Local, Personalized, Quality Care Since 1986
Hospice Satilla, a community-based non-profit, began in Waycross, GA in 1986 and started accepting patients in 1987. A small volunteer steering committee with a vision to bring comfort and dignity to individuals in the final stage of life’s journey made the concept of hospice care in Waycross a reality.
Hospice Satilla’s first office was on the Memorial Hospital (Now Memorial Satilla Hospital) campus. As Hospice Satilla grew, we outgrew our office and moved from the campus to Alice Street, then Plant Avenue, and most recently to Evergreen Way. In 2010 with much love, hard work, dedication, and support from the community and the Hospice Satilla Board of Directors and staff, the long-awaited dream of a hospice general inpatient unit became a reality. The Donald Waters Center for Caring (a.k.a. Hospice House), located across the street from Hospice Satilla’s office, accepted its first patient in 2011.
Hospice Satilla has continued to grow and evolve since its early founding. In 2019 the Jones Family Counseling Center was constructed thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Board, staff, and generosity of a local philanthropist. This center, also located across the street from Hospice Satilla’s office, is used for grief support groups, counseling, caregiver classes, and education for the community. In 2021, Hospice Satilla affiliated with Alivia Care of Georgia, a Georgia-based non-profit whose mission is to support quality-driven, community-based, non-profit hospice organizations.
It is important to note that not all patients want or qualify for hospice services but that some may need additional support when navigating serious illnesses. In 2021, Hospice Satilla created Satilla Palliative Care to provide an extra layer of support. Palliative care focuses not only on relieving pain and symptoms but also on supporting the patient and family when it comes to making important decisions, establishing goals of care, and providing emotional and spiritual counseling.
We will continue to grow to meet the ever-changing needs of our community but will never forget our roots and will always be guided by our mission of caring for our friends and neighbors.
