Vitas Healthcare Reviews 53

The entire experience was overall awful.
The bed rails were broken when the bed was delivered and they never fixed or replaced what was broken. I had to rig them so my Dad could use them.We were never showed how to use all of the equipment properly. They could not get an aid scheduled in the 2 weeks my Dad was in their care. He had 1 good nurse Christy and unfortunately for my Dad she had the day off when he passed. He was put in elite status and the last nurse was not helpful with providing comfort. My brother and I had the oxygen machine maxed and the travel tank maxed trying to get more oxygen to my Dad.The nurse took the vitals went in the kitchen called the Doctor ordered medication and came back, she told us the extra air wouldn't help and this is part of the process, told us his medications would be ready in hour, explained how to use the medications and left. In the next half hour while my family tried everything we could to provide comfort he passed away struggling to breath and that is what he feared most about dying not being able to breath. I felt so bad for my Dad there was nothing I could do for him. It took that same nurse almost 3 hours after my Dad passed to return and confirm he had passed. The Chaplin my Mom requested wasn't available.

call Juliette and Melissa we're great and amy got me a respite which I'm very thankful for the products that they issued went down. They used McKenson products and then they used some awful product that was terrible and not very much of it so there's really no need and then the diapers were gone and then we didn't get any more of the wipes so it's not really a nice company and I treated everyone like family and I guess I was just a job for my mom was just a job. Try to treat everyone like family, but it was not appreciated in the least I feel like a fool.
The company has gotten really cheap. In fact there was a nurse named Thomas who said what am I giving you that I can reduce so we went from a full garbage bag of two sets of diapers, chucks wipes, and skincare products to just one thing of diapers so actually, I do a great job with my mom so I don't need anybody's help and it was a pain cause so many people came and he had to be there and you had your own life to deal with, so I'm just better off by myself dealing with my parents and I realize that people are very disingenuous so I'm just staying to myself. when I got the respite, I was out of town far away and two linebackers picked up my mom and it was very shocking. My father was crying and he's 99 years old and then they were supposed to keep her an extra day which they didn't, and that cost problems, but thankfully, Melissa got permission to help me in a pinch as I was in the airport in the morning so I'm very thankful for that but the products that they give you they really don't give you anything you have to buy your own stuff for your loved ones so I would suggest going to another company

I just want to take the time to recognize an exceptional person that works for Vitas who made my Uncle experience very exceptional and extraordinary, she is a Chaplin that works at Vitas in Oakland Park FL. It’s very hard to try to let a person feel comfortable on there death bed, but she has a way to getting the sick to accept reality in a reassuring way to where they are at peace with themselves, cause they accepted the lord and now they can rest comfortably! She also has a very uplifting and genuine personality every time you see her and that’s a unique quality! Her name is Ms. Suzanne and she is really a blessing to have around when the hopeless lost hope! God bless her and thank you for having a person like that to represent you guys! As I read people complaints, I understand and have empathy for their situation and through it all, if it was not for the chaplain, this probably would have been a totally different review. So thank you once again from the bottom of my heart! May God continue to bless you and the work that you for the people that don’t have long to be here on earth!

My mother's team (Kelly, Adriana, and Emma) were not only there every time we needed them, but they always went above and beyond. The night my mom passed Emma stayed late because she felt it was moms time to pass. She called moms head nurse Kelly and she was just getting ready to get off work and she knew mom was funny about other nurses coming in the house, so Kelly made sure she came to see mom. She did not have to do that, and she stayed for a few hours. She not only spent time with mom, but she made sure we all understood what was going to happen. She answered all of the questions we had. The whole team made mom, and I feel like family not just people they had to take care of. Mom would talk to the girls for hours and she loved it. Also, because of Adriana, she made it possible for my mom to go to the zoo 1 last time. Adrianna went with mom and I to the zoo. I was great memory's I got to have because of her. They were always very honest with mom and I about what stages mom was in and they never sugar coated it but were straight forward about it. It helped me very much except that I would be losing my mom. It did not make it hurt less but helped me understand she is in a better place. I would 100percent use this company again. Vitas care is definitely a place that care and make you feel like family. I can truly not say that enough. I love our team so much. Thank you so much for all the Vitas healthcare members.

P.S. also all 3 of the girls called me after mom passed to make sure, I was ok. It meant the world to me when they showed up at mom's celebration of life and brought a vase of red roses and red carnations because they knew that was moms favorite color.

