VITAS Healthcare has opened its newest program in Pensacola, FL, and is accepting patients in hospice. The company offers end-of-life care services at 44 programs in the country, including different levels of hospice, bereavement support and home medical equipment assistance.

VITAS of Pensacola will provide complementary therapies and patient-focused programs at the bedside that include Lavender Touch, a gentle hand massage administered by trained volunteers; Paw Pals, where loving animals and their owners visit patients; and Life Review, where volunteers created a written, audio or video biography.

“We are honored to be part of this community,” said Edith Beroldi, the general manager at VITAS of Pensacola. “Our team has put their heart and soul into building this program and are excited to pour this passion into caring for our patients.”

VITAS of Pensacola has partnered with the Alabama Florida Panhandle Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to support new and established support groups. VITAS plans on offering three hospice offices in the Florida Panhandle within two years.