Frequently Asked Questions
If you live in Pinellas County, chances are you or someone you know has been touched by Suncoast Hospice's services. Our FAQ's will help you learn more about who we are and how we can help you.
Isn't Suncoast Hospice for people with cancer?
No. We help people with any type of advanced illness by providing support through hospice, palliative care, and homecare. We also provide support for caregivers, families and people who are grieving.
Isn't Suncoast Hospice a Christian organization?
No. We are a nonprofit community hospice that serves people of all faiths and backgrounds
What ages does Suncoast Hospice serve?
We provide care and support to all ages from infants to the elderly. This includes support for families who experience a stillborn birth or death of a newborn baby.
What does Suncoast Hospice offer?
We offer hospice care, palliative care and supportive care to bring physical, emotional and spiritual comfort to people with life-threatening illnesses, chronic conditions or serious injuries, caregiver support, support for children and families, grief support groups and counseling, information, resources and more.
Who is on a Suncoast Hospice care team?
Our care teams may include doctors, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed counselors, chaplains, home health aides, therapists, technicians, trained volunteers and others.
May patients keep their own doctors?
Yes. Patients may keep their personal doctors while under our care. And for those with Medicare hospice benefits, our doctors can make house calls when personal doctors can’t.
Is Suncoast Hospice going to come in, take over and make decisions?
No. Our care teams work together with patients and their families, doctors and other healthcare providers. Our care teams are guided by what’s most important to patients and families and the decisions they make.
Where are patients cared for?
We care for patients wherever they call home – their homes, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities or our three Suncoast Hospice Houses.
What are Suncoast Hospice Houses?
Suncoast Hospice Houses are our home like residences for seriously ill patients who need help managing their pain and symptoms. Surrounded by nature and the comforts of home, our hospice houses are where patients can experience rest, peace, relief and comfort with round-the-clock skilled care. Suncoast Hospice House Woodside and Villas is located in Pinellas Park, Suncoast Hospice House Brookside in Palm Harbor, and Suncoast Hospice House Bayfront in downtown St. Petersburg.
What help is available for caregivers and families?
Caregivers and families may receive support to help cope with the impact of their loved one’s illness. Our support includes emotional and spiritual counseling, support groups such as our caregiver coffee breaks, resources, hands-on care training, assistance with end-of-life planning, decision-making and more.
What help is available for people who are grieving?
Anyone who is grieving may talk with us any time, even if the person who died was not under our care. Our support includes counseling, support groups for those who’ve lost loves ones, check-in phone calls and information.
How are Suncoast Hospice services paid for?
Services are paid for with Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, private health insurance, personal payments, grant funding and financial support from our community
When is the right time to call Suncoast Hospice?
It’s never too soon to call us for help with a serious illness, caregiving or grief. With one phone call, we can explore your situation and needs and, if appropriate, schedule someone to come out for an at-home evaluation to determine which hospice programs and services would be right for you.
Patient Resources
Whether you are living with a chronic illness, recently diagnosed as terminal or have general questions about hospice care, palliative care or end-of life concerns these resources may be of help to you.
Caregiver Resources
If you are a caregiver we understand the challenges and concerns you may have. Please see our resources below for additional support.
Children & Family Resources
If your child is seriously ill, coping with a loved one's illness or grieving the death of a loved one, we offer many downloadable resources to help you and your family in a time of need.
Grief & Healing Resources
If you are grieving the death of a loved one, please do not grieve alone. Suncoast Hospice also offers grief counseling and support groups, as well as the resources below.
Living Wills & Advance Directives
The best time to make decisions concerning your health care is while you are able to consider your wishes carefully and discuss them with your doctor, caregivers, family and loved ones.
Suncoast Hospice's Project GRACE can help.