This review is in regard to home hospice care under VITAS in Ft Lauderdale that my father received this past December. It’s taken me until now to be able to leave it. It was a terrible experience. My dad’s wife chose VITAS as she had a great experience with exemplary care for her dad in Panama City Beach. From the VITAS “sales pitch” in the hospital, which sounded like just what my dad wanted for his last days but, as it turned out, much exaggerated the amount of care and support that would be available, all the way through the horrific, grueling 10 days my dad spent on hospice before he passed, I just about can’t find a single positive thing to say, other than the nurse (Valdine) who actually attended my dad’s death was wonderful. My dad was 87 and in stage 5 kidney failure. He was briefly hospitalized ( against his wish) due to weakness and fever. He went to hospital because he was told by his own Dr it was the fastest way to initiate hospice care, which was true. He wanted nothing more than to die at home. At first it seemed impressive how quickly VITAS got things organized and got him home. A flurry of equipment deliveries and intake visits made it seem like we were in good hands. This is where it ended. For reasons we still don’t understand, his hospice care was initiated for the lowest level of support. Myself, my daughter and my dads wife were the primary designated caregivers for an 87 year old 170 lb man that very rapidly progressed from being able to transfer with assistance to a wheelchair or bedside commode to, within 48 hours, completely bedridden and unable to sit up. We were left with equipment on who’s use we were never instructed, none of us strong enough to lift or move him, and with no guidance or instruction as to how to do bed baths or continence changes. Every time a provider came to see him (only every OTHER day) they were never familiar with his name, chart or with why he was even on hospice. The primary diagnosis in his chart was wrong (atherosclerotic heart disease) as he was admitted to hospice in end stage renal failure. We rapidly started experiencing concerns and issues that were beyond the level of care we were receiving and repeatedly asked for physician evaluation to escalate his level of care, which didn’t happen until EIGHT days into his care. Prior to that we spent many panicky hours trying to to deal with scenarios we couldn’t have imagined in our wildest dreams all while trying to reach someone who could or would help at all hours of the night and day. One phone call involved me being transferred around and or put on hold (as I refused to hang up and wait for a return call) for SIX hours. This was the call that finally resulted in a nurse who came (another 2 hours later) and initiated the escalation of care to 24/7. This nurse also told us that administration lies and tells patient’s families what they want to hear. Fantasic. So for only 36 hours of his 10 days on home hospice under VITAS was my dad at the level of care he should have been on by the second full day. His decline was rapid and we were left distraught, inept and unsupported for most of it. 3 non medical lay people. Unacceptable. Words fail. In addition, after my dad passed, it took them three days to get the medical equipment and supplies out of my dad’s house. So his wife had to look at an oxygen machine, hospital bed etc in her living room for three days. It was finally moved out as we had to call and make it clear that we were about to disassemble it and leave it in the street if they didn’t come. That was on Christmas Eve morning. All we heard all week was them lamenting they were short staffed blah blah. If knowledgeably short staffed, why still taking on new patients? This is dangerous. My dad was somewhat unaware of the strife that was happening all around him so I can only hope we did a good job at shielding him from what WE as caregivers were going through and that he got the end of life experience he was hoping for. Would not under any circumstance recommend this company to anyone. No one

They are there when I needed them most! That is what matters.

The IPU in lecanto as a RN has been the worst experience of my life. Do not send your relatives there…. No wonder they have a 75 million dollar law suit!

There truly are no words to express how deeply we appreciate VITAS and the hospice care provided.
The entire staff at Vitas were wonderful in caring for our loved one. Everyone was knowledgeable compassionate and kind. Keeping Mary comfortable, treating her with dignity & respect thru her journey all the while keeping us informed every step of the way,
Thank you VITAS!!!

No zero stars as an option. A sham. A waste of time. Pure garbage.

I made my concerns clear to the management team however nothing came of it. It started out well the first two weeks of at home care for my grandmother. That quickly changed as we constantly had different nurses assigned therefore no consistency for the patient nor the family. We would be told conflicting information by each nurse all the way up to her passing. It was an occasional occurrence but literally we saw a different nurse 2-3 times a week and was advised “I don’t know why they would tell you that because that isn’t right”…We were never provided guidance on how to do things such as appropriate method to move patient from bed to bedside commode, etc. We were left to searching YouTube to get guidance that we anticipated the agency to assist with. When we called after hours to ask questions it would take often times 3+ hours to get a call back. When you have a family member in pain and air gasping that is tooo long for a simple call back. On the day she passed VITAS didn’t even send out a nurse to pronounce the death, they sent a chaplain who was completely unaware of anything. In the state of FL it is against statute for a chaplain to pronounce death, must be a doctor or RN. Then took them over two weeks to sign death certificate for the funeral home which by law must be done in 72 hours. It was a circus to say the least. If I could do it over I would certainly have researched and went with Gulfside.

