For more information about the author, click to view their website: https://www.vitas.com/locations-search/pittsburgh/cranberry-township-hospice-office
By Faith Protsman, MD, Regional Medical
Director, VITAS Healthcare
Two recent studies highlight how sepsis’ impact often
extends well beyond the acute event that led to a patient’s hospitalization.
The studies emphasize two particular points that should inform physicians and
clinicians as they consider referring these patients to specialized care:
Both studies indicate a significantly elevated risk of death
among sepsis patients after they have been discharged and ostensibly “cured.”
Of course, sepsis patients–particularly those of the Medicare cohort, who are
largely of advanced age–rarely leave the hospital in better condition than they
entered.
The
Yende study, in particular, shows that neuroendocrine and inflammatory
responses to sepsis can continue long after the patient survives a septic
episode. For patients with advanced or chronic diseases—as was the case with
nearly 78% of participants in the study—these biomarkers are associated with
decline.
Post-sepsis Discharge: A Critical Juncture
In many cases, these individuals’ life expectancies upon
discharge will be less than six months. This is a critical juncture: While
comfort-focused hospice care could provide an ideal source of support for the
eligible patient, their family, and their caregiver(s), most sepsis patients
are simply sent home without even a
discussion about palliative end-of-life care and its benefits.
Frankly, such an oversight is a disservice to everyone
involved. The sepsis patient is left with physical and/or cognitive
dysfunction, often without significant options for symptom management. Their
partner or family will either need to assume caregiving duties or turn to
costly private services. And the physician and hospital staff will likely see
the patient again following another acute event, a readmission that impacts
performance scores, strains resources, and unnecessarily fills beds.
By no means do I intend to lay the blame for these
unfortunate circumstances on physicians. Timely hospice referrals require
ongoing education about end-of-life care, and open, ongoing communication
between hospice providers and referral sources.
More
Help: How to Talk About Hospice Care >
Those of us in hospice are working hard to bridge the gap,
but even as our healthcare system transitions to a value-based model, the
mentality of fee-for-service still permeates our nation’s acute-care
facilities, and many hospitalists see a discharge home as a success.
Hospice: A New Way Of Judging Success
In hospice, we judge our successes on the patient’s quality
of life and the fulfillment of their goals and wishes near life’s end. Usually,
that means going home with 24/7 support from an interdisciplinary
hospice team. Whether home is a traditional residence, an assisted
living facility, or nursing home, the hospice team will assist caregivers
(and/or facility staff) with direct clinical care and education, integrative
services, bereavement support, and delivery of medication, equipment, and
supplies.
In other cases, improving quality of life means remaining in
a general inpatient setting with hospice support, taking the burden off
hospital staff until the patient is able to transition home or until the
patient dies. Hospice offers complex modalities in any setting, so patients who
would otherwise be confined to an ICU can usually return home to be among loved
ones.
With support from hospice, a sepsis patient and their family
are more likely to report higher satisfaction of care and greater quality of
life. The patient’s emotional
and spiritual needs can be met alongside their physical needs,
thanks to care from chaplains, social workers, music and massage therapists,
and other integrative specialists. Finally, the patient is more likely to die
at home, surrounded by loved ones, rather than in the hospital.
Because sepsis is most common in patients with advanced or chronic diseases that indicate hospice eligibility, acute incidences of sepsis should always trigger a hospice eligibility assessment. We owe it to our patients, their loved ones, and our colleagues in healthcare, all of whom can benefit from the support that timely end-of-life care offers.
