For more than 40 years, families have come to know Hospice of the Valley as the leading provider of hospice care in central Arizona. So it may come as no surprise to hear that we just won the American Hospital Association’s prestigious Circle of Life Award for creating two innovative programs. What’s unique is that these programs support people who are not on hospice.
Our not-for-profit agency was commended for being a model of inspiration across the country, but our motivation was much more local. We wanted to help people who often fall through the cracks of our healthcare system.
We developed cutting-edge programs that provide in-home palliative care – a kind of care that manages pain and controls symptoms for people dealing with serious chronic illness. We also provide palliative care to people and their families living with all stages of dementia.
Our teams come to your home and create individualized care plans that include visits with physicians and 24/7 telephone support by nurses. Care coordination, education and conversations about goals of care are key, and the number one goal is to improve quality of life.
Just as important, we wrap emotional support around family members, who often feel overwhelmed caring for their loved ones. Knowing what to expect and who to call in a crisis helps reduce stress and anxiety and relieves their feelings of isolation.
What I love about Hospice of the Valley is our passion for “thinking yes!” There’s a genuine desire to meet the needs of our community, and with some imagination, creativity and determination, amazing things can happen! Through beautiful community partnerships, these programs have become sustainable. Together, we’ve been able to bridge gaps in care and be a safety net for our community.
We are truly humbled to receive this national honor, and proud to be making a difference in so many lives right here in Arizona.
If you would like more information on Hospice of the Valley’s in-home palliative care programs, please contact Barbara Volk-Craft at 602-776-6858.
Hospice of the Valley nurse Martha Cocoros with a palliative patient (Photo courtesy Hospice of the Valley)
