such an honor to witness."

At the very beginning of camp, the children set personal goals such as wisdom or strength. Choosing animals that symbolize those traits, they create "totem necklaces" that they wear throughout the weekend.

The groups tackle adventure-based challenges, working together to achieve their own personal goals. "As each child steps outside of their comfort zone, they rely on newfound friends for mutual support. The feelings of accomplishment and confidence help the kids to progress amazingly well once they return home," adds Johnson.

One of the most poignant activities is "Lanterns of Love." While they decorate lanterns based on their memories and experience of their loved ones, the children share those stories with their friends and counselors. Saturday evening, the lanterns are hung in the trees on an island, where the campers can bond over a campfire, music and stories.

Around the campfire, counselors share a story about Lanterns of Love and everyone joins in a song written by a Hospice of Palm Beach County music therapist. As they walk back to their cabins, campers can see the light in their lanterns twinkling back at them. "The kids put a lot of feeling into creating something that reflects their loved ones," explains Johnson. "It's comforting for them to know that they can still bask in their love and stay connected. It is such a beautiful expression of the healing process."

And, as if to watch over them, the lanterns shine all through the night. Once can see them across the lake from the cabins where the campers are fast asleep.

Grief Support Services for Families

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the John J. Brogan bereavement Center offers group support to everyone in Palm Beach County who has lost a loved one, at no charge. To learn more about Hospice of Palm Beach County's grief support services, please call us at 561.227.5175.

Being a Hospice Volunteer Is Like "Winning the Lottery"

Susan Fagan
Hospice of Palm Beach County Volunteer

For Susan Fagan, being a volunteer for Hospice of Palm Beach County, means being prepared for anything, even three-hour trips to Publix Supermarkets. Susan, 62, became a patient visitor in August 2007, and one of her most memorable assignments was helping the wife of a patient run her errands. As the primary caregiver, the wife needed a reprieve to focus on something other than her husband's care. This often meant weekly, extended visits to Publix, where the wife and Susan would travel down each aisle, closely inspecting produce, evaluating meats and comparing prices.

"I came to know the folks in the deli, produce and meats sections really well," said Susan with a laugh. "She was a sweet lady. She loved the outings because she could relax and release some of the pressures she endured from her daily responsibilities at home."

A listening ear, a calm manner, a sense of humor, and an interest in others are the qualifying characteristics of a good Hospice volunteer, according to Susan. No matter how the patients' situations or needs may differ, the volunteer should always demonstrate caring, warmth and respect.

Susan did this by noticing one patient's love of music and taking her down to her nursing home's dining area, so she could listen to visiting performers. When the patient could no longer be moved, Susan sang to her herself, even on her last day of life. Other times, as with one patient who is suffering from dementia, she sits, makes small talk and smiles.

"She doesn’t talk much, so there is a lot of smiling at each other," Susan said.

Susan's first experience with hospice care was with her mother, who needed the services in New York. After her mother passed, Susan decided to call Hospice of Palm Beach County and find out about volunteering.

An average day could mean having cake with a 91-year-old birthday boy and making him laugh with the promise of 'dancing ladies,' or taking a patient out for coffee. But most of the time, it means paying attention. Patients in nursing homes often feel forgotten or ignored, so a little conversation goes a long way. Susan says the goodwill flows both ways.

"When I say it’s been my pleasure as I leave them, I mean it," she said. "I go in with the outlook that I made an improvement in their day. One gentleman said to me, 'you made my day,' and it was like winning the lottery to me. You make a difference."

To learn more about Hospice of Palm Beach County's volunteer program, visit www.hpbc.com or call (561) 227-5138.

To be a kid again: Hospice Bereavement Program

More than 45 children and teens from Palm Beach County gathered recently for a weekend of sharing stories and paying tribute to those they have loved and lost. Camp SeaStar, held annually at the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp in the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Center, is an adventure-based bereavement program facilitated by Hospice of Palm Beach County (HPBC).

The weekend retreat welcomes South Florida children ages 5 to 18 who have experienced a loss and received bereavement support through Hospice of Palm Beach County. The camp allows time for sharing, support, celebration and fun, offering children a secure space and environment where they can meet other children like themselves who have lost a loved one and help them recognize that they are not alone in their feelings of grief. Camp SeaStar is provided at no charge, due to donors support.

"There's a tremendous curative factor in this group modality, in the sheer numbers. It really helps," said Hospice of Palm Beach County's Senior Director of Clinical Services, Regina Di Pietro.

Due to HPBC's recent expansion into Broward County, the camp will also be offered to Broward children this July.
While it may look like a traditional camp with children fishing, canoeing and toasting s'mores over a bonfire, every activity at Camp SeaStar has been designed with a specific purpose and cumulative effect towards the children's healing process.

