The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Avalon Applauds Boy Scouts of America

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Congratulations to Boy Scouts of America for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is an international youth program that focuses on character development and values-based leadership training that is meant to prepare both young men and women for life.

Clarissa Castillo, the Suncoast District executive for the BSA since 2019, says the local western Florida council participates in many service projects in the area that helps give its young members a sense of community. These projects include community cleanups, food drives and much more.

“It’s quite impactful that everything that we’re doing for our community goes back into it,” says Castillo, “We help our community, which helps others around us… I feel like it’s more along the lines of the ripple effect.”

Castillo’s main duties include recruitment, scouting and forming the committees that help run and maintain each district. She also helps bring awareness to Friends of Scouting, which is an annual giving campaign that raises money for scouting programs across the nation.

According to Friends of Scouting’s website, it costs $240 to provide one year of quality program for each scout. This investment helps with camp scholarships, uniforms, registration fees, professional staff, and so much more.

“We talk to the local community about who and what we are, and a lot of that helps us continue to push forward the scouting program. It helps us keep our five camps in the area regulated and maintained,” says Castillo.

According to Castillo, not only does the BSA teach young scouts confidence and leadership skills, but it also helps them get into colleges and get jobs when they are older.

“We help develop our scouts into the leaders of tomorrow,” says Castillo, “Because of all the volunteer experience and life skills learned from BSA, our scouts will certainly impress their future employers.”

Members who participate in BSA walk away with various skills and lasting memories, so much so that a lot of alumni come back to the program and volunteer in hopes to impact the current generation of scouts, Castillo adds.

To find a local unit near you, visit BeAScout.org. If you would like to contribute to support the Boy Scouts of America, Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, follow the link, https://boy-scouts-of-america-greater-tampa-bay-area-council.secured.atpay.com/, and select “Suncoast” as the district. You also can find a list of upcoming events on the website.

ASAP Pressure Cleaning Keeps The Mold Away

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Mold can be a huge problem for homeowners, especially during the summer months when humidity is higher than ever.

That’s where ASAP Pressure Cleaning comes in.

The company not only helps to get rid of mold and mildew growth, it also provides an array of other cleaning services, including gutters and downspouts, screen enclosures, exterior paint prep, fences (vinyl, wood and metal), brick/block walls, pavers, pool decks, lanais and patios, decks and stamped concrete.

“We offer a variety of services, for a variety of surfaces, from soft wash to high pressure,” says owner Austin Batchelder. “We strive to keep your property looking clean and bright.”

Batchelder defines pressure-washing as the use of high-pressure water that is sprayed from a nozzle to remove dirt, grime, dust, mold, pollen and other unwanted contaminants from hard surfaces, such as driveways, wood decks, pool decks, sidewalks and other outdoor areas.

According to Batchelder, the amount of water pressure used depends on what the needs are. Typically, high pressure is used for driveways and sidewalks, whereas soft wash is used on shingles and tiles.

ASAP Pressure Cleaning has been in business since 2012, working with both homeowners and commercial customers primarily in Pasco and Hernando counties.

Batchelder says what sets his company apart from other pressure-washing operations, besides being licensed and insured, is the level of expertise his team offers, and the equipment he owns.

“Our truck-mounted commercial grade pressure- and soft-wash equipment are commercial machines, not just basic units out of your local hardware store,” explains Batchelder. “We also have the ability to bring water to jobs, and can heat water up to 200 degrees for jobs that require very hot water.”

ASAP Pressure Cleaning has both day and night crews, giving it the ability and flexibility to accommodate when the customer needs the job done. Because of Florida’s high humidity, Batchelder recommends pressure cleaning your home every three months to six months to prevent mold and mildew buildup on walkways, decks, driveways and siding.

“I always make it transparent to my customers that my service is repeating. It’s pretty much always going to rain and be humid in Florida, so new mold and mildew buildup will always occur,” says Batchelder. “My goal is to clean and maintain, so that mother nature doesn’t take back over.”

ASAP Pressure Cleaning is currently looking to add more pressure cleaning technicians for both day and night shifts. If interested, call Batchelder at 813-501-2010.

www.ASAPpressure.com

Botkins & Spoor Insurance LLC Gives Customers The Best Deals

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When Larry Botkins became Tom Spoor’s son-in-law in 2014, Botkins had no idea that one day they would be in business with each other.

