Cheryl, Scott and the rest of the gang are really good at making empty promises of supplies and then apologizing when there are none. How do these people make one home visit after another with one bandage... or, if business is good, TWO bandages? I have dealt with hospice before with some family members and patients in a couple different states. None of these were as horrid as the staff at Suncoast Hospice. So prepare yourself... whatever supplies you are given, save the packaging! You will need these to buy more supplies out of your own pocket. Don't believe their empty words that it is normal for USPS, or whatever carrier they wish to blame, to take a week to send you anything. read more

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The Suncoast representative gave us such a reassuring picture of all the help they would provide for my mother and the family as my mother was in the final weeks of her life. Very little of what they said was accurate. We had to call repeatedly and practically beg for return calls even though we explained our mother was in pain. The admin people don't communicate well with the care people. There were times we felt abandoned by them. And toward the end, the care was minimal at best. DO NOT USE THEM. read more

I found the nursing staff to be be very caring and attentive while my father was passing. The compassion and empathy were palpable. The entire staff, from volunteers to aids was exceptional. I have no complaints! read more

My beloved neighbor was under the care of Empath in his final days and his partner was very unhappy with their services. Zero compassion and urgency. The day of his demise hospice nurse left and I stayed with my wonderful neighbor in his final hour. Medication for anxiety and pain were not sufficient as he thrashed in the bed. When it was decided the patient had to go to a hospice house a transport service came to get him. The patient was almost passed when they tried to get him out of the bed. They sent a guy and a girl to transport him. He had lost a significant amount of weight but they tried to sit him on the side of the bed and let him fall to the floor! I begged them to call EMS to assist prior to them moving him. Once he was on the floor with his legs bent under him they decided to put him a a sheet and dragged him from the bedroom to the kitchen area as they couldn't get a gurney in the room. What a disgusting way to transport him. The most unprofessional service I ever saw, and I am a nurse too. May I never need hospice service of Empath. Rosalie C. read more

The quality of care at the hospice center -excellent. To enter back in after discharge for respite- will not happen. FYI- while this organization talks about the importance of respite care and even promises care for loved ones so the caregiver can have a break once monthly for 5 days- this will never happen for you! I spent months trying to arrange a single 3 day weekend for a prearranged trip that could not occur thanks to this organization in spite of advanced planning and requests. read more

I had high hopes for Suncoast Empath Hospice. What I got was surface-level compassion, zero urgency, and a devastating outcome. My mother was dismissed when she showed clear signs of a UTI. By the time she received antibiotics, she was already septic. The meds they gave her were meant for an early-stage infection. A dose so low that is was completely ineffective and did nothing. Her PEG tube kept clogging. Her blood sugar dropped. Increased delirium. She was in visible pain. They shrugged. You're led to believe your loved one will pass peacefully from their illness, but sometimes, it's not the disease that takes them. It's neglect. The infection didn't just kill her. The inaction did. There was nothing holistic about her care. Nothing comforting. Nothing dignified. What I witnessed wasn't end-of-life support, it was a slow, painful unraveling. Her symptoms were ignored. My voice was dismissed. Her suffering was brushed off until it was too late. Her death certificate says she died from her disease. The truth? She died from a sepsis infection caused by an untreated UTI made worse by inaction, gaslighting, and a complete failure to care. Hospice is supposed to bring peace. What we got was indifference, delay, and silence. I can't imagine how many families have been quietly failed the same way. If you're reading this, please advocate fiercely. Trust your gut. Push back. Message me if you need to. I'll help you understand what steps to take so you can protect your loved one. What they chose not to do was, and still is unforgivable! read more

Terrible! They care only about keeping the money coming in. The administration is the most incompetent and it trickles down to the nurses. They are arrogant and talk down to family members. They discharged our mother with no warning! Steer clear of these jerks. They don't care about your loved one. read more

Their Dr. came in and did a one hour assessment and decided they were going to reject me! They did not talk to my specialist on my doctor My doctor and my specialist too has six degrees one in connective tissue. They have watched me deteriorate more in the last year than I have in ten. They have done everything they can. But I can no longer process food and head to switch to liquid meals. I have Marfan Syndrome, It is a rare condition that stems from a defective chromosome. That affects all connective tissue or fiberyllium. Continue losing soft tissue and muscle mass. As well as half my bone density. I have peripheral neuropathy, fourth stage osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and epstein bar virus. I also have a heart condition that is prone to atrial fibulation. My irregular heart rhythms can end up in a stroke or a heart attack because of this. I also have multiple spine conditions and have fractured vertebraes and broken my back three times since 1996. I'm pretty sure that it has developed a new fracture. I don't have the ability to get out of bed much anymore. I have not been able to get-up-and-get out to the doctor in 6 months. Hospice is going to dismiss me in a couple of weeks without ever speaking to my primary care doctor or my specialist. I don't understand how they can make that important decision, With a one hour assessment, without talking to my doctor or my specialist. What is wrong with Florida? You do not have care when people are terminally ill and need it the most. I am so heartbroken that they think it is ok for me to suffer alone in my room until my body gives out with no hope and no quality of my life. It is so cruel even to my children and grandchildren to watch me suffer with no care. How can they decide one person matters and another does not. read more

