100%
% of patients with advance directives completed or reviewed
36
number of interdisciplinary team meetings per month
15K
number of palliative visits completed annually
for individuals and families facing serious illness
comprehensive support
Living with a serious illness brings physical, emotional, and practical challenges. Empath Health’s palliative care teams are here to help manage symptoms, ease uncertainty, and align treatment with what matters most to each person and their family. We offer expert guidance and support alongside curative treatments — not in place of them.
Whether in the hospital, at home, or in the community, palliative care addresses pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety, and more, helping people feel better and stay focused on living. It also creates space for goals-of-care conversations, care coordination, and emotional support. As part of Empath’s Full Life Care model, palliative care ensures that quality of life remains central — no matter the diagnosis or prognosis.
locations
Empath Palliative Care
Pinellas + Hillsborough Counties
5771 Roosevelt Boulevard
Clearwater, Florida 33760
Empath Palliative Care
Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto + Collier Counties
5955 Rand Boulevard
Sarasota, Florida 34238
Harbor Palliative Care
Palm Beach + Broward Counties
5300 East Avenue
West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
palliative care
frequently asked questions
What is palliative care, and how is it different from hospice care?
Palliative care provides relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness, starting at any stage of diagnosis — even while curative treatments continue. Unlike hospice care, which begins when treatment has stopped, palliative care is available alongside other therapies and is focused on improving quality of life for both patients and their families.
Who can receive palliative care through Empath Health?
Palliative care is available to individuals of any age with a serious or life-limiting illness — including cancer, heart failure, dementia, and other progressive conditions. Our services are offered in a variety of settings, including hospitals, facilities, and the home, depending on the program and patient needs.
What kinds of support does palliative care include?
Our teams help manage pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, anxiety, and other symptoms that interfere with daily life. We also provide emotional and spiritual support, help with complex decision-making, and guide conversations around goals of care and treatment choices.
How is this part of Full Life Care?
Palliative care reflects Full Life Care by addressing not just the illness, but the person — and their entire circle of care. It empowers patients and families to make informed decisions, reduce suffering, and maintain comfort and connection through every phase of serious illness.
Is palliative care covered by insurance?
Yes. Most palliative care services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Our team will help determine eligibility and navigate the referral and billing process so that patients can focus on what matters most: comfort, clarity, and time together.
How can I get involved or support this work?
Colleagues in nursing, social work, and medicine play a vital role in delivering this holistic care. Volunteers provide companionship and caregiver support. Donors help extend services to those in underserved communities and support complementary therapies that go beyond what insurance can fund.
When should someone consider palliative care?
Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness — not just at the end of life. It’s especially helpful for those facing difficult symptoms, frequent hospital visits, or uncertainty about their treatment plan. Early involvement allows our team to provide relief, guidance, and support throughout the journey, improving quality of life from the start.
Can palliative care be provided at home?
Yes. Depending on the patient’s needs and location, Empath Health offers in-home palliative visits. This allows individuals to receive expert care in a familiar, comfortable setting, while also involving family members in care planning. Our goal is to meet people where they are — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
How does palliative care support caregivers and families?
Serious illness affects the whole family, and palliative care includes emotional, educational, and practical support for caregivers. We help families navigate medical decisions, cope with stress, and find resources for respite and self-care. Our team walks alongside both patients and loved ones, offering clarity, compassion, and continuity of care.
