Hospice is a philosophy of comprehensive compassionate care for those in the final stages of life. At Hospice of Marion County, our mission is to provide exceptional support for patients and their families, mostly in the comfort of their own homes, in assisted living centers, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or at Hospice Houses.

Currently, only 50% of those who could qualify for hospice care receive it. Our goal is to provide this professional service of pain relief and symptom management to as many people as possible, so that everyone may live out their days with the highest quality of life possible.

Who is Eligible?

Home-based Hospice care is for those living in Marion County (including assisted living centers, hospitals or nursing homes). Patients cared for in our Hospice Houses do not have to be a Marion county resident. Care is available to people of all ages, including children, with all diagnoses, including:

When a cure is no longer available, the specialized care teams at Hospice of Marion County provide comfort measures that allow patients to enjoy their life to the fullest. Working closely with the patient's personal physician, our team of physicians, registered nurses, social workers, dually licenses certified nursing assistants, pharmacists, chaplains, massage therapists, grief counselors and specially trained volunteers create an individualized plan of care for each family.

Hospice of Marion County has been serving the needs of patients and their families since 1983. As a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit agency, the organization provides professional care and volunteer assistance to patients who reside in Marion County from all walks of life, regardless of their ability to pay.

Who Pays?

Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance companies. Memorial and support contributions are gratefully accepted and are directed toward un-funded patient care. It is our policy to never refuse service to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Hospice of Marion County has been licensed by the State of Florida and certified by Medicare to provide care for the terminally ill at home since 1983, making it one of the first in the nation.

Seventy percent of our patients receive care at home with family and friends close by, but we also operate four inpatient facilities, Estelle's House and Sylvia's House between Ocala and Belleview and The Legacy House in west Marion County. Our newest facility with 24 beds, The Tuscany House, is located in southern Marion County adjacent to The Villages, and is the winner of Healthcare Design’s Award of Excellence. Our facility was the only hospice house in the nation to receive this recognition for architectural design, function and access for staff and visitors. Take our video tour and see for yourself.

Hospice of Marion County employs 450 professional team members with assistance from 575 volunteers, all directed by community leadership. Meet our Board of Directors, Leadership Team and Hospice Directors.

Click here to find out WHY you can depend on Hospice of Marion County.