Overview
VITAS Healthcare Inpatient Hospice Care, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, provides specialized hospice care for patients who require more support than can be offered at home. The facility aims to create a calm and home-like atmosphere, focusing on managing symptoms and ensuring comfort during a challenging time.
Services & Support
VITAS offers a comprehensive range of services, including medical care from physicians and registered nurses, social worker support, and spiritual care from chaplains. The team is designed to work collaboratively, focusing on the individual needs of each patient and their family. Family members are encouraged to visit and can even spend the night, with amenities available for warming meals and relaxation.
Care Approach & Staff
The care approach at VITAS emphasizes dignity and comfort. The staff includes healthcare professionals who are trained to handle the complexities of end-of-life care. While some reviews highlight the kindness of nurses and social workers, others express concerns about the responsiveness and professionalism of certain staff members, suggesting variability in experiences.
Who They Serve
VITAS serves patients who are in need of hospice care beyond what can be provided at home. This includes individuals facing serious health challenges and their families, who may require additional support during this difficult time.
Room for Improvement
Several reviews indicate that the facility may struggle with staff responsiveness and communication. Some families reported difficulties in reaching staff outside of regular hours, and experiences varied significantly between individual caregivers. Additionally, there were mentions of the physical environment being less than ideal, with some describing the unit as dark and unwelcoming.
What Families Say
Family feedback on VITAS is mixed. While some express gratitude for the compassionate care provided by specific staff members, others recount distressing experiences, including feelings of neglect and unprofessional behavior from certain caregivers. Positive comments often highlight the support received from social workers, whereas negative reviews focus on issues such as delayed responses and a perceived lack of empathy from some staff.
Summary
VITAS Healthcare Inpatient Hospice Care aims to provide a supportive environment for patients in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a focus on comfort and dignity. While many families appreciate the care and support from individual staff members, there are notable concerns regarding communication and the overall experience within the facility. Families considering VITAS for hospice care may want to weigh both the positive and negative feedback from past patients and their loved ones.