Providing care for a loved one is a profound commitment, and in Pennsylvania, various programs exist to support family caregivers in this vital role. While Personal Care Assistance (PCA) broadly refers to services that help individuals with daily living activities, its important to understand that paid family caregiving in Pennsylvania primarily operates through specific Medicaid waivers. These initiatives aim to support the invaluable work of caregivers while allowing loved ones to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes or the homes of family members.Understanding Personal Care Assistance (PCA) in PennsylvaniaIn Pennsylvania, Personal Care Assistance (PCA) refers to the services that help individuals with daily living activities and household tasks, enabling them to live independently. Its crucial to differentiate this from Personal Care Homes (PCH), which are residential facilities that provide housing, meals, supervision, and assistance, but typically do not offer third-party reimbursement for family caregivers providing care within them.Instead, paid family caregiving for PCA services in Pennsylvania primarily operates through various Medicaid waivers, also known as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. These waivers are designed to provide direct assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and household services for older adults or individuals with disabilities who live in their own homes or the homes of loved ones. The services provided under these waivers are what constitute Personal Care Assistance in the context of paid family caregiving.Key Pennsylvania Medicaid Waivers for PCAPennsylvania offers several Medicaid waivers that facilitate paid family caregiving for Personal Care Assistance, each with specific eligibility criteria and rules regarding family members.1. Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver: Getting Paid to Care for Loved OnesThe Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver is Pennsylvanias most common Medicaid managed care program that facilitates paid family caregiving for PCA. It is designed for individuals aged 21 or older who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare and require a nursing facility level of care. This program consolidates several former waivers into a single, comprehensive system and is administered by private healthcare insurance companies contracted by the state.Recipient Eligibility for CHC: To qualify for the CHC program, the individual needing care must meet several criteria: Age: The recipient must be 21 years of age or older. Dual Eligibility: They must be eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. Functional Eligibility: A physician must certify that the individual has a condition requiring long-term services and supports, specifically an inability to perform essential Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, toileting, or transferring. A trained assessor will also conduct a functional eligibility determination to confirm the level of care needed. Financial Eligibility: The individual must meet specific income and/or asset requirements, determined by the local County Assistance Office (CAO). For example, in 2023, the income limit to qualify for the Pennsylvania Medicaid waiver program under CHC was $2,742 per month. Caregiver Eligibility (Who Can Be Paid, Spousal/Guardian Restrictions): Pennsylvanias Medicaid waivers generally permit family members, such as adult children, siblings, and even friends, to be compensated for providing care. However, under the CHC waiver, spouses (husband or wife) are typically not eligible to be paid caregivers. Similarly, individuals holding Power of Attorney (POA) for the care recipient or legally responsible guardians (such as parents caring for children under 18) are also generally excluded from paid caregiver roles under this program.Application Process: The process involves contacting the Pennsylvania Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB) at 1-877-550-4227, applying on the COMPASS website, and submitting necessary documentation, including physician certification and financial information. Once approved, the care recipient can select a state-licensed home care agency that employs family members, such as Avondale Care Group.Services Covered & How Agencies Facilitate Payments: The CHC waiver covers a range of personal care and home care services. This includes direct assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management, as well as various household services. Family caregivers are hired as regular employees of the licensed home care agency, which handles all administrative tasks, including payroll and compliance.Payment Rates & Benefits for Family Caregivers: The compensation for family caregivers through Medicaid waiver programs in Pennsylvania typically ranges between $10 and $15 per hour. The number of hours approved depends on the care recipients health and needs, with a maximum of 35 hours of care per week often allowed. The maximum weekly pay rate for Pennsylvania is up to $700 per week, which aligns with or exceeds these hourly rates, potentially including overtime or other factors. Many agencies also offer additional