Spoor, who had an insurance agency in upstate New York for 25 years, decided to sell his business in 2016 and retire to his winter home in Dade City.

Larry Botkins

In 2019, Botkins expressed interest in insurance, so together with his father-in-law, the two men decided to open Botkins & Spoor Insurance LLC, a full-service independent agency in Dade City.

“We thought there was a lot of potential here. We liked the small-town environment, and there’s a lot going on in Pasco county,” says Botkins.

Botkins and Spoor have a combined total of 30 years experience, and serve Pasco, Polk, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties.

The family-owned agency prides itself on face-to-face interactions, as well as being able to provide its customers with the best deals and service.

Tom Spoor

“It’s your duty as an insurance agency to make sure your customer is informed,” says Botkins.

The insurance agency’s customer service stands out against competition because of its ability to create real relationships with their clients.

“I think that all we have to offer is service,” says Spoor. “I like that type of relationship where you know the customer, where they live, and just their overall situation.”

According to Spoor, insurance in Florida is a tough market to do business in because of insurance fraud, and it’s especially hard for new agencies to get started. It’s also difficult for customers who are looking to get the most coverage for the cheapest price. Insurance carriers are continuously changing who they will write insurance for and re-evaluating their market penetration in certain areas.

“It’s very difficult on the client because they are constantly being hit with big increases,” says Spoor.

Despite the challenges, Botkins and Spoor are dedicated to finding their customers the best deals and rates. They can achieve this because they are an independent agency that has multiple insurance carriers.
 
For more information on Botkins & Spoor Insurance LLC, call 352-437-5305, or stop by their office at 37911 Heather Place, Dade City, FL 33525.

By Nicole Sanchez

Meet Dr. Guerra of Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery

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It’s been quite the journey for Dr. Andres Guerra-Andrade, an oral surgeon in Lutz who began his lifetime passion of helping people as a 14-year-boy in his native Venezuela. It was then that he began going on medical mission trips with his Catholic school that provided dental and medical care to people in need.

“I did anything the medical and dental staff asked, even assisting with tooth extractions,” said Dr. Guerra. “I was so amazed at what they did, that I set a goal of becoming an oral surgeon myself one day.”

Before that could happen, Dr. Guerra first needed to become a dentist, which he accomplished when he graduated from dental school in La Universidad Central de Venezuela at Caracas in 2001. He spent the next two years volunteering at a public hospital assisting oral surgeons, while also working by day as a general dentist. This experience led to his acceptance to the oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program in 2004 at the University of Puerto Rico, and his graduation six years later with a Degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and a Master’s in Dental Sciences.

Dr. Andres Guerra-Andrade

Following graduation, he spent two years as an assistant professor at the University of Puerto Rico, where he met his future wife, Denisse, who was studying to be a pediatric dentist. The couple married in 2008, and soon afterward Dr. Guerra was accepted to a fellowship in Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery  at the University of Tennessee Medical School in Knoxville.

“It was, of course, very difficult to be apart from my wife so soon after we married, but Denisse was still completing dental school in Puerto Rico, and this was an amazing fellowship that I could not pass up,” explains Dr. Guerra.

The ability to help people and relieve their pain was something Dr. Guerra always wanted to do. And now that he was an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Guerra was able to help even more people.

“Oral surgery is such a rich specialty and profession. It is so much more than just being a dentist. It gave me the surgical skills needed to remove cancerous tumors and save a person’s life, and that is so humbling,” said Dr. Guerra.  “I am very passionate about my profession, and have tremendous knowledge from 15 years of education that I want to share.”

In 2011, after Dr. Guerra completed his fellowship, and his wife graduated from the pediatric dentistry residency program, the couple had an opportunity to move to Tampa. Dr. Guerra was hired at James A. Haley VA Hospital as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and Denisse began work as a pediatric dentist.

“I loved working with veterans. They give their all for our country and the world, and their military service often leads to a myriad of health problems. Working at the VA helped me appreciate all the things veterans do for us and the world,” said Dr. Guerra.

