EMPATH HOSPICE, LLC
Provider Information
- Address
- 331 S FLORIDA AVE
LAKELAND, FL 33801 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 23, 2024
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CMS Quality Ratings
Composite score combining quality measures and patient survey results.
Based on the CMS Hospice Care Index — 10 operational quality indicators including visits near death, nursing minutes, and care transitions.
CAHPS Hospice Survey — family caregivers rate communication, symptom management, respect, and overall experience.
Quality of Care derived from CMS Hospice Care Index. Patient Satisfaction from the CMS CAHPS Hospice Survey. Overall is the equally-weighted average of both. All source data published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Staffing & Capacity
| Role | Staff Count |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses (RN) | 4 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 1 |
14
Total Employees
Staffing data as reported to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Inpatient Care and Medical Equipment
Hospices report these services to Medicare when they are certified. This is what EMPATH HOSPICE, LLC reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Arranged through another hospital or nursing home
- Type of inpatient care
- Respite care (up to five days at a time, to give family caregivers a break)
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Supplied directly by this hospice
Short stays in a hospice inpatient unit, hospital, or nursing home for pain or symptoms that cannot be managed where the patient lives, or to give family caregivers a break.
Equipment and supplies tied to the terminal illness and the plan of care, such as a hospital bed, oxygen, wound supplies, or a wheelchair.
Medicare lets hospices provide these services through arrangements with other organizations. Either way, the hospice stays responsible for the covered care in the patient’s plan of care.
Reported by this hospice to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services when it was certified in 2024.
Compassionate Support in Lakeland
Empath Hospice, LLC serves families throughout Lakeland and the surrounding Polk County area. They provide end-of-life care focused on comfort and dignity for patients facing a life-limiting illness. Choosing a hospice team is a deeply personal decision that shapes your loved one's final months. This provider works to manage pain and emotional needs right in the patient's own home or a care facility. It is all about helping families focus on the time they have together. Getting the right support makes a world of difference during a hard season. You deserve a team that listens and responds to your unique needs.
About EMPATH HOSPICE, LLC
Empath Hospice, LLC operates as a non-profit organization. Non-profit status often means the group puts its extra funds back into patient care and community programs. That is a big deal when you want a team driven by mission rather than profit. They became Medicare certified on July 23, 2024. This certification shows they meet the federal standards set for hospice providers in the United States. Since they are a newer certified provider, you might not find long-term performance history yet. But you should always ask about their specific experience in Polk County. Ask them how they handle weekend or night emergencies. You want to know who answers the phone when a crisis hits at 3:00 AM. Good communication is the bedrock of great hospice care.
Understanding Hospice Care in LAKELAND
Lakeland residents have access to many hospice options, yet each agency operates in its own way. Some agencies are large national groups, while others are small, local non-profits. The thing is, hospice is a team effort. It includes nurses, aides, social workers, and chaplains working together to support the whole family. In Polk County, you want to find a partner that knows the local resources well. They should be able to connect you with community help if you need it. And remember, you have the right to interview more than one provider before you decide. Take your time to find a team that feels like a good fit for your family's values. You are the advocate for your loved one, and that role matters more than anything else.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a provider feels overwhelming, but asking the right questions brings clarity. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an urgent problem happens. That is a vital safety question for any family. Next, ask about their specific experience with your loved one's diagnosis. You want to know they understand the symptoms you might face. Also, ask how they support the family's emotional and spiritual needs. Do they offer grief counseling after the passing? Finally, ask about their staff turnover rate. A team that stays together often provides more consistent care. Listen to your gut during these talks. If the answers feel rushed or unclear, keep asking until you feel at peace with their response.
Preserve Your Family's Story
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories and wisdom. Capturing these stories now provides a lasting gift for future generations to cherish.
Learn How to Save Your StoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
COMPASSIONATE CARE HOSPICE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA INC
GOOD SHEPHERD HOSPICE
CONTINUUM CARE OF BROWARD LLC
AVOW HOSPICE INC
OPUS CARE OF SOUTH FLORIDA
EMERALD COAST HOSPICE
Helpful Guides for Families
How to Start the Hospice Conversation: A Practical Guide
Struggling to talk about end-of-life care? Learn how to start the hospice conversation with your aging parents using these compassionate, expert-backed tips.
Hospice vs Palliative Care: Understanding the Difference
Confused about hospice vs palliative care? We break down the key differences, benefits, and how to choose the right end-of-life care for your loved one.
10 Essential Hospice Questions for Evaluating Providers
Evaluating hospice care for a loved one? Use these 10 essential hospice questions to interview providers and ensure your family receives the best possible support.
Some stories are worth writing down
Between the calls and the paperwork, many families wish they had asked more about the person at the center of it all. A recorded conversation, a favorite recipe, the story behind an old photo. Small things now can mean a great deal later. Our legacy guides show simple ways to start.