HOSPICE NOMINEE
vitas healthcare hospice house of orange county
As a leader and innovator in the American hospice movement for 45 years, VITAS Healthcare offers dozens of inpatient hospice units and freestanding facilities nationwide for patients who need clinical care beyond what can be provided at home. To respond to this need in Santa Ana, California, VITAS opened the Hospice House of Orange County, a beautiful, freestanding facility where patients receive 24/7 hands-on care from a team of VITAS clinicians to bring their pain and symptoms under control. Nestled in a serene residential neighborhood on Vanderlip Avenue, the house features all the comforts of home with a coastal motif. The ranch-style, home-like hospice house offers six private patient rooms with overnight accommodations for visitors, a communal family room and kitchen, a relaxing outdoor area, and activities for children. Designed to serve more than 300 patients annually, the patient rooms include flat-screen TVs, hardwood floors, and modern decor.
Nestled in a lovely residential community, the ranch-style hospice house resembles other dwellings in the area with a multi-color brick and grey siding and white trim exterior that could easily pass for an expanded single-family home. Elegantly placed palm trees and other greenery fully integrate the look for a visually pleasing aesthetic. The reception area was designed to accommodate wheelchairs and stretchers with an appealing setup for welcoming friendly faces to the only inpatient freestanding hospice facility in Orange County.
Communal amenities enhance the hospice experience for families and loved ones as they gather in the shared spaces, watch the flat-screen TV in the family room, or make use of the kitchen’s stovetop, convection oven, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, and accessories while they remain near their loved one. High-speed internet access allows them to stay plugged in to work, if need be, and children’s activities keep little ones occupied. Enhancements such as a fireplace in the common area, expansive windows, and an extended outdoor patio with pergola increase the home-like environment during their stay.
The relaxing coastal motif reflects the California setting, which is present with fresh white wall colors, seaside wall hangings, and light gray furniture and flooring as well as large windows to frame the beautiful palm trees and embellished landscaping. The inspiration for the design treatment came from the patients themselves. A serene atmosphere that envelops them with enough home-like touches while providing ample space for loved ones to remain close fills their hearts as they complete their life journey. While the bed is the focal point, patients have the option of relaxing in the recliner if they are mobile or conversing with family members sitting at the table.
Additional amenities include a large patio area extends the community space outside for gatherings, open houses, or simply a respite from the indoors. Family and friends can access high-speed wireless internet to connect with colleagues or complete projects while remaining close by. Visitors can also play various games to keep minds engaged.
