Focus on Life

Coastal Hospice of Georgia on St. Simons Island is a new Community Health Accreditation Partner, Inc., (CHAP) accredited hospice agency serving Glynn County and surrounding areas, including Camden, Brantley, Wayne, Long, Charlton and McIntosh counties. Their mission is unique: to provide outstanding end-of-life care in our community, with an unprecedented commitment to compassionate communication and responsiveness. Coastal Hospice offers expert and compassionate medical and supportive care for people and their families facing a terminal illness. Their hospice team will work with your physician and primary caregivers to provide you and your loved ones with the support they need and quality time in the company of family and friends, and where possible, in your own familiar surroundings.

While the focus for many hospices is on taking care of the dying, Coastal Hospice understands that hospice care is also about helping patients live. They are there to help those in their care to spend their remaining days, weeks, and sometimes months, living their lives to the fullest and assisting with their last wishes. Coastal Hospice wants to make sure that your family can make the most of the time you have together and can work on personalized care plans so you receive the services you need.

Coastal Hospice provides hospice care to any person who needs it, regardless of age, race, diagnosis, or ability to pay. All of their resources go directly to services that benefit each patient and family. They are supported by Coastal Hospice of Georgia Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation that helps fund end-oflife wishes for patients and their families during their most fragile time. The Foundation also provide’s assistance for the current patients with emergency requirements, such as evacuation or shelter in place needs during times of hurricane or natural disaster.

The Coastal Hospice team is local and has endof-life care expertise that can only be learned through decades of experience. In fact, their team boasts nearly 100 years of it! As founder and local SSI resident, Clayton Watson says, “You can pick up the phone, call the office, and reach me anytime.” A Georgia native and St. Simons Island resident, Clayton has over 25 years of leadership experience in the healthcare industry and possesses a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to provide the highest caliber of care to those in need. He graduated from Georgia Southwestern College and State University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Described by many as a servant leader, Clayton finds personal satisfaction not only in delivering remarkable service outcomes for patients and their families, but also seeing his team members thrive in both their professional and personal goals. Affirming that unflagging support for his

While the focus for many hospices is on taking care of the dying, Coastal Hospice understands that hospice care is also about helping patients live. They are there to help those in their care to spend their remaining days, weeks, and sometimes months, living their lives to the fullest and assisting with their last wishes.

employees, he states, “As the founder of Coastal Hospice, I work hard to make sure my team is well cared for and in the best possible place for them to serve patients and families at their most fragile time.”

An anchor on the team is Executive Director/Director of Nursing Barbara Chal. A longtime resident of Glynn County who has been working in the hospice industry for over 27 years, Barbara also jokingly shares that she has “more years of nursing experience than I care to admit.” Barbara is a

Registered Nurse and holds a bachelor’s degree of Science in Nursing as well as a master’s degree. Her experience ranges from field case management to agency hospice administration. Barbara often says that it’s her passion for hospice service that has kept her from retiring. She considers this her calling, saying, “It is the most rewarding nursing specialty I have ever worked in. It’s not just a job for me, but my life’s work.”

Coastal Hospice provides a variety of services as needed for each patient and family in their care. They’ll ensure you have collaborative support from an interdisciplinary team that includes doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, personal care aides, social workers, pharmacists, chaplains, volunteers, and bereavement-support staff. They will provide medically necessary equipment and supplies related to hospice care, such as hospital beds, walk-

ers, bedside commode, briefs, wound care supplies, etc. Coastal Hospice can also assist with medication related to the hospice diagnosis. They know that communication is key, so you will have access to a hospice nurse 24/7. In cases where the patient resides in an assisted living community or skilled nursing facility, the Coastal Hospice team will take part in collaboration and care planning with current medical providers and facility staff. They also can provide emotional and spiritual support to help you maintain control of your life and assist with any decisions that may seem overwhelming.

Even if you aren’t in need of hospice care for your family, you can support Coastal Hospice’s mission by volunteering or donating to the Foundation. Hospice volunteers are essential to providing services to the families served by Coastal Hospice. All volunteers must pass background checks, drug screens, and will receive training prior to providing services. You can volunteer as much or as little as desired. Donations can be made via Venmo with information on the Coastal Hospice website.

For more information about Coastal Hospice of Georgia, their services or volunteer opportunities, feel free to call 912.434.9810, email clayton@coastalhospice.com, or stop by 1700 Frederica Rd, Suite 205. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, but the team is on call 24/7. You can also visit their website at coastalhospice.com. See how you can help your loved one make the most of the rest of their life.

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