Our hospice services center on one goal: to bring optimal comfort, physically and emotionally, to patients and their loved ones.

Patient care begins with a personal care plan.  This plan, which we create with patients and their families, reflects the patient's needs, wishes, values and beliefs.  It addresses everything from the type of medical attention the patient receives, to visits from loved ones.  As priorities change, so does the plan.

Care is delivered by a compassionate team of caregivers.

Each Caregiving Team is comprised of a physician, nurses (LPNs and RNs), nurses assistants, social workers, and spiritual and bereavement counselors.  All are fully trained and specialize in end-of-life care.  Volunteers are also a valued part of the team.

Each member of the team plays a vital role:

• Physicians and nurses manage pain and physical symptoms.
• Certified nurses assistants tend to personal care, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
• Social workers look after emotional needs, helping patients with feelings of fear and anxiety, or communication issues with family.  They also assist with practical matters, such as insurance benefits and final arrangements.
• Spiritual counselors provide spiritual care.  They may share moments of quiet reflection, guide patients on difficult decisions, or put them in touch with their priest, minister or rabbi.   Like all hospices, Hospice by the Sea is multi-denominational: we respect all religious affiliations and observances.
• Bereavement staff prepare families and friends for the loss of their loved ones, and provide grief counseling after their loss.
• Volunteers visit with patients, lending companionship and support.  They also help with simple caregiving tasks, such as feeding and personal care.  In the home, volunteers may run errands, transport family members, or do light housekeeping chores.

Members of the Caregiving Teams collaborate and share information.  As part of this effort, patient care conferences are held weekly.

When patients live at home, or in assisted living or nursing facilities, the team works closely with family and facility caregivers to coordinate care, provide education, and ensure good communications.

Team members see their patients as needed, which is usually several times a week.  There are times, however, when patients may require a more intensive level of care.  This is called "continuous care." Continuous care may involve up to 24 hours of bedside attention.

Hospice by the Sea's Caregiving Teams travel to patients' residences throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties. 

Caregiving teams are organized into four groups.  The cities served by each group are shown below.