When most people think about hurricane preparation, they run through their mental checklist: sandbags, bottled water, batteries, shuttered windows. But when you’re caring for a loved one facing a chronic or terminal illness, your to-do list multiplies infinitely. Even if you’re not currently a caregiver, it’s worth asking: If someone you love suddenly needed care during a storm, would you know what to do?
At Empath Health, the vast majority of the 75,000 Floridians we serve each year receive their care in the place they call home. Be it hospice, palliative care, post-acute home health or specialized primary care, our skilled clinicians support patients in houses, apartment complexes, senior communities and assisted living facilities. On an average day, we’re available around the clock. But when a hurricane is looming and travel may be limited, we shift our focus to preparing for the unknown—ensuring patients, caregivers and clinicians have the guidance, tools and confidence to weather whatever comes next.
Helping Caregivers Stay Ready
Hospice care is deeply personal—and when a storm is approaching, it becomes incredibly complex. Many of our patients are unable to evacuate, rely on medical equipment that can’t be moved quickly or are in their final days and deserve peace, not panic. That’s why preparation begins long before a storm appears on the radar.
Our nurses and social workers work closely with families—many of whom are already providing round-the-clock care—to create personalized hurricane plans, stock extra medications, confirm evacuation options and ensure every patient’s preferences are clearly documented and accessible.
If you’re a caregiver, here are a few critical steps you can take today, to be more prepared:
- Create a waterproof folder with a printed medication list and care instructions.
- Keep extra batteries, chargers and fuel for medical equipment.
- Label all medical devices in case relocation is needed.
- Know where the nearest shelter that can support medical needs is located and consider packing comfort items like a favorite blanket.
- Identify a backup caregiver and communicate your plan with family or neighbors.
We also remind caregivers that they’re part of the care team and they’re never alone. Our clinicians stay in contact before, during and after the storm, helping troubleshoot issues and offering reassurance when it’s needed most.
Preparing Teams to Show Up Safely
Our clinicians don’t wait for the storm to pass before they act. They begin checking in with patients days before landfall—reviewing supplies, delivering oxygen and helping families feel supported.
When the storm clears, they’re often back on the road before traffic lights are working again. I’ve seen team members drive through flooded neighborhoods to reach patients who can’t be left alone. I’ve seen nurses stay overnight in hospice houses just to make sure no one is ever without care. That kind of dedication humbles me every season.
To support their efforts, we rely on technology and infrastructure. Electronic health records ensure continuity of care when buildings are impacted. AlertMedia allows us to communicate clear, location-specific instructions in real time. Remote check-ins, telehealth and digital tools extend our reach when safety is a concern. We also recommend families download their county’s emergency alert app and keep a portable phone charger handy. Communication saves lives but only if it’s working when you need it.
Leaning on a Statewide System
Empath Health is made up of hospice affiliates across 20 Florida counties. That geographic reach allows us to share resources and support one another during times of crisis.
During Hurricane Milton, when Pinellas County was hit hard, Empath Hospice of Marion County delivered 200 oxygen tanks to Clearwater and sent technicians multiple times, to stabilize operations. Trustbridge Hospice, based on Florida’s east coast, stepped in to support communication efforts when our own teams were directly in the storm’s path.
We call it our One Hospice model, and it works. It ensures that no matter where the storm hits, care doesn’t stop. In your own life, who could you count on in a crisis? Who counts on you? Storm preparation isn’t just about supplies—it’s about connection.
What We Hope You’ll Remember
If you’re a family caregiver, talk to your hospice team now. Ask about your hurricane plan, and make sure you know who to call when things change quickly. If you’re part of a care organization, take stock of your preparedness not just in terms of logistics, but in terms of people.
Preparedness in hospice isn’t just about keeping people safe. It’s about preserving dignity, honoring preferences and continuing care without interruption.
That’s what we strive for at Empath Health. And that’s the kind of care everyone deserves—storm or no storm.
Contributed by Kerry Hoerner, CHPN, BSN, RN, Chief Clinical and Quality Officer, Empath Health
As Chief Clinical and Quality Officer at Empath, Kerry Hoerner has led transformative care initiatives since 2015. She brings two decades of experience and a deep commitment to compassionate, personalized end-of-life care. Her leadership has shaped strategic innovation across the hospice division, always centering the needs of patients and families. An active member of HPNA, Hoerner received the 2019 Pioneering Heart Catalyst Award for her impactful contributions to Empath’s mission. Her academic background includes degrees from Daemen College and Trocaire College.
