The word "hospice" comes from medieval times when "hospitality" shelters provided rest for sick or weary travelers on long journeys.  At Cornerstone Hospice, we concentrate on meeting the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of our patients. Satisfying these needs brings much needed comfort and relief to our patients and enables them to focus on living each day as fully as possible.  Hospice care also allows many patients to remain in their own environment surrounded by friends and family.  Comfort to most people is being free of pain and remaining in their own environment surrounded by family and friends.  Loved ones share in patient care under the guidance of the Hospice team of professionals, ensuring a fulfilling alternative to institutional health care.  Hospice supports the natural progression of life and refrains from interventions that would hasten the progression toward the end of life. 

The first hospice was established in England in 1967 to provide special care for persons making their journey through a terminal illness. The first hospice in the United States was established in 1974.

Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care, formerly Hospice of Lake and Sumter, was founded in 1984 to serve patients and families seeking quality and dignity in their lives while coping with an end-of-life illness. Our coverage area now includes the counties of Lake, Sumter, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Hardee and Highlands.  We are licensed by the State of Florida and certified by Medicare and Medicaid. Hospice is respected as the organization that provides quality professional care to people with any serious, complex illness while also assisting their families.