Dr. Guerra worked for the VA for three and a half years, and then joined a private oral surgery practice in Trinity, Palm Harbor and Spring Hill. In 2017, the Guerras decided to build a dental specialty office in Lutz on Van Dyke Road, and opened practices next to each other. The location was less than 5 minutes from their home and their children’s school, something that was very important to the couple.

Their new office opened in 2018, and the additional space has allowed Dr. Guerra-Andrade  to expand his surgical offerings.

“We now have the ability to perform all patient surgeries ( adults and children) right here in our office,” Dr. Guerra-Andrade said. “Patients love this because they don’t need to go to the hospital, and they receive top-notch care from the same staff, from beginning to end.”

Most of Dr. Guerra’s 10 employees have worked with him for many years. “We are blessed to have such a caring and competent staff, who have truly become part of our family,” he said. “We’re nothing without our staff.”

Back row, from left: Dr. Guerra, Sasha, Cathy, Annie, Mabel, Antuanet and Alisha. Front row, from left: Yesenia, Jeilyn, Elizabeht, Paola and Dayana.

Tersa Means Smooth
Dr. Guerra recently changed the name of his practice to Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery, to make his business name encompass the two main components of his practice, oral and maxillofacial surgery and facial cosmetic surgery, and to have a unique name.

“In Spanish, Tersa means smooth, beautiful skin, and that’s how we view our practice — making our patients beautiful in a setting that is smooth and efficient,” said Dr. Guerra-Andrade.

Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery has two primary facets to its practice — dental oral surgery and facial cosmetic surgery.

Dental surgery encompasses tooth extractions, implants, bone grafts, exposure of impacted teeth, sinus elevations, biopsies, soft tissue grafts and gingival surgery. Dr. Guerra-Andrade also performs All-on-4 Teeth protocol in one session, a procedure that replaces traditional dentures for implant-supported dentures.

In the facial cosmetic sector, he performs multiple surgical procedures such as facelifts, otoplasties, eyelid and brow lifts. Nonsurgical procedures, such as Botox, fillers, and skin tightening, are offered at Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery. Tersa also has its own skin care line.

As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Guerra provides patients with safe, effective outpatient anesthesia, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation and general anesthesia.

“My specialty is the only one in medicine that allows the doctor to anesthetize patients outside of a hospital. This requires extensive education and certification, and for patients, it is a tremendous convenience and cost savings,” said Dr. Guerra.

It’s this high level of skill and specialty that make maxillofacial surgeons like Dr. Guerra-Andrade the best choice for facial cosmetic surgery.

“If you are considering plastic surgery on your face, such as a face, brow or eyelid lift, you will get the best results when you go to a surgeon who only specializes in the face, and does not also do tummy tucks, vascular surgery and other procedures beyond the face,” said Dr. Guerra-Andrade.

“There are multiple bones in the face, and no one is better trained on how to work on the face than a maxillofacial surgeon. My specialized and extensive training makes me exceptionally qualified and a trusted professional for facial cosmetic surgery.”

Gateway Wellness & Rehab Accepting New Medicare Patients For Primary Care

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There’s good news for seniors in the Land O’ Lakes area looking for a primary care practitioner who accepts new patients with Medicare coverage.

Erica Williams, a nurse practitioner who is board certified in primary care, has joined the medical team at Gateway Wellness & Rehab, at its Wisteria Plaza office on U.S. 41, just south of the Wilderness Lakes subdivision.

Erica Williams

Williams is providing family medical services for people of all ages, and is specifically treating patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, minor cuts and falls, colds, allergies, and medication review and assessment.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Erica’s expertise and caliber join our practice, especially with her extensive ER experience and family practice credentials,” said Robert Malhoit, D.C., owner of Gateway Wellness & Rehab. “The best family medical practitioners have a strong background in emergency care, and Erica has worked extensively in this field.”

Nurse Practitioners are licensed to manage people’s health conditions through treatment and education, and can prescribe medications.

“All Medicare patients are required to have a licensed family practitioner, and we are one of few medical practices in the area that is accepting new Medicare patients — both permanent Florida residents, as well as seasonal residents,” said Dr. Malhoit. “If you are looking for an experienced, compassionate family practitioner, call to make an appointment with Erica Williams.”

