VITAS Inpatient Hospice Unit of Citrus County

3350 W Audubon Park Path

Lecanto, FL 34461

Inpatient Hospice Center

The VITAS Inpatient Hospice Unit of Citrus County is a warm, welcoming place where trained hospice professionals provide necessary and appropriate care to local hospice patients and their families at a difficult time.

Located in Lecanto and serving residents of Citrus and Levy counties, the IPU is staffed by hospice professionals who provide a level of individualized care beyond what can be provided comfortably at home by families and caregivers, with a focus on managing hospice patients’ uncontrolled symptoms and relieving their pain.

The unit’s staff members take time to talk to patients and their families—and to listen. They are trained to care for some of VITAS’ most fragile patients, including ventilator patients who come to VITAS from area hospitals when it is time for extubation; the trained VITAS team ensures a peaceful transition.

The VITAS Inpatient Hospice Unit of Citrus County provides the necessary level of care so that symptoms can be stabilized and patients can return to the familiarity of their own homes and routines as quickly as possible.

A VITAS nurse uses a stethoscope to check a patient's heart

Inpatient Unit Features

  • Activities for children
  • Computer and internet access
  • Flat-screen TVs in rooms
  • Private bathrooms
  • Private quiet room
  • Shared family room
  • Shared kitchen
  • Outdoor area
  • Washer and dryer for guests

Are you visiting someone on hospice?

Meet the VITAS Inpatient Team

Our group of specially trained healthcare professionals who ensure that a patient's last few months,weeks or days are lived in comfort and dignity.

A VITAS IPU team manager

Team Manager

The team manager oversees all patient care in the inpatient hospice unit.

Physician

The physician closely monitors the progression of the patient’s illness, prescribes appropriate medications and coordinates care with other members of the team.

A VITAS physician
A VITAS hospice nurse

Hospice Nurse

The hospice nurse is skilled in assessing and managing pain and other symptoms. A nurse may also help with personal care.

Social Worker

The social worker acts as a friendly and skilled listener and provides emotional support.

A VITAS social worker
A VITAS chaplain

Chaplain

The chaplain ministers to the spiritual needs of patients and families of all faiths, and can work with their clergy.

Bereavement Specialist

The bereavement specialist provides grief and loss support to the patient's loved ones.

A VITAS bereavement specialist
A VITAS volunteer

Volunteer

The hospice volunteer can bring music or a Paw Pals animal companion, and spends quality time with the patient and family.