benefits that significantly enhance the overall compensation package for family caregivers. These can include overtime pay, weekly pay, free Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training for eligible caregivers, holiday pay (often 1.5 times the regular rate for specified holidays), 401k plans with company matching, company-sponsored healthcare insurance (with substantial premium coverage), flexible schedules, and paid time off.2. OBRA WaiverThe OBRA Waiver is designed to support individuals aged 18-59 who have a severe developmental physical disability and require an Intermediate Care Facility/Other Related Conditions (ICF/ORC) level of care. This program helps these individuals live as independently as possible within their communities by providing assistance with activities of daily living (PCA services).Family Member/Spouse Eligibility: Similar to the CHC waiver, the OBRA waiver excludes spouses or legal guardians from being paid caregivers.Payment Rates: Compensation for caregivers under the OBRA waiver varies by geographic area, typically ranging from $13 to $15 per hour. The maximum weekly pay rate for Pennsylvania is up to $700 per week.Application: The application process also begins by contacting the Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB) at 1-877-550-4227. 3. Consolidated WaiverThe Consolidated Waiver provides support and services to a broader population, including individuals of all ages with an intellectual disability (ID) or autism, as well as children under 22 with a developmental disability due to a medically complex condition. Recipients must be recommended for an intermediate care facility (ICF) level of care based on a medical evaluation.Family Member/Spouse Eligibility: A significant difference with the Consolidated Waiver is that it explicitly allows a friend or family member, including a spouse or legal guardian, to receive payment for care provided.Payment Rates: The average pay for Pennsylvania caregivers under the Consolidated Waiver typically falls between $11 and $14.50 per hour. The maximum weekly pay rate for Pennsylvania is up to $700 per week.Application: To apply for the Consolidated Waiver, individuals should contact the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) customer line at 1-888-565-9435. Important Considerations: Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP)While Pennsylvanias Medicaid programs offer crucial financial relief for family caregivers, it is essential for families to understand the long-term financial implications. The Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP) is a federal requirement for all state Medicaid programs to seek repayment for long-term care costs after a recipient passes away. This recovery typically applies to individuals aged 55 and older who received Medicaid long-term care services, including those provided through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. Assets subject to recovery can include the deceased recipients primary home, even if it was exempt during their lifetime while receiving benefits. The states claim is generally delayed if there is a surviving spouse, a child under 21, or a child of any age who is blind or permanently disabled. Families may also be able to apply for undue hardship waivers in certain circumstances. Given these potential impacts on family inheritance and assets, it is highly advisable for families to consult with an elder law attorney or financial advisor for personalized guidance on MERP and comprehensive estate planning.
Pennsylvania offers Medicaid waiver programs under the Community HealthChoices (CHC) umbrella and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) Waiver (often referred to as the PA Council on Aging Waiver). These programs help older adults and individuals with physical disabilities remain in their homes or community settings instead of entering nursing facilities. CHC and the PDA Waiver provide long-term services and supports (LTSS) based on assessed functional needs, emphasizing assistance with ADLs and IADLs. Covered services may include personal care assistance, adult day services, home-delivered meals, transportation, home modifications, assistive technology, and respite care for family caregivers. In addition, Pennsylvanias CHC Waiver offers Participant-Directed Services that allow participants to hire and manage their own caregivers, including family members. To qualify, applicants must be Medicaid-eligible, at least 60 years old (for PDA Waiver) or 21+ (for CHC), and require a nursing facility level of care as determined through a standardized functional assessment of ADLs/IADLs. In this article, we explain what Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are and how needing help with these tasks is central to qualifying for Pennsylvanias Medicaid waivers like CHC and the PDA Waiver.What Are ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)?Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are fundamental self-care tasks that a person must perform daily to maintain independence. Difficulty with ADLs often signals a need for supportive services. Core ADLs include: Mobility (Ambulating/Transferring): Safely walking, getting up from a chair, or transferring from a bed to a wheelchair. Dressing: Selecting and putting on appropriate clothing (including handling fasteners) without assistance. Eating: Feeding oneselfusing utensils to get food from a plate to the mouth and consuming it. Personal Hygiene: Bathing or showering and performing grooming activities like shaving, brushing teeth, and combing hair on ones own. Toileting (Continence): Independently using the toiletgetting to the toilet, transferring on and off, and cleaning oneself afterward. When someone can no longer perform several ADLs without help, it indicates that ongoing care or support is likely needed.What Are IADLs (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living)?Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex tasks that allow a person to live independently in the community. While not necessarily performed daily, they are essential for managing ones household and life. Key IADLs include: Shopping for Essentials: The ability to shop for groceries, pick up prescriptions, or purchase clothing and other necessities. Meal Preparation: Planning and cooking mealsgathering ingredients and safely using kitchen appliances. Housekeeping: Keeping the home clean and livable tasks like cleaning, laundry, and taking out the trash. Money Management: Handling finances, such as paying bills on time, managing bank accounts, and budgeting. Transportation: Getting around or arranging transportationdriving oneself or using public transit or rides to run errands and attend appointments. Medication Management: Managing and taking medications properly remembering to take the correct medicines at scheduled times and refilling prescriptions. Communication: Using the phone or computer to communicatelooking up phone numbers, making calls, sending emails, and staying in touch with others. Trouble with IADLs is often one of the first signs that someone needs more support, even if basic ADLs are unaffected.Why ADLs and IADLs Matter for Medicaid Waiver EligibilityIn Pennsylvania, needing help with ADLs and IADLs is a central eligibility criterion for the CHC and PDA Waiver programs. These waivers serve individuals who would otherwise qualify for nursing facility care but prefer to remain in their own homes or community settings. Eligibility is determined through both financial and functional assessments. The functional assessment evaluates whether an individual requires hands-on assistance with ADLs and/or significant help with IADLs, thereby meeting a nursing facility level of care. Pennsylvania uses standardized toolsoften the Pennsylvania LongTerm Care Assessment System (PaLTAS) or the Minimum Data SetHome Care (MDSHC)to score independence in ADLs and IADLs.During the functional evaluation, an assessor reviews abilities such as transferring from bed to chair, walking safely, eating, toileting, meal preparation, housekeeping, medication management, and managing money. Cognitive issuessuch as memory problems due to dementiaare also considered since they impact daily functioning. If an individual cannot perform multiple ADLs without assistance or has significant deficits in IADLs, they are likely to meet the level-of-care requirement and become eligible for waiver services.Community HealthChoices (CHC) WaiverCommunity HealthChoices (CHC) is Pennsylvanias comprehensive HCBS waiver program for individuals aged 21 and older who require a nursing facility level of care. Administered by the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), CHC is a managed care program that combines physical health, long-term services and supports, and pharmacy benefits under a single plan (with behavioral health carved out). To qualify for CHC: Be age 21 or older. Meet Medicaid financial eligibility guidelines. Require a nursing facility level of care (confirmed through functional assessment). Live in a setting that meets HCBS requirements (e.g., home, apartment, assisted living). Be a Pennsylvania resident. Once enrolled, participants receive a comprehensive package of services tailored to their needs. Covered services may include personal assistance, home-delivered meals, adult day services, behavioral support, professional nursing, home modifications, assistive technology, transportation, and respite care. CHC also offers Participant-Directed Services, allowing participants to recruit, hire, train, and supervise their own caregiversoften family membersto assist with ADLs (bathing, dressing, toileting) and IADLs (meal preparation, medication reminders).PDA Waiver (Council on Aging Waiver)The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) Waiver, also called the Council on Aging Waiver, serves seniors aged 60 and over who require nursing facility level of care but choose to remain at home or in other community-based settings like domiciliary care homes. To qualify: Be age 60 or older. Meet Medicaid financial eligibility requirements. Be assessed as requiring nursing facility level of care (through the functional assessment). Live in a qualifying community setting. Covered services under the PDA Waiver may include personal care assistance, home-delivered meals, homemaker services, personal emergency response systems, respite care, adult