#United States #Bradenton #Hospice Services #VITAS Healthcare #Florida Gulf Coast

VITAS Healthcare Expands Hospice Services in Florida

VITAS Healthcare, the leader in end-of-life care, is making significant strides by expanding its hospice services to Manatee County, Florida, starting summer 2026. This move is a direct response to the increasing demand for compassionate hospice and palliative care among the county's rapidly growing elderly population.

Meeting the Community's Needs

Located along the picturesque Gulf Coast, Manatee County boasts a population exceeding 468,000 residents. Notably, about 29% of this population is aged 65 or older, a statistic that surpasses both Florida's average at 22% and the national average at 18%. Such demographics highlight the urgent need for quality hospice care in the region, prompting VITAS Healthcare to act now.

Patty Husted, the executive vice president of VITAS, emphasized the organization's commitment: "Expanding hospice care in communities like Manatee County is about doing the right thing for patients and families. We focus on areas where there is a growing need for improved access to patient-centered end-of-life care. Families deserve compassionate guidance close to home during a serious illness."

With the addition of Manatee County, VITAS will serve 61 of Florida’s 67 counties, covering approximately 88% of the state's population. This expansion reflects VITAS's long-standing dedication to ensuring families have access to high-quality hospice services.

A Comprehensive Approach to Hospice Care

VITAS offers a comprehensive range of services tailored specifically for hospice-eligible patients in Manatee County. These services include:

• - 24/7 Clinical Support: Patients will have around-the-clock access to clinical support, ensuring that care is always available when needed.
• - Personalized Care Plans: Every patient will receive a customized care plan that aligns with their individual goals and preferences, ensuring holistic support.
• - High-Acuity Care Options: VITAS will provide advanced care solutions for patients with complex medical needs, ensuring they receive the best possible support.
• - Medication Access: The organization will maintain an open formulary, granting patients access to a wide range of medications to manage their health needs effectively.
• - Home Medical Equipment: VITAS will facilitate the delivery and setup of necessary home medical equipment, ensuring seamless transitions from hospital to home care.

The consistent demand for high-quality hospice services across Florida is underscored by the organization's recent expansions into areas such as Pinellas, Pasco, and Marion counties. In 2025 alone, VITAS served over 52,000 hospice patients statewide, providing more than 5.2 million days of care. On any given day, more than 15,000 patients benefit from the dedicated efforts of VITAS's statewide team, which includes over 6,000 employees.

Commitment to Growth and Care

VITAS has been a key player in the hospice care sector for nearly 50 years, growing from its roots in South Florida into a prominent provider across 15 states and the District of Columbia. With nearly 12,000 employees, VITAS continues to be recognized as a leading workplace in healthcare, fostering an environment of compassionate care and professional growth.

As the senior population in Florida continues to expand, VITAS remains resolute in its mission to provide timely and empathetic hospice care, ensuring that families can navigate these challenging times with the support they deserve. For more information, visit www.vitas.com.