New Patients & Families

You do not need to have all the answers before calling. If you are unsure, scared, or wondering whether it is time, that is exactly why we are here.

Before You Call

You don't need to be ready to call.

Most families come to hospice later than they should, not because they didn't care, but because they didn't have the right information. They thought it meant giving up. They didn't know who would be there for them. They were overwhelmed.

If any of that sounds familiar, you are in the right place. A conversation with Sapphire costs nothing and commits you to nothing.

Know this before you call:

✅ Your loved one stays exactly where they are
✅ No referral needed to contact us
✅ Calling commits you to nothing
✅ We explain eligibility without pressure
✅ There are no wrong questions
✅ We move at whatever pace feels right

📞 Call (480) 347-9866

Sapphire Hospice nurse visiting a patient in their home

How to Get Started

Five simple steps to compassionate care.

You Call or Contact Us

No referral needed. No pressure. Just a conversation. Tell us what is happening and what questions you have.

We Listen and Explain

Our team takes time to understand your situation and explain what hospice provides, honestly and without sales pressure.

We Discuss Eligibility

We explain what hospice requires, whether your loved one may qualify, and what Medicare and insurance cover.

We Schedule a Visit

If you choose to move forward, we schedule a clinical evaluation at your convenience, in your loved one's home or facility.

Care Begins

Your care team is introduced, a personalized plan is developed with your input, and support begins immediately.

Family Questions

The questions families ask most.

Will my loved one have to leave home or move to a facility?

No. Our team comes to wherever your loved one already lives, and the decision about where home is always belongs to your family. Nothing about hospice requires a move. If your family ever chooses a care community, our social workers help you find the right place and manage the move so care is never interrupted.

When is it time to consider hospice?

Hospice is appropriate when a physician determines that a patient's life expectancy is six months or less if the illness follows its expected course. But you do not need to wait for a crisis. Families who call sooner tell us later that early conversations made everything less frightening when decisions needed to be made quickly.

Does hospice stop all treatment?

Not all treatment, just curative treatment for the hospice diagnosis. Medications for comfort, symptom management, and unrelated conditions typically continue. The goal shifts from fighting the disease to maximizing comfort and quality of life.

Can hospice happen in an assisted living facility?

Yes. Sapphire Hospice works alongside assisted living staff to provide an additional layer of clinical and emotional support. We coordinate directly with facility staff so care is seamless. The patient does not need to relocate.

Who pays for hospice?

Sapphire Hospice is Medicare-certified. The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers hospice care for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. Most Medicaid (AHCCCS) and private insurance plans also include hospice coverage. Call us to discuss your specific situation and coverage.

What if our family is not ready?

That is okay. You do not have to be ready. A conversation with our team does not obligate you to anything. Many families call us months before they feel ready, and they tell us later that those early conversations made everything far less frightening.

Do we need a doctor's referral to call?

No. Anyone can call Sapphire Hospice: a patient, a family member, a friend, or a healthcare professional. If hospice is appropriate, we will work with the patient's physician to obtain the required certification.

Still unsure? Call us anyway.

You do not need a clear question. Just tell us what is happening and we will help you figure out the right next step.

📞 (480) 347-9866 Send a Message