"The counselors who created this program are highly skilled at integrating counseling support into the activities so that the process is virtually seamless to the children," said Di Pietro.

Upon arrival, campers are asked to pick an animal that represents traits or goals that they hope to work on during the weekend.

"I drew a moose and a bear," said 10-year-old Brooke Dixon. "The moose is for confidence and the bear is for strength in myself."

Three years ago, Brooke's mother died suddenly of a heart attack and Brooke came to this year's Camp SeaStar to again face her grief, but this time, a support system embraced her.

"I've made so many friends here," said the fourth grader about her favorite camp memories. "All the other kids here lost someone, too. It makes me realize I'm not alone."

For more information about Camp SeaStar and Broward Camp SeaStar, contact Supportive Care Manager, Chelsea Johnson at 561-227-5178 or email cjohnson@hpbc.com.

Since 1978, HPBC has cared for nearly 70,000 patients nearing their end of life. As a nonprofit organization, they care for all who want and qualify for services, regardless of ability to pay. HPBC's multi-cultural staff respects all religions and cultural traditions.

For more information, visit www.hpbc.com.

Sun Sentinel
Palm Beach Edition
April 11, 2012

What Being a Hospice Nurse means To Me

As a nurse I have worked in critical care, mental health, long term, medical surgery, school nursing and case management, but none has been as rewarding as my current position with Hospice of Palm Beach County. As a Hospice nurse, I am charged with caring for patients at their end-of-life. I am able to watch the peaceful process of dying and able to console a grieving family.

To me, there are two important events in a person’s life, their birth and their death. As a rule when we are born there is someone other than our mother to bear witness and support our grand entrance into this world. On the other hand, many people might not have any significant others to bear witness to the second most important event in their life, their death.

Consequently I cannot think of a more important reason to be a Hospice nurse, than having the privilege of bearing witness to the peaceful dying process of a fellow human being and their grieving family. No other person does what a Hospice nurse does for the dying patient. And always, my feelings are the same, the mixed feeling of gratitude and awe to bear witness to the second most important event in a person’s life.

~ Lester Bavegehims is the Continuous Care Manager, Hospice of Palm Beach County

A Caregiver Story - Steve Macht

Dotte Macht was a devoted wife and mother, and golf champion. A single digit handicap golfer, she achieved several club championships and three holes-in-one. Dotte was an independent, feisty, no-frills woman who loved her family, sports and giving back to her community.

Having raised their family in Coral Gables, Dotte and Bob Macht moved to the Northern Palm Beaches when Bob retired in the late 1980’s. They remained very close with their children who were then living in other states - speaking every day, visiting often and vacationing together.

Their close family was dealt a tragic blow when Bob died from a sudden cardiovascular event. After forty-nine years of marriage, the trauma of losing her husband and best friend was a setback that Dotte never truly recovered from. It marked the beginning of he

r journey into Alzheimer’s disease. Over time, this stoic family matriarch became disoriented, which distressed her. Her children took turns caring for Dotte in Florida and eventually got her to accept having full-time nursing care in her home as her needs increased.

A few years after her husband’s death, Dotte had a series of strokes, which dramatically accelerated her descent into Alzheimer’s. This prompted her son, Steve, to move into her home so he could supervise her care. Fortunately, as a business consultant, he had the freedom to transfer his business operations to Florida.

As Dotte became increasingly dependent, Steve became less comfortable leaving her for more than an hour or two at a time. He eventually began to feel the effects of stress on his own health as he struggled to manage her care in addition to his own business interests.

When she was hospitalized after a stroke, Dotte’s neurologist recommended that the family call Hospice of Palm Beach County. He assured them that Hospice would offer excellent care right in her own home, where she would be the most comfortable. ”I thought hospice was only called in for the last few days of life. I had no idea that they could help us. Boy, was I wrong!” Steve remarked.

“We all felt such a sense of ease as soon as we were in Hospice’s care. We had a team of medical experts who were always there for us,”Steve added. Hospice was constantly assessing any changes and responding to them so Steve no longer had to worry about anything falling through the cracks that could impact Dotte’s health. “We felt totally confident that she was receiving the best possible care. I cannot express the relief that brought to all of us,” continued Steve.

“Suddenly, there was this guardian of care around my mother. They took care of all of us. Every person on Mom’s Hospice team was professional, compassionate and truly cared about her as a person.” added Steve. “Their care was so gentle, respectful - almost reverent. This loving care enabled her to regain her dignity, which was incredibly important to her.”

Before Hospice entered her life, Dotte was shutting down. It was Hospice that gave her the encouragement to go forward. “Hospice helped Mom expand her horizons and keep going. They gave her the sense that each day of her life was worthwhile and wonderful. This restored her hope and brought her a wonderful sense of peace,” Steve added.

