HEALTAHR TCARE
There is a Difference
By Rafael J. Sciullo
JULY/AUGUST 2017 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 137
When it comes to deciding who
should provide hospice care
for your loved one, there are
some important factors for
you to consider. While hospice care at its
core is similar in many ways at all hospice
providers, there are differences in who
you choose. When the time comes to make
this crucial decision, questions to consider
include:
Who will care for your loved one?
Our experts in geriatrics, advanced
illness, palliative care and hospice truly
understand the unique needs of our
patients and families. Suncoast Hospice
employs our own specially-trained
hospice and palliative care physicians and
advanced registered nurse practitioners
(ARNPs) and all of our IV nurses are
certified. Some hospice providers contract
with physicians who are not employees of
their organizations. Additionally, we have
our own pharmacy and durable medical
equipment (DME) services onsite, allowing
our staff direct access to the information
and medical supplies your loved one
needs.
How does the provider support you
after the death of your loved one? Suncoast
Hospice has licensed bereavement
counselors who provide individual and
support group counseling for family
members and specially-trained pediatric
counselors. We have multiple support
groups at various locations throughout
our community and conduct community
memorial services several times a year.
Additionally, we have specially-trained
bereavement volunteers who provide
follow-up support.
How strong is the provider’s volunteer
program? We have more than 2,000
volunteers from this community who
are committed to helping us provide lifechanging
care. Our award-winning teen
volunteer program was one of the first
in the country. They brighten the day
for patients with cheer team visits; help
patients record their life stories; throw
birthday, anniversary or anytime parties;
and are committed to serving diverse
populations through award-winning
outreach programs to increase access for
communities that traditionally use hospice
care at lower rates.
We have a robust Pet Peace of Mind
program helping patients care for their
beloved pets when they can’t; pet therapy
and music therapy; extensive advance
care planning services, including certified
staff who can assist with the process; and
three Resale Shoppes that provide items
patients might need but cannot afford.
Suncoast Hospice provides over $4 million
in uncompensated care each year to our
community.
How long has the provider served
the community? For 40 years, Suncoast
Hospice has been honored to be the local
community hospice provider in Pinellas
County. We are privileged to walk along
these extraordinary journeys of comfort
and healing at these most precious times
at life’s end. We have been honored to
care for nearly 170,000 Pinellas County
residents and their families. Our longevity
in this community has resulted in countless
partnerships with physicians and other
community-based organizations.
Is the hospice provider for-profit or
nonprofit? Suncoast Hospice is a nonprofit
organization, governed by a volunteerbased
board of directors from our
community. They understand the unique
needs of Pinellas County and ensure that
our resources stay in this community.
Choosing hospice care is a major
decision. Suncoast Hospice is here for
you. From medical treatment to volunteer
and emotional support to caregiver
education, we embrace and comfort
everyone with expertise, open hearts and
understanding. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Rafael J. Sciullo is
president and CEO of Empath Health, a
nonprofit integrated network of care for
those affected by chronic or advanced illness.
For more information about services, call
(727) 467-7423 or visit EmpathHealth.org.
Rafael J. Sciullo
and make blankets, crafts or baked goods.
All volunteers receive extensive training,
undergo background checks and provide
invaluable support to our organization.
This enables us to care for your loved one
the way you want them to be cared for
– with compassion, dignity and respect.
What specialized services does the
provider offer? Because illnesses are not
purely physical, treating the whole patient
– body, mind, spirit – is the focus of our
integrative medicine program, including an
onsite clinic. This care combines evidencebased,
complementary practices, such as
acupuncture and Reiki, with conventional
medicine to bring comfort and relaxation
to hospice patients.
Our specialized care for children and
veterans and their families focuses on their
unique needs around illness and grief,
along with a perinatal loss doula program
that supports mothers and families who
experience the loss of a child during or
immediately following pregnancy. We
have been recognized at the highest
national level for our veterans program
/EmpathHealth.org