I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction with the services provided by VITAS Healthcare Inc., primarily due to certain employees' reluctance to take responsibility for their actions and inactions. My mother has been experiencing persistent diarrhea as a result of the formula administered to her for several months, despite my repeated complaints. A dietitian was dispatched, but appeared to prioritize representing VITAS Healthcare's interests as a legal council over providing assistance to my mother. Charge Nurse Charlie declined to conduct blood labs for my mother, even after her primary care physician requested them in response to my mother’s headaches, sore and dry throat, and hallucinations. VITAS Healthcare initially refused to conduct the blood lab, prompting me to contact state officials and the corporate office to secure the local office's cooperation in ordering the labs. Following the eventual completion of the labs, the staff displayed a negative attitude towards me due to my contact with the corporate office and state officials. The lab results revealed that my mother was suffering from dehydration, which explained her symptoms. If they are unwilling to address my mother's symptoms, I will not hesitate to take further action by contacting state authorities and Vitas corporate office. I had previously reported one of their doctors for not providing my mother with the necessary care, but later dropped my complaint against that doctor; I am now reconsidering and contemplating resubmitting the complaint to state officials. Furthermore, I was shocked to discover that a sick staff member came to my mother's home to provide care. When I contacted Charlie, the team leader and nurse, some of Vitas Healthcare's staff expressed discontent towards me, stating that sick staff may not have sick time off and won't get paid, but they seemed unconcerned about my mother's potential exposure to illness. Please note that Vitas healthcare inc. does have some highly competent nurses and staff members.

My husband has mid to late stage Alzheimer's. They provide weekly visits, check vitals, provide pullups, wipes, also a home health aide for weekly shower..all of which is very nice and appreciated. They are all very kind.
They also seem to have an extreme desire to order things so they can bill Medicaid. Just one example: the nurse asks about hallucinations because she said it's a UTI symptom. No other symptoms at all and they dont do a blood test. Our personal doctor did the test and no UTI but Vitas was going to order antibiotics without needing them. They are very free to order whatever they can bill Medicaid. I got a statement from Medicaid for 3 mo of their services, zero due from me but the total was nearly $10k, the services are not free and this is not discussed when you sign up. I do know Medicaid uses estate recovery so after the patient passes they will bill the estate. Thankfully we have a Life Estate Deed (Ladybird deed) which means there no 'estate'.

Can I take away stars? Vitas single handedly made my father’s dying THE MOST traumatic event of my life as well as my children's life. Not only did they send a nurse over that openly said she didn't know what to do when my father was actively dying. She crushed up pills and put them in water and put them in my dad’s mouth. And then let him try and walk to the bathroom. He died on the bathroom floor and I had to have my neighbor carry my dad’s dead body to the bed . I had to call 911. I missed my dad’s final moments because I was on the phone with 911. She left us there with my dads body, two hours before her shift was supposed to be over. I repeatedly asked for medical equipment, which was never brought, and I believe the lack of this equipment directly affected my dad's dignity in his death. They sent over people the next day to apologize and told me, when I asked, they had complaints about the nurse previously but it “hard to terminate minorities in California” . Stay far away from this company. Vitas, you will hear from me soon

The team that cared for my mother was outstanding. They genuinely treated my mom with kindness and compassion. From the nurses Hector and Amy to the social worker Anise. My mother was treated with dignity, even after her passing. Nicole was the nurse that pronounced her death and allowed me to be with my mother the entire process of preparing her to go to the funeral home. These staff members are truly Angels on the earth.

Serious issues with this hospice organization. Communication is poor, supply management is unreliable, and follow-through is lacking.

Despite repeatedly stating that wound care was a primary and urgent need, supplies were delayed or not provided at all. We had to order essential wound care items ourselves on Amazon and pay for overnight shipping just to avoid running out. That should never happen in hospice care.

Staff responsiveness has been inconsistent, and the visiting nurse demonstrated concerning incompetence. At this point, we are actively considering transferring to another hospice provider. This is a negligence issue that places patient safety and families at risk.

Proceed with caution.

I am very upset with how Vitas and the nurses who were assigned to my mom dealt with the situation. We chose Vitas because her doctor recommended this option for us, and we trusted them. It should've been a bad sign already if they all of a sudden want to change the schedule they had agreed on. They even said how a nurse would come every day since we were doing hospice at home, and my mom was already nearing the end.

The first day, which was the first nurse came in, but didn't care much about how her blood pressure wasn't being picked up by their device. It was more like they just took note that the patient would be dying soon instead. Also, not sharing all the possible options we could've ordered for my mom. Only the oxygen was ordered, and the medicine was given without clear instructions on how to use the pill when my mom can't even swallow it.

The second day of my mom being in home hospice care, the second nurse we met was nice, though they still didn't care much about not being able to get a reading of the number for blood pressure. It wasn't too bad, but they were supposed to order the fever medicine as well, which came very late.

The third day was terrible; the third nurse barely even checked anything at all, and even lied to my dad about checking when I was watching her every move. All they did was check the temperature and explained to me the same medicine I already knew how to use, plus it was very difficult to hear them with their accent and mask on. My dad even asked me if they really did check her properly, which they did not.

