I am grateful that Good Samaritan introduced me to Vitas Healthcare because I don't know what I…read morewould've done without that option being offered to me. My wife was admitted to San Jose's Good Samaritan Hospital in late November 2024 thru the ER, then cardio floor, then ICU, and back to cardio. This was after series of hospitalizations and rehabs over a five year period or so. She lost her appetite, became agitated and suspicious of being in a strange place. The attending doctors didn't know what to do. After consulting with the palliative care doctor and discussing with immediate family, hospice was the option I decided for my wife because staying in the hospital was not helping. She was released on December 11, 2024 and transported back to the board & care home that she had only started in early November. The local San Jose Vitas team that cared for my wife was tremendous and there have been no out of pocket expenses throughout. Vitas coordinated and setup a hospital bed, oxygen compressor, other supplies and meds for my wife working with staff at the care home. She continued not wanting to eat, and her physical self rapidly declined. A month after she returned from Good Samaritan she passed away on January 8, 2025. The entire team maintained contact with me on her situation because it changed from weekly to 24 hour care quickly. The team includes a case manager nurse (Jackie), social worker (Hyun Ah), doctor (Dr Han Yu), CNA (Agatha), on-call nurses, and chaplain. I am particularly thankful for Vitas because they offer counseling and therapy through their chaplains. I asked Jonah if he could officiate for my wife's memorial service at sea in late January; and he agreed to also compose her eulogy with me. About a week after our service, I reached out to nurse Adina who was with my wife when she died because I felt guilty not being there. She was so kind and reassured me that my wife peacefully passed and was in no pain. That my wife felt the presence of our family who visited days earlier and carried that with her. Chaplain Jonah and I maintained a year long connection through weekly therapy sessions, and recently continued with a three month bereavement dinner group he coordinated for other members that have lost loved ones. Making those connections has been comforting because it does help to know that you're not alone and that others going through this process are also having a difficult time because grief is not a simple thing to deal with, and different for each person. It is an ongoing journey learning to navigate loss and grief.

We selected Vitas Healthcare for my dad via referral from Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. My…read moredad received the hospice care at Good Samaritan also because transporting him home would not be dignified for him. The nurses and supporting staff who took care of him and his medication administration are Good Samaritan staff. We saw and spoke to the Palliative Care doctor and nurses daily. Vitas sent a nurse daily and I had a million questions every day and every single person, whether they were Good Samaritan staff or Vitas staff, were extremely patient and answered all of my questions. Vitas has a 24/7 call line and there was always someone available to answer my questions, even at 2am. I had to take time off work and the Vitas Office personnel was so accommodating at filling out my FMLA paperwork. They responded to phone calls, texts, and emails very quickly. My advice: please take advantage of your FMLA and State Disability benefits. It is another layer of support and don't let the paperwork fluster you. There are social workers at Vitas who can help you! My dad was very comfortable and at peace during hospice care. Family and friends came to visit and say their goodbyes while he was still lucid. It was not easy but he was no longer in pain. Hospice care provided our family the opportunity and support to enjoy our last days with him. We were able to let go knowing he was loved and well cared for. After he passed, I had a very difficult time coping. I received mail from Vitas offering grief counseling for up to 1 year after my dad's passing. I decided I really needed it. The Chaplain is this amazing person who walks you thru the grief and helps you hold space for it. He encouraged me on days I needed it most. We had weekly sessions but was always there at any moment. He gave me coping tools and helped me get thru this very difficult time. He is truly an angel. He still follows up with me to this day. July 2026 is the anniversary of my dad's passing. I can't believe it's almost a year already. I felt like I needed to share my testimony so that families can find comfort in knowing that there are people and agencies such at Vitas who support this part of life. Please ask questions, be ready to pivot, and be present with your loved one. I am truly grateful to the people who supported my dad and my family.

