Empath Hospice Care Center Opens in Winter Haven, Expanding Access to Compassionate Care
New facility increases access to inpatient hospice and end-of-life care in Polk County
WINTER HAVEN, FL (May 19, 2026) — Empath Health has opened a new inpatient hospice care center in Winter Haven, Florida, expanding access to expert, compassionate end-of-life care for patients across Polk County and surrounding communities. The facility is now welcoming patients and provides 24/7 specialized support for individuals with advanced illness when care at home is no longer possible.
Empath Health is proud to announce the official opening of its new Empath Hospice Care Center in Winter Haven, made possible through partnership with Vivo Healthcare Winter Haven.
While this is the first inpatient hospice care center for Empath Hospice in Winter Haven, the not-for-profit has been serving patients and their loved ones throughout Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties since 2023, providing in-home and community-based hospice care. The new care center expands access to higher levels of inpatient hospice care and continuous symptom management when patients' needs become more complex.
When living with an advanced illness, many people wish to remain in familiar surroundings, close to the people who matter most. When that isn't possible, the Empath Hospice Care Center offers a homelike alternative, with specially trained hospice care teams available 24/7. The center provides hands-on, continuous care for eligible patients whose needs cannot be safely met at home, with the goal of stabilizing their condition so they can return home whenever possible.
"This care center ensures that no matter how complex a person's needs become, they are never without comfort, dignity, or expert care," said Kerry Hoerner, Chief Hospice Officer of Empath Health. "It gives families peace of mind knowing their loved one is supported every moment of the day, in a setting designed to feel warm, welcoming, and personal."
Empath Hospice is part of Empath Health's One Hospice Model, which brings together established not-for-profit hospice programs under a shared mission to deliver high-quality, compassionate care. Through this model, Empath Hospice benefits from the strength, expertise, and shared best practices of a statewide network.
Empath Health is the largest not-for-profit hospice provider in Florida, serving communities with a commitment to quality, dignity, and whole-person care.
Care Center Highlights
- Spacious, beautifully designed patient rooms
- 24/7 nursing and clinical care
- Comfortable common areas for family and visitors
- On-site meal preparation for patients
- Flexible, around-the-clock visiting hours
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does the Empath Hospice Care Center in Winter Haven provide?
The center offers 24/7 nursing care, symptom management, and inpatient hospice services for patients whose needs cannot be safely managed at home.
Who is eligible for inpatient hospice care?
Patients with advanced illness who require continuous clinical support and symptom management may qualify for short-term inpatient hospice care.
Where is the care center located?
The Empath Hospice Care Center is located in Winter Haven, Florida, serving patients across Polk County and nearby communities.
What is the difference between inpatient and in-home hospice care?
In-home hospice allows patients to remain in their residence, while inpatient hospice provides around-the-clock medical support in a dedicated care setting.