VITAS Healthcare, a prominent figure in end-of-life care, has recently extended its compassionate hospice services to Manatee County, Florida. This addition comes at a vital time as the region experiences rapid growth in its senior population, making accessible healthcare resources increasingly critical.
Starting June 8, VITAS began accepting referrals for hospice-eligible patients residing in key areas such as Bradenton, Palmetto, Parrish, and Lakewood Ranch. The organization acknowledges the growing demand for healthcare services tailored to older adults and those suffering from serious illnesses. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Manatee County's population has surged by over 15% in the last decade, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive hospice care solutions.
VITAS aims to deliver patient-centered hospice services that allow individuals to receive care in their preferred environments, whether that is a private home, assisted living community, or nursing facility. Their teams, composed of physicians, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers, work collaboratively to meet each patient's unique medical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Anthony Cosma II, the Vice President of Operations for VITAS, emphasized the organization's commitment to bringing timely, compassionate care to the residents of Manatee County, stating, "There is a clear need for expanded hospice resources in this community, and we are honored to help meet that need."
Referrals to VITAS’s hospice services are conveniently available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year. Families in need can easily initiate the referral process online via VITAS.com/Refer or through a simple phone call to 800.93.VITAS. Clinicians can also utilize the VITAS mobile app for seamless, secure referrals, enhancing accessibility for all involved parties.
The array of services offered by VITAS in Manatee County includes:
- - Around-the-clock clinical support, ensuring no family is left without assistance.
- - Personalized care plans designed to align with individual goals and preferences.
- - High-acuity hospice care catering to patients with complex medical conditions.
- - Intensive Comfort Care® available at home for up to 24 hours when necessary.
- - A comprehensive pharmacy program, ensuring patients have access to all needed medications with ease.
- - Home medical equipment delivery and setup, facilitating smooth transitions for patients.
- - Emotional, spiritual, and bereavement support aimed at patients and their loved ones.
Moreover, VITAS Healthcare stands out with its specialized programs that not only solidify its reputation as a leader in hospice and palliative care but also cater to a diverse range of needs, including:
- - Certification in hospice and palliative cardiac care by the American Heart Association®.
- - A nationally recognized veterans program, providing tailored services for veteran patients.
- - Music therapy offered by certified therapists to enhance emotional well-being.
- - Paw Pals® volunteer visits with pets, bringing comfort to patients during their hospice journey.
- - Personal pampering services, such as massage therapy and hair care, to provide holistic comfort.
- - Unique memorial keepsakes including memory bears and Life Bio™ legacy books to cherish memories.
Research indicates that hospice patients who begin receiving care earlier often enjoy better symptom management and an overall higher satisfaction in their care experience. By launching services in Manatee County, VITAS is positioning itself to ensure that more patients and families can access these invaluable benefits when they are most needed. To explore end-of-life care services, potential career opportunities at VITAS, or information on volunteer programs, visit their website at VITAS.com.
About VITAS® Healthcare: With nearly five decades of experience as the nation's leading provider of end-of-life care, VITAS Healthcare has been delivering compassionate hospice and palliative services to patients and their families across the United States. Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, VITAS operates in 60 service areas across 15 states and the District of Columbia, caring for over 23,000 patients daily. Acknowledged as a 2026 Top Workplace, VITAS is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of care wherever patients reside.