The fourth day was the WORST experience we had dealing with Vitas. That fever medicine that should've come sooner came late, but there were no clear instructions on how to use it since it was also in pill form. Not only that, but the nurse who came on the second day never came on the day they were supposed to be scheduled. I personally had to call Vitas to ask where the nurse was, but they lied, telling us that the nurse would arrive in the next 2 hours, but they never did. Not only that, when my mom died, they were also late to arrive, and I had to call again to ask when the nurse was even coming.

If you deeply care about your loved ones, please don't use Vitas and find other options, not just following your doctor's recommendation. Vitas from this experience has caused us a traumatic experience and shows a lack of urgency in situations. The medicine and nurses were always arriving late. They even told us that they are available 24/7 and will be on standby, which is completely untrue. No one came when it was really needed, and even so, the person to announce the death was late. Afterwards, they give you a death certificate, and there will be no other support; they do not care.

Philadelphia, PA

Vitas Healthcare Hospice Care at Home is a poor choice for any family seeking care during a loved one’s final illness.

During our mother’s final illness, Vitas personnel (with one notable exception, addressed below) wasn’t there for their patient, nor for the family. Our 97-year old mother suffered extreme anguish and was in painful extremis -- and during her last full day of life, we had NO nursing care present. Clearly this is no way to treat a patient or their anguished family.
During the two-day period preceding our mother’s death (with the exception of Joan Bell, RN) we received incorrect and often conflicting information from every person (Ezekiel, Camille, Mary) we interacted with at Vitas. On the day prior to her passing, we made many calls asking for a nurse to visit and were told that no one was available. Vitas sent a social worker, rather than an appropriately trained medical provider to our home.

The one bright light at Vitas Healthcare is nurse Joan Bell, RN, who kindly made herself available to us by phone (on her day off no less). When our mother mercifully passed, Joan obtained permission from Vitas to come to the house and pronounce her. Ms. Bell epitomizes the true and highest standard of professional nursing practice. We are grateful she was there for us and for our mother, at the end of her time.

Our time dealing with Vitas Healthcare was one of the most unpleasant and traumatic experiences we have ever had – it was very much “do it yourself” critical care at home. We cannot recommend them to any family needing guidance and compassion at such a difficult time.

Great company very compassion. Understand your needs my nurse is Emily is very wonderful. I was scared at first but now I’m all in.

negligence. neglect after seeing my father very ill and then failing to make any notifications. I found my father Lysergic, with two infections and not eaten in three days. Extremely upset that because of his condition little to no care for my mother was provided. Cant see how any reasonable person would react that day. Had to call 911 on the Friday after thanksgiving and he was admitted for treatment. Spoke later with the social worker and she was extremely defensive failing to show any responsibilities. She even went as far in criticizing my voice saying that I was yelling and didn't like my tone. I explained to her that I have an inflamed esophagus condition and I am being treated by the VA for that. COPD, heart, Vascular, Dizziness, etc. I became then very upset because I considered at that time that she was mocking my illness and when advised of that little to any concern was expressed. My voice in essence sounds like the solicitor general addressing the Supreme Court. She then no it was really the yelling, it was the tone. Are you kidding me. no apologies and no further corrective actions taken. Place of occurrence 103 Holloway Ct, Sanford Fl. I would like to know why on the following week she returned with two Police Officers. Was it for me, a 100% disabled veteran that can barely walk. Shame on her and all involved including Vitas Healthcare. Worst experience ever with a medical provider charging substantial amounts.

If you are looking for an excellent hospice team of physicians, nurses, and aides, I highly recommend Vitas Hospice Care for your loved one. I experienced the most helpful and compassionate team you can imagine.

My mother was in palliative care with Vitas for four years. Because she was unable to attend doctor visits, the physician came directly to our home to provide the necessary medication and care. This level of dedication and personal attention made an enormous difference in her comfort and in our peace of mind as a family.

The staff (Dr. Nagy, Helena Muncon Nurse, and Kaneesha Lewis, my lovely Nurses' Aide) consistently demonstrated professionalism, kindness, and empathy. Their willingness to go above and beyond ensured that my mother received the best possible care in the most convenient and comforting way.

Vitas Hospice Care truly embodies what hospice should be: a team that prioritizes dignity, compassion, and family support during life’s most challenging times.

As time went on, my mother declined and entered full hospice care for the last month of her life. During this time, the nurses and doctor were the best you could ask for. They treated her like family, showing genuine love and compassion in every interaction.

Their care not only eased my mother’s final days but also gave our family comfort and peace. We felt supported, respected, and embraced by the team. The kindness they showed went beyond medical care—it was heartfelt, and it made all the difference.

Vitas Hospice Care provided dignity, compassion, and love when we needed it most. I will always be grateful for the way they cared for my mother and for us as a family.