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Hospice care options in the Valley are growing following the announcement of expansion of VITAS Healthcare hospice services to both Fresno and Bakersfield.

VITAS Healthcare operates more than a dozen offices throughout California; the provider’s Central Valley offices will be its first offices located in the region.

VITAS offers local, interdisciplinary teams based in its coverage cities, providing clinical, emotional and spiritual care for patients in their homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and inpatient care facilities, according to a news release.

“At VITAS, we are committed to improving access to compassionate hospice services for all communities and proud to continue our mission of redefining and enhancing end-of-life care in California,” said Martin Escueta, VITAS vice president of operations.

VITAS services include round-the-clock admissions personnel services, as well specialized care, continuous care at home, including up to 24-hour care, comprehensive open formulary pharmacy programs and modalities for high-acuity patients requiring IV therapies, inotropes, high-flow oxygen, TPN and more.

Additional therapies, including veteran therapy, music therapy, pet visits and more are also available for patients, with VITAS emphasizing the importance of utilizing therapies paired with pain control and other hospice elements.

The provider is now accepting hospice-eligible patients through its VITAS mobile app or by calling (800) 938-4827.