The name VITAS is derived from the
Latin word for “life.” Since 1978, VITAS Innovative Hospice
Care® has been the leading provider of hospice services for terminally
ill patients in the United States. Today, our services extend to serve
more than 150,000 patients and family members each year in twelve states
(Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, George, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin).
VITAS demonstrates leadership in end-of-life care through continuous advancements in comfort management, interdisciplinary teamwork, research and a focus on quality of life. Hospice patients and their families allow us to become a part of their journey and teach us what is important to them — both emotionally and spiritually.
As we invite them to share their life stories, spiritual care comes alive. Each VITAS chaplain plays an integral role in the interdisciplinary hospice team—working alongside nurses, physicians, social workers, home health aides and volunteers to care for both patients and their families.
Given the nature of hospice work, it’s
no surprise that hospice chaplains also learn and grow by providing spiritual comfort and bereavement support to members of their interdisciplinary team—as well as to caregivers
at hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.