Hospice of Marion County, Inc.

07/23/2025

We’re excited to share that Hospice of Marion County has been nominated for the Ocala Community's Choice Awards in the category of Best Hospice!

Voting is open July 17–31

Cast your vote here: https://ocala.gannettcontests.com/2025-Ocala-Communitys-Choice-Awards/gallery?group=522324 Thank you for your continued support—we’re so proud to be part of this amazing community!

Get the latest breaking news, sports, entertainment and obituaries in Ocala, FL from Ocala StarBanner.

07/22/2025

Boutonnieres, corsages, and a chance to relive prom night. Visiting Angels hosted a magical Senior’s Prom to benefit our Building Hope Campaign. They brought back the music, the memories, and of course, the romantic slow dances.

Thanks to everyone who made the night special, and congrats to our Prom King, longtime volunteer Damian Romano, who celebrated 67 years of marriage with his wife, Audrey, that night.

Visiting Angels $1,655 gift doubled to $3,310 to support the Nancy Renyhart Dementia Education Program. What a night!

07/18/2025

We’re proud to share that WCJB TV20 News featured our very own Beverly Lafferty in their Hometown Hero segment.

Beverly is an Army veteran and our Director of Volunteer and Veteran Support. Her father, stepfather, and brother all served, and she’s dedicated her life to honoring fellow veterans in our care.

Alongside Navy veteran and volunteer Dexter Vance, Beverly helps ensure every veteran is welcomed, thanked, and never forgotten.

Watch how Empath team members like Beverly and Dexter are making a difference in the lives of those who served.

Beverly Lafferty is the director of volunteer and veteran support at Empath Hospice of Marion County.

07/01/2025

Looking to make a difference in your nursing career?

Join us for a hiring event where you’ll meet our compassionate team and learn how you can help deliver comfort, dignity, and Full Life Care to those we serve.

📅 Thursday, July 10, 2025 🕑 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Hospice of Marion County Elliott Center - 3231 SW 34th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474

We're hiring for several key roles, including:

◽ Hospice Registered Nurse (RN) – Inpatient
◽ Hospice Registered Nurse (RN) – Inpatient
◽ Hospice Registered Nurse (RN) – On Call Team
◽ Admissions Registered Nurse (RN)
◽ Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Crisis Care (PM)
◽ Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN – Inpatient

Whether you're just exploring or ready to apply, we’d love to meet you.

06/17/2025

“I feel like I’m walking in my purpose.” 💜

After seven years on a trauma team, Ana Ramos knew she wanted more time to connect with her patients. That calling brought her to hospice care, where for the past five years she’s found deeper meaning in every moment.

Now a preceptor with Hospice of Marion County, Ana leads with compassion—offering care rooted in dignity, trust, and respect.

Her advice to future CNAs? “Be yourself. Stay professional, communicate openly, and build a bond with each patient. That’s how you make a difference.”

Thank you, Ana, for the care you give and the heart you share.

06/13/2025

Who makes the best meatball in Marion County? 👨‍🍳

That tasty title was up for grabs at the Battle of the ALF Chefs, where seven chefs from local Assisted Living Facilities cooked up their favorite meatball recipes for attendees to sample and vote on.

The event was hosted by Marjorie Marcus on May 8 at Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital in Ocala. Proceeds benefitted the Nancy Renyhart Dementia Education Program through the Building Hope Campaign.

The fun fundraiser raised $2,550, and thanks to a matching gift from the Hospice of Marion County Foundation, the total impact doubled to $5,100.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible.

05/11/2025

At Hospice of Marion County, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do—and it shows in every stitch, wrap, and ribbon. 💗

This special Mother's Day setup is just one example of their incredible dedication. Our talented volunteers handcraft blankets, pillowcases, and the sweetest stuffed animals, then carefully wrap each one with love. These thoughtful gifts are delivered by our nursing teams to patients, offering comfort and a warm reminder that they are cared for.

In addition, our sewing group is creating beautiful knitted flowers to brighten patient rooms with a touch of color and warmth.

We are so grateful for the creativity, compassion, and care our volunteers bring to life every day.

05/01/2025

We’re currently experiencing technical difficulties with our website and are working diligently to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding. If you are in need of assistance please call our 24/7 line at 888.855.2838.

Thank you for bearing with us — we’ll keep you updated as we make progress.

04/26/2025

Earlier this month, we gathered for our Annual Volunteer Awards Luncheon — a day full of gratitude, laughter, and celebration! We enjoyed a delicious lunch from Mojo’s, music by our very own DJ Tim Lafferty, fun raffle prizes, and even some adorable little duckies making an appearance.

Our leadership team joined to recognize the amazing volunteers who help bring Full Life Care to our patients every day.

Congratulations to all our award recipients, and thank you to all our volunteers who dedicate their time to our cause. You’re truly appreciated!

Special thanks to Randie Duretz for capturing the memories so beautifully. 📸

04/16/2025

Meet Paula Hayward, one of our incredible volunteers at Hospice of Marion County. With a gentle spirit and a deep love for those we serve, Paula brings comfort, peace, and connection through the universal language of music.

Early on, she envisioned a space where music could support healing—and she made it happen. Paula launched the volunteer-led Music, Meditation, and More program, carefully tailoring each session to the needs of those she visits. 🎵

Paula is a shining example of how volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of others—one moment, one melody at a time.

Learn more about volunteering with Empath Health: EmpathVolunteers.org

03/27/2025

At the 20th Annual Ocala Open/Pro Am hosted by On Top of the World, Empath Hospice of Marion County was honored to receive a generous $45,000 donation in support of our mission.

We are deeply grateful for On Top of the World’s unwavering commitment to compassionate care and the well-being of our community. Their continued partnership helps ensure that patients and families receive the support they need.

We also congratulate Interfaith Emergency Services, who received a matching $45,000 gift. This generous act speaks volumes about the strength of our community.

Thank you, On Top of the World, for believing in Full Life Care.