The Laker/Lutz News

Gulfside Healthcare Services

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

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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

Having a rockin’ good time at Paulie Palooza

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The 10th annual Paulie Palooza Music Festival had six headliners, including The Sand Spurs, shown here. Paul Correia, in the green shirt, is a member of the group. He also is the founder of the music festival. (Kelli Carmack)

The 10th annual Paulie Palooza Music Festival featured live music, of course, but it also had food trucks, silent auctions, prize drawings and more.

The festival, sponsored by Gulfside Healthcare Services, took place on Main Street Zephyrhills on Oct. 16, from noon to 9 p.m.

Performers for the music festival included Clancee, The Time Travelers, David Teague, The Sand Spurs, Southern Nights, and Kind Villain.

The event was created by Paul Correia in 2012 to honor the memory of his father, who passed away while under Gulfside Hospice care, in 2010. All proceeds raised from the event go to benefit Gulfside’s hospice program, which provides patient care and bereavement services to more than 650 patients and families daily, in the local community.

Gulfside Healthcare Services is a nonprofit organization, which has been serving the community for more than 30 years.

Its three lines of business include Gulfside Hospice, offering care for patients at end of life; Gulfside Palliative Care, providing treatment options for those with chronic illness; and Gulfside Home Health, helping patients stay independent through skilled nursing and rehabilitation at home.

For more information about Gulfside Healthcare Services, visit Gulfside.org, or call 800-561-4883.

Note: See a video of the event on our website and Facebook page.

Published October 27, 2021

Paul Correia, founder of the Paulie Palooza Music Festival, was presented with a celebratory gift for the event’s 10th year anniversary. The gift was presented by Carla Armstrong, director of philanthropy for Gulfside Healthcare Services, and Leesa Fryer, fundraising and event planning specialist. (Courtesy of Alexandra Correia)
Hudson resident Susan Bishop was among the vendors at the 10th annual Paulie Palooza Music Festival. She said the event had special meaning to her because her father was a Gulfside patient in 2017. (Kelli Carmack)
Festival-attendee Heather Stephenson glimpses at the silent auction prizes up for grabs at the event. Prizes included an autographed Tampa Bay Buccaneers football, a signed Tampa Bay Lightning jersey, paintings, portrait sessions, handcrafted items and more. (Kelli Carmack)
Eurbana Lambert, 99, is all smiles as she finds the perfect seat in the shade to listen to some live music.
Ronald and Rochelle Moss, who have been married for 58 years, were color coordinated for the festival. They have lived in Zephyrhills for seven years.

Rotary Club donates $7,500 to Gulfside Hospice

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The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes has donated $7,500 to Gulfside Hospice representing proceeds from the Oct. 2 Bands ‘N Brews festival held at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Terri Dusek, who chaired the festival committee for the Rotary group, deemed the festival a “huge success,” especially since this was its inaugural year.

Terri Dusek, left, of The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes, announces a $7,500 donation to Gulfside Hospice. Accepting the gift is Leesa Fryer alongside Carla Armstrong from Gulfside Healthcare Services. (Diane Kortus)

Leesa Fryer, fundraising and event planning specialist, and Carla Armstrong, director of philanthropy, for Gulfside Hospice, accepted the donation at the Rotary Club’s Oct. 22 weekly meeting.

“Bands ‘N Brews was an awesome event, and we are so honored and grateful to receive this very generous donation,” said Armstrong.

“Gulfside Hospice provides services for 650 patients every day. Ten years ago, we reached just 150 people a day, and thanks to generous donations like this, we’ve been able to continue to grow, to support the needs of our community,” she said.

Armstrong noted the $7,500 donation from The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes will help offset costs for patients not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance.

“About 15% of our patients do not have insurance or other means to pay for care, and we’re proud that we never turn away anyone needing hospice services,” Armstrong said.

Gulfside Hospice is part of Gulfside Healthcare Services, which also provides palliative care and home health services to Pasco and north Pinellas residents. The organization is based in Land O’ Lakes and has 350 employees.