“It was an extraordinary experience to see my mother relax, let go and enjoy the last months of her life. Thanks to Hospice, they were filled with peace and joy,” Steve concluded.

A Caregiving Story - Martha Varela

Nina Varela emigrated to the U.S. from Cuba with her husband in the 1950’s. In 1968, she moved to Miami Beach as a single mother raising two daughters, Doreen and Martha. Nina was a devoted mother who supported her family by cleaning buildings, which she later went on to manage. After going to night school, she got a job assisting the elderly in subsidized housing, a job she continued to do until she retired.

Shortly after retirement, Nina began to have health issues. Martha and Doreen cared for her after two hip replacement surgeries. The focus of their lives became hospital and rehab care, physical therapy and doctor appointments. Although the family hoped Nina would rebound, her health deteriorated rapidly. During a three-month period, Nina suffered three major strokes and underwent two emergency cardiovascular surgeries, requiring lengthy stays in rehab.

“Mom was discharged from rehab when she reached the Medicare 91-day yearly limit. When she first arrived home, she was able to transfer from her bed to a wheelchair. But, with continuous TIA’s and lack of rehab, she regressed and quickly became bedridden,” explained Martha. “We were determined to care for her at home, but she was in such a weakened state we didn’t know how we were going to manage. We really needed help.”

Martha decided to call Hospice of Palm Beach County to get advice. “What did I have to lose? I figured I’d make the call, explain the situation and ask if Hospice could do anything to help or guide me. I didn’t know if Mom met the criteria for hospice care, but I knew Hospice would have more answers than we did,” Martha added.

When the hospice doctor and admissions nurse came to the house to assess Nina’s condition, Martha was grateful for the respect they showed her mother. The physician spoke to Nina directly, in her native Spanish. He took the time to develop a personal connection with her.

After the assessment, the physician and nurse sat down with the family to educate them on Nina’s condition. Together, they developed goals for her care based on what they wanted, which was to have time together and enjoy life.

Just one hour after the visit, they had everything they needed to take care of Nina. All of the equipment, supplies and medications related to hospice care were delivered, including a lift that made it possible for Martha and Doreen to easily get Nina out of bed and into a wheelchair.

“It is hard to express the sense of relief that Hospice provided,” Martha continued. “What had been overwhelming was now manageable. With the burden lifted, we had the support to take care of Mom the way we wanted to. If we had a question or concern, we could call 24 hours a day. Knowing that we were always able to reach someone was very comforting. We knew that we didn’t have to handle everything all by ourselves; we weren’t alone.”

Hospice of Palm Beach County gave Martha and her family a quality of life they didn’t expect when she first picked up the phone to make the call. “We were given the gift of time with Mom that we didn’t think we could have. Hospice gave us the chance to celebrate life with her - Mother’s Day, family parties and birthdays,”explained Martha.

“Since I was a little girl, my mother jokingly asked me ‘Mamita, why did you come into this world?’My answer was‘To take care of you, Mom’. Martha concluded,“With the loving care of Hospice of Palm Beach County, we were able to care for her the way we hoped to and treat her like a queen. She had taken such wonderful care of us. She deserved it.”

Helping Families Care for their Loved Ones

How our family can help your family

When loved ones are nearing end of life, families do everything they can to care for them. They want to provide the best possible care, but may not be sure what that is. They often feel unprepared and overwhelmed as they try to make the “right” decisions and meet their loved ones’ changing needs.

Instead of struggling to do all of this on their own, families can reach for the support available from Hospice of Palm Beach County.

We can help relieve the stress of the unknown. We’re here to hold your hand and walk with you on the journey that lies ahead, offering guidance and education so you can make the best decisions for your loved one’s care.

With our support, you and your loved one can relax, knowing that you are receiving the best possible care. Our physicians, nurses and certified nursing assistants are experts in end-of-life care and we’re here to help you 24/7. Whenever you have questions or concerns, our nursing staff is on call for reassurance, a telephone consultation or a home visit. We can respond to any need around the clock, delivering medications, medical equipment and supplies to your loved one’s home.

Our compassionate care is designed to meet each family’s specific needs. We care for our patients wherever they live, whether that is in the family home, residential facility, nursing home or hospice inpatient care center. Honoring all cultural and religious traditions, we offer emotional and spiritual support for the entire family.

We’re also here to provide you with caregiver support. When you need a break, our specially-trained volunteers visit with your loved one or help with errands. If you need to go out of town for a few days, you can rest assured that he or she will receive excellent respite care in one of our inpatient care centers.

There are so many ways that our family can help your family. You are not alone. All you have to do is call 561.227.5140. Our Admissions Coordinators are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you determine whether hospice care is right for you. The sooner you call, the longer you and your loved one can benefit from our care.