Page 21 - South Florida Hospital News Nov 2021

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE IN SOUTH FLORIDA

VITAS Elevates Quality of Life for Patients, Employees in South Florida

On March 13, 2020, the states and the District of House COVID-19 Task Force and the pet volunteers visited and entertained
Trump administration Columbia every day. More Centers for Disease Control and patients through windows
declared COVID-19 a than 10,000 employees Prevention, enabling quick adaptation to • A variety of Zoom and phone-in sup-
national emergency, unlock- carry out our incredibly changing policies and safety guidelines. port groups (available in English and
ing billions in federal rewarding mission: to pro- We stocked up on personal protective Spanish) continue to help families and
resources to reduce the vide comfort and dignity to equipment to keep our teams and patients community members through challenging
spread of the novel coron- patients and their families as safe during routine care in every imagina- times—and also facilitated a nationwide
avirus. they face the end of life ble setting. Additionally, we staffed every virtual celebration of Veterans Day
Weeks later, Governor together. VITAS location with an infection control VITAS recognized and addressed the
Ron DeSantis signed Through education, manager to oversee COVID-protocol com- growing personal needs of our staff during
Executive Order 20-91, out- resource sharing, and volun- pliance and respond to potential risks. this period by expanding employee bene-
lining a “Safer at Home” pol- teer efforts, VITAS also sup- The advantages of our highly mobile, fits to include Teladoc appointments, an
icy intended to protect BY KATHLEEN ports numerous partner flexible approach to care became especially Employee Assistance Program, and extra
Floridians through tempo- CORONADO organizations and initiatives apparent during the pandemic and contin- paid time off.
rary isolation. dedicated to improving ue today. VITAS’ mobile technology and Through it all, VITAS kept employees’
While the full statewide shutdown last- quality of life for vulnerable people telehealth capabilities allow us to deliver insurance premiums down, avoided lay-
ed slightly more than a month, those of us throughout the communities we serve: complex modalities and symptom relief in offs, and continued to provide competitive
in healthcare are still coping with lingering veterans groups, food banks, disaster relief heavily restricted settings, transition eligi- merit-based pay increases companywide.
restrictions, a changing care landscape, initiatives, and many more. ble patients to hospice 24/7, and involve I’m proud to work for a South Florida
and reasonable concerns from patients, Most VITAS teams—comprising a physically distant family members in their healthcare provider that understands the
their families, and our peers and partners physician, nurse, aide, chaplain, social loved ones’ care. importance of protecting and caring for its
in the industry. worker, volunteer, and bereavement spe- Our embrace of telehealth also ensures employees. Hospice and palliative care are
Driven by compassion and a commit- cialist—care for patients wherever they that patients, families, and staff at partner- people-focused specialties, and VITAS has
ment to our community, South Florida call home. We’ve built a mobility-first care ing facilities receive the psychosocial and never failed to support the people who
providers and clinicians have continued to model using leading-edge technology and spiritual support they require, whenever provide that care.
treat and support patients in person operational practices to ensure seamless they require it, from VITAS chaplains and If you’re looking for a fulfilling career
through the most restrictive periods of the care coordination and uninterrupted sup- social workers. centered on helping others in their most
pandemic. port for patients with advanced illness in VITAS employees and volunteers challenging moments, I encourage you to
VITAS Healthcare—the nation’s leading any setting. worked hard to keep up with beloved tra- join our talented team of compassionate
provider of end-of-life care, and a corner- During COVID-19, VITAS has gone ditions and much-appreciated services professionals.
stone of South Florida healthcare for more even further to protect our staff, partners, amid COVID-19 restrictions:
than 40 years—is no exception. patients, and their families without sacri- • Special parades thanked our fellow Learn more about our mission and apply
Our hospice and palliative care services ficing quality of care. healthcare workers and uplifted isolated today at VITAS.com/careers.
support over 18,000 patients with From the earliest days of the pandemic, care facility residents Kathleen Coronado is a general manager
advanced illness and their loved ones in 14 VITAS has coordinated with the White • Music therapists and lovable Paw Pals for VITAS Healthcare in Broward County

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