Exceptional Compassion and Support from Sequoia Home Health and Hospice…read more When I was told that my dad would need to be placed on hospice, I was overwhelmed and terrified. I didn't know what to expect or how to navigate the next steps. But the team at Sequoia Home Health and Hospice stepped in immediately--without hesitation--and guided us through every moment with compassion, clarity, and genuine care. I want to give my deepest thanks to Susan Jacinto, who became my tower of strength during one of the hardest times of my life. Her steady presence and her patience in explaining every detail helped me breathe when everything felt impossible. Together with Elma Basalote, the two of them made my dad's transition into hospice unbelievably seamless. Within less than 24 hours, everything we needed was in place. The team helped me communicate with the doctor to arrange a temporary admission for my dad while equipment and supplies were being ordered. They coordinated his transport from the hospital to our home, set up all the medical equipment, and ensured we received every supply, medication, and piece of training needed to care for him properly. They scheduled nurses, CNAs, pharmacy support, and activity staff--managing every moving part so we never felt alone. What made Sequoia truly stand out, though, is that their care didn't end when my dad passed away. Susan continued to stand by my side even after my father's death, checking in on me, guiding me through what needed to happen next, and making sure the Sequoia team remained present during the transition. Their compassion went far beyond medical support--they gave emotional support at a time when I needed it most. Even now, Sequoia still checks in with us, asking how we're doing and what services they can offer to help us through the grief and healing process. That level of follow-through is rare, and it speaks volumes about their genuine dedication to the families they serve. Sequoia Home Health and Hospice didn't just care for my father--they cared for all of us. Their kindness, professionalism, and unwavering support brought comfort during one of the most painful chapters of our lives. I will always be grateful to Susan, Elma, and the entire Sequoia team for the love and compassion they showed our family.

My 68 year old husband had knee replacement therapy on April 1st. His pt was set up through this…read morecompany five days later by Rachel, who came to our house. A therapist named Bogdon was assigned to continue the therapy. Bogdon came twice a week, and I noticed he was only staying in our house for 30 minutes maximum. (The ortho surgeon had said the sessions would run 45-60 minutes) During that 30 minutes, Bogdon also spent time taking vitals and checking in with Bill, my husband. On the third week, Bill asked this man about the shortened sessions. The man replied: 1. "I have to get in 8 sessions per day to make the living I need to make." 2. "I've scheduled my sessions on the hour, so I have to leave early enough in order to get to my next session in town." 3. "Most of the senior patients I work with cannot handle more than 30 minute sessions." 4. "If you do not like the way I am doing it, find another therapist at a different company." In addition, there were times that my husband would look out the front window at the time Bogdon was supposed to be starting (on the hour!), and would see him in his car, just sitting there. It looked like he was looking down at his phone. Then he would come in the house, late. After my husband brought up with Bogdon the issue of the shorter sessions, the next week, a NEW therapist suddenly showed up to work with him! Unfortunately, that therapist only was able to see him for ONE session that week. However, he came for the full hour of time. My husband started with a new physical therapist (and company) this past week, and said it was like a "night and day" difference! The therapist was dedicated, caring, on time, and effective. My husband wished he had not WASTED the first four weeks of his recovery with Sequoia and Bogdon.

Hospice care for my Mother was exceptional. Any concerns were handled 24/7…read more Colby Perez explained all the unfamiliar phases that are part of the hospice process. Her support was well needed and the personal care she provided to both my Mother & myself helped through this difficult time. I felt that the support I received was beyond expectations. After researching for hospice care, I chose With Grace because of their high ratings and they delivered.

So our family has had the opportunity to work with, With Grace, on two separate occasions. My aunt…read morewent under their care at the end of 2024, and was on hospice for 3 months before passing. They were caring and compassionate and spent the necessary time needed to answer any questions or to just put my uncles mind at ease that she was being looked after. Colby was exceptional at gently talking with him and explaining her decline. Fast forwarding to this past week, my uncle who started off 2026, in the hospital with some unexpected issues, declined quickly. After 12 days he came home on hospice and our logical choice was to use With Grace once again. We were blessed by the staff, but Colby in particular. She checked in on him daily and would gently talk with him and play calm music for him during her visits. When he became non-responsive she would continue to check in on him to monitor each stage and to make sure that he was comfortable. I appreciated her communication with me, our caregiver, and her amazing and calm approach. Each step of the process and engagement with their staff with both my aunt and my uncle, were exceptional.

Went well very caring nurses and doctors. Very organized and efficient. They are sensitive to the…read moresituation

