By Debbie Shumway
We are extremely humbled to learn that Hospice of the Valley has been ranked third in the entire country for providing quality care to patients and families. A new study ranking the 50 largest U.S. hospices was recently published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. The study, “Caregiver and Employee Experience Among Big Hospices,” looked at three quality indicators: Medicare surveys of families assessing patient care and support; caregiver satisfaction and employee satisfaction ratings.
It is an honor to be so highly regarded by families who have entrusted us to care for their loved ones. This is a true testament to the specialized care our staff provide each and every day. They are passionate about this important work and dedicated to our mission — bringing comfort, dignity and compassionate care to our community.
This comprehensive study also found that even though 74% of the market is dominated by for-profit hospices, the top 10 highest-quality hospices in the nation are all nonprofits. Hospice of the Valley is the only nonprofit hospice in Maricopa County and has always cared for all in need, regardless of insurance or financial resources. This study shows that caregivers expressed higher satisfaction with nonprofits, and nonprofit hospice employees felt a deeper commitment to delivering exceptional care.
Our clinical teams cared for nearly 28,000 patients and their families last year in Maricopa and northern Pinal counties and Tucson. Since we were founded in 1977, we have continued to expand programs to meet evolving needs and bridge gaps in the healthcare system. We are the only Arizona hospice providing in-home primary care for frail and vulnerable patients; in-home supportive care at earlier stages of illness; and hospice care for children and adults in the comfort of home. And our innovative Dementia Care and Education Campus helps improve quality of life for people living with all types and stages of the condition and supports their caregivers. Families can always speak to a nurse 24/7 and they derive comfort in knowing we are there for them — any time of day or night.
It has been our privilege to serve our community these past 47 years. We are grateful for the employees who have made us Arizona’s leading hospice provider and for the patients and families who choose Hospice of the Valley to walk alongside them during this meaningful time.
We are here to support all those in need. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (602) 530-6900 or hov.org.
Debbie Shumway is executive director of Hospice of the Valley.
