Compassionate Care Hospice

10/16/2026

For patients living with end-stage heart failure, comfort and quality of life become the priority. As advanced heart disease progresses, symptoms such as pain, breathlessness and fatigue can become increasingly difficult to manage and may lead to repeated hospitalizations.

Hospice provides compassionate physical, emotional and spiritual support designed around each patient's goals, helping them remain as comfortable as possible. Learn more about the specialized support available through our Hospice End-Stage Heart Failure Specialty Program: https://hubs.li/Q04B2lsF0

10/14/2026

When you or a loved one is facing a new diagnosis, having access to clear, reliable information can help you feel more confident about what's next. We're committed to helping patients and caregivers understand their health and care options.

Visit the Amedisys blog for resources and insights designed to help you navigate your healthcare journey with confidence: https://hubs.li/Q04B2jNC0

10/13/2026

For people living with heart failure, small changes like gaining a few pounds in a day, feeling short of breath or noticing swelling in the feet and ankles can be important signs. Our Heart Failure Empowerment Program helps home health patients understand what to watch for, manage their condition with confidence and stay active in their care at home.

Amedisys provides an interdisciplinary heart failure program with a range of home health care services to help patients manage their condition at home, supporting health and wellness and promoting independence. Learn more: https://hubs.li/Q04B2fhw0

10/12/2026

Special thank you this week to the case managers who partner with Amedisys, helping patients transition safely from higher levels of care to home. Your commitment to continuity of care makes a meaningful difference for our patients and families!

10/10/2026

On World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, we're highlighting the important role hospice and palliative care play in helping patients and families navigate serious illness.

Both hospice and palliative care focus on comfort, quality of life and support, helping patients receive care that aligns with their goals and wishes. Palliative care can begin at diagnosis and alongside treatment. Hospice care is typically chosen when treatment is no longer working or a patient decides to stop curative treatment for a terminal illness, shifting the focus to comfort, quality of life and support for both the patient and their loved ones.

Learn more about the differences between hospice and palliative care: https://hubs.li/Q04zH3Gk0

10/09/2026

Tomorrow is World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. Whether you're planning ahead or navigating a current healthcare decision, understanding your options matters. Our hospice FAQ page provides answers and guidance to help you better understand hospice care and the support available for patients and families.

Learn more: https://hubs.li/Q04zG-hW0

10/08/2026

Hospice Volunteer Crystal Chesser recently presented a veteran patient in our Knoxville, TN, care center with a handmade patriotic quilt, created to honor his military service. Thank you, Crystal, for sharing your talents and creating such a meaningful reminder of the gratitude our communities have for those who have served!

10/06/2026

Wishing a happy National Physician Assistant Week to the PAs who partner with our caregivers to coordinate care, support treatment planning and help patients access home health services when they need them most.

10/02/2026

For many patients, the cancer journey extends beyond appointments, procedures and hospital stays. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the care, support and resources that can help patients continue healing and recovering at home.

Looking for information about care at home? Learn how home health services can support patients managing a variety of conditions and healthcare needs: https://hubs.li/Q04yYtYp0

10/01/2026

Happy Physical Therapy Month! Whether helping a patient regain strength after surgery, improve balance after a fall or adapt to changes caused by illness, physical therapists play a vital role in the home health journey. Thank you for the expertise and compassion you bring to every visit. Read more about the importance of PT in Home Health ⬇️

03/08/2024

Don't forget to vote daily! Looking for the trifecta.... 3 years in a row.

Central Florida is a unique place. We live, shop, eat and play in the heart of Florida and we wouldn’t have it any other way. North Central Florida Media is presenting Best of the 352 in 2022 to engage the community in celebrating the places, restaurants,

03/07/2024

It's time again! Compassionate Care Hospice of Lake and Sumter has been nominated for the Best of the 352! Vote today to make it 3 years in a row. Help us win the Three-peat!

Central Florida is a unique place. We live, shop, eat and play in the heart of Florida and we wouldn’t have it any other way. North Central Florida Media is presenting Best of the 352 in 2022 to engage the community in celebrating the places, restaurants,

06/14/2022

Congratulations to Vanessa Sanchez, Hospice Aide, for being selected by her peers for Employee of the Month! She is kind, funny and committed to delivering the best care possible. Vanessa has received numerous accolades from patients, families, and facilities since joining our team.

Here’s a little more about Vanessa:

“I started with CCH a little over a year ago because I kept hearing good things about the care they delivered. I love working for this company. It is much less stressful than my previous role and I love that we pray before we start each day. My biggest challenge is losing a patient. I get very close to my patients and families and I enjoy being there for people when they need me the most.

When I was young, I wanted to be Linda Carter aka Wonder Woman.

I enjoy spending time with my family, when I am not working. Three words that describe me are compassionate, funny, and hard working. I do not live with any regrets and I have tried to always treat people the way I want to be treated.”

Congratulations Vanessa!!! So well deserved!!

06/13/2022

Congratulations to Jorge Nichar, Senior Liaison, for bringing the gift 💝 of hospice to more than 1,000 patients (and their families). We are so proud of you!