Empath Health is unethical in their billing practices. Decision-makers seem to care about nothing more than getting paid. Use another of the many providers in Sarasota/Manatee County. They treat family members horribly. Care quality is bad too - they stop services without explaining why or warning the family or patient. The administration is flat-out incompetent. Admin is top-heavy and unkind. As others have commented, they need to be replaced, or as others have said, stop dropping the ball. read more

Empath Life Tampa location. Scheduling Issues. Approval Issues. That caused me to get there on time, But Due to Paperwork Issues between Scheduling and PCP and Doctor's office of Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Spencer Smith. At appointment at 1pm and left at 330 on my 2nd follow up visit. On my 3rd follow up visit, there at 1 and Left at 515. Staff Changes Needed at Both Places. They have messed up other appointments as well. Don't seem to Communicate with Doctor's Offices. So Sad for a otherwise good program. Come on Man... Stop Dropping The Ball. read more

I cannot speak highly enough about the entire staff and office at Suncoast hospice of Pinellas Park. The level of empathy, CARE, and communication was well done. I couldn't ask for a better team to help take care of my mother during her final days I HIGHLY recommend Suncoast!!! read more

Exceptional help from Danielle the ceo handles business for sure ! They are my hospice providers! Awesome

Suncoast Hospice of Hillsborough was outstanding and very professional in every aspect of our involvement with them. They made my loved one transition a peaceful journey. I didn't know what to expect but I was blown away by the concern and commitment of the staff. They notified us and explained to us what was happening with our loved one during the whole process until his passing. Kudos to the following staff members, without you and your treatment of our family during this process it would have been unbearable, to say the least. Thanks, Vincent, Natasha, Kasey, and Lauren. read more

Horrible experience. Do NOT bring your family member here if you are hoping for a peaceful passing. My mother was brought here from Morton Plant Hospital in the end stages of renal failure. We were told at the hospital that she had a week to ten days to live and that hospice was the best option. The Suncoast "patient concierge " came to my mother's room and waxed lyrical about the amazing staff and property, that we could feel safe with my mother there, that she could even be wheeled out to the garden if she felt up to it. She specifically told us that there would be a two week span of comfort care for my mom and then the doctors would do an evaluation. instead the Suncoast team began telling us within 48 hours that my mother did not qualify to be there, that she "wasn't declining fast enough to be in hospice" and forced me to move her to a nursing home She wasn't even at the hospice for three days. What an unbelievable shitshow, a mockery of my mother's death and of healthcare. read more

I have had the fortunate, or unfortunate, opportunity to use their services on a few separate occasions. Everyone I have worked with has been so helpful, so kind, so caring. At difficult times they know how to be both empathetic and efficient as the same time. They have insight on many different services and provide after care for survivors as well. If you get the chance, they're always looking for volunteers as well. read more

Such a disappointment. When you think of hospice you think of caring, supportive services. My husband and I experienced none of this. When he was discharged from Morton Plant hospital we met with Suncoast Hospice to set up palliative care at home. They made all kinds of promises that they did not deliver on. This was supposed to be a service that would help alleviate stress from the patient as well as for me, his spouse. He was supposed to have pain medication which was ordered stat! Well, it only took three days to get it. Their definition of stat and mine vary dramatically. We did not get the support we needed. If anything, it just added to our stress. When we ended the services, the only thing they were interested in was getting their equipment back. I explained to dispatch, that my husband was dying and I could not commit to a specific pick up time! They hounded me until they got their equipment back. I didn't see the urgency in getting a walker, a shower chair and two oxygen tanks back!!! There's a whole lot more that I could get into but my dear husband has passed and I'm just exhausted!! read more

What wonderful nurses. Suncoast Hospice checked in with us daily, visited often, and told us what was happening every step of the way. Nurses patiently taught my family how to care for our loved one and administer medication. I liked their personalities across the board. They were friendly without being intrusive, and they helped us but did not insert themselves into the story of what was going on. One of my brothers said that he didn't think better quality care would have been available at any price. Because our loved one was in pain, there was clear instruction on how to move the person and how to keep them comfortable. Suncoast Hospice helped transform our tragedy into a humane situation that we could manage. Also, I'm surprised that a yelper complained that Suncoast Hospice didn't go to the memorial or send a card quickly enough. Who cares? I only wanted and needed excellent-quality care while my loved one was alive, period, and that's what they gave us. read more

Zero stars. The absolute worst and unprofessional experience ever. My dad passed away a few weeks ago in the hospital. They were quick to try to get him admitted to take his money, and then literally NOTHING HAPPENED AFTER THAT!!!! I had to call multiple times to ask for help, which is something they offer. It's been 3 weeks and a social worker was supposed to call and arrange grief therapy-- still nothing!!!! As an RN myself, I try to be empathetic to medical professionals, but this is by far the worst treatment possible for someone going through a very hard time. read more