Beware of hospice of the valley. They are clueless when it comes to giving comfort to patients with…read moreend stage lung diseases. After being forced to sign in a relative into this "hospice" one of their nurses told me the truth and said they are "still learning about how to treat patients" with respiratory distress. She was not kidding. This hospice was useless,incompetent and was very sadistic to my relative (the patient had never smoked in their life, was stable until the last 1 year of their life when they went on constant supplemental oxygen ) My relative died a horrible death , and suffered severely for the last 3 hours of their life , literally suffocating with this "hospice " care in el camino hospital. One of the hospice student nurses decided to reduce the oxygen flow for the relative, who was kept comfortable with the original level. It was the hospice doctors bad decision to lower the oxygen flow and then give morphine/valium/etc. After that, for over 3 hours, the patient suffocated and suffered great discomfort to death. They were literally Suffocating, And the breath sounds were not the usual end of life death rattle and not cheyne stokes breathing. (patient went into the hospice after getting stabilized by the ER department, then transferred to 3rd floor TCU. The hospitalists wanted the hospital room for someone else - it's a business, after all. So we were pressured into signing up our relative into this horrific hospice. El camino hospital hospitalists and Sutter /hospice of the valley knew we were in a vulnerable situation. ) In the last 3 hours of their life, my relative suffered with loud labored breathing, with a look of terror on their face. Never in the course of their illness did they have so much suffering, until the incompetent hospice of the valley nurses and doctors (in training) did their mischief with the patient. The relative had a pained desperate expression , looked like they were drowning, and we family members only stood by helplessly and kept begging the nurses for pain medication for the patient, which they did eventually. Maybe they were waiting for the approval of the hospice doctor. Family members foolishly trusted this hospice to help make the dying process a little easier. I'm very surprised the hospice nurses and doctors don't know much about treating /comforting patients with end stage lung cancer , COPD, emphysema, interstitial lung diseases etc. Because all of those usually, not always, end with respiratory distress for the patient. Kevorkian would have been more effective and sympathetic. The clergy man was the only competent and compassionate person we encountered. Maybe this hospice is only for dementia patients. Unfortunately, I've sadly seen two other relatives die in 2 different hospices (not "hospice" of the valley, and they suffered too , but the nurses and doctors were a little more knowledgeable and helpful. hospice of the valley is the worst. I understand the need for hospice, but do your research on which hospices are best for you or your loved one's condition/disease/illness. Veterinarians are more knowledgeable and compassionate to animals that need euthanasia. Even convicts on death row have quicker less unpleasant deaths , compared to what my relative experienced with this novice hospice.

As a social worker in a skilled nursing facility, having a reliable and compassionate hospice…read morepartner is essential, and Redwood Hospice in San Jose, CA has consistently exceeded expectations. Redwood Hospice is a trusted partner whenever I refer patients and families for hospice services. Their team is responsive, professional, and truly patient-centered. One of the most impressive aspects of their service is their ability to have their hospice physician come out the same day to evaluate and meet with the patient and family, which brings tremendous reassurance during a very difficult time. Their liaison, Chris Tran, is exceptional. Communication is always fast, clear, and reliable. Chris is proactive, knowledgeable, and makes the referral process smooth for both the facility and the family. Knowing that Redwood Hospice is involved gives me confidence that patients will receive compassionate, timely, and high-quality end-of-life care. I highly recommend Redwood Hospice to families and healthcare professionals looking for a hospice provider they can truly trust

Redwood Hospice's team were tremendously helpful and caring during my mother-in-law's final days…read more She initially received care from a different hospice agency, who were completely disorganized -- to the extent that her assisted living facility suggested we switch. They recommended Redwood and we're happy we made the change. Dindo and all the nurses and physicians took terrific care of her and were prompt to respond to any questions. We'd recommend them to anyone seeking hospice care.

We had an outstanding experience with Family Matters, and I wanted to share this review because…read morethis is what exemplary care should look like. My 75-year-old mother underwent necessary brain surgery three weeks ago. Three days before surgery, she had a ground-level fall, tore her rotator cuff, and sustained a small fracture. Because the surgery could not be deferred, she proceeded as planned but required significant care at home afterward. She had been fully independent, and although she lives with my father, the caregiving needs were beyond his comfort level. I was able to help for a few days after her discharge, but it was clear they would need additional support for her to remain safely at home. The hospital nurses were wonderful, but my mom needed assistance even with basic tasks like repositioning in bed and using the restroom, as her left arm was immobilized. Our hospital care coordinator connected us with Amy, the client care manager for Family Matters, who met us at home right away. She performed a thorough evaluation and took the time to understand my parents' needs and preferences. Almost immediately, we were connected with KJ, the Director of Operations, who coordinated the caregiving schedule. She ensured an excellent match with caregivers and that coverage was consistent and reliable. Communication was seamless--KJ was always responsive and proactive with updates, and we never felt out of touch. My mom especially wanted to recognize her primary daytime caregiver, Maria. Maria was attentive, warm, and incredibly experienced, with over 20 years in caregiving. She is also an excellent cook and was especially skilled in helping my mom with more vulnerable tasks like showering. The other caregivers who supported nights and weekends were also wonderful. The team clearly put thought and care into matching personalities and backgrounds, which made a meaningful difference. Over the following weeks, my mom gradually regained her independence, and we were able to scale back care smoothly. The team made adjustments easy and seamless. We would absolutely use Family Matters again. This was our first experience with a caregiving service, and we were initially apprehensive, but they made the entire process easy, supportive, and reassuring. We would use them again in a heartbeat.

