Suncoast Hospice, Shorter Name, Long in Services
The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast has changed its name to Suncoast Hospice. The name is shorter but the list of services this non-profit provides, is still long and mostly unrecognized by most Pinellas County residents. Rotarian and Judge George Greer recently introduced Betty Safley and Mary David at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Clearwater at the Belleair Country Club. Safley and David stated that Hospice provides end of life care for people of all ages, and will never turn anyone away for lack of money. This is why Hospice depends upon contributions from the community. Last year, un-reimbursed services were over eleven million dollars. Services not covered by insurance, include community bereavement counseling, indigent care, certain child and family care, and room and board at Woodside and Brookside Houses. Brookside is a new building in Palm Harbor. It provides facilities that are modern, yet with the atmosphere of a private home, that is calming and restful for both patients and concerned family members. Thirty patients have rooms at Brookside. Families can find areas for spiritual needs, rest, counseling, and social interaction with other families. Hospice provides end of life care that includes emotional and spiritual support, medical and nursing expertise, and specialized services are available for children who have suffered a sudden traumatic loss, are seriously ill, or have lost a family member. Pregnant women, who have been advised there is an expected complication in delivery, may receive counseling and pre-natal care. Individuals with Alzheimer's, Parkinsonism and Pulmonary complications have benefited from hospice care. Suncoast Hospice has been active in Pinellas County since 1977, and has become the nations leading not-for-profit hospice organization. Suncoast Hospice may be contacted at www.thehospice.org or 727-586-4432.
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