day services, minor home modifications, and transportation. Like CHC, the PDA Waiver emphasizes managing ADL and IADL needs to keep participants safely in their homes.Participant-Directed ServicesBoth CHC and the PDA Waiver offer Participant-Directed Services, which empower participants to choose and manage their own caregivers, including family members, friends, or neighbors. Under this model, participants develop a service plan with guidance from a care coordinator, set schedules, and handle payroll tasks. This flexibility helps ensure that personal care and IADL support align with participants preferences and routines.Signs That Your Loved One May QualifyBelow are practical indicators that someone may be eligible for Pennsylvanias CHC or PDA Waiver due to difficulty with ADLs and IADLs: Trouble with Personal Care: Skipping showers, unkempt hair, or wearing dirty clothes may indicate difficulties with bathing and dressing (ADLs). Malnutrition or Weight Loss: An empty fridge or significant weight loss suggests issues with meal prep or feeding oneself (ADLs/IADLs). Mobility Decline and Falls: Struggling to walk without assistance, needing help to stand, or experiencing frequent falls signals reduced mobility (ADL: transferring/ambulating). Medication Errors and Memory Problems: Missing doses, mixing up pills, or forgetting appointments point to challenges with medication management and scheduling (IADLs). Household Neglect: Piles of mail, unpaid bills, or a cluttered home reflect trouble with housekeeping and money management (IADLs). A combination of needing help with several ADLslike bathing and toiletingand difficulties with IADLssuch as meal prep and housekeepingstrongly indicates a nursing facility level of care. Document these challenges for the functional assessment to demonstrate eligibility.Were Here to Help: Next Steps and Contact InformationNavigating Pennsylvanias Medicaid waiver programs can be complex, but you dont have to go it alone. At Passion to Care, we specialize in guiding Pennsylvania families through the CHC and PDA Waiver application processesfrom the initial functional assessment of ADLs and IADLs to completing paperwork and coordinating services once approved. If you notice your loved one struggling with daily tasks or if a professional has recommended nursing facility care, it may be time to explore CHC or the PDA Waiver. Our compassionate, family-first team ensures your loved ones needs are met with dignity and respect. Call us or contact us today to learn how to get started with Pennsylvanias Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services.
Why Senior Move Management Makes Life Transitions Easier by A Call to Order Professional OrganizersSupporting Seniors with Care, Compassion, and ClarityLife ChangesWe Help Carry the Emotional WeightEvery home holds a lifetime of memoriesbirthdays celebrated in the kitchen, quiet mornings on the porch, the smell of favorite meals cooked with love. So when its time to move, especially for a senior, its never just about boxes and furnitureits about letting go, starting again, and doing so with dignity.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the deep emotional layers of senior relocations. Whether you're moving a parent into assisted living or helping a loved one downsize, the process can feel overwhelmingfor everyone involved. That's where Senior Move Management becomes not just helpful, but essential.Senior move managers aren't just organizers. We're listeners, planners, advocates, and compassionate companions in what is often one of life's most emotional transitions. And for families navigating this journey, having that steady, understanding hand can make all the difference.How Senior Move Management Brings Peace to the ProcessBecause no one should feel rushed, lost, or alone during a move.Relocating later in life often comes with a swirl of emotionsgrief, uncertainty, fear of change. Add to that the physical strain and countless decisions that come with moving, and its easy to see how overwhelming it becomes. But with professional senior move support, what once felt unmanageable becomes a guided, step-by-step process grounded in care.Heres how we help make life transitions easier:1. A Clear Plan Reduces OverwhelmInstead of facing an entire house full of decades-worth of belongings, we break the process down into manageable steps. From sorting and downsizing to coordinating moving logistics and setting up the new home, everything is planned and paced for comfort and clarity.2. Emotional Support Is Just as Important as the Task ListOur team doesnt just focus on what needs to go wherewe focus on how it feels. We understand that parting with familiar items and leaving a long-time home can be heart-wrenching. We honor those feelings, allow space for them, and help families navigate them with kindness.3. We Make the New Space Feel Like HomeIts not just about moving thingsits about creating a safe, welcoming, and familiar environment in the new home. We recreate setups where possible, hang favorite artwork, place treasured items in view, and make sure the first day in the new space feels comforting and reassuring.Tips for Families Navigating a Senior MoveCompassion