Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
Hospice of the Valley has received a $100,000 Mercy C.A.R.E.S. Community Reinvestment Grant to support its Supportive Care for Dementia Program across Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties.
The program provides in-home clinical and emotional support to families caring for a loved one with dementia at any stage. Services include in-home guidance and individualized care plans from a dementia care team, family caregiver education and support, low-cost in-home respite care through the RISE student engagement partnership, and 24-hour access to clinical advice and care coordination.
According to a press release, the grant will help expand access to dementia-related services and support for caregivers and individuals living with dementia in underserved communities throughout Arizona.
“People living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias represent one of the fastest-growing population groups in Arizona, affecting an estimated 200,000 Arizonans ages 65 and older,” Dr. Gagandeep Singh, chief medical officer at Mercy Care, said. “Many caregivers report a decline in their own mental and physical health. By offering support and valuable resources for caregivers and those who live alone with dementia, particularly in underserved areas, Hospice of the Valley is allowing patients to live in the comforts of their own home.”
Mercy C.A.R.E.S., which stands for Community Action Resources Education and Service, is Mercy Care’s community giving initiative. Through the program, Mercy Care partners with organizations that address health disparities and align with its community health priorities, including basic needs, health care access, chronic disease management, and mental health and well-being.
Since 2016, Mercy C.A.R.E.S. has invested nearly $45 million in community reinvestment projects throughout Arizona. This year, the initiative includes 46 partner organizations ranging from local nonprofits to statewide coalitions.
“Thanks to Mercy Care’s generous grant, we will be able to provide respite and additional support to family caregivers, as well as people with dementia who live alone,” Dr. Gillian Hamilton, medical director of Supportive Care for Dementia, said. “We also are thrilled to expand our educational outreach to populations that are disproportionately affected by dementia, specifically Hispanics and African Americans, through the grant.”
Hospice of the Valley said the funding will help increase support services, caregiver resources and educational outreach efforts for those affected by dementia.
Mercy Care provides physical and behavioral health care services for Medicaid-eligible families, children, seniors, and individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. The nonprofit Medicaid managed care health plan is sponsored by Dignity Health and Ascension Health.