Published October 27, 2021

Calendar contest showcases Pasco County

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It’s time once again to get out your cameras and capture Pasco County’s beauty, as Gulfside Healthcare Services hosts its annual contest, to find photos to feature in its 2022 printed calendar.

‘Taking It In’ by Doreen Damm, June 2021 winner

Once printed, the calendars will be sold at all Gulfside Hospice thrift shops, to help raise money for hospice care and other patient programs.

Past calendars have featured iconic sights of the county, wildlife, sunsets, and more.

‘Epperson Ranch Lagoon’ by Brenda Sexton, August 2021 winner

Each photographer can submit up to five photos, but a maximum of two winning entries per person will be used in the final calendar.

All photos must be taken in Pasco County and be sizeable for horizontal printing at 12-inches wide by 9-inches high.

Entries will be reviewed by a committee of Gulfside staff and volunteers, and winners will be notified by Oct. 1.

Each winner will receive five printed calendars, and a coupon redeemable at any Gulfside Hospice thrift shop.

To view the full list of guidelines and submit photos, visit www.Gulfside.org/calendar-contest. Entry deadline is at 5 p.m., on Sept. 15.

For more information, contact Tanika Tucker, community outreach and design assistant, at 727-845-5707, or email .

Published August 11, 2021

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

Gulfside Hospice Helps Over 1,000 Pasco Families Every Year

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November is National Hospice Month, and hospice is the bridge that helps terminally ill patients and their families navigate the health care system in the final stages of life, while also providing emotional and social services support for the entire family.

In Pasco County, Gulfside Healthcare Services has been providing hospice services for more than 30 years, and helps over 3,000 families every year care for their loved ones, and provides grief counseling and spiritual guidance to help patients through their final journey.

Heading up hospice services at Gulfside is Kathy Postiglione, who started work at the agency 15 years ago as a registered nurse, and today is chief operating officer and senior vice president.

“As a nurse, what attracted me to hospice care in the beginning, and still captures my heart today, is its holistic approach to patient care that is driven by the patient and family,” said Postiglione. “It is the most personal type of care found in nursing, and one that has not changed much since the hospice movement was founded in the 1970s.”

The hospice philosophy provides care in the comfort, security and privacy of wherever a patient calls home, by bringing together a team of professionals who addresses the patient’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

“Our team of nurses, physicians, chaplains and social workers works together to find out what the patient needs, discuss the best options for his or her wishes, and helps to set pain management goals,” said Postiglione.

Hospice care begins with a discussion between the doctor and terminally ill patient and the family, who together agree to bring hospice in for a consultation.

“Often it’s the patient who says, ‘I’m done, and no longer wants additional treatments,’” explains Postiglione.

The initial meeting can be in a patient’s home, hospital, assisted living facility or nursing home, and include nurses, both RN and LPNs, hospice medical staff, social worker and chaplain.

“We also work with the patient to identify personal goals they want to accomplish – it could be to write their personal story, put together a video, try to re-connect with family members and friends they have lost touch with, and often mend some bridges,” said Postiglione.

Once a patient enters hospice care, the Gulfside team provides interdisciplinary medical support and services, which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It also has resources to help with legal and financial services involving end-of-life care.

“Patients and families are often so overwhelmed by what needs to be done, that they are very anxious.  We break down the tasks and set up a plan to help them accomplish their goals, while providing the care the patient needs to relieve pain, and make the journey as peaceful and comfortable as possible,” explains Postiglione.

Being in hospice care does not mean patients need to give up treatments, and often continue to see their own doctors.

“Patients sometimes want to continue their treatments, and we are here to support the patient in any way we can,” said Postiglione.

Since its establishment in 1989, Gulfside Hospice has grown from an organization run primarily by volunteers, to a full-service health care entity that employs nearly 400 people with an average census of 650 patients.  When Gulfside began operations, it had just 15 employees and was servicing 50 patients.

While most patients are older adults and seniors, often diagnosed with cancer, Gulfside Hospice also cares for terminally ill children and young adults. Patients come into hospice when their prognosis is less than six months, and the average length of stay in the program is 70 days.

One area that makes Gulfside Hospice unique compared to other hospice organizations is its ability to provide patients with more expensive medications.