Williams is excited to be joining Malhoit’s practice.

“I have a passion for people to be healed holistically in all areas of their lives and I’m looking forward to being the conduit for this purpose at Gateway Wellness,” said Williams.

Gateway Wellness & Rehab takes a team approach with patient care. After a patient is assessed by their primary care provider, the rest of Gateway’s medical team reviews the patient’s need for chiropractic services, pain management, physical therapy and/or massage therapy.

“All members of our medical team are committed to listening to our patients, and never rush through patient assessments and appointments,” said Dr. Malhoit. “We understand that people want to be heard and don’t want to be a number. Our motivation is to help every patient see a positive medical outcome.”

New Medical Director
Another new provider at Gateway Wellness & Rehab is Medical Director Christopher Gleis, M.D., an anesthesiologist who also is board certified in pain management and Regenerative Medicine. He employs a multimodal approach to pain management, treating patients’ symptoms through interventional pain procedures, non-habit-forming medications and without the use of narcotics.

Dr. Gleis earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine and completed his internship at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He also is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.

Gateway Wellness & Rehab offers a wide range of comprehensive services to meet the needs of its patients. In addition to Family Practice and Pain Management services provided by Dr. Gleis and Nurse Practitioner Williams, the Gateway team includes three chiropractors — one who specializes in pediatric and obstetric care, a doctor of physical therapy and a licensed massage therapist.

“Our staff of five integrated, multi-faceted medical specialties sets us apart from other medical practices in the Land O’ Lakes area,” said Dr. Malhoit. “Our goal is to provide comprehensive care for our patients in one convenient facility close to home with experienced and compassionate health care providers.”

Dr. Malhoit, who is known as Dr. Rob to his patients, established Gateway Wellness & Rehab in 2006. His practice in north Land O’ Lakes has grown with the community, and today is located in the center of the booming U.S. 41 residential area, which includes Wilderness Lakes, The Grove, Connerton, Lakeshore Ranch, Terra del Sol, Asbel Creek, Cypress Preserve and Talavera.

In addition to accepting Medicare, Gateway Wellness & Rehab accepts private insurance including auto and Blue Cross BlueShield. Contracts are pending for United Health Care, Cigna, Aetna and Humana. To make an appointment, call 813-929-8885.

The Gateway Team

Dr. Robert Malhoit, D.C.
Director of Chiropractic Medicine
2004 Graduate of Texas Chiropractic College
Advanced training in pain management and manipulation under anesthesia from the American Academy of Physical Medicine.

Christopher Gleis, M.D.
Medical Director
Ross University School of Medicine
Member of American Society of Anesthesiologists and American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians

Erica Williams, ARNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
RN, LPN and CPN
2017 NP graduate of South University, Montgomery, AL
26 years of nursing experience

Dr. Phillip Coleman, D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
Licensed since 2003
Graduate of Life University
Previous owner of Coleman Family Chiropractic in Morristown, TN

Dr. Carrie Coleman, D.C., F.I.C.P.A.
Chiropractic Physician
Certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)
Provides specialized care for children and pregnant women
Former Enlisted/SrA for the Air Force ; former natural fitness champion

Betty Armengol McCurdy PT, DPT, PCSs
Director of Physical Therapy
APTA Board Certified specialist in pediatrics
Credentialed Clinical Instructor with 20 years of experience

Tammy Fisher, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist/MA
Licensed Massage Therapist for 19 years
Physical Therapy Rehab Technician for 16 years
Experience in both hospitality and medical settings, the past 3 years at Gateway

Gateway Wellness & Rehab
813-929-8885
6761 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Wisteria Plaza, Land O’ Lakes, Florida 34638
Gateway4Wellness.com

FiCare Federal Credit Union, Healthcare’s Financial Partner, Wins Credit Union of the Year

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FiCare Federal Credit Union (FCU), the only Florida credit union serving strictly healthcare professionals and their family members, received the Credit Union of the Year award in June from the League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU) & Affiliates for its financial prowess, daily operations, and community outreach. The Tampa-based, member-owned credit union is in the LSCU category of credit unions having up to $100 million in assets, with FiCare just under $60 million.

