VITAS

VITAS Healthcare support groups provide information and guidance to those experiencing grief and loss. An assortment of phone-in support groups and Zoom video support groups are available, free of charge, to help meet the needs of caregivers. These support groups are facilitated by VITAS Bereavement Services. For a full list of grief support group options, visit the VITAS website. A Grief Support Group for Spanish speakers is available.

The VITAS team is sensitive and responsive to the individual patient and family needs. Nurses are skilled in assessing and managing pain; they are trained caregivers who provide hands-on care. Social workers are available as friendly and skilled listeners to help provide emotional support and to help with financial issues and planning. Physicians work with the patient's physician and are available for pain and symptom management consultation as well as to make house calls, as needed. Home health aids are available to help with personal care, such as bathing or dental care, and also can help with light housekeeping, light laundry, and occasional shopping. Chaplains can work with the family's clergy and offer spiritual support. Volunteers, specially trained by VITAS, are an important part of the hospice team, available to spend time when they are needed most. Bereavement specialists provide grief and loss counseling, memorial services and other support for family and loved ones.