Hospice in a hurricane: What it takes to keep care going

Hospice in a hurricane: What it takes to keep care going 
TBBW - Tampa Bay Business & Wealth, Clearwater, FL; by Jo-Lynn Brown, contributed by Kerry Hoerner, CHPN, BSN, RN, Chief Clinical and Quality Officer, Empath Health; 6/10/25
... At Empath Health, the vast majority of the 75,000 Floridians we serve each year receive their care in the place they call home. ... But when a hurricane is looming and travel may be limited, we shift our focus to preparing for the unknown—ensuring patients, caregivers and clinicians have the guidance, tools and confidence to weather whatever comes next. If you’re a caregiver, here are a few critical steps you can take today, to be more prepared:

• Create a waterproof folder with a printed medication list and care instructions.
• Keep extra batteries, chargers and fuel for medical equipment.
• Label all medical devices in case relocation is needed.
• Know where the nearest shelter that can support medical needs is located and consider packing comfort items like a favorite blanket.
• Identify a backup caregiver and communicate your plan with family or neighbors.

During Hurricane Milton, when Pinellas County was hit hard, Empath Hospice of Marion County delivered 200 oxygen tanks to Clearwater and sent technicians multiple times, to stabilize operations. Trustbridge Hospice, based on Florida’s east coast, stepped in to support communication efforts when our own teams were directly in the storm’s path. ...