Palliative and Hospice Care

Hospice is appropriate when a person is diagnosed with a terminal condition, and their life expectancy is less than 6 months. Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. Support is provided to the patient’s loved ones as well.

Hospice services are provided by an interdisciplinary team of specially trained clinical staff and volunteers. The team includes a doctor, nurse, social worker, certified nurse’s aide and volunteers. A hospice chaplain is also available upon request as well as other forms of care such as pet therapy, massage therapy and music therapy.

You have the right to make decisions about your own medical treatment. These decisions become more difficult if, due to illness or a change in mental condition, you are unable to tell your doctor and loved ones what kind of health-care treatments you want. That is why it is important for you to make your wishes known in advance.

A living will, health care surrogate and durable power of attorney are the legal documents that allow you to give direction to medical personnel, family and friends concerning your future care when you cannot speak for yourself. You do not need a lawyer to complete Advance Directives.

Five Wishes has become a popular living will. It is written in everyday language and helps start and structure important conversations about care in times of serious illness.

Aging with Dignity is a national non-profit organization with a mission to affirm and safeguard the human dignity of individuals as they age and to promote better care for those near the end of life. The life and work of Mother Teresa of Calcutta served as the inspirational foundation of Aging with Dignity.

Haven Hospice is a non-profit, community hospice providing hospice services and programs for over 35 years. Haven Hospice serves: Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia, Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Putnam, Suwanee, and Union counties.

The loss of a loved one impacts each griever individually and as a family member. Haven offers camps for children, teems and families who have lost a loved one. Children and teens suffering the loss of a close family member or loved one can often benefit from the development of healthy coping skills.

Campers are supported by professionals and volunteers while participating in fun and therapeutic activities to help them work through their feelings of grief. To start the registration process, please call (844) 544-4836 (LIGHTEN).

FHPCA is a not-for-profit organization representing Florida’s hospice programs. Their webpage explains hospice and palliative philosophy and services. This webpage includes a tool for finding a hospice provider in your area.