What Hospice of the Valley provides
Hospice of the Valley is a nonprofit hospice organization based in Arizona that serves patients with terminal illnesses and their families across multiple counties in the Phoenix metropolitan area and beyond. The organization operates inpatient hospice houses, provides home-based hospice care, and offers bereavement support after a patient dies.
The organization focuses on comfort care rather than curative treatment — meaning the goal is to manage pain and symptoms, support emotional and spiritual needs, and help patients and families prepare for end of life. Hospice of the Valley employs doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers who work together as a care team.
Like all hospice providers, Hospice of the Valley requires that a patient's doctor certify the person has a terminal diagnosis and a prognosis of six months or less to live. The organization serves patients in their homes, in assisted living facilities, in nursing homes, and in its own inpatient hospice houses.
Key Takeaways
- Hospice of the Valley operates inpatient hospice houses and home-based care programs across the Phoenix area and surrounding counties in Arizona.
- A doctor must certify that a patient has a terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of six months or less before hospice care can begin.
- The organization's care team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers who focus on comfort and symptom management.
- Hospice of the Valley provides bereavement support to family members after the patient dies, typically lasting up to one year.
- Most hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, though coverage details depend on the specific plan.
Inpatient hospice houses versus home-based care
Hospice of the Valley operates inpatient hospice houses where patients can stay if home care is not possible or if symptoms become difficult to manage at home. These facilities are designed to feel residential rather than institutional, with private or semi-private rooms, visiting areas for family, and staff available 24 hours a day.
Home-based hospice care allows patients to remain in their own homes, with nurses and aides visiting on a schedule set by the care team. Family members or other caregivers provide day-to-day support, and Hospice of the Valley staff are on call for urgent needs. Some patients move between home care and inpatient care depending on their changing needs.
The choice between home and inpatient care depends on the patient's medical needs, the availability of family caregivers, the home environment, and what the patient and family prefer. Hospice of the Valley's intake team can discuss these options during the initial conversation.
How to contact Hospice of the Valley
Hospice of the Valley can be reached by phone at 602-530-6900. The organization also maintains a website where you can find information about services, locations, and how to request a consultation.
A conversation with Hospice of the Valley typically begins with a phone call from a family member, a patient's doctor, a hospital discharge planner, or another healthcare provider. During this call, staff ask about the patient's diagnosis, current symptoms, living situation, and what kind of support the family needs. This conversation does not commit the patient to anything — it is a way to learn whether hospice is appropriate and what Hospice of the Valley can offer.
If the patient and family decide to move forward, Hospice of the Valley will coordinate with the patient's doctor to confirm the terminal diagnosis and prognosis. The organization handles much of the paperwork and insurance verification.
What insurance covers hospice care
Medicare covers hospice care for patients who are enrolled in Medicare Part A and whose doctor certifies a terminal diagnosis. Medicare covers all hospice services related to the terminal condition, including nursing, medications for symptom management, medical equipment, and bereavement counseling. There is no copay or deductible for hospice services under Medicare.
Medicaid covers hospice in Arizona, though the specific services and any cost-sharing vary by the patient's Medicaid plan. Some patients are covered by both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), and coordination between the two programs determines what is covered.
Private insurance plans vary widely in what they cover. Some plans cover hospice fully, while others require a copay or cover only certain services. Patients with private insurance should contact their insurance company or ask Hospice of the Valley to verify coverage before care begins.
Patients without insurance or whose insurance does not cover hospice can discuss financial options with Hospice of the Valley. As a nonprofit organization, the agency may be able to provide care on a sliding fee scale or through charitable funding, though this varies case by case.
Medications and symptom management
Hospice of the Valley's doctors and nurses focus on keeping the patient comfortable by managing pain, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, and other symptoms that arise near the end of life. Medications are prescribed specifically for comfort, not to treat the underlying disease.
In home-based care, medications are delivered to the patient's home, and nurses teach family members how to give them. In inpatient hospice houses, nursing staff administer medications and monitor the patient around the clock. Hospice of the Valley also provides medical equipment such as hospital beds, oxygen, and other supplies needed for comfort care.
Bereavement support after death
Hospice of the Valley provides bereavement support to family members and close friends after the patient dies. This support typically includes counseling, support groups, and educational resources about grief. Bereavement services are usually offered for up to one year after the death, though the length and type of support can vary.
Bereavement support is part of the hospice philosophy — the organization recognizes that grief begins before death and continues long after. Family members can contact Hospice of the Valley to ask about bereavement resources available to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a patient have to be at home to use Hospice of the Valley?
No. Hospice of the Valley provides care in patients' homes, in assisted living facilities, in nursing homes, and in its own inpatient hospice houses. The organization can discuss which setting makes sense for each patient's situation.
What happens if symptoms get worse and home care is not working?
Patients receiving home-based care can be admitted to one of Hospice of the Valley's inpatient hospice houses if symptoms become hard to manage at home or if family caregivers need a break. This transition can happen quickly when medically necessary.
Do I have to stop seeing my regular doctor if I choose hospice?
Hospice of the Valley coordinates with the patient's existing doctor, and that doctor remains involved in the care plan. Hospice provides specialized end-of-life care while the patient's regular doctor may continue to oversee other aspects of care, depending on the situation.
What if the patient lives outside the Phoenix area?
Hospice of the Valley serves multiple counties in Arizona. Call the organization at 602-530-6900 to confirm whether your location is within their service area. If not, staff can often refer you to another hospice provider nearby.
Is there a cost if insurance does not cover everything?
Hospice of the Valley is a nonprofit organization and may offer financial information or sliding-scale fees for patients whose insurance does not cover the full cost of care. Discuss your financial situation with the organization during intake — they can explain what options may be available.