VITAS Inpatient Hospice Unit

My experience with VITAS was a nightmare. The admitting nurse was professional but we never saw her again. I am an RN and was appalled at the care my mother received. Numerous mistakes were made and more would have been if I had not been there to oversee her care. The first night that mom needed overnight care they sent an LVN. I went home to get some rest. When I returned the next morning mom was climbing out of the bed she was in so much pain. I found out the nurse had never done this type of care before and she was actually called in from another agency. She had been giving mom half the pain med she was supposed to receive. I have numerous stories but will only share this one… it’s too painful recalling them all. Do not use this agency. I feel such guilt that my mothers last days were spent with these people.

We called Vitas to help with my Dad in February 2015. The nurse who came to evaluate Dad for Vitas hospice care due to his deteriorating condition, was excellent and very understanding and caring. We had visited the facility, over the weekend, prior to Monday when the nurse’s visit was scheduled. We were very impressed with the weekend staff and the facility, itself. So that on Monday, we were ready to move Dad from the hospital to Vitas depending on the evaluation by the Vitas nurse. The Vitas nurse helped us through the moving process and including some very difficult decisions that day. The move went smoothly and the care Dad received while in Vitas hospice care was excellent. We were with Dad every day until he passed and were able to witness the excellent care provided, both day and night. All in all, I would highly recommend Vitas Hospice Care if anyone is facing those decisions for a loved one.