VITAS Healthcare Earns 2026 Hospice CAHPS Honors Award in Central Illinois

September 15, 2026

The VITAS Central Illinois team proudly accepted their Hospice Honors 2026 certificate for outstanding patient and caregiver experience.

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.