Avow Selected to Expand Hospice Care in Lee, Glades, and Hendry Counties

Collier County, Florida, USA - In a significant move for healthcare in Southwest Florida, Avow has received word from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) about its selection to provide hospice services in Lee, Glades, and Hendry counties. This news comes on the heels of AHCA’s preliminary approval of Avow’s Certificate of Need (CON) application, paving the way for expanding vital hospice care options in the region. As a nonprofit organization based in Collier County, Avow has been a trusted name in hospice care since its founding in 1983.

Jaysen Roa, president and CEO of Avow, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to reach more families, stating, “We are looking forward to extending our reach to neighboring counties.” Charles Hoffman, chairman of the Avow board, echoed this sentiment, thanking the community for its support, and affirming a commitment to delivering quality care to residents in these new areas. Though the launch date for patient services has yet to be established, Avow aims to commence operations as quickly as possible.

Growing Demand for Hospice Services

Avow’s expansion comes at a time when the need for hospice services in the region is under scrutiny. Initial approvals have also been granted to two other organizations: Heart ‘n Soul Hospice and Safe Harbor Hospice, with the three providers preparing to compete for patients in Lee, rural Glades, and Hendry counties. Existing providers, namely Hope Hospice and Vitas Healthcare, have the option to challenge these state decisions, adding another layer of complexity to the hospice landscape.

The debate surrounding the real demand for additional hospice services is ongoing. While the state has projected that around 1,875 individuals will require hospice care in the near future, some experts, including Samira Beckwith of Chapters Health System, argue that this assertion may be misleading. The combined population of Lee, Glades, and Hendry counties is expected to reach 934,861 by January 1, 2027, with an estimated 10,772 deaths occurring in the next year.

Avow has built its case for expansion with strong community support, submitting 135 letters from healthcare providers and local business leaders backing its CON application. The organization projects to serve 450 patients in its first year and aims to increase that to 600 in the second year. Meanwhile, Heart ‘n Soul Hospice and Safe Harbor plan to establish offices in the area as they prepare to serve their anticipated patient bases.

Insights from the Field of Hospice Care

As hospice care becomes an increasingly essential service, the National Alliance for Care at Home sheds light on current trends. According to the 2024 National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) report, hospice utilization reached 49.1% among Medicare decedents in 2022, marking the first rise since 2019. This usage varies by demographic, with the highest increase seen among Hispanic Medicare beneficiaries.

In terms of healthcare spending, Medicare providers collectively received a total of $23.7 billion for hospice care in 2022. While Avow is celebrated for its high-quality ratings and patient satisfaction, it faces a competitive landscape as the overall healthcare needs in Florida evolve.

Avow is dedicated to offering a range of hospice-related services, including palliative care consultations and grief support, while also integrating care with local hospitals and nursing facilities. For those seeking further information about Avow’s services, the organization can be reached at 239-261-4404 or by visiting www.avowcares.org.

As these developments unfold, the local community will be watching closely to see how Avow and its competitors shape the future of hospice care in the region. After all, when it comes to healthcare, there’s always something to be said for having options that cater to the community’s needs.