Denelle Miller, FiCare FCU’s CEO

Denelle Miller, FiCare’s CEO and a Dade City resident, accepted the honor in Orlando.

“What FiCare offers is a benefit to healthcare professionals and their loved ones,” said Miller. “Our mission is to help individuals achieve their life needs, desires, and dreams by providing financial expertise and education. My team and I are committed to accomplishing this by offering members complete financial services, competitive rates, and exceptional personal service, every day.”

Miller joined what was originally known as St. Joseph’s FCU in 2008. After holding progressively responsible positions, she became CEO in 2015 and under her leadership, the credit union rebranded in 2018 from St. Joseph FCU to FiCare FCU, Healthcare’s Financial Partner. In January 2021, FiCare also expanded its membership to serve all Florida healthcare employees and has almost doubled its assets and members.

“I thought I wanted to be a nurse, but I found that my passion for serving others could also be used in the financial industry working alongside healthcare professionals. The credit union movement is “People helping People” and that is exactly what FiCare does,” Miller said.

Despite the global pandemic, FiCare has flourished thanks largely to its members, staff, and Board of Directors, according to Miller. “We discovered that most of our members don’t rely on our brick-and-mortar branches in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, but if they need to physically see someone, they can visit a branch or speak to a local FiCare representative by phone. And, with our CO-OP Shared Branching™ arrangement nationally and worldwide, FiCare members can literally access their benefits almost anywhere they travel.”

Members also have access to surcharge-free Presto! ATMs at any Publix in the United States.

If you are a Florida healthcare professional who is interested in learning about FiCare’s many services, visit FiCareFCU.org. Completing an online membership application is easy.

Don’t Miss All The 4th of July FUN At Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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One of Wesley Chapel’s biggest events of the year is this Sunday’s 4th of July Celebration at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

The fun begins at 5 p.m., with a bike parade, bake-off, local musical groups, bounce park, exhibitors and vendors, and ends with a bang at 9 p.m., with one of the area’s largest fireworks displays.

“If you have not yet visited Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, our 4th of July celebration is a great way to experience the fun, family atmosphere we offer every day of the year,” says Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “Guests are also welcome to come by earlier in the day to visit our model homes and learn more about the big plans we have for our master-planned community.”

A New Hometown
Families choose to live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel because it is so much more than just another subdivision with homes and amenities. “We are not just developers — we bring together everything a family needs to enjoy life today, and in the future,” said Lerret.

Established in 2012, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is conveniently located on State Road 54, just a few miles east of Interstate 75. Over 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a great location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel offer homes for all demographics — from young families buying their first home, to folks looking to move up to a new home in an upscale community, to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle.

“We have homes priced for all budgets and all times of life,” explains Lerret.

Two premier builders, Avex Homes and D.R. Horton, offer single-family and townhomes priced from the mid $200s to over $400s.

D.R. Horton is planning to build 30 new homes a month in its new community, Westgate at Avalon Park, which is located in the northwest section of the development. Its first homes will be ready for move-in later this year and in early 2022.

Avex Homes also is selling single-family homes and townhomes in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. It offers several single-family floor plans, and 3-bedroom, two-bath townhomes that include two-car garages and private alleys in the rear.

Few communities offer the recreational activities found at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. A second amenity center recently opened, and it includes a zero-entry pool, splash pad, spa, and picnic area.

Families also can enjoy a second swimming pool, tot lot, basketball courts, pocket parks with mini-libraries, dog park, and trails and walkways that will eventually interconnect with its planned downtown. Ongoing monthly events include Movies under the Stars, food trucks and large holiday celebrations.

Downtown Avalon Park
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret.

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel breaks ground this fall, and includes a community park with amphitheater and five distinct buildings; an office building, two mixed-use buildings with apartments above the storefronts, and two multi-family apartment buildings.

“We are building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret.

At build out, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 400,000 square feet of retail and 100,000 square feet of office space. This 1,650-acre master-planned community is approved for 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and is projected to be home to 10,000 residents.

FREE 4th of July Celebration
Sunday, July 4
Begins at 5 p.m. – Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Bike Parade, Bake-Off, Local Musical Groups, Bounce Park, Exhibitors and Food Trucks

For more information about Avalon Park, call 813-783-1515, email or go to AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com.

