Hospice

MGRMC Hospice provides physical, emotional, spiritual and practical care for adults and children in the last phases of a terminal illness. Our hospice staff emphasizes comfort and dignity for the dying, making it possible to remain independent for as long as possible. Utilizing an interdisciplinary group approach of physicians, nurses, a social worker, home health aides, volunteers, spiritual counselors, bereavement counselors and others, our Hospice program provides care in the home, short-term inpatient and respite services and bereavement support.

What specific assistance does Hospice provide?

Hospice patients are cared for by a team of physicians, nurses, social worker, nursing assistants, chaplain, therapists, and dedicated volunteers. In addition, Hospice provides medications, supplies, equipment, and hospital services, related to terminal illness. Also, Hospice is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week should a special need arise. For more information on Hospice Services, please contact us with the information provided.

Does Hospice provide any help to the family after the patient dies?

Hospice provides continuing contact and support for caregivers for 13 months following the death of a loved one. We also sponsor bereavement support groups throughout the year for anyone in the community who has experienced the death of family member, a friend or similar losses throughout the year.

What are the Hospice service areas?

MGRMC Hospice services the Gila Valley, which includes: Safford, Thatcher, Central, Pima, Eden, Ft. Thomas, Solomon and San Jose. We also cover the following areas of Greenlee County: Duncan, Franklin, York, Clifton, and Morenci.

When should a decision about entering a Hospice program be made and who should make it?

At any time during a life-limiting decision, it is appropriate to discuss all of a patient's care options, including Hospice. By law, the decision belongs to the patient. Referrals come from patients, families, doctors, clinics, and hospitals.

Can a Hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?

Certainly. If the patient's condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, patients can be discharged from Hospice and return to aggressive therapy or go on about their daily lives. If the discharged patient should later need to return to Hospice care, Medicare and most private insurances will allow additional coverage for this purpose.

Is Hospice care covered by insurance?

Hospice coverage is widely available. It is provided by Medicare nationwide, by state insurances AHCCCS, APIPA, Mercy Care, and ALTCS, by Medicaid in 39 states, and by most private insurance providers. To be sure of coverage, families should check with their employer or health insurance provider.

If the patient is not covered by Medicare or any other health insurance, will Hospice still provide care?

Regardless of the patient's ability to pay, it is the policy of Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center Hospice to provide care when needed.

Must someone be with the patient at all times?

In the early weeks of care, it's not always necessary for someone to be with the patient all the time. Later, however, since one of the most common fears of patients is the fear of dying alone and for increased care needs, Hospice encourages someone to be there continuously. While family and caregivers deliver most/all of the care, Hospice will provide volunteers to assist with errands and to provide a break and time away for primary caregivers.

Families Turn To Hospice Care.....

Families turn to Hospice care when facing the terminal illness of a loved one. Hospice provides an environment in which families can face death experiences in a supportive, understanding and homelike setting. Through pain management, emotional counseling, support and compassionate healthcare, Hospice treats the patient as a whole person facing end-of-life issues, rather than combating the disease.