is the most important box to pack.Whether you're local or coordinating from afar, here are a few gentle ways to support a senior loved one through a move:1. Start Early and Go SlowGive the process time. Beginning conversations early allows room for thoughtful decision-making and minimizes last-minute stress. Rushing can lead to regret. Early planning is one of the most powerful tools for reducing anxiety.2. Honor Their StoryWhen sorting through belongings, listen to the stories behind the items. You might be surprised how healing it can be to reminisce. Ask questions like, Tell me about this photo or Who gave you this? Sometimes, being heard is just as important as being helped.3. Bring in a Neutral, Professional PartnerAs much as family means well, emotions can run high. A Senior Move Manager acts as a neutral guide, keeping the process organized and respectful while reducing tension between family members. We help keep the focus on what mattersa peaceful, positive transition.4. Focus on Whats Being GainedInstead of focusing only on whats being left behind, talk about whats ahead: a simpler space, closer community, more safety, or better access to care. Reframing the move as a new chapter helps ease the emotional weight.A Move with MeaningAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we know that a move is never just a move. Its a moment of transformation, one that deserves tenderness, understanding, and a team who truly cares.Thats why Senior Move Management is more than a serviceits a lifeline. We take on the physical burden, yes, but more importantly, we walk beside seniors and their families with warmth and respect, ensuring that no one ever has to face change alone.If you or a loved one is approaching a move and feeling overwhelmed, please know this: help is here, and it comes with a heart. Call us at 719-231-5425 or visit www.acalltoorderco.com to schedule a free consultation.Because making life transitions easierthats what were here for.FOLLOW US and stay inspired as you simplify and transition with love: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acalltoorderco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACalltoOrder Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acalltoorderco/
VITAS Healthcare, established in 1978, stands as a pioneer and leader in the hospice movement, dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care to patients with life-limiting illnesses. With a name derived from the Latin word for "lives," VITAS embodies its mission to preserve the quality of life for those nearing its end. Operating in 14 states across the United States, VITAS has become the nation's largest provider of hospice services, offering comprehensive care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.Comprehensive Hospice and Palliative Care ServicesAt the heart of VITAS Healthcare's approach is a commitment to delivering personalized care plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. The interdisciplinary care team comprises physicians, nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, and trained volunteers, all working collaboratively to ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Services include hospice care at home, inpatient hospice care for acute symptom management, 24/7 Telecare-services providing immediate access to clinicians, and specialized programs such as Intensive Comfort Care for managing complex symptoms. Additionally, VITAS offers emotional and spiritual support, grief and bereavement counseling, and condition-specific care plans to address various medical conditions.Cranberry Township Hospice Office: A Hub for Compassionate CareLocated at 2009 Mackenzie Way, Suite 110, Cranberry Township, PA 16066, the VITAS Healthcare office serves as a central hub for the organization's dedicated care teams in the Pittsburgh area. This office supports the coordination and delivery of hospice services throughout the region, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care. The Cranberry Township location is strategically positioned to serve multiple counties, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington, and Westmoreland, thereby extending VITAS's reach to a broad community in need of hospice and palliative care services.Interdisciplinary Care Team: Collaborative Approach to End-of-Life CareVITAS Healthcare's interdisciplinary care team is central to its holistic approach to hospice care. This team-based model ensures that all aspects of a patient's well-being are addressed:Physicians: Oversee medical care, manage symptoms, and collaborate with other team members to develop and adjust care plans.Nurses: Provide ongoing assessment, administer medications, and educate patients and families about disease progression and care techniques.Home Health Aides: Assist with personal care needs, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, ensuring patients' comfort and dignity.Social Workers: Offer emotional support, counseling, and assistance with accessing community resources and navigating healthcare systems.Chaplains: Provide spiritual care and support, respecting the diverse beliefs and practices of patients and their families.Volunteers: Offer