Nursing support around the clock
Skilled nurses monitor symptoms, administer medications, communicate with physicians, and keep families informed 24 hours a day.
Inpatient Hospice Care · Martin County
A higher level of comfort in a peaceful Stuart setting
The Hay-Madeira and Harper Inpatient Units provide short-term, round-the-clock pain and symptom management while keeping family close.
Hospice care
Intensive symptom care, short-term by design
Hospice usually comes to the patient’s home. Sometimes pain, breathing distress, agitation, nausea, seizures, medication needs, or another acute symptom becomes too difficult to manage safely in that setting. General inpatient hospice care provides close nursing observation and rapid treatment changes until symptoms are stabilized.
The inpatient unit is not a long-term residence or nursing home. The goal is comfort, clarity, and—when possible—a safe transition back to the patient’s preferred setting with hospice support continuing.
Family remains part of care
Loved ones may visit at any hour, stay overnight on sleeper sofas, spend time on private patios, and ask questions as needs change.
A calm, home-like environment
Private rooms, shared family spaces, natural light, and an unhurried hospice approach help the unit feel different from an acute hospital floor.
Where care happens
Two inpatient units on one Stuart campus
Both Martin County units are located at 1000 Ruhnke Street in Stuart and share a commitment to skilled symptom management, privacy, open visiting, and whole-family support.
Hay-Madeira Inpatient Unit
Opened in 1996, Hay-Madeira provides private patient rooms, patios, family space, 24/7 nursing, physician involvement, and support from the full interdisciplinary team.
Harper Inpatient Unit
Opened in 1992, Harper offers the same family-centered hospice approach on the Stuart campus, with round-the-clock clinical support for acute symptom needs.
Visit at any hour
Family and friends are welcome 24/7 and should check in at the nursing station. Children and family pets may visit with appropriate coordination.
Four levels of care
When the care team may recommend an inpatient stay
The hospice team reviews each crisis individually. Admission depends on clinical need, the plan of care, and whether symptoms can be managed safely in the patient’s current setting.
01Uncontrolled pain
Pain remains severe despite appropriate changes at home.
The team reassesses frequently and plans the next setting as comfort improves.02Breathing or medication crisis
Severe shortness of breath or complex medication needs require intensive management.
Transfer decisions are made with the patient, family, and hospice team.03Agitation, nausea, seizures, or sudden change
Rapidly changing symptoms are causing distress or safety concerns.
Families receive regular explanation and support throughout the stay.04Caregiver respite
An eligible short stay may give the primary caregiver time to rest.
The hospice team explains availability, timing, and benefit requirements before arranging a stay.
Clinical attention without losing the human part
The inpatient team combines around-the-clock nursing with physician oversight, personal care, medication expertise, counseling, spiritual support, volunteer companionship, and thoughtful discharge planning.
Physicians and nurse practitioners
Oversee the plan of care, manage complex symptoms, and coordinate with the patient’s attending physician and other clinicians.
Registered nurses and hospice aides
Assess changes, manage medications, teach caregivers, provide personal care, and remain available around the clock for urgent concerns.
Social workers and counselors
Help with care planning, emotional stress, family conversations, community resources, benefits, and practical end-of-life concerns.
Spiritual care coordinators
Offer inclusive, patient-led support for meaning, faith, reconciliation, ritual, or quiet presence, based entirely on the person’s wishes.
Therapists and pharmacists
Support the care plan with medication review, nutrition guidance, music therapy, and other clinically appropriate comfort services.
Trained volunteers
Bring companionship, caregiver relief, veteran-to-veteran connection, pet support, and a caring community presence.
Related care and support
Comfort extends beyond symptom control
Patients and families can ask about pet visits, spiritual care, music therapy, legacy work, pediatric support, and grief services during and after an inpatient stay.
Little Treasures
Specialized pediatric hospice and palliative support for children and young adults, with care that surrounds the whole family.
Explore pediatric careVeterans Care
Level 5 We Honor Veterans support, veteran-to-veteran companionship, recognition, and care shaped around military experience.
Explore veterans careComplementary Therapies
Music therapy, massage and aromatherapy, virtual reality experiences, Treasured Pets, and legacy projects support comfort and connection.
Explore complementary therapiesGrief Support
Individual counseling, groups, youth programs, and community resources are available before and after a loss.
Explore grief supportStarting care
What to expect before, during, and after a stay
Current patients should call the 24/7 line when symptoms change. New patients and referring professionals can contact admissions for a clinical review and guidance.
Call the hospice team
Describe the symptoms, recent medication changes, and what is no longer working in the current setting.
Review the clinical need
The team assesses whether an inpatient stay, continuous home care, medication adjustment, respite, or another intervention is appropriate.
Coordinate the transfer
When inpatient care is indicated and available, the team explains transportation, medications, check-in, coverage, and what family should bring.
Plan the next setting
As symptoms stabilize, the team coordinates a return home or transition to another appropriate setting with hospice care continuing.
Call now if symptoms are becoming difficult to manage
A care specialist is available 24 hours a day to listen, answer questions, and help your family understand the next step.