VITAS Healthcare Launches Inpatient Hospice Care Center in Largo, Florida

VITAS Healthcare Opens New Inpatient Hospice Care Center

The landscape of palliative care in Pinellas County, Florida, has transformed significantly with the much-anticipated opening of the VITAS Healthcare inpatient hospice at Oak Manor. This new facility, which began serving the community in March 2026, is heralded as the first of its kind in the region, establishing a crucial support system for individuals facing terminal illnesses.

This state-of-the-art center prioritizes patient comfort and family involvement, accommodating over 400 patients and their loved ones each year. Designed to foster a home-like atmosphere, the hospice features spacious private rooms where families can gather, ensuring that patients receive not just medical care, but also emotional and spiritual support during their final days.

Among the many features that set VITAS' facility apart, the dedicated shared family room and kitchenette enable loved ones to enjoy the comforts of home. This setup is instrumental in creating an environment where families can spend quality time together, easing the final journey of their relatives. Furthermore, visitors are granted 24/7 access, with no limitations on the number of guests or their age. The facility even accommodates pets, acknowledging their role as vital companions during this poignant phase.

The outdoor courtyards provide serene spaces designed for reflection, enabling families to find solace amid the emotional upheaval of loss. This connection to nature is complemented by the thoughtful architectural design, which includes twelve well-appointed patient rooms tailored for dignity and ease of access, featuring handicap-accessible layouts and specialized equipment crafted to enhance safety and comfort.

As VITAS Healthcare expands its reach, the leadership expressed their commitment to quality care in the community. Kathleen Coronado, vice president of operations for VITAS, remarked, “We are proud to deepen our commitment to Pinellas County with the opening of our first inpatient hospice center in the region. This commitment reflects our dedication to ensuring that high-quality, compassionate care is accessible to all.”

Inpatient hospice care is characterized by comprehensive services tailored for individuals whose symptoms require more intensive management than home care can provide. This facility is poised to deliver high-acuity support, including physician-led care plans, pain and medication management, and additional psychosocial services. The dignified extubation process is part of the specialized care offered, ensuring that patients are treated with the utmost respect and compassion.

A ceremonial ribbon-cutting event marked the official opening of the facility on March 11, 2026, and was attended by local health leaders, elected officials, and representatives from the Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce. This event highlighted the collaborative spirit of community healthcare stakeholders in addressing the needs of those they serve.

VITAS has operated in Pinellas County since November 2025, providing home-based hospice care throughout the region. The establishment of this inpatient center signifies a pivotal step in catering to patients when at-home symptom management becomes insufficient.

To qualify for hospice services, a physician's assessment is necessary, determining that the patient is facing an advanced illness with a life expectancy of six months or less. Families and healthcare providers can request evaluations or referrals by calling 800.93.VITAS or visiting the VITAS website for 24/7 support.

In anticipation of future growth, VITAS Healthcare is also looking to fill various clinical and nonclinical positions in Pinellas County, inviting applicants to explore career opportunities within a recognized leader in healthcare.

With nearly fifty years in operation, VITAS has established itself as the leading provider of end-of-life care in the United States, offering services across 15 states and the District of Columbia, and caring for an average of 22,000 patients daily. Its mission remains steadfast: to deliver compassionate care to those at the critical juncture of life, ensuring both patients and families are enveloped in support.

For more information about VITAS Healthcare and its services, visit www.vitas.com.