Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (Mercy Care): Nonprofit Hospice Serving Horry County, SC

A Complete Guide for Families

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (formerly known locally as Mercy Care) is a nonprofit hospice and advanced care organization serving patients and families in Horry, Georgetown, and Marion counties from its Myrtle Beach office at 8216 Devon Court. With roots going back to 1980, the organization cares for more than 1,000 patients daily across southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. The Myrtle Beach location operates under the CMS Medicare Certification Number 421501 and has held ACHC accreditation.

History & Ownership

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare traces its origins to two separate nonprofit hospice organizations:

• Lower Cape Fear Hospice — founded in 1980 in Wilmington, NC. Dr. Daniel Gottovi led the founding Board of Directors. The first patient, Sandy Morgan, was admitted on July 1, 1980.
• Mercy Care Hospice — organized by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, headed by Sister Connie Fahey and Dr. Charles Sasser, providing hospice care in South Carolina for 30+ years before the merger.

In April 2014, Mercy Care became part of Lower Cape Fear Hospice. On January 1, 2020, the unified organization changed its name to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare to reflect its expanded services — including palliative care, memory care, and grief support — beyond traditional hospice.

Today, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare is led by Gwen Whitley, CEO and President. It is a Voluntary Non-Profit, Private organization. The Horry County/Myrtle Beach office employs approximately 43 staff and works with approximately 58 volunteers.

Services Offered

Hospice Care

Hospice care is provided wherever patients call home — private residences, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals. The hospice team provides:

• Nursing services (skilled nursing visits)
• Physician services
• Home health aide services
• Medical social services
• Counseling
• Medical supplies and equipment
• Short-term inpatient care
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech pathology services

Palliative Care

Palliative care services are available for patients managing serious illnesses, focused on symptom relief, quality of life, and patient-centered decision-making — including for those still pursuing curative treatment.

Memory Care — LifeCare Memory Partners

LifeCare Memory Partners is the organization's dedicated dementia support division. It is accepted into the CMS GUIDE program (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience), empowering caregivers and enhancing the lives of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Grief Support

The organization provides grief groups, workshops, and counseling services for adults, children, and families — offered as a standalone community resource, not only for hospice families.

Advance Care Planning — Begin the Conversation

Launched in 2009, the Begin the Conversation program encourages individuals to discuss their healthcare and end-of-life wishes and complete appropriate state-recognized advance care directives.

Accreditation & Certification

• Medicare certified — CMS Certification Number (CCN) 421501; participating since October 23, 1987
• ACHC accredited (Accreditation Commission for Health Care)
• CMS Five-Star Hospice designation — earned through the voices of families served
• Ownership type: Voluntary Non-Profit – Private

Service Area

The Myrtle Beach / Horry County office serves Georgetown, Horry, and Marion counties in South Carolina, including Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, Garden City Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Longs.

What Families Say

Families who have received care through Lower Cape Fear LifeCare describe the hospice team as deeply compassionate, professionally skilled, and sincerely supportive through one of life's most difficult transitions. The organization's commitment to allowing patients to remain in the comfort of their homes while being surrounded by loved ones is consistently highlighted as a source of comfort and gratitude.

Contact Information

References

1. Hospice Care in Horry County, SC — Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
2. Our History & Mission — Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
3. Lower Cape Fear LifeCare — Official Website
4. Mercy Care — National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
5. Mercy Care of Lower Cape Fear Hospice — Caring.com
6. Mercy Care — CMS Certification Data (CCN 421501)