companionship, engage in activities, and provide respite for caregivers, enhancing the quality of life for patients.This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive care that addresses the multifaceted needs of patients and their loved ones during challenging times.Specialized Programs and ServicesRecognizing that each patient's journey is unique, VITAS Healthcare offers specialized programs to meet diverse needs:Intensive Comfort Care: Provides continuous bedside care during periods of crisis to manage acute symptoms effectively, allowing patients to remain in their preferred setting.Veterans Care: Addresses the specific needs of veterans, acknowledging their service and providing care that respects their experiences and sacrifices.Paw Pals Pet Visits: Utilizes the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship to bring comfort and joy to patients, enhancing emotional well-being.Grief and Bereavement Support: Offers counseling and support groups for families and caregivers, helping them navigate the emotional complexities of loss.These programs are designed to provide holistic care that encompasses the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the patient experience.Community Engagement and EducationVITAS Healthcare is committed to being an active participant in the communities it serves. This commitment is demonstrated through educational initiatives, support groups, and partnerships with local organizations. By offering resources and information about hospice and palliative care, VITAS empowers individuals and families to make informed decisions about end-of-life care. The organization also provides training and continuing education for healthcare professionals, ensuring that the broader medical community is equipped to support patients with life-limiting illnesses effectively.Accessibility and SupportUnderstanding the importance of accessibility, VITAS Healthcare offers 24/7 support through its Telecare services, allowing patients and families to reach clinicians at any time for assistance and guidance. The Cranberry Township office serves as a local resource, providing information and support to the Pittsburgh community. Individuals can contact the office directly at 412.799.2101 for inquiries or to initiate services.Commitment to Quality and ComplianceAs a Medicare-certified hospice provider since February 3, 2000, VITAS Healthcare adheres to stringent standards to ensure the delivery of high-quality care. The organization's commitment to compliance and excellence is reflected in its continuous efforts to meet and exceed regulatory requirements, providing peace of mind to patients and their families.VITAS Healthcare's Cranberry Township hospice office exemplifies the organization's dedication to delivering compassionate, comprehensive, and personalized end-of-life care. Through its interdisciplinary team, specialized programs, and unwavering commitment to the community, VITAS ensures that patients facing life-limiting illnesses receive the support and dignity they deserve. For those in the Pittsburgh area seeking hospice or palliative care services, VITAS Healthcare stands ready to provide expert care tailored to each individual's needs.
VITAS Healthcare: Compassionate Hospice and Palliative CareVITAS Healthcare, established in 1978, is a pioneering leader in hospice and palliative care, dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with serious or life-limiting illnesses. With a name derived from the Latin word for "lives," VITAS upholds its mission to support patients and their families with compassionate, patient-centered care. As the nations largest provider of hospice services, VITAS extends its expertise across 14 states, ensuring that individuals receive the highest level of comfort, dignity, and symptom management at every stage of their illness.Comprehensive Palliative and Hospice Care ServicesAt the core of VITAS Healthcares approach is a deep commitment to providing specialized palliative care in addition to hospice services. While hospice care focuses on comfort and dignity for individuals with terminal illnesses, palliative care serves those at any stage of a serious illness, helping them manage symptoms while continuing with curative treatments if desired.Palliative care services at VITAS are designed to ease pain, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. This approach includes expert symptom management for conditions such as cancer, heart disease, COPD, neurological disorders, and other chronic illnesses. Through a patient-centric model, VITAS provides tailored care plans that address physical discomfort, emotional distress, and the psychological challenges of living with a serious condition.Key services include:Pain and symptom management: Expertly treating pain, breathlessness, fatigue, nausea, and other distressing symptoms.Emotional and psychological support: Addressing anxiety, depression, and the emotional toll of chronic illnesses.Advanced care planning: Helping patients and families navigate difficult healthcare decisions and ensuring care aligns with personal goals.Coordination with healthcare providers: Ensuring seamless communication and collaboration with primary physicians