Northern Arizona Hospice, which has provided in-home hospice care for more than 24 years, will build the Verde Valley’s first hospice house. The house is expected to open late next year.

Northern Arizona Hospice is a nonprofit subsidiary of Northern Arizona Healthcare and is affiliated with Verde Valley Medical Center (VVMC).

The hospice house will be located at 421 N. Willard St. in Cottonwood, on the property of the former Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The former Catholic Church building will remain on the site. Ground breaking for the new facility is expected after the first of the year, with construction projected to be finished in late 2012.

Hospice care is provided to patients with a terminal illness who have a life expectancy of six months or less. The focus is on providing comfort and support to patients and their families. The new hospice house will feature 10 private rooms and provide a comfortable and peaceful setting for those who need hospice services, but lack the resources or support to stay in their own home. Specially trained staff and volunteers will help patients and their families face the challenges of their life-ending illness by offering pain and symptom management, as well as physical, emotional and spiritual support.

“We are thrilled that our long-time goal of providing a hospice house is moving forward,” said Loretta Wellborn, director of Northern Arizona Homecare and Hospice. “As a nonprofit homecare and hospice organization, our priority always has been to provide the best care for patients in their homes. After more than 25 years of providing in-home hospice care, we are realizing the dream of many Verde Valley and Sedona families by building this hospice house and expanding options for patients.”

Northern Arizona Hospice, which was founded in 1984, is the only nonprofit hospice organization in the greater Verde Valley and Sedona area. Initial funding for the new hospice house was provided through generous donations from the Red Mathews Trust, the Frank and Irmie Schuster Trust and Graydon Blue in memory of Rose Blue. To donate to the building of the house, please contact Christine Bleicher, Verde Valley Medical Center Foundation, at 928 639-6100.

For more information about the Northern Arizona Homecare and Hospice, call 928 639-6676 or visit NAHealth.com/Our Services and follow the link to Northern Arizona Hospice.