CHARITY
FEATURED CHARITY OF THE MONTH:
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HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY
ome four decades ago, a small group of local volunteers envisioned a more compassionate way of caring for people nearing the end of their lives. They were deeply moved by a concept called “hospice” that was prevalent in England and longed to bring it to Arizona. The mission was simple: Help patients spend their last moments in their own beds, surrounded by their loved ones. It’s no coincidence the word hospice is a derivative of “hospitality” — making people feel comfortable in their own homes.
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This core group, which included the Rev. Gerald Roseberry and nurses Mary Audrey Mellow and Blanche Hopkins, began changing how that final journey would look and feel. In 1977, they formed not-for-profit Valley of the Sun Hospice — later changed to Hospice of the Valley — and began carrying out a mission of “comfort and dignity.” They cared for patients’ physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs; visiting the terminally ill at home to manage their pain and offer peace and comfort. They also provided support to family members as they struggled to cope with impending loss. Until Medicare created a hospice benefit in 1982, the care given during those initial five years was seldom reimbursed. The early “friends of hospice” raised money to cover costs, because the goal was to always provide the care, regardless of ability to pay.
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HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY'S DR. SHELLY MYERS WITH HER PATIENT GINNY.
grief support to anyone mourning a death, including kids, through our New Song Center for Grieving Children. Expectant couples who are told their baby will not survive long after birth are supported at no cost with a compassionate perinatal program that starts with pregnancy, continues after the death of their child and into a subsequent pregnancy. Patients are soothed with music therapy and cheered by pet teams who visit at the bedside to chase away loneliness.
HOV also assists people confused about the array of options when it comes time to find supervised living arrangements for parents who can no longer manage on their own. This It’s still in our DNA to care for all who come to us, senior placement service and not worry about whether there’s coverage,” Executive is completely free, unlike placement agencies Director Debbie Shumway says. “It’s never been a question other that work on commisfor us. Last year, our charity care totaled about $10.5 sion.
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million in community services and programs.
That philosophy still exists today. In 42 years, Hospice of the Valley has never turned anyone away for lack of insurance or financial means. “It’s still in our DNA to care for all who come to us, and not worry about whether there’s coverage,” Executive Director Debbie Shumway says. “It’s never been a question for us. Last year, our charity care totaled about $10.5 million in community services and programs.” That reinvestment in the community happens in a myriad of ways. Hospice of the Valley offers free
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Hospice of the Valley also provides free Living Will and Medical Power of Attorney forms to help you complete your Advance Directives well before there is a medical emergency. Putting your wishes in writing gives everyone peace of mind. What began as an agency devoted to caring for a handful of patients has grown immensely — HOV was privileged to care for more than 18,000 patients and their families last year. For information on hospice, palliative or dementia care, or to become a volunteer, call (602) 530-6900 or visit hov.org. north32ndnews.com
