Florida Palliative Home Care

Pros

• Haven Hospice provides very professional, compassionate care with clean, spacious rooms and outstanding outside scenic views.
• The staff are incredibly helpful and friendly, and the facility is nice and clean.
• Haven Hospice enables families to keep their loved ones at home during their final days, with attentive, compassionate support.
• The team is described as the most compassionate, caring people, dedicated to alleviating suffering.
• The facility is beautiful, well-maintained, and peaceful, with spaces for family gatherings and reflective moments.
• Specific staff members (Caleb, John, Angela, Melody Duncan, Thomas, Brigid, Keri Smith) are repeatedly praised for their dedication and kindness.
• The environment makes patients and families feel like they are part of a caring family.
• Care is delivered promptly, with timely pain relief and ongoing symptom management.
• The grounds and interiors offer areas for meditation, prayer, quiet time, and visiting at all hours, contributing to a supportive atmosphere.
• Haven's philosophy of "No one dies alone" is recognized as a clear sign of deep compassion.
• The admissions and bedside care teams are described as a reliable, comforting resource.
• Families express lasting gratitude and wholehearted recommendations for Haven Hospice.

Cons

• A reviewer said it was hard to get the truth from Haven Hospice, felt misled, and claimed access to the wife's medical records was denied while others had access and that medical-records charges existed.
• A reviewer alleged that morphine sulfate was used in a way likely to hasten death, leaving them disillusioned and noting controversy among staff over the organization's practices.
• A reviewer claimed the facility was not certified to treat pain and that Haven Hospice should be held accountable for its mistakes and shut down.

Review

Haven Hospice stands out in the stories shared by families for its steadfast commitment to professional, compassionate care in a calm, clean, and welcoming environment. Across multiple locations, reviewers repeatedly highlight not just the quality of medical attention, but the overall atmosphere: spacious rooms with scenic views, thoughtful design features that invite family presence, and a sense that the facility is both dignified and comfortable. From the moment families arrive, the impression is that Haven Hospice prioritizes both meaningful medical support and a serene, home-like setting that can ease the emotional strain of end-of-life planning.

Several accounts emphasize the profound impact of receiving care at home, even as the need for hospice support grows. One family describes how Haven Hospice helped their father stay at home during the final days of his battle with dementia, with staff who were consistently helpful and genuinely concerned. The ability to remain with loved ones, surrounded by familiar routines and a supportive team, is repeatedly cited as a central benefit. In this same vein, staff members are noted for treating patients and families with tenderness and respect, ensuring that the time remaining is as peaceful and meaningful as possible. The institution's philosophy - emphasizing comfort, dignity, and connection - resonates strongly with families who feel both cared for and understood in a difficult moment.

The physical spaces themselves receive frequent praise. Reviewers describe haven-like rooms that are large, clean, and well-equipped, with fold-out beds and extra seating to accommodate visiting family members. The ambiance is described as warm and inviting, with spaces designed for togetherness - kitchens and living areas that feel homelike, complete with a roaring fire in some common areas and even a play space for children. The grounds and surrounding views are also highlighted as part of the healing atmosphere, offering places for meditation, quiet reflection, or simply the comfort of beautiful scenery. One reviewer even notes the availability of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, underscoring a sense that small comforts matter during difficult times. The general conclusion across stories is that Haven Hospice provides a sanctuary-like setting where practical needs meet a compassionate, human-centered approach.

Staff dedication is a recurring thread that threads through every narrative. Loved ones consistently commend nurses, social workers, chaplains, and aides for their kindness, patience, and thorough attention. Individual staff members are honored by name for their exceptional care: a nurse named Melody Duncan is praised for listening with patience and becoming an extension of the family; a CNA named John is described as capable and compassionate; and a nurse practitioner named Thomas is celebrated for his keen skill and profound empathy, offering crucial guidance during the final moments of life. The nursing leadership, including a director of nursing described as excellent, is acknowledged for running a high-functioning, caring facility. Beyond clinical duties, staff members provide emotional and logistical support - coordinating transportation, counseling, and end-of-life planning, and accommodating after-hours care and dementia-focused activities that help families stay engaged and feel supported.