“When a patient has a need for a more expensive medication, we never deny the request, because we have the resources to provide medication that Medicare may not pay for,” said Postiglione.

Gulfside has been able to keep up with Pasco’s population growth because of its ability to attract top professionals to its team.

“We place a tremendous value on our employees, and consistently seek feedback from them on their challenges, equipment they need, the schedules that work best for their families,” said Postiglione. “We have a very dedicated group of people, most whom have worked here for many years, because of the high satisfaction they get by working with our patients and families.”

Gulfside Healthcare Services also works with over 300 volunteers, many who become involved after hospice has cared for a loved one.

“Many of our volunteers give the gift of presence  —  which is staying with patients who may not have family or friends close by, until they pass. Others work in our dietary area, bringing meals to patients in our in-patient facilities. We also have volunteers who take care of patients’ pets, play music for patients, and many volunteer at our thrift stores, do office work and help at fundraising events,” said Postiglione.

For patients needing critical nursing care, Gulfside Hospice operates the Rucki Hospice Care Center in Zephyrhills and the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care at Heather Hill Healthcare Center in New Port Richey. Its thrift shops are located in Lutz, Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Hudson.

“People are often surprised at the range of services we offer at Gulfside Hospice,” said Postiglione. “We are proud of our ability to help many Pasco families in one of their greatest times of need.”

Address: 2061 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639
Website: Gulfside.org
Info: (800) 561-4883

Published November 18, 2020

Three Essential Tips For Caregivers

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As a result of the COVID-19 crisis and Stay-At-Home Order, caregivers are feeling more overwhelmed and sequestered than ever. The important thing to know is that you’re not alone, and there are essential resources available to help.

Charlie Lowry

The new Caregiver Support Services program at Gulfside Hospice is currently helping those who are caring for their hospice patients, with the goal of empathetically interacting with them to improve quality of life for them and those for whom they provide care. We have over 700 caregivers in our program right now — some who are new to Hospice whose loved one has been recently diagnosed, and others who have been caregivers for years with their loved ones entering the final phase of their life.

Some caregivers live with the patient, and some live out of the area and yet are still responsible for their loved one’s care. Either way, caregiver services are important for family members who manage their loved one’s care. That’s why we have put together this quick list of tips to help you stay organized and take time for self-care.

While love and commitment are at the core of caregiving, and it can produce feelings of joy and fulfillment, we understand the stress and chaos that can also be produced by caregiving responsibilities, especially during this time, and we want to lend a helping hand.

Take Care of Yourself
If you are a caregiver, you are the person responsible for running your household and making sure quality care is being provided. It is essential that you take care of yourself first, so you don’t get sick or run out of energy.

– View yourself as your top priority – if you aren’t healthy in mind and body, you won’t be able to properly take care of others.

– Set aside 15-20 minutes, two or three times a day, to unwind and focus on yourself. Do a crossword puzzle, work on a jigsaw puzzle or color a page with pencils or markers.

– Take a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood, and/or exercise along with a You Tube video.

– Schedule your personal breaks into your day planner — just like you do meals and medication.

Build Your Support System
Don’t be afraid to ask people to help. Grow your support system so you can utilize them when you need help with errands, or to help with family communications that can take up much time and be emotionally draining.

– Your support system can be family, friends, neighbors, and hospice volunteers and staff. Ask in advance if they are able to help when the need arises, and keep their contact information in an easy to remember spot, so you have it when you need it.

– Your support system can shop for groceries and other household needs, pick up medications and even fill up your gas tank. All this can be done without coming into your home and exposing them or your household during this crisis.

Get Organized
It’s important to have everything you need in one place when you are a caregiver. This includes assembling a medication list, banking information and passwords, a list of email addresses and passwords to pay utilities, mortgage and auto loans, credit cards and other monthly obligations, maintain an updated list of family names, phone numbers and email addresses, and assemble wills and other legal documents, such as do not resuscitate orders and other medical directives.