Managing my father's 24/7 caregiving across three agencies on top of everything else has been an…read moreenormous undertaking especially while working a demanding full time job. Even more challenging is finding caregivers you can truly trust during such a vulnerable stage of life. A very special thank you to Family Matters, and my father's caregiver, Sade. He is under hospice care with advanced dementia, and can barely speak. Sade is consistently patient, and kind, and gives me complete peace of mind whenever she's caring for him. Most importantly, she engages with him and makes him feel seen. This is in sharp contrast to other caregivers we've experienced who are often on their phones and treat him as if he's invisible. I'm also especially grateful for KJ who manages the caregivers and scheduling. While other agencies haven't taken the time to meet my father or me in person, KJ made it a priority to get hands-on training to fully understand my father's caregiving needs. Because of this, she's been able to step in to provide training and support which is a huge godsend given my limited bandwidth. She even proactively revised the caregiving shift note template to make it clearer and more helpful for our caregiving team. Family Matters has truly exceeded our expectations because they understand the real meaning of caregiving. On top of that, their participation in the Veterans Assistance Program, which requires stricter qualifications provides an added layer of confidence and experience.

Caring staff, wonderful patient and caregiver education made all the difference to loved one at end…read moreof life and can't be more grateful.

The good: Hospice is an entirely necessary profession and I…read moream happy it exists. My family and I are very satisfied with the care team from Heartland. Meredith, the nurse practitioner, was prompt, quick and knowledgable. When meds were ordered, we got them the same day delivered to the home. Natty, the person who helped with grooming and bathing was super skillful and did a very thorough and clean job. My dad always looked forward to his services and even wanted to see him more often. Robert was helpful, quick and always had a great attitude. His joyous demeanor lifted our spirits. The bad: The service from the massage therapist wasn't very satisfying for my dad. The massage was very weak and superficial. It also seemed like it was shorter than the time allotted for it. The interesting: We got the "Gone From My Sight, the Dying Experience" booklet from Meredith and found it highly useful. It helped explain what to expect when a person is dying and it allowed us to be less fearful and more understanding of the process. We found it so useful that we decided to download 4 other booklets by the same author from Kindle.

If I could give this place a negative I would gladly. They are unreliable and unprofessional. I…read more Called and spoke with an intake person yesterday to schedule an appointment for my father. She scheduled us with an associate for the following day at 2pm. Fast forward to the next day and 5 min away from our appointment, we get a call to let us know they can't make the appointment. They didn't try to call or reschedule the appointment with us. When asked if they can have someone else come out or reschedule, her response was that they are at capacity. So in knowing they were fully booked, they waited to the last minute to call us with no regards to our time that we had to take off from work and our daily lives. Talk about unprofessional!! I hope they treat their patients better than this!!! I will NEVER refer anyone and will also tell the hospital staff about this issue.

We would like to thank you for your great services. Our father was laid to rest on 10/23 surrounded…read moreby loved ones. He died peacefully in his own home just the way he wished. Thank you Josephine for helping me with the slide show and the staff at Seasons for getting him home in time before his last breath. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. . . This is our first time working with Hospice services. Seasons staff were on time and ready to help us with our needs and our dad's needs first.

My Sweet dog had a wonderful life of love. When she was 16 years old actually, 2 weeks before she…read morewould turn 17, when I realized it was time to let her pass in peace. I called Peaceful Pathways and they called me back later that day and set up a time to come to my home. The Vet was kind and patient. My sweet baby got to pass away in my home in a peaceful quiet home she'd lived in her whole life. She was calm. This was the exact opposite from what had happened at the last dog I had put to sleep at the Vets office. Using Peaceful Pathways was the best kindest way to say good bye.

I had a wonderful experience with Peaceful Pathways. I dealt with Amy initially and then Dr…read more Winnick. Both were so compassionate and helpful. On the day I had to put my 15-year old diabetic cat to rest, Dr. Winnick came to my house and although it was one of the hardest, saddest days of my life, the whole process went smoothly and peacefully. She was informative about the process, but more importantly she was gentle with Omar, and very respectful and compassionate. I think this is 100% the way to go as opposed to stressing your animal out going to a veterinary office, and I would wholeheartedly recommend Peaceful Pathways.