For too many Floridians living with serious illness, accessing high-quality hospice care remains a challenge. Families are left struggling to find the support they need, and patients are forced to navigate complex medical decisions without adequate guidance. In Florida, this gap is especially pronounced, leaving thousands without the specialized care that could improve their quality of life.
Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is dedicated to advocating for caregivers and their loved ones. We believe every family should have access to the full spectrum of care options, including hospice care, which provides relief from pain and symptoms, emotional support, and care coordination for those facing serious illnesses. I personally have cared for a loved one receiving hospice care and understand firsthand how impactful it is for families and patients alike. When my grandfather transitioned to hospice care towards the end of his battle with bone cancer, my family and I were overwhelmed with the difficult emotions and equally difficult decisions we had to navigate. Our priority was to honor my grandfather’s wishes to be at home and ensure he was as comfortable as possible.
Living in a rural area, bringing in hospice support to the home ensured that family could more easily be with him on a continuous basis. I stayed with my grandfather during the weekdays and the support the visiting nurse provided made tasks that I was not physically able to do manageable. They also provided support when I needed to learn about his oxygen machine or how to help him get adjusted in the medical bed we had for him. They also ended every visit by asking how I and my family were doing, and if there was anything else we needed…