Avow Hospice is a non-profit, independent, community hospice, created and managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. We were established as Hospice of Naples, Inc. in 1983 and operated under that name until October 26, 2007 when we became Avow Hospice, Inc.
We care for terminally ill patients of any age, with any disease, who are expected to die within six to twelve months. Most patients live at home, but we also provide care in our county’s hospitals, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, jails and shelters.
We are Medicare certified, licensed by the state and accredited by the Joint Commission – the “Gold Seal of Approval” ™ in health care.
Anyone can make a referral to us – a doctor, neighbor, family member, or sick people themselves. We never turn anyone away based on ability to pay.
In 2007, we cared for approximately 1600 patients living throughout all of Collier County. We have cared for more than 21,000 people since we began operating. 99% of our families when surveyed say
We employ approximately 170 people, including full-time physicians, Registered Nurses, LPNs, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Social Workers, Bereavement Counselors, Certified Nurse’s Aides, Chaplains, a Spanish Language Team, Pediatric Team, Massage Therapists, Certified Music Therapist and Reiki Practitioners. Over half of our clinical staff and managers are nationally certified in their specialty of Hospice and Palliative Care. Our annual staff voluntary turnover rate is less than 5%.
More than 300 people volunteer their time to support us.
Our annual budget is over $20 million. Approximately 89% of our funding comes from the Medicare Hospice Benefit.
We have five locations in Collier County: main campus on Whippoorwill Lane including Frances Georgeson Hospice House. We also have a team office in south Naples, an Immokalee office, a Marco Island office and our Treasures & Books resale shop.
Our Frances Georgeson Hospice House inpatient facility has 16 beds, providing around the clock intensive pain and symptom management, respite and end-of-life care. Patients stay in the house an average of 5-7 days.
We rely on donations to pay for unreimbursed care, including community bereavement services. We ask our supporters for more than $3 million annually to help pay for patient care.
The Avow CareLink Line (239-261-4404) connects callers 24/7 to an Avow Hospice registered nurse who can answer questions and send help right away.
We provide more direct nursing and physician care, more grief support, more volunteer support, more medications, transportation, equipment and supplies than most hospices nationwide.
We have the only hospice house in Collier County. It offers a “safety net” to patients and families experiencing a crisis in care. Patients can stay at Georgeson House instead of checking into a hospital or facility.
Our Crisis Care Team of nurses & aides provide 24/7 care during a crisis. Our volunteer Doulas act as companions to patients or couples who are ‘home alone’ so they don’t have to be alone, especially at death.
Our History
On May 27, 1982, Naples resident Glenna M. Hayhoe decided it was time to fulfill a lifelong dream and begin organizing a hospice in Naples. She and a handful of other devoted friends and neighbors joyfully dug in and began the task of establishing a quality hospice program in Collier County. In February 1983, with state license in hand and four paid staff and 54 volunteers signed up, hospice care was available for the first time in our area.
Like all new organizations, the success of the new Hospice of Naples would depend upon the support of the community--both financial support and volunteer support. Fortunately, there was no lack of commitment to the philosophy or the cause. As word about hospice spread, its reputation as a viable, compassionate option for the terminally ill further increased community interest.
Since 1983, the company has grown dramatically, adding programs, services, and staff to meet the needs of Collier County residents. In our more recent history:
- A Capital Campaign Consulting Firm was hired in August 2000 to perform a feasibility study to determine a goal for a capital fund raising drive to support the largest expansion project in the organization’s history. It was determined that a goal of $10 million would be established and the fund drive got underway in January 2001.
- In August 2001, we achieved accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO), the premier accrediting body for health care providers. In November 2001, the Employee Phase of the Capital Campaign was conducted by a committee of staff and 100% participation was achieved. Later in the year, in December, The Company was issued a Certificate of Need from the State of Florida to construct a new 16-bed Inpatient Facility.
- In October 2003, construction on the new Frances Georgeson Hospice House was completed, with the first patient admitted on October 6. In addition, over $3 million was raised to complete the $10 million capital campaign.
- In October 2007, Hospice of Naples changed its name to Avow Hospice. We chose this name because we vow to provide personalized, exceptional care for those who need us.
Our history is a proud and eventful one that is traced back to a host of dedicated people. As the tradition of caring is passed to us, we will be the inspiration to those who follow as we keep building a strong reputation of service and quality for our patients and their families.