What can VITAS do for the family or loved ones of a person with heart disease?
When a loved one becomes seriously ill, the responsibility and toll on those closest to them can be great. From the time the disease or disorder was diagnosed, you may have been involved in making difficult healthcare decisions, acting as caregiver, and providing emotional support to both the patient and others in the family.
At VITAS, we have worked successfully with thousands of heart disease patients, their physicians, families and loved ones. We have learned that no two families are alike. Our mission is to provide care for each person and family in the manner that they wish.
Care at home – Many families have a strong desire to help their seriously ill loved one remain in the comfort of the home. VITAS offers various levels of care to serve patients wherever they live—at their house or other residence, such as a long-term care facility or assisted living community. At times when the patient’s symptoms become too difficult to manage at home, the patient may be moved to a facility where around-the-clock symptom management can be provided. Our goal is to stabilize the patient, so that he or she can return home as soon as possible. Training for caregivers – Loved ones are on the front lives of providing care. The caregiver is an important member of the VITAS care team and is vital in helping hospice professionals care for your loved one. For this reason, VITAS staff is responsible for teaching caregivers how to provide basic care to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety in the home. A VITAS nurse is always just a phone call away – Even the most experienced caregivers will have questions and concerns. You don’t have to wonder, worry or wait for an answer. The heartbeat of VITAS after hours, Telecare provides you with healthcare support around-the-clock. Telecare staff can dispatch a VITAS nurse or social worker, contact the hospice physician, or take any measures needed. View our Telecare video. Emotional and spiritual assistance – VITAS understands that as you guide your loved one through their end-of-life journey, you need support to maintain your own emotional and spiritual well-being. Individuals differ in their desire for counseling and in their religious beliefs. A variety of resources is available to meet your specific needs. Bereavement services – Bereavement is the time of mourning after a loss. The hospice care team works with surviving loved ones to help them to express and cope with their grief in their own personal manner. Grief and bereavement resources are available for a year or more following a death.
Hospice care for people with heart disease.
When is the right time to ask about hospice?
What can VITAS do for a person with heart disease?
What are the overall benefits of hospice care?
How can I approach the hospice discussion with my loved one(s)?