and specialists.In addition to palliative care, VITAS offers hospice care for patients in the final stages of their illness, focusing on comfort and dignity in the setting of their choicewhether at home, in a nursing facility, or at an inpatient hospice center.Cranberry Township Hospice and Palliative Care Office: A Community ResourceLocated at 2009 Mackenzie Way, Suite 110, Cranberry Township, PA 16066, the VITAS Healthcare office serves as a central hub for hospice and palliative care coordination in the Pittsburgh region. This location supports a broad service area, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, ensuring that patients and their families receive timely and expert care.The Cranberry Township office provides:Consultations for palliative and hospice care referralsIn-person and virtual assessmentsCare coordination with hospitals and healthcare facilitiesEducational resources on end-of-life and chronic illness careInterdisciplinary Care Team: A Holistic Approach to Palliative CareVITAS Healthcare takes a collaborative approach, bringing together a specialized team of professionals to provide holistic care:Palliative Care Physicians & Nurse Practitioners: Oversee complex symptom management and coordinate with specialists to optimize treatment plans.Nurses: Monitor patient conditions, administer treatments, and provide education on symptom management.Social Workers: Offer counseling and help families navigate financial, legal, and care-planning challenges.Chaplains: Provide spiritual support that aligns with each patients beliefs and values.Home Health Aides: Assist with personal care and activities of daily living to improve comfort and dignity.Volunteers: Offer companionship, assistance with activities, and support to caregivers.By addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of both patients and caregivers, VITAS ensures a compassionate and well-rounded care experience.Specialized Programs for Palliative and Hospice CareUnderstanding that every patients journey is unique, VITAS offers specialized programs, including:Advanced Illness Management (AIM) Program: A proactive approach to palliative care, helping patients manage symptoms and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.Intensive Comfort Care: 24/7 bedside care to manage acute symptoms in a patients preferred setting.Veterans Care: Tailored support for military veterans, including recognition ceremonies and assistance with benefits.Paw Pals Pet Visits: Therapy animals provide emotional comfort to patients coping with serious illnesses.Grief and Bereavement Support: Counseling and support groups for families dealing with anticipatory grief or loss.Community Engagement and EducationVITAS Healthcare is deeply invested in community education and outreach, offering:Workshops on palliative and hospice careSupport groups for caregiversContinuing education for healthcare professionalsBy fostering awareness about palliative care, VITAS empowers individuals and families to make informed healthcare decisions early in their journey with a serious illness.24/7 Support and AccessibilityRecognizing that serious illnesses require continuous attention, VITAS provides 24/7 Telecare services, ensuring that patients and families have immediate access to medical professionals at any time. This round-the-clock support allows for real-time symptom management and guidance, reducing the need for emergency room visits and hospital stays.For inquiries or referrals, individuals can contact the Cranberry Township office at 412.799.2101.Commitment to Excellence in Palliative and Hospice CareAs a Medicare-certified provider, VITAS Healthcare adheres to the highest standards of quality and compliance, ensuring that all patients receive ethical, patient-centered care. The organizations commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to industry best practices solidifies its reputation as a trusted leader in end-of-life and palliative care.VITAS Healthcare exemplifies a dedication to enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing serious and life-limiting illnesses. With a strong emphasis on palliative care, VITAS ensures that patients receive expert symptom management, emotional support, and holistic care throughout their healthcare journey. For individuals in the Pittsburgh area seeking compassionate palliative or hospice care, VITAS Healthcare remains a premier choice, providing comfort, dignity, and unwavering support for both patients and their loved ones. Contact us today.
Volunteer with VITASHospice volunteers are trained to meet the needs of patients and families. They visit on a schedule, yet are open to change as dictated by the patient's health and interests. They are unpaid, yet priceless.Because hospice patients have unique end-of-life needs, VITAS seeks volunteers from all backgrounds, experiences and cultures. Were particularly interested in volunteers who understand the hospice philosophy and who embrace the importance of quality of life at the end of life.Often, a family member who is grieving finds the calling to give back by becoming a VITAS volunteer.Learn More: https://www.vitas.com/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities