• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
    • Featured Video
    • Foodie Friday
    • Monthly ReCap
  • Online E-Editions
    • This Week’s E-Editions
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

       

Click to join our weekly e-newsletter

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
    • Reasons To Smile
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Sponsored Content
    • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits
  • Public Notices
    • Browse Notices
    • Place Notices

Celebrating Quality of Life During National Hospice and Home Health Care Month

November 3, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

November is National Hospice and Home Health Care Month, and there’s much to recognize and celebrate at Gulfside Healthcare Services.

The Land O’ Lakes-based nonprofit has been providing end-of-life hospice and palliative care services to local residents and families for over 32 years, and since April 2019, home health care with skilled nursing for patients needing short-term rehabilitative care.

Linda Ward (Courtesy of Jessica Leigh Photograph)

“In our two-and-a half years of providing home health services, we have grown to over 130 patients a day,” said Linda Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside Healthcare Services. “And, with the COVID pandemic, home health has never been more important than it is now, because keeping patients at home while they recover is always the safest choice.”

Patients typically receive home health services for between 30 and 60 days after hospitalization, accident or injury. Gulfside’s staff provides skilled nursing, physical and occupational therapies, wound care treatments, and social services. It currently serves patients in Pasco and Pinellas counties, and is expanding into Hillsborough County in 2022, and Hernando County in 2023.

“We are one of the few nonprofits in the area to offer home health, which means no one falls in between the cracks,” said Ward. “While most of our patients are covered under Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, some are not. And as a nonprofit, we never have to turn anyone away because of a lack of coverage.”

This same inclusive philosophy holds true for hospice and palliative care — all of Gulfside’s services are provided to anyone who needs its help, as long as they are medically qualified. The cost to provide these services to uninsured people comes from donations, proceeds from five area thrift shops, and several fundraising events held throughout the year.

“We have a very generous community and active group of over 250 volunteers, who help us raise money so that no one is ever turned away,” said Ward.

Gulfside Hospice ZH Care Center

One of the benefits of adding home health to the Gulfside family is that many of its home health patients transition to palliative and hospice care as they age and/or their illness progresses.

“This means there is a continuum of care for the patient and their family,” said Ward. “We provide the same outstanding services – nursing, psychosocial and spiritual — in all of our service lines. This holistic, interdisciplinary approach allows our staff to be aware and prepared to handle a situation when a care crisis comes up.”

Ward stresses the importance of Gulfside’s clinical social workers. “They have master’s degrees and work much like counselors to help patients with depression, anxiety, financial, family dynamics and, if needed, placement in facilities outside of the home,” she explains.

In Pasco County alone, Gulfside Healthcare Services helps over 3,000 families every year. On a daily basis, this translates to 630 hospice patients, 200 active palliative care patients and 130 home health patients.

Gulfside Healthcare Services takes care of this large and growing client list with 420 employees — with the vast majority being medical professionals providing health care services.

“Every day, and especially during the month of November, we recognize the home care and hospice community by honoring the hundreds of skilled nurses, licensed therapists, social workers and committed volunteers who make a remarkable difference every day in the life of our patients and families,” said Ward.

“These heroic caregivers play an essential role in our health care system, especially today with the challenges caused by COVID-19, and we call upon our community to commemorate the power of caring with us during National Hospice and Home Health Month,” said Ward.

Linda Ward has been a Gulfside leader for the past 15 years, and credits her employees for the organization’s growth and success.

“I can’t tell you how much I care for our employees and volunteers. We have decades of experience with our team members – from ages 18 to 96, representing seven generations,” said Ward. “At 61 years of age, I am learning so much every day from my staff, especially those in their 20s, who keep our organization progressive and relatable.”

Gulfside Healthcare Services
Hospice – philosophy of care for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families that provides support for the whole person, wherever they call home
Palliative Care – specialized medical care for people with serious, chronic illnesses that focuses on providing relief from pain and stress of a serious illness
Home Health – skilled nursing and rehab at home to help patients remain independent while recovering from an illness, injury or surgery

Published November 03, 2021

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Email
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Search

Sponsored Content

6 Reasons to Consider Remodeling your Bathroom with CMK Construction

March 21, 2023 By Kelli Carmack

Have you wanted to remodel your bathroom for a while now, but need that little extra push to make your decision? Check … [Read More...] about 6 Reasons to Consider Remodeling your Bathroom with CMK Construction

Avalon Applauds African American Club of Pasco

March 7, 2023 By Kelli Carmack

One of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s main missions is being a champion for culture. “Celebrating culture is a vital … [Read More...] about Avalon Applauds African American Club of Pasco

More Posts from this Category

What’s Happening

03/23/2023 – Betmar Chorus

The Betmar Chorus will perform its annual Spring Concert on March 22 at 2 p.m., and on March 23 and March 24 at 7 p.m., at Betmar Acres, 37145 Lakewood Drive, Clubhouse 2, in Zephyrhills. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The choir will perform a variety of show tunes, hymns, spirituals and classics. Tickets will be available at the door for $5. For information, all 810-837-0520. … [Read More...] about 03/23/2023 – Betmar Chorus

03/23/2023 – Free Food Distribution

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Farm Share, Veteran’s Memorial Park, the Gentlemen’s Course, Samaritan Corporation of Pasco County Inc., and the Pasco County NAACP will team up for a free community food distribution on March 23 at Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road in Hudson. The food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis from 9 a.m., until the items run out. … [Read More...] about 03/23/2023 – Free Food Distribution

03/23/2023 – Paint with Puppies

B Creative Painting Studio, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 103, in Wesley Chapel will host “Paint with Puppies” on March 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in support of the Mercy Full Project. Guests can get creative and cuddle with puppies. Only 50 spots available. An RSVP and $5 deposit is required online at tinyurl.com/PaintWithPuppy. Balance will be due at the event. The total cost of $50 includes a dog bowl, paint, glaze and fire of the bowl. … [Read More...] about 03/23/2023 – Paint with Puppies

03/23/2023 – Puzzle Club

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a Puzzle Club on March 23 at 4:45 p.m., for ages 18 and older. Bring some friends. Puzzles will be provided. For information, call 813-929-1214. … [Read More...] about 03/23/2023 – Puzzle Club

03/25/2023 – America is Awesome

Lucas, Macysyzn & Dyer, Injury Lawyers and the Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Community Foundation will host an “America is Awesome Celebration” on March 25 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 9426 Little Road in New Port Richey. The event will include live music from 5 Shades of Grey and Southbound 75; fireworks; a DJ dance party, silent auction; raffles; 50/50; car show, food and drink; and more. All proceeds will benefit K9 for Partners and local law enforcement. General admission is free. VIP tickets are available. Donations for parking will be accepted. For information, visit America is Awesome Celebration on Facebook. … [Read More...] about 03/25/2023 – America is Awesome

03/25/2023 – Arts Benefit

The Pasco Fine Arts Council will host a Benefit for the Arts & Silent Auction on March 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Pasco Arts Gallery, 4145 Fairford Drive in New Port Richey. Wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. For information, visit PascoArts.org. … [Read More...] about 03/25/2023 – Arts Benefit

More of What's Happening

Archives

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Copyright © 2023 Community News Publications Inc.

   
%d bloggers like this: