Hospice of the Florida Keys and Visiting Nurse Association

About Hospice:

Hospice: It's all about the journey

Hospice of the Florida Keys, Inc. (a non-profit, full service hospice program) was born in 1984, thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers with support from the County Commissioners. Soon after, this freestanding agency became Medicare Certified, providing its specialized care to those with life limiting illnesses and their family members throughout the Florida Keys. From the beginning, it was Hospice's mission to provide care to everyone in need - those with insurance coverage or the means to pay, as well as those without insurance or who are medically needy.

Hospice continues to provide palliative care of the highest quality, primarily in the comfort of a person's own home, or other place of residence. A major goal is to improve the quality of life for patients, by offering: sophisticated pain and symptom management, counseling, spiritual and emotional support. Care is provided by a highly skilled team of registered nurses, physicians, nursing assistants, social workers, therapists, clergy and volunteers - all working in concert with each client's personal physician. All care is individualized, fully appreciating each patient's desires, wishes and beliefs. Bereavement services are available for not only those served by the hospice program, but also for the community at large.

Hospice and VNA are for everyone - without regard to race, creed, nationality, religion, ethnicity, age, disease or sexual orientation. These agencies exist to support each person's own desires when critical care is needed. And, there is no place like home - eating your own food, being in your personal space, with friends and family close by and pets by your side - all the while being taken care of by top notch, caring professionals! For information about the services of Hospice, Visiting Nurse Association, or any of our other programs, please call us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What exactly is hospice?

A. Hospice is a team approach care of the terminally ill patients. Using an interdisciplinary team of professionals, hospice provides support of family and friends in addition to providing skilled care to the patients. Hospice provides sophisticated pain and symptom management, improving quality of life in the patient’s place of residence.

Q. Who’s eligible for hospice care?

A. Individuals diagnosed with a life limiting illness and a life expectancy of six months or less are eligible for hospice care.

Q. How can I be admitted into a hospice program?

A. Anyone can refer a patient and a physician's order for hospice care is all that is needed. A hospice nurse will then come to your place of residence and exchange information with you. Both of you will then decide if hospice care is right for you.

Q. Will my insurance company pay for hospice care?

A. Hospice is totally covered by Medicare and Medicaid. With private insurances, you will need to check your policy to find out about the hospice benefit available under your plan. In addition, hospice can bill you on a sliding scale basis depending on your ability to pay.

Q. What kind of services can I expect from a hospice program?

A. Quality end-of-life care is delivered by a team of dedicated and skilled professionals. Nurses, therapists, medical social workers, home health aides, clergy and volunteers work in conjunction with your own physician to create and carry out a plan of care tailored to your needs, wishes and beliefs.

Q. How can I obtain more information about hospice care?

A. Information is just a phone call away. Call us today! 305/294-8812, 305/743-9048, 305/852-7887

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Administration & Lower Keys: (305) 294-8812
Middle Keys: (305) 743-9048
Upper Keys: (305) 852-7887
1319 William Street, Key West, FL 33040-4736
cburchard@hospicevna.com