Home - Hospice in the Desert

Hospice in the Desert was founded by Nicole Ralston NP and Stephanie Carter RN, hospice professionals with a combined 29 years of experience working for other hospice agencies. Looking to remove the corporate culture from hospice care and take the model of care back to its original intent, Ralston and Carter decided to open their own hospice grounded in the philosophy of providing exceptional service with compassion, dignity, excellence, respect for patient and family choice, teamwork, and integrity. Along with its patients and their families, Hospice in the Desert is also committed to caring for its employees and serving the Pima County community.

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Hospice Care Info

Hospice care is a philosophy of care centered around the whole family. Since 1982, hospice service has been covered by the Medicare Part A benefit. The goal of hospice is to ease the suffering of those in their final stage of life — both physically, through the administering of medications, but also mentally and spiritually.

Hospice programs also cater to loved ones with things like grief counseling, emotional and spiritual support, and training. Hospice care is not intended to be around the clock although support is available 24/7. The care itself includes intermittent visits in and out of the home and working with the family and caregiver to be able to support their loved one and teaching them different ways to provide that care.

Whether it’s helping with bathing or transferring or administering medications to keep them comfortable, hospice works with the caregivers to do what is necessary to keep the patient in their home. Although many people believe hospice is only for patients with cancer, the service can benefit many more people. Some of the diseases which can qualify a patient for hospice care include:

End-Stage Cardiovascular Disease
Stroke
Congestive Heart Failure
Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
End-Stage Renal Disease
Parkinson’s Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
End-Stage Liver Disease
End-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
End-Stage Dementia
AIDS
ALS

Testimonials

“You helped us navigate our way towards our precious brother’s passing. You entered his home and our lives with a heart intelligence that was immediately perceived by all present. You lit his final space with a spiritual brilliance that surrounded and rested there. You facilitated our understanding of what we were observing, experiencing, and what we should expect. We fully recognized your sincerity of intention and your diligence and care. From the depths of our humbled hearts (for you taught us more about love,) from that space that is also occupied by brokenness, we thank you.”

“Thank you for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness you showered on Papa and our family. Your support brought peace and comfort during a very difficult time. We are deeply grateful.”