By Charlie Lowry, Director of Caregiver Support Services
Gulfside Healthcare Services

Charlie Lowry is the Director of Caregiver Support Services and has been at Gulfside Healthcare Services for three years, and has worked in hospice services since 2012. The caregiver services that Lowry’s team provides are not covered by Medicare and other insurance companies, and are dependent on fundraising events and private donations. To contribute, go to Gulfside.org/make-a-gift, or call (800) 561-4883.

Published April 15, 2020

Gulfside Hospice Helps Over 1,000 Pasco Families Every Year

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Hospice is the bridge that helps terminally ill patients and their families navigate the health care system in the final stages of life, while also providing emotional and social services support for the entire family.

In Pasco County, Gulfside Healthcare Services has been providing hospice services for more than 30 years, and helps over 1,000 families every year care for their loved ones, and provides grief counseling and spiritual guidance to help patients through their final journey.

Heading up hospice services at Gulfside is Kathy Postiglione, who started work at the agency 15 years ago as a registered nurse, and today is chief operating officer and senior vice president.

“As a nurse, what attracted me to hospice care in the beginning, and still captures my heart today, is its holistic approach to patient care that is driven by the patient and family,” said Postiglione. “It is the most personal type of care found in nursing, and one that has not changed much since the hospice movement was founded in the 1970s.”

The hospice philosophy provides care in the comfort, security and privacy of wherever a patient calls home, by bringing together a team of professionals who addresses the patient’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

“Our team of nurses, physicians, ministers and social workers works together to find out what the patient needs, discuss the best options for his or her wishes, and helps to set pain management goals,” said Postiglione.

Hospice care begins with a discussion between the doctor and terminally ill patient and the family, who together agree to bring hospice in for a consultation.

“Often it’s the patient who says, ‘I’m done, and no longer wants additional treatments,’” explains Postiglione.

The initial meeting can be in a patient’s home, hospital, assisted living facility or nursing home, and include nurses, both RN and LPNs, hospice medical staff, social worker and chaplain. Up to 10 people can be at the initial meeting, plus staff from the facility.

“We also work with the patient to identify personal goals they want to accomplish – it could be to write their personal story, put together a video, try to re-connect with family members and friends they have lost touch with, and often mend some bridges,” said Postiglione.

Once a patient enters hospice care, the Gulfside team provides interdisciplinary medical support and services, which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It also has resources to help with legal and financial services involving end-of-life care.

“Patients and families are often so overwhelmed by what needs to be done, that they are very anxious.  We break down the tasks and set up a plan to help them accomplish their goals, while providing the care the patient needs to relieve pain, and make the journey as peaceful and comfortable as possible,” explains Postiglione.

Being in hospice care does not mean patients need to give up treatments, and often continue to see their own doctors.

“Patients sometimes want to continue their treatments, and we are here to support the patient in any way we can,” said Postiglione.

Since its establishment in 1989, Gulfside Hospice has grown from an organization run primarily by volunteers, to a full-service health care entity that employs over 330 people with an average census of 550 patients.  When Gulfside began operations, it had just 15 employees and was servicing 50 patients.

While most patients are older adults and seniors, often diagnosed with cancer, Gulfside Hospice also cares for terminally ill children and young adults. Patients typically come into hospice when their prognosis is less than six months, and the average length of stay in the program is 70 days.

One area that makes Gulfside Hospice unique compared to other hospice organizations is its ability to provide patients with more expensive medications.

“When a patient has a need for a more expensive medication, we never deny the request, because we have the resources to provide medication that Medicare may not pay for,” said Postiglione.

Gulfside has been able to keep up with Pasco’s population growth because of its ability to attract top professionals to its team.

“We place a tremendous value on our employees, and consistently seek feedback from them on their challenges, equipment they need, the schedules that work best for their families,” said Postiglione. “We have a very dedicated group of people, most who have worked here for many years, because of the high satisfaction they get by working with our patients and families.”

Gulfside Healthcare Services also works with over 200 volunteers, many who become involved after hospice has cared for a loved one.

“Many of our volunteers give the gift of presence  —  which is staying with patients who may not have family or friends close by, until they pass. Others work in our dietary area, bringing meals to patients in our in-patient facilities. We also have volunteers who take care of patients’ pets, and many volunteer at our thrift stores, do office work and help at fundraising events,” said Postiglione.