05/24/2022

When the Area Vice President of Clinical comes to town, there’s no one better than Koda, the Fluff, to greet her! Thank you Koda and Leigh for the photo! ❤️

05/24/2022

This Social Worker is incredible and unstoppable. She knows her “why” and serves from the heart. She is our Employee of the Month. Congratulations Nicole Brown! There is no one more deserving.

Here is a bit more of “who” this employee is:

“I’ve been a social worker for over 20 years. I’ve been working for CCH for approximately 1 year after making the decision to move to Clermont, Fl. I follow God’s direction regarding every aspect of my life. He guided me to the social worker position at the Clermont office. This was the best fit for me as every team member has demonstrated warmth towards the patients, but also support and care for each other. The most significant thing I’ve learned working for Compassionate Care Hospice is the “What Matters Most” approach. I’ve worked for other hospice agencies and this simple, yet profound question, distinguishes this hospice agency from the rest.

When I am not at work, I’m at home enjoying time with my family, which could range from being a homebody on the weekends to taking a calming walk through Downtown Clermont/ Waterfront Park, or enjoying a day in Orlando.

Three words that describe me: Animated, Efficient and Charismatic (words from my Clermont CCH Team).

I have a few favorite quotes, but here is one: “Then Pen is Mightier than the Sword.” (Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1839). Written words, as well as signatures, have everlasting impact whereas the use of swords denote fighting. In example: a patient signing a healthcare surrogate document may diffuse tension and conflict in a family, as the document clearly states the patient’s wishes and the patient’s preferred surrogate, regardless of it other family members agree. These words clearly state the course of action to be followed.

Another quote I love by: “Bad planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.”

The best advice I could give someone looking to work for Hospice is to realize that it is a specialty. Home healthcare can be viewed as an outpatient extension of the high-acuity, inpatient (hospital) setting. Hospice is not about changing the course of the disease, but ensuring that the patient has dignity as the disease progresses towards end of life. The individual must realize the importance of being in-tune to their emotional needs as grief affects the healthcare professional, as well as the family, when it’s time to say goodbye.” ❤️

04/15/2022

Still delivering EASTER goodies… this time to the awesome case managers at South Lake Hospital. Patti Carrasquillo and team: great job!!! 🌼🍄🐣

04/12/2022

When Koda, The Fluff, swings by your care center to “grab you” to pass out Easter Eggs you must go! ❤️ Special shout out to Volunteer Coordinator, Tamara McLanahan, who consistently goes out of her way to help our patients, families and facilities find joy. Well done Tamara!!!

03/22/2022

Grateful to our BC Debby Reilly and our VC Tamara McLanahan for heading out to celebrate one of our patients today who’s turning 101. They bring joy and inspire hope where ever they go!!! ❤️

11/03/2021

Valerie, I have had the pleasure of knowing you for more than 20 years. It's neat to see things come full circle. You have been nominated by your team for your outstanding leadership, service and support! Congratulations and well done!!! Tawnya

Employee of the Month Questions –
Getting to know Valerie:

1. How long have your worked for CCH? 1 year and 4 months What is your role? Nurse Practitioner

2. Why did you choose to work for CCH? Many years ago, at South Lake Hospital, I worked in a different department from Tawnya Adkisson, but we came together for interdisciplinary rounds and developed a collegial relationship. She called me asking me if I knew any NPs that might be interested in a position at CCH. She wasn't looking for me to be interested, as I was employed and happy with my position, but I was definitely interested in a hospice role. So I applied. The position was originally for The Villages Team, but when a full-time position became available in Clermont, I requested to transfer as I worked for South Lake Home Health and South Lake Hospital for 19 years. I see Clermont as my medical home.

3. What do you like most about your job and working for CCH? The Team. This team genuinely cares about the patients and each other.

4. What is the biggest challenge for you working in hospice care? My background as a NP is Primary Care and I have worked in SNFs as the managing NP. Although, I have worked at hospice for over a year, my previous role was curative and chronic disease management. My hospice role focuses on symptom management. This was an adjustment for me.

5. What is the most important thing you have learned so far working at CCH? How important the WHOLE team is at CCH with regard to helping our patients on their journey. Every person I have come in contact with at CCH impacts the care our patients receive and I appreciate all my co-workers.

6. What did you want to be when you were younger? I wanted to be a journalist. I always loved meeting new people and learning about their life. I may not be a journalist, but I do love meeting our patients and families and hearing their stories.

7. What do you like to do when you are not at work? My favorite thing was reading and having my cat, Orbit, on my lap. Unfortunately he passed away last month. My second favorite thing is being out on our boat. I would choose spending time with my grandchildren as my favorite thing, but that doesn't happen as often as I would like. My son and his family live in San Diego, CA and my daughter and her family recently moved from Portland, OR to Charlotte, NC.

8. What are three words that describe you? Honest, Fair, Organized and sense of humor

9. What is your favorite quote and why? "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." Albert Einstein (I like this quote because it is also about keep learning, keep growing).

10. What is the best advice you can give to others looking to work in hospice care? I will say what Patti Carrasquillo said to me when I started with hospice, "Be the tortoise. Keep learning, growing, and working with the patients and staff. Trust takes time to build."