Hospice Patient Skydives Once More, Thanks to VITAS and Virtual Reality
VITAS HEALTHCARE SWFL
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Mar 05, 2021
Florida - Southwest
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Kimcouldnt help but smile. She had made a habit of seeking these reminders throughout her 64 years on Earth. Now, as she neared the end of her life, the message seemed to come through with renewed clarity as her wish to fly through the atmosphere one last time came true, thanks toher VITAS hospice team.
It takes a lot of coordination, but when you have a whole team coming together, you can make anything work, says Daily, VITAS volunteer services manager.
ToKim, cirrhosis of the liver seemed at first like a challenge waiting to be overcome. After all, she had raised a son as a single mother, worked on a farm, and been involved in community politicsshe understood perseverance. But after receiving a terminal prognosis and beginning care with VITAS,Kimstarted to focus on what she could feasibly achieve in the time that remained.
Id been seeing Kim for about eight months, and one day she mentioned that shed been skydiving in the past and wanted to do it one last time, says Tammy,Kim'snurse.
Dailysuggested that virtual reality (VR) could offer a simulated version ofKims desired experience without the risks associated with jumping from a plane. The VITAS team manager and physician agreed.
On the day of the skydive, Kim was joined by Tammy, Daily, and other members of the VITAS team in her home. One of the nursesstood ready with the fan asKimsat down and donned an Oculus Rift VR headset. What followed was a beautiful experience for everybody.
At one point,Kimstood from her chair, ecstatic with the sheer sensation of it all. After landing safely on the ground, she immediately began showering the team with appreciation.
ForKim, the experience was clearly a dream come true, but not quite a replacement for the real deal:Tammysays that her patient still jokes about skydivingand bringing her favorite nurse along for the ride.
Written By Bob Johnson, RN, general manager for VITAS Healthcare in Collier County- click here for more information**
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VITAS Healthcare
Palliative Care 4980 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida, 34103Hospice Care in Southwest Florida: Collier, Lee, Glades, and Hendry countyThe VITAS Healthcare team visits patients wherever they call home, including but not limited to: private homes, senior living communities, and long term care facilities in Southwest Florida. We have offices located in Collier and Lee County and an Inpatient Unit in Naples. Coming soon, VITAS Inpatient Unit in Lee County.VITAS provides 24/7 support whenever our patients and families need it.At VITAS, we prioritize our patients and their families above all else. By concentrating on enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms and pain effectively, and minimizing 911 calls and hospital readmissions, we ensure our patients' comfort and well-being. VITAS distinguishes itself from traditional hospice providers through a personalized approach to care planning, transparent medication management, and a comprehensive range of specialized modalities tailored to meet diverse patient needs. These include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, wound care, palliative oncology therapy, palliative dialysis, and more.Office Locations:Fort Myers VITAS Hospice Office12751 Westlinks Dr. Fort Myers, 33913 Vitas Inpatient Unit at Solaris Healthcare Imperial900 Imperial Golf Course Blvd. Naples, 34110 Naples VITAS Hospice Office4980 N Tamiami Trail, Suite 102, Naples 34103Our Care ServicesAt VITAS we care for patients with an interdisciplinary team comprising a nurse, physician, aide, social worker and chaplain. Our teams design personalized care plans to ensure comfort, dignity and quality of life. Hospice Care at Home Condition-Specific Care 24/7 Telecare Intensive Comfort Care Veterans Care Inpatient Hospice Care Music Therapy Paw Pals Pet Visits Grief and Bereavement Support
VITAS Healthcare
Support Groups & Services 4980 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida, 34103Hospice Care in Southwest Florida: Collier, Lee, Glades, and Hendry countyThe VITAS Healthcare team visits patients wherever they call home, including but not limited to: private homes, senior living communities, and long term care facilities in Southwest Florida. We have offices located in Collier and Lee County and an Inpatient Unit in Naples. Coming soon, VITAS Inpatient Unit in Lee County.VITAS provides 24/7 support whenever our patients and families need it.At VITAS, we prioritize our patients and their families above all else. By concentrating on enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms and pain effectively, and minimizing 911 calls and hospital readmissions, we ensure our patients' comfort and well-being. VITAS distinguishes itself from traditional hospice providers through a personalized approach to care planning, transparent medication management, and a comprehensive range of specialized modalities tailored to meet diverse patient needs. These include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, wound care, palliative oncology therapy, palliative dialysis, and more. Office Locations:Fort Myers VITAS Hospice Office12751 Westlinks Dr. Fort Myers, 33913 Vitas Inpatient Unit at Solaris Healthcare Imperial900 Imperial Golf Course Blvd. Naples, 34110 Naples VITAS Hospice Office4980 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite 102, Naples 34103 Our Care ServicesAt VITAS we care for patients with an interdisciplinary team comprising a nurse, physician, aide, social worker and chaplain. Our teams design personalized care plans to ensure comfort, dignity and quality of life. Hospice Care at Home Condition-Specific Care 24/7 Telecare Intensive Comfort Care Veterans Care Inpatient Hospice Care Music Therapy Paw Pals Pet Visits Grief and Bereavement Support
VITAS Healthcare
Hospice Homes 4980 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida, 34103Hospice Care in Southwest Florida: Collier, Lee, Glades, and Hendry countyThe VITAS Healthcare team visits patients wherever they call home, including but not limited to: private homes, senior living communities, and long term care facilities in Southwest Florida. We have offices located in Collier and Lee County and an Inpatient Unit in Naples. Coming soon, VITAS Inpatient Unit in Lee County.VITAS provides 24/7 support whenever our patients and families need it.At VITAS, we prioritize our patients and their families above all else. By concentrating on enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms and pain effectively, and minimizing 911 calls and hospital readmissions, we ensure our patients' comfort and well-being. VITAS distinguishes itself from traditional hospice providers through a personalized approach to care planning, transparent medication management, and a comprehensive range of specialized modalities tailored to meet diverse patient needs. These include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, wound care, palliative oncology therapy, palliative dialysis, and more.Office Locations:Fort Myers VITAS Hospice Office12751 Westlinks Dr. Fort Myers, 33913 Vitas Inpatient Unit at Solaris Healthcare Imperial900 Imperial Golf Course Blvd. Naples, 34110 Naples VITAS Hospice Office4980 N Tamiami Trail, Suite 102, Naples 34103Our Care ServicesAt VITAS we care for patients with an interdisciplinary team comprising a nurse, physician, aide, social worker and chaplain. Our teams design personalized care plans to ensure comfort, dignity and quality of life. Hospice Care at Home Condition-Specific Care 24/7 Telecare Intensive Comfort Care Veterans Care Inpatient Hospice Care Music Therapy Paw Pals Pet Visits Grief and Bereavement Support