Published June 30, 2021

Dementia Care Only at Memory Lane Cottage

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In the six years since Memory Lane Cottage opened in New Tampa, its exceptional staff has helped individuals and families cope with the challenges that come with dementia-related diseases. Their quality care and compassion are so genuine that several residents have lived at Memory Lane since the facility opened.

Kelly Irish, Administrator

“The fact that many of our residents have been here for so long says mountains about the quality of life we provide at Memory Lane Cottage,” said Administrator Kelly Irish “We are dedicated to providing a loving, intimate, environment where our residents retain a sense of independence and dignity.”

Memory Lane Cottage has just 20 residences. It’s this small size and its commitment to only memory care patients that attracted Irish, who was recently named administrator after 12 years working in senior care management, in both corporate and private settings.

“Because we’re not trying to be everything to everyone, we can focus 100% on memory care residents,” said Irish. “We do not offer independent living or assisted living, and this makes us really unique.”

A common problem for dementia patients, Irish continues, is sensory overload in loud, noisy and crowded environments often found in larger facilities.

“Memory care residents have difficulty processing information in a crowd, and can be overwhelmed by the constant distractions and noises of a large community,” Irish said. “Our environment is peaceful and more conducive to people with memory loss.”

The building that houses Memory Lane Cottage is designed to look and feel like a luxury estate home. Its furnished, private suites have full baths, all which open directly to a common living room and dining area located next to the kitchen, just like a private home.

The scent of cinnamon baked goodies wafts regularly from its open kitchen to stimulate residents’ appetites. Each resident has a mailbox is in the courtyard to check, and outside is a private courtyard with walking paths and gardens to encourage residents to explore and enjoy the outdoors in a safe setting.

Family involvement is very important to the Memory Lane Cottage community, and staff welcomes input from family members to help guide the level of service they provide. Many employees, including Irish, have had family members with dementia, and have a personal understanding of the emotions and challenges families face.

“Coming to terms with a family member’s dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis isn’t easy, and choosing a compassionate environment for your loved one’s long-term care can be equally daunting,” said Irish. “We’re here to help, and invite you to visit Memory Lane Cottage to see if we’re the right place for your loved one.”

Published June 23, 2021

Avalon Applauds Hope Services

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Congratulations to Hope Services, a nonprofit in Wesley Chapel, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Hope Services is a vocational service organization that seeks to find jobs for people living with disabilities. The nonprofit got its start in 2003, when executive director Cindy Bray was helping her disabled daughter, Danica, find employment.

Cindy Bray

“I went with Danica to a program helping people with disabilities find employment,” says Bray, “The program leaders thought I was Danica’s job coach. Long story short, I became their first job coach and worked there for almost two years, and then was encouraged to start my own nonprofit.”

And thus, Hope Services was born.

Bray and her staff offer many tools and resources for their clients, such as vocational and worksite evaluations, work incentives planning and assistance, work readiness/pre-placement training, on-the-job training, employment and supported services, and mental health counseling.

“The first thing we do is get to know our clients, understand their abilities and interests/goals for employment,” says Bray.

One of Bray’s favorite success stories is actually with her first client— a young gentleman who was soft-spoken with broken English, walked with crutches and living with polio.

“He was my toughest client, yet I was determined that if I could find a successful job for him, then I was on the right path,” says Bray.

Bray ended up finding him a job at a factory that produces parachutes for skydiving. The young man’s new job was to burn the threads of the harnesses once they were completely sewn. After he was hired, he looked at Bray and said “I knew you wouldn’t give up on me!”

“That is all it took to know I am making a difference in the lives of others,” says Bray.

From that experience, Bray learned that there is a job out there for everyone.

One of the most rewarding parts of Bray’s job is her weekly staff meetings. Every time her team meets, they share their “3:13 story,” which is a reference to the Hebrews 3:13 passage: “Encourage one another daily.”

“We aren’t able to get together daily, but when we are together, each member takes three minutes and thirteen seconds to share a success story. We either clap, or cry, in joy,” says Bray.

Bray not being in the field anymore gives her time to plan for the future of Hope Services.

