The Affordable Care Act is expected to bring unforeseen changes to the landscape of end-of-life care. Many provisions are already in place and many more are scheduled to begin in January of 2014. There is no definitive consensus among hospice providers on how to “weather the storm”, but they do agree that strong leadership is key in these challenging times.

 

”A leader’s job is to look into the future and see the organization not as it is, but as it should be,” says Jack Welch, one of the world’s most respected and celebrated CEOs, known for his unmatched track record of success.

 

Paula J. Alderson, President and CEO of Hospice by the Sea, one of the earliest providers of hospice care in the state of Florida, was elevated to her position as CEO because of her background as a nurse, academician, entrepreneur, caregiver, and successful Fortune 100 business leader. Since she joined the organization in 2005, Hospice by the Sea, Inc. (HBTS) has grown and expanded services with her guidance, leadership and vision. She was intent on distinguishing Hospice by the Sea though the innovative programs offered, by developing a continuum of patient care services, and by expanding supportive programs for all community caregivers. She built upon the core services of Hospice by the Sea, Inc., by integrating complementary and alternative therapies into the HBTS four lines of business.

 

HBTS is a not-for-profit organization with a mission-driven business model. Paula takes her accountability and that of others very seriously. She has built an outstanding leadership team with professionals driven by the same values that manage and deal with the challenges that come with increased regulatory scrutiny and decreased reimbursement for services. Paula’s excellent business acumen, diligent expense management skills, and ultimate focus on patient and family care will ensure that Hospice by the Sea will always be a valuable resource for the community.

 

Paula Alderson’s daily interactions and decisions are guided by four cornerstones: Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork and Accountability. “Our organizational philosophy is built upon these cornerstones and our leaders and employees embrace the belief that quality and excellence are the primary drivers for all that they do,” she says proudly.

 

It is no wonder that during her tenure HBTS and Paula Alderson have been recognized with numerous awards for excellence, innovation and quality of care. In 2012, Paula was among a group of ten Palm Beach County CEOs honored with the Ultimate CEO Award, and as one of the South Florida’s Women Extraordinaire recognizing exceptional leaders in the Palm Beach County corporate community. Also in 2012, she was honored by The Commonwealth Institute as the second of Ten Top Women-Led Businesses (Non-profit) recognizing exceptional and committed women leaders of business. Most recently, Hospice by the Sea won three of seven Awards of Excellence from the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association at the annual state conference in Orlando.

 

Alderson attributes this success to the fact that Hospice by the Sea has remained committed to its Mission and Values while being responsive to the changing needs of the community. “We are increasing educational resources and supporting caregivers of progressively ill patients. Our palliative care program offerings are growing while our holistic, interdisciplinary, disease management approaches to home health agency services are expanding,” she adds.

 

This year Hospice by the Sea, Inc. is celebrating its 35th Anniversary as a quality provider of hospice care, palliative care, caregiver support, bereavement counseling and home health agency services throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties

 

Much has changed since a visionary group of community volunteers committed to improve the care available to people suffering from life-limiting illnesses. These volunteers never imagined healthcare would be so dramatically different 35 years later. Today, Paula Alderson has her eye on the transformations taking place in healthcare and how they will impact the patients and families who come to Hospice by the Sea. “You can be sure that we will continue to forge new business partnerships and alliances that will enable this organization to expand needed programs and services in the South Florida community,” she says with a smile.