For patients needing critical nursing care, Gulfside Hospice operates the Rucki Hospice Care Center in Zephyrhills and the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care at Heather Hill Healthcare Center in New Port Richey. Its thrift shops are located in Lutz, Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Hudson.

“People are often surprised at the range of services we offer at Gulfside Hospice,” said Postiglione. “We are proud of our ability to help many Pasco families in one of their greatest times of need.”

Published November 20, 2019

A new home health division at Gulfside

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Talk about having a good week.

Last Wednesday, after months of organizational work, Gulfside Home Health accepted its first patient. And on Thursday, it celebrated the grand opening of its new Land O’ Lakes office with a chamber of commerce ribbon cutting.

A ribbon cutting was held last week for Gulfside Home Health, a new division of Gulfside Health Services that provides skilled home nursing and therapies ordered by a physician. Celebrating with the ribbon held high is Gulfside President Linda Ward; holding the scissors is Cheryl-Ann Benn, administrator for Gulfside Home Health.

“It’s exciting to be growing and offering new services to our community,” said Linda Ward, president and chief executive officer of the agency. “Providing skilled home care to patients is a perfect complement to our hospice and palliative care services that we have been providing for a long time.”

With the launch of its home health division, the nonprofit has changed its name to Gulfside Healthcare Services, with three distinct divisions — Gulfside Home Health, Gulfside Hospice and Gulfside Palliative Care.

“Gulfside has served Pasco residents since 1988, and we are well-known for our quality care and community focus for hospice and palliative care. We are bringing this same dedication to home health, and look forward to providing this much-needed service to our community,” said Ward.

Gulfside Home Health is offering skilled home health services that are ordered by a patient’s doctors, including nursing, therapy and patient education.

Gulfside’s nursing staff provides wound care, injections, IV infusions, pain management and medication oversight. And, its licensed therapists offer physical, occupational and speech therapies. All services and treatments are done in a patient’s home.

“There are many advantages of taking care of someone in their home instead of in a hospital or rehab center,” said Cheryl-Ann Benn, who heads up Gulfside Home Health as its administrator.

“Patients are more comfortable at home, family is there for support, and no transportation is needed because our health care providers come to them.”

Benn 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, right down to avoiding a favorite television show,” said Benn. “Families can choose the time that is best for them.”

Most appointments are scheduled between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and only skilled care ordered by a physician is provided. Patients are not charged directly for the care they receive — Gulfside bills Medicare or private insurance, not its patients.

Benn clarifies that Gulfside’s service line features skilled nursing care and various therapies, unlike many other companies that simply offer companion care, bathing or assistance with meals and shopping.

“Our team specializes in the advanced care that must be done by a nurse or professional,” said Benn. “There are many private companies that offer non-medical services that do not qualify for payment under Medicare of private insurance.”

Benn joined Gulfside Home Health in February to prepare for Joint Commission Accreditation, to hire staff and get the office ready next to Gulfside’s thrift shop on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

Gulfside Home Health received its license on April 5 for Pasco and Pinellas counties, and since then has hired RN and LPN nurses, home health aides, a social worker and physical therapist, as well as contracting for occupational and speech therapists.

“We have an outstanding staff with many years of experience — I couldn’t be happier with the team we’ve put together,” said Benn.

Patient referrals come from hospitals, rehab facilities and doctors’ offices, and patients can choose which home health service best meets their needs.

Benn and Ward believe many families will chose Gulfside Home Health because of the stellar reputation of Gulfside’s hospice and palliative care services, and because it is a nonprofit.

“Being a nonprofit allows us to create programs for clients and their families they are not reimbursed for through Medicare or private insurance,” explained Ward. “We can host community events to raise funds for additional services, and are looking at developing programs on COPD, diabetic meals and foot care, caregiver support, and many others,” said Benn.

Ward added that offering home health services is taking Gulfside to a higher service level and is a logical next step. In the first few months, Gulfside Home Health expects to serve 30 to 50 patients, and then grow to over 120.

“We want to offer a continuum of service, while remaining community-based,” said Ward.

Published May 15, 2019