One of those plans includes partnering with the new Wesley Chapel District Parks and Recreation center to start the nonprofit’s first vocational training pilot program this Fall. The nonprofit will have a 1,400-square-foot space with a full industrial kitchen. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, they will have trainings to help the clients figure out what career industry they should pursue. The other two days of the week will be on-the-job training at local businesses.

Bray expects this program to cost around $75,000 and is always looking for private individuals, businesses and corporations to help support her vision.

If you wish to help support the nonprofit, Bray says you can contribute by working with Hope Services, partnering alongside for employment opportunities, donating, and/or volunteering your time and talents. Hope Services also is need of a van for transportation of its clients for its on-the-job training portion of the vocational training program.

For more information on Hope Services, visit HopeGetsJobs.com.

Demand Rises For Home Health Services

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It’s been two years since Gulfside Hospice added home health to its medical services and updated its name to Gulfside Healthcare Services. And what an amazing two years it has been.

The need in Pasco and Pinellas counties for home health has been explosive, especially this past year during COVID, when so many people have been restricted to their homes.

“Because of COVID, some of the requirements for home health services have been relaxed, and more people than ever have qualified for help,” said Michael Griffiths, manager of business development for Gulfside Home Health.

Griffiths explains that his team’s number one goal is provide patients with in-home skilled nursing and therapies to help them recover as quickly and safely as possible, while keeping them out of the hospital.

“There are many advantages of taking care of someone in their home,” said Griffiths. “Patients are more comfortable at home, family is there for support, and no transportation is needed because our health care providers come to them.”

Griffiths adds that home care especially helps with patients who easily get confused in unfamiliar places, which is common toward the end of day when people with memory problems suffer from sun-downing effects.

“We plan our visits around a client’s schedule. Families choose a time that is best for them,” said Griffiths, who added that most appointments are between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Gulfside’s nursing staff provides wound care, injections, IV infusions, pain management and medication oversight. Other licensed professionals offer physical, occupational and speech therapies. At Gulfside Home Health, therapists are employees and not contract workers, which means patients typically see the same nurses and therapists throughout their care.

“It’s this continuity of care that sets us apart,” said Griffiths.

Most patients receive home health services for three to eight weeks, and typically are referred by physicians and assisted living facilities. Referrals also are accepted directly from patients and their families by completing a quick form on Gulfside’s website.

“If you complete our online questionnaire, which takes just a few minutes, we get back to you within 24 hours,” Griffiths says. “Our staff is cross-trained to assess whether the need is home health, palliative care or hospice, which means only one appointment is needed to get things started.”

Gulfside Home Health began accepting patients in the spring of 2019, and its caseload expanded quickly because of the outstanding reputation of Gulfside Hospice. It has doubled the number of home health patients in the past year, and anticipates seeing its census grow to 200 patients by the end of the year.

“Gulfside is the gold standard provider of choice for hospice care in Pasco County, and this high standard absolutely extends to its Home Health division,” said Griffiths.

Gulfside has outstanding results for its clients, much better than the national average. Most impressive is it 30-Day Re-Hospitalization Rate of 0%, compared to almost 13% nationally. An Info Box included with this story give more impressive comparisons.

Most costs are covered by Medicare or private insurance. Major insurance companies that Gulfside accepts, in addition to Medicare, are United, Humana and WellCare insurance programs. If cost or coverage is a concern, the Gulfside team also is available to work with patients on coverage options to ensure everyone who needs care, gets it.

When To Call Home Health
– Recent discharge from hospital or rehab center
– Multiple diagnoses, such as diabetes, cardiac and pulmonary
– Changes in medication that require management/education
– Patients who frequently call their doctors
Go to Gulfside.org/submit-a-referral.

Gulfside Home Health Compared to Nat Avg

30-Day Re-Hospitalization Rate

  • Gulfside: 0%
  • National Average: 12.9%

60-Day Re-Hospitalization Rate

  • Gulfside: 13%
  • National Average: 18%

Wound Healing Rate

  • Gulfside: 99.4%
  • National Average: 93%

Average Number of Weekly Visits the Patient Receives

  • Gulfside: 3
  • National Average: 1.5

Average Length of Time on Service

  • Gulfside: 37 days
  • National Average: 54 days

Published June 16, 2021