Suncoast Hospice did not give the care that was needed for my ex-husband who had ALS (Lou Gherig's Disease) during his stay in a nursing home. I was supposed to get a call each time a nurse visited him for an update. In total, I received one call in 3 months. Nobody cared that he couldn't feed himself. His roommate ended up spoon feeding him. As he was dying, he would moan out in pain during his final hours, his last three days and two nights. It was agonizing for me and his 5 children to watch. They did not medicate him enough to keep him comfortable. They also had more "rent a nurses" than full time nurses. I don't think I saw the same nurse twice. Towards the end, he wasn't able to talk. Where there was such a variety of nurses, they didn't get to understand his needs. Whenever I would call Suncoast Hospice to request something that would be beneficial in treating him, i.e., a breathing machine, it had to go through too many channels and too many phone calls before it could be approved. So sad. read more

I've used hospice in other locations for some of my I'll family members and they were a good experience. But this location is a MESS! They're never on time, or just don't show up period. I think the issue is, they have to many clients and not enough RN's/aide's. read more

My loved was in Hospice of Florida Suncoast for around two years. I found members of this organization to be more concerned with the death of my loved one than with the well-being of my loved one; however, not one person from Hospice attended my loved one's memorial. It took one month for Hospice to send a bereavement card to me. I never received words of condolences from the Hospice nurse who was present when my loved one passed. Instead, she had a wicked little smirk on her face as though my loved one's passing pleased her!!!! This organization receives huge amounts of government money, and what do they do???? Next to nothing, and they are extremely anxious to get the family member to sign a DNR!!! It was the nursing home that provided the care for my loved one, not Hospice. I don't believe my loved one's quality of life was improved at all by Hospice. read more

Responsive, efficient, and caring. Everyone from the nurses to social workers to the billing staff were always willing to engage with my family and they provided excellent support for your mother in her final days. The billing department was outstanding in helping us navigate the process. read more

the care and heart felt sympathy i received from all you folks at hospice was tremendous........my loved one was cared for in a selfless wonderful way........thank you to all of you that were there. you know who you are... love and god bless audrey cramond read more

Sales presentation not factual and high pressured sales techniques used by Suncoast. I recently lost my father in Clearwater, Florida. My family and I are from California and had flown to Clearwater to be with my dad after he fell and broke his hip. Within 24 hours of arriving at the hospital, I began to be hounded by Hospice about committing my dad to their care. They literally were swarming his door daily like sharks after chum. Finally on day 3, I agreed to a meeting with a representative to give them the opportunity to present their sales pitch. As we walked to the hidden room on the ward, the Hospice representative, (4 strides ahead of us) proceeded to inform us that she had, "worked 12 hours straight and was exhausted". My family and I sat there, stunned as she presented her sales pitch which to us, sounded nothing like we had ever heard hospice to be. She told us that my dad would have 1 week in the hospice care center and then he would need to go home for us to provide hospice. She told us that he would not be offered any nourishment or fluids while at the center. Needless to say, we were devastated by the facts coming at us and the crude manner in which they were presented. We questioned and challenged every fact and she continued to reiterate the false facts back to us. We were only on our 3rd day with him and he was talking to us and recognizing everyone and there was no way that I was going to starve and dehydrate him out. We asked not to be approached again by hospice. They still continued to hound us and every turn we made in the ICU, they were peering at us from across the room or walking past us, hoping we would invite them into conversation. On the 5th day, we were again approached by another Suncoast Hospice sales person who asked for just a moment of our time to try to "clear things up" for us! This person admitted that most of what the first person told us was completely unfactual. AWESOME. LEAVE ME ALONE, that is all I could think. We had only taken the meeting with her to try to end this constant pressure that we were under by hospice and the doctors. She not only reiterated the starvation and dehydration practices but added a little gem to it. We had mentioned our desires to either take him home or find a nursing facility. Well she made sure to dash those hopes by saying , you can only use a nursing facility IF Medicare allows you and they probably won't. You see, she had wrongly assumed that we were incapable of self paying for any darned care that we wanted for my dad. Right there, she lost all credibility and became the enemy robot of death, not to mention, starvation and dehydration. My father lived for over two weeks past when they wanted to kill him off...he got to see and enjoy the company of his sister, nephews, family and friends. Although, there were times, and many of them, that we just could not take the pressure of hospice and actually cut our visits with him short. They robbed us of valuable time and should be ashamed of themselves. After my dad passed, they had the nerve to sick another hospice representative on me on the phone. It was clearly obvious that she was there to provide some sort of damage control, probably to prevent me from doing exactly what I intend to do which is to file complaints at every agency involved with the quality of care and information relayed to distraught families at the most trying times in their lives, the loss of a loved one. Shame on them. read more