SouthernCare Hospice

Where Caring is a way of life

SouthernCare, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest hospice providers. SouthernCare was founded in 1995 and is based in Birmingham, Alabama. Today, SouthernCare, a privately owned company, has over 96 offices in 15 states and provides care to over 5500 patients each day. SouthernCare offices are located in non-metropolitan areas which have a demonstrated need for hospice services. SouthernCare provides hospice services to patients who reside in private homes, group homes, assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities.

Each SouthernCare office is managed by a Clinical Director and a Community Relations Director. Each of these individuals lives and works in the area served by their office. In addition, each SouthernCare office employs a dedicated Care Team composed of Registered Nurse Case Managers, Social Workers, Hospice Aides and Chaplains. Volunteers also provide valuable support to our staff and our patients in the office as well as in the patient’s home. SouthernCare currently has over 2500 full and part time employees.

SouthernCare’s Mission

The mission of SouthernCare is to assure that residents of its service locales have access to a program of care that enhances the quality of life for the terminally ill and their families. Care of the whole person is emphasized by providing physical, spiritual and emotional support to all medically appropriate persons, without discrimination. Efforts are centered on meeting needs by offering highly individualized compassionate care in the person’s home or a home like setting. SouthernCare recognizes the value of dedicated staff and volunteers and affirms each as individuals, as well as members of the care team. SouthernCare is dedicated to enhancing the care of all in the community by education, and by example, serve as a symbolic reminder that life is to be lived until you die.

SouthernCare’s Philosophy

At SouthernCare we have the opportunity and thus the obligation to listen, interpret, and then provide the best way to improve the quality of life of our customers by exceeding their expectations and fulfilling their wishes one person at a time.

Common Admitting Diagnoses of Hospice Patients

Do you believe that hospice care is only for those with a cancer diagnosis? While cancer was originally the most prevalent hospice diagnosis, today, more and more people with non-cancer diagnoses are being admitted for hospice care. In 2006, for the first time, less than 50% of the patients admitted to hospice had a cancer diagnosis. Since its inception, SouthernCare has focused on providing care for patients with non-cancer diagnoses. Listed below are common diagnoses of patients receiving hospice care:

ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
Alzheimers
Cancer
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA – Stroke)
Coronary Artery Disease
Congestive Heart Failure
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
End Stage Dementia
End Stage Degenerative Neurological Diseases (Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, etc.)
End Stage Renal Disease
General Debility/Failure to Thrive
Liver Disease
HIV/AIDs
Renal Failure
In fact, most elderly hospice patients demonstrate more than one chronic debilitating condition. SouthernCare’s skilled Admission Coordinators work with the patient’s physician to evaluate if your loved one qualifies for hospice services.

Services provided by Hospice

Hospice care is tailored to meet the special needs of each patient. Among the services hospice provides:

24 hour support by phone or personal visit
Physician Care – Medical Management
Direct Nursing Care
Home Care Aides for bathing and other personal services
Homemaker Services
Social Services
Spiritual Counseling
Volunteer Services
Symptom Management (pain & other symptoms)
Medications related to the Hospice Diagnosis
Medical Equipment (wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen, etc)
Medical Supplies (incontinent supplies, nutritional supplements)
Nutritional Assistance
Physical, occupational and speech therapy
Respite Care
Bereavement Support following the patient’s death