Palliative Care Registered Nurse

Chemed reported third-quarter 2026 revenue up 10.6% year over year, with adjusted diluted earnings per share up 28.1%. The company generated more than $229 million in operating cash flow over the first nine months of the year. VITAS, its hospice unit, led the results. Revenue rose 12.2% to $457.4 million, and adjusted net income climbed 44.7%. Adjusted EBITDA, excluding Medicare Cap, rose 31.4% to $92.5 million. Roto-Rooter revenue grew 7.5%, but adjusted EBITDA fell 2.5% to $48.2 million. Higher marketing and fuel costs squeezed margins. Fewer free internet leads pushed marketing spend up $4.3 million. Chemed spent about $62.5 million on California franchise territories in the quarter, and $96 million on acquisitions in 2026. It expects full-year adjusted EPS at or slightly above the high end of prior guidance.

VITAS Healthcare earns 2026 Hospice CAHPS Honors Award in Central Illinois. PEORIA, Ill. - VITAS Healthcare today announced that its Central Illinois and Illinois Valley team received the 2026 Hospice CAHPS Honors Award, placing it among the nation's highest-performing hospice providers for patient and family satisfaction. Presented annually by MatrixCare, the award recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence across key measures of the patient and family experience as reported through the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Hospice Survey. The CAHPS Hospice Survey measures the experiences of hospice patients and their caregivers, providing valuable insight into the quality of care and support they receive. This recognition reflects the dedication of VITAS care teams to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care that meets the needs of patients and families when it matters most. The award highlights the exceptional experience provided to those served by VITAS in the Illinois Valley, Greater Peoria, Sterling, Bloomington and surrounding communities. "Caring for patients and their families during one of life's most meaningful journeys is both a privilege and a responsibility we take to heart," said Chelsea Cook-McCarrell, general manager for VITAS in Central Illinois. "Every day, our compassionate professionals are dedicated to ensuring patients receive the comfort and dignity they deserve. I'm proud of our team for the exceptional care they provide and for living our mission in every interaction." For families choosing hospice care for a loved one, patient and caregiver experience can be an important consideration. The Hospice CAHPS survey provides standardized feedback about the care patients receive and how effectively hospice teams communicate with and support families. A few patient family members recently shared their experience with the VITAS team: "I cannot say enough good things about VITAS. [They] treated my father like he was their own loved one, with respect and dignity, which relieved all my anxiety at that stressful time." "The VITAS team made my life so much easier. Asking for hospice for my husband was tough enough, but they worked together to get him what he needed. Everyone from the office staff to the doctor and nurses were wonderful." "They took phone calls at all hours, handled medical and physical/personal care, and treated Mom as they would their own mother. If you are seeking hospice for a loved one, VITAS should be your first call." VITAS is known for award-winning quality care, especially in Illinois. Its teams in Fairview Heights were recognized with the Hospice CAHPS Honors Award twice in recent years. The VITAS team in Central Illinois and Illinois Valley serves Bureau, DeKalb, Fulton, Grundy, Henry, Knox, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Peoria, Putnam, Stark, Tazewell, Whiteside and Woodford counties. Since 2010, VITAS has been serving patients and families throughout Illinois, primarily in their homes and assisted living communities. VITAS hospice teams provide medical care, pain and symptom management, and emotional and psychosocial support to help patients and families navigate serious illness and the end of life.

News for rocket scientists. VITAS(R) Healthcare enhances mobile app to simplify hospice referrals and improve Access to care. The mobile app supports clinicians, patients and families with real-time referral tracking, eligibility tools and hospice education. MIRAMAR, Fla., Aug. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - VITAS Healthcare, the nation's leading provider of hospice and palliative care, today announced the launch of its enhanced mobile app, a digital platform designed to streamline hospice referrals and expand access to trusted hospice care resources for healthcare professionals, patients and families across the country. The VITAS Healthcare mobile app is available for download in the App Store(R) and Google Play(TM). Visit VITASapp.com. The VITAS Healthcare mobile app brings hospice referrals, eligibility tools and expert-developed education into one secure, mobile-friendly experience. By making it easier to submit referrals and access hospice guidance anytime, anywhere, the app helps support timely, informed decision-making in moments that matter most. "Timely access to hospice care depends on clear communication and efficient coordination," said Patrick Hale, chief information officer at VITAS. "The VITAS mobile app simplifies referral workflows and puts trusted hospice expertise directly in the hands of clinicians, patients and families, helping improve access to care and the overall experience." "Too often, patients are referred to hospice later than they could fully benefit from it," said Joseph Shega, MD, chief medical officer at VITAS. "By giving healthcare professionals immediate access to eligibility resources, educational content and referral tools, the VITAS mobile app supports timely conversations about end-of-life care." Supporting Healthcare Professionals Designed for real-world clinical environments, the VITAS mobile app helps healthcare professionals manage hospice referrals more efficiently while staying informed throughout the process. Key features include: * Submitting hospice referrals directly from a mobile device * Tracking hospice referral status in real time * Accessing tools to assess hospice eligibility * Viewing short educational videos created by VITAS hospice experts * Reading clinician-written articles on end-of-life care * Joining free educational webinars focused on best practices and clinical scenarios The app supports physicians, nurses, discharge planners, social workers and care teams with reliable information from a national hospice leader. Guidance and Support for Patients and Families The VITAS mobile app also serves as a trusted resource for patients and families navigating hospice care. Through accessible education and clear guidance, the app helps families understand care options and make informed decisions with confidence. Patients and caregivers can: * Learn what hospice care is and how it supports comfort and quality of life * Request a hospice consultation or referral * Watch videos that explain services and care options * Read articles addressing common end-of-life questions * Participate in free educational webinars led by hospice specialists All content is developed by VITAS clinicians and educators with extensive experience supporting patients and families through advanced illness. Expanding Digital Access to Hospice Care VITAS is nationally recognized for clinical excellence, compassionate service and evidence-based education. The relaunch of the VITAS mobile app reflects the organization's continued commitment to innovation and digital tools that improve access, communication and care coordination across the hospice journey. Availability The VITAS mobile app is available for download in the App Store(R) and Google Play(TM). For more information, visit VITASapp.com. About VITAS(R) Healthcare VITAS Healthcare is the nation's leading provider of end-of-life care. For almost 50 years, VITAS (pronounced VEE-tahs) has delivered compassionate hospice and palliative care to seriously ill patients and their families. Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, the company operates 60 service areas across 15 states (Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin) and the District of Columbia. VITAS cares for more than 23,000 patients daily, primarily wherever they call home, as well as in its inpatient hospice settings and through partnerships with hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities. With a team of nearly 12,000 employees, VITAS was recognized as a 2026 Top Workplace. Visit www.vitas.com. Media inquiries contact: [email protected], 877-848-2701 SOURCE VITAS Healthcare