GOOD SHEPHERD HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 3470 LAKELAND HILLS BLVD
LAKELAND, FL 33805 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- March 21, 2008
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.
CMS scores as of May 2026. 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) | 138 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 48 |
| Physicians | 8 |
| Volunteers | 197 |
357
Total Employees
Staffing data as reported to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Good Shepherd Hospice in Lakeland
Good Shepherd Hospice serves families throughout Lakeland and the surrounding Polk County area. They provide end-of-life care focused on comfort and dignity for patients facing terminal illness. Choosing the right team during this time is a deeply personal decision. This provider offers a non-profit approach to care that prioritizes the patient experience above all else. They are located on Lakeland Hills Boulevard and have been a part of the local healthcare landscape for many years. Many families in Florida turn to them for support when they need it most. That is a big deal when you are facing difficult choices. Their goal is to help your loved one stay comfortable while surrounded by the people they care about most. It is about making every single day count.
About Good Shepherd Hospice
Good Shepherd Hospice has been Medicare certified since March 21, 2008. As a non-profit provider, they operate with a mission that centers on community well-being rather than profits. That is a key distinction for many families. They must meet strict federal standards to keep their certification active. What this means for you is a consistent level of oversight and care. You can trust that they follow national guidelines for pain management and emotional support. They have built a long track record in the Lakeland community over the last sixteen years. That level of history often brings comfort to families who want a steady hand during a crisis. Understanding their background helps you feel more confident in the care your loved one will receive. They are a stable choice for those in the Polk County area.
Quality Performance Snapshot
Understanding Hospice Care in Lakeland
Hospice care in Lakeland is about more than just medicine. It is a philosophy of care that treats the whole person, not just the illness. Many people wait too long to ask for help because they fear giving up. But hospice is not about giving up. It is about getting the right support to live well until the end. Here in Polk County, you have access to several high-quality options. Good Shepherd Hospice is one of the established names in our region. When you bring them in, they send a team to your home or facility. This team includes nurses, social workers, and volunteers. They work together to manage pain and provide emotional support for the entire family. It is a team effort designed to make your life easier. And that is exactly what you need right now.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Selecting a hospice provider is a big step. You should feel empowered to ask hard questions. Start by asking how quickly they can arrive if there is an emergency at night. Reliability is everything. You should also ask how they handle pain management and if they have a doctor who specializes in it. Another good question is how they support the family after a loss. Grief support is a vital part of the hospice mission. Finally, ask what specific services they offer that are unique to their team. Do they have volunteers who visit? Do they offer music therapy or pet therapy? Getting clear answers helps you make the best choice for your loved one. Trust your gut. If a provider feels right, that is usually a sign they will treat your family with the care you deserve.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories and memories. Now is the perfect time to capture those moments for future generations to cherish forever.
Preserve MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
Helpful Guides for Families
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.
Hospice at Home vs. Inpatient: Choosing the Right Care
Deciding between hospice at home and inpatient hospice? Discover the pros and cons of each care setting to help you make the right choice for your loved one.
Starting the End-of-Life Conversation: A Family Guide
Starting the end-of-life conversation is hard. Our guide provides scripts, expert tips, and Medicare insights to help you navigate this talk with confidence.
Preserve their story while there's time
Many families in this stage find comfort in capturing their loved one's life story. A guided memoir project can become a meaningful part of the care journey, giving your family something lasting to hold onto.