Changing the way we view hospice care

Death can be scary but hospice care is about giving hope

YUMA, Ariz. (KSWT, KYMA) - November is National Home Care and Hospice Month. One local hospice wants to challenge common misconceptions people might have about its work.

“It’s about helping people through a very difficult time in their life, not just the patient but the family,” said John Williams, executive director at Hospice of Yuma.

Hospice of Yuma is the only nonprofit hospice in the city. It cares for anyone with a terminal illness, from newborns to people over 100 years old.

“I remember feeling such a feeling of utter relief that I had this system around me,” said Gloria Stanton, who’s husband was a patient at Hospice of Yuma.

Stanton is now a volunteer helping others who are going through this “devastating” time in their lives.

Hospice of Yuma provides many services including grief counseling, social workers, physicians, a chaplain and more. The nonprofit organization helps over 450 people a year.

“We care about what we do,” said Gina Murrietta, the director of bereavement. "We’re going to make sure that this journey for everyone involved, not only out patients, but their families, always remain respected and all get cared for.”

Stanton said even if you're scared, walk through the doors. There's whole support system waiting to help.