BY Cheryl Ricer
When families in Houston and the surrounding communities face one of life’s most tender seasons, they want more than medical care — they want compassion, responsiveness, and reassurance that their loved one is treated with dignity. That’s the mission of Bayou City Hospice.
“We exist to provide excellent hospice services in the communities we serve,” says Erica Willis, director of business development. “At the end of the day, it’s about making sure families feel supported, informed, and cared for.”
Bayou City Hospice is locally owned and operated, a distinction that makes a meaningful difference. “Being local allows us to think outside the box,” says Glenn Sammons, president. “We empower our nurses, chaplains, social workers, and certified nursing assistants to do what’s right for each individual patient.”
That approach has earned Bayou City Hospice a rare distinction: a four-star rating from Medicare.gov. Out of over 170 hospice providers in the Houston area, only a handful have earned this distinction.
The rating is based on seven key measures: communication with families, timely help, respect for patients, emotional and spiritual support, pain and symptom management, caregiver training, and family recommendations.
“That’s what makes it so meaningful,” says Ken Hudson, senior VP and COO. Bayou City Hospice consistently ranks higher than both the state and national averages in these categories. Over 88% of those surveyed would recommend Bayou City Hospice.”
Leadership is quick to credit the staff for their success in carrying out the company’s mission. The Bayou City Hospice team includes specially trained physicians, RN case managers, certified nursing assistants, social workers, and chaplains who are there to guide families through this important journey. They strive to maintain low staff-to-patient ratios, allowing them to spend quality time with patients and families.
Lower caseloads also support staff well-being. “We provide the best experience not only for patients and families, but for our staff,” Willis says. “They need balance. And when they have that, they can be fully present, meaning they treat every patient as if they were the only one. We don’t rush. We don’t check boxes. We take steps to make sure families feel heard and supported.”
The Bereavement Program fulfills the Bayou City Hospice mission to ensure that “every moment matters” maintaining contact with families for a year after their loved one dies. By offering in person, over the phone, and virtual support, they can meet the needs of the bereaved by creating a safe space for them to share their emotions knowing they are not alone.
In a season when details matter most, Bayou City Hospice is committed to getting them right — and the four-star rating suggests they are doing just that.
At Bayou City Hospice, every moment matters.