The human touch is also evident in the broader care ecosystem Haven Hospice cultivates. Chaplains, social workers, and care coordinators are repeatedly mentioned as integral to the experience, ensuring not only medical comfort but spiritual and emotional reassurance for families dealing with loss. One social worker, Keri Smith, is singled out for her exceptional support, with families expressing gratitude for how she alleviated stress and ensured their loved ones remained comfortable and cared for - an ongoing reminder that Haven's mission extends beyond medical symptoms to the well-being of the entire family unit. The facility is described as taking a comprehensive, no-surprises approach to care, addressing practical matters like paperwork and transportation with the same care given to symptom relief and comfort.

In addition to the overwhelmingly positive portrayals, a single review introduces a note of concern. This account raises questions about pain management decisions and the handling of medical records, describing a patient whose family felt certain records should have been accessible and questioning the use of pain medication in a way that left them unsettled. While this perspective represents an important counterpoint, it sits alongside a chorus of praise that emphasizes timely, respectful, and compassionate responses to patient needs and a culture that strives to prevent any sense of abandonment. The presence of such concerns underscores that while Haven Hospice is widely celebrated for its compassionate model, individual experiences can vary, and open dialogue remains essential in any care setting.

Taken together, the reviews paint a portrait of Haven Hospice as a place where dignity, comfort, and human connection sit at the forefront of care. Families repeatedly describe the facility as clean, spacious, and aesthetically soothing, with thoughtful amenities and views that contribute to a calmer experience during a challenging time. The staff's genuine warmth, teamwork, and professional excellence create an environment where patients can receive attentive medical care while loved ones feel supported - whether through quick relief of pain, timely information about what comes next, or compassionate presence in the last days of life. The shared message across these stories is clear: Haven Hospice embodies a philosophy of care that honors life, minimizes suffering, and stands with families every step of the journey.

This part of Gainesville, Florida, offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living, with a variety of amenities nearby. In terms of dining options, there are several popular chain restaurants such as McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King, as well as local favorites like Pomodoro Cafe and Bangkok Square. In terms of healthcare facilities, there are several hospitals in close proximity including Shands At Vista and UF Health Psychiatric Hospital. Additionally, there are pharmacies like Walgreens and Barnes Healthcare available for any medical needs. For leisure activities, residents can enjoy cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread, as well as parks like Possum Creek Park and Cofrin Nature Park for outdoor recreation. Overall, this area provides a mix of convenience, healthcare access, dining options, and recreational opportunities for seniors looking to settle in Gainesville.

Restaurants

• Pomodoro Cafe (0.1 miles)
• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• Wendy's (0.4 miles)
• Burger King (0.4 miles)
• Hurricane BTW (0.6 miles)
• Bangkok Square (0.6 miles)
• Wahoo Seafood Grill (0.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Shands At Vista (0.2 miles)
• Uf Health Psychiatric Hospital (0.2 miles)
• Demetree, Julie Dr-UF Springhill Health Center (0.3 miles)
• Uf Health Shands Emergency Center Springhill (0.4 miles)
• North Florida Regional Medical Center 2nd Floor (2.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• Barnes Healthcare of Gainesville (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Wise's Drug Store (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (4.4 miles)

Physicians

• Columbia Eye Associates & Family Focus Eye Care (2.3 miles)
• UF Health Cardiology (2.3 miles)
• Gainesville ENT & Allergy Associates PA (2.3 miles)
• Community Cancer Center of North Florida (2.4 miles)
• John William Tyrone (2.4 miles)
• Dr John A Dryfuss (2.4 miles)
• Gainsville Gynecology (2.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Night to Shine Prom at Grace United Methodist Church (2.3 miles)
• Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (3 miles)
• CYM Coffee Co. (3.2 miles)
• Dolce Vita Bakery Cafe (4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)

Parks

• Possum Creek Park (3.2 miles)
• Cofrin Nature Park (3.8 miles)
• Town Of Tioga Park (3.9 miles)