#United States #hospice care #Largo #VITAS Healthcare #Pinellas County

VITAS Healthcare Expands to Include Inpatient Hospice Care at Oak Manor

In a significant development for end-of-life care in Florida, VITAS Healthcare has recently inaugurated its first inpatient hospice care facility at Oak Manor in Largo, Pinellas County. This new center represents an essential addition to the healthcare landscape of the region, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients facing terminal illnesses.

A Warm Welcome to the Community

The opening of this facility marks a critical step in enhancing access to compassionate and high-quality end-of-life care for local residents. With the potential to serve over 400 patients and their families annually, the inpatient hospice is designed to ensure individuals receive care tailored to their unique needs during the most challenging times. Kathleen Coronado, the vice president of operations for VITAS, emphasizes the company’s commitment to providing accessible care.

"As the nation's leading provider of end-of-life care, VITAS is dedicated to ensuring that patients and families can access the support they need, when they need it most," said Coronado during the grand opening ceremony.

Enhanced Comfort and Comprehensive Care

The Oak Manor facility is equipped with 12 private patient rooms, each thoughtfully designed to offer comfort, dignity, and a supportive atmosphere. This environment allows patients to receive expert symptom management and thoughtful clinical oversight without the need to travel far from home. Moreover, families can spend quality time with their loved ones in a serene setting, enhancing their collective experience.

In line with its mission, the center is prepared to offer around-the-clock clinical support, including compassionate extubation services and physician-led care plans. The facility doesn’t just focus on physical health; it aims to provide comprehensive psychosocial support, ensuring that both patients and families are cared for holistically. Additionally, amenity features like handicap-accessible rooms and specialized equipment aim to enhance comfort and safety for all residents.

Two beautifully landscaped courtyards also provide tranquil outdoor spaces where families can gather, reflecting and spending precious moments together.

Community Engagement and Support

The grand opening of the inpatient hospice care center saw the participation of community healthcare leaders, local officials, and representatives from the Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce, acknowledging the profound impact this facility will have on the region. This collaborative success showcases the commitment of various stakeholders in supporting quality healthcare in their communities.

Prior to this facility's launch, VITAS had been serving the Pinellas County area through its administrative office in St. Petersburg since November 2025, providing home-based hospice care. The new inpatient center enhances the continuum of care for patients whose symptoms may be challenging to manage at home, offering families respite and additional support.

How to Access Care

Eligibility for hospice services is determined by a physician's evaluation, specifically aimed at patients with an advanced illness and an estimated life expectancy of six months or less. Interested families and clinicians can seek further information or make referrals through VITAS's dedicated helpline at 800.93.VITAS or by visiting their website, VITAS.com, where they provide 24/7 support.

Opportunities and Growth in Pinellas County

With plans for ongoing service expansion in the area, VITAS is also seeking to hire qualified candidates for various clinical and non-clinical roles. The organization promotes itself as a top workplace in healthcare, and potential employees can explore career opportunities through their website careers.vitas.com.

About VITAS Healthcare

For nearly five decades, VITAS Healthcare has recognized itself as the nation's leading provider of end-of-life care, delivering hospice and palliative care to patients and their families across the United States. Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, VITAS operates in 59 service areas across 15 states and the District of Columbia, providing care for more than 22,000 patients daily, mostly in their homes, but also in its inpatient hospice settings and partnerships with care facilities.

As care continues to evolve, VITAS remains dedicated to ensuring quality, compassionate service is accessible to everyone in need. The opening of the Oak Manor facility is just one reflection of this commitment, paving the way for improved end-of-life experiences for countless individuals and families in Pinellas County.