The mission of our Hospice program is to provide comfort, support, and compassionate care to terminally ill people and their families in a manner that respects the dignity of each individual and to foster community acceptance that dying is an integral part of living.

To Support Hospice By Giving, Please Call (520) 417-3080

To Support Hospice by Volunteering, Please Call (520) 417-3080

Hospice care brings comfort to persons with a life-limiting illness and offers support to them as well as to their families. Hospice care is provided in the familiar surroundings of their own home or place of residence. Hospice patients and their families receive the same compassionate, respectful care for which Sierra Vista Regional Health Center is known.

Hospice care allows patients to stay in the comfortable surrounds of their own home and is accomplished through the support of a dedicated team of experienced and compassionate professional staff and volunteers who provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support for patients and their families. The goal of Hospice -- Casa de la Paz is to help patients live as fully and as comfortably as possible.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can receive Hospice care?

Hospice care is recommended for people of all ages who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, have an estimated life expectancy of six months or less. Also if the disease progresses normally and a customer decided not to seek further medical care to try to cure their illness or prolong their life hospice care is also recommended. This service includes family and friends who are grieving the death of a loved one.

How does the Hospice staff help patients and families?

Hospice is a caring community of professionals and lay volunteers representing a variety of disciplines and skills. This interdisciplinary team includes:

Personal physician who continues his or her relationship with the patient participating with Hospice in directing Hospice care.

Hospice medical director and the Hospice team oversee the patient’s care on a daily basis and discuss the treatment plan.

Hospice nurses are highly skilled in pain control, symptom management, and supportive care.

Social Workers help identify and resolve emotional, psychological, and financial concerns while providing counseling for patients and their families and coordinating community resources.

Spiritual Counselors reflect with patients and families on emotional and spiritual issues and questions that often arise at times of major life changes.

Certified Nurse Assistants provide personal care that may include bathing, oral hygiene, changing the patient’s bed linens, and helping the patient with mobility.

Volunteers from the community receive training to provide companionship, respite care, and run errands for patients and family members.

Bereavement counselors support the patient’s family and other caregivers as they grieve the death of their loved one by offering a Hospice memorial services.

Additional members of the Hospice team include pharmacists, nutritional counselors, physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists providing additional expertise to enhance the quality of life for Hospice patients.

Does insurance cover the cost of Hospice care?

Medicare and Arizona Health Care Cost Containment Services (AHCCCS) cover all Hospice services, including drugs related to the terminal illness, supplies, and medical equipment. Many private health insurance policies also pay for all or some part of Hospice care. Memorial contributions and donations also enable Hospice to provide care of all individuals, regardless of ability to pay.

Does the Medicare Hospice benefit affect regular Medicare coverage?

Comprehensive Medicare Hospice coverage replaces Medicare Part A benefits relating to a life-limiting illness. Medicare Parts A and B coverage remain in effect for any other illnesses or injuries that may occur.

How is Hospice care provided to nursing home residents?

The Hospice team provides care in the nursing home, working with the nursing home staff that is the patient’s primary caregivers.

We welcome your phone calls or visits for answers to your questions, to make donations, or to volunteer your time. It is by helping Hospice that we may help others.

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