VITAS Innovative Hospice Care
Hospice Program in Cincinnati, Ohio
VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® was founded in 1978 as Hospice Care, Inc., one of the nation’s first hospice programs. But the VITAS story really begins in 1976, when Hugh A. Westbrook, an ordained United Methodist minister, and Esther T. Colliflower, a registered nurse, saw a void in the treatment of people with terminal illnesses.
In the more than 30 years since Hugh and Esther formed their partnership, we have continued to be a leader in the American hospice movement. We remain committed to finding and closing gaps in treatment. VITAS works to ensure that terminally ill patients and their families of all walks of life have ready access to compassionate and effective end-of-life care.
As a hospice pioneer, VITAS was instrumental in leading a bipartisan effort to add hospice to the healthcare payment system. As a result of these efforts, Medicare pays for hospice services. Many states have established Medicaid coverage for hospice, and virtually all private insurers and managed care plans provide coverage for hospice care.
Today, VITAS is America’s leading provider of end-of-life care, working in cooperation with hospitals, physicians, nursing homes, assisted living communities, insurers and community-based organizations throughout the nation.
VITAS’ Medicare- and Medicaid- covered, coordinated package of services includes all of the highly qualified professionals needed to deliver the hospice plan of care.
- Routine Home Care: VITAS provides residential care and has established partnerships with long-term care facilities and nursing homes, assisted living facilities and residential care facilities for the elderly.
- Continuous Care (Intensive Comfort Care): VITAS can provide shifts of hospice staff for a brief period to help the patient remain at home through a difficult time, rather than transferring the patient to a hospital.
- Inpatient Units: VITAS has special arrangements with local hospitals and other facilities where patients may receive necessary and appropriate inpatient care to address needs beyond what can be safely managed at home.
- Respite Care: Limited to five consecutive days, respite care provides a brief “respite” for the patient’s primary caregiver by admitting the home care patient to an institutional setting without meeting the “inpatient” pain and symptom management criteria.
In addition, VITAS’ comprehensive package of services, coordinated with the patient’s attending physician, includes:
- Drugs, Equipment and Supplies: VITAS covers all medications, medical equipment and supplies required for comfort and safety to treat the patient’s life-limiting illness.
- Telecare: A VITAS nurse is just a phone call away 24/7/365. VITAS staff will also come to the home any time that is necessary to respond to crises related to the illness.
- Bereavement: VITAS provides effective support to meet the needs of family members and friends after their loved one has died, helping them to get through the experience of loss and bereavement.
For more information, please contact:
VITAS Innovative Hospice Care
11500 Northlake Dr., Suite 400
Cincinnati, OH 45249
Phone: 513-742-6310
Email: VITAS Innovative Hospice Care
Website: www.vitas.com