End-of-Life Care at Gifford
Quiet comfort. Expert, compassionate support for patients and families.
Gifford provides exceptional end-of-life care, including two unique Garden Rooms—special hospital rooms designed for patients who choose to spend their final days here with privacy, comfort, and space for loved ones.
What end-of-life care looks like at Gifford
- Patient-centered comfort: Advanced symptom relief and pain management focused on comfort and dignity.
- Family support: Space for loved ones to stay nearby; help with practical needs and emotional support.
- Care coordination: We work closely with your primary care team, specialists, and—when appropriate—community hospice partners to honor your goals and values.
- Environment that feels like home: The Garden Rooms include home-like touches to support quiet time, reflection, and meaningful visits.
Who is end-of-life care for?
Patients with life-limiting illness who choose comfort-focused care, whether or not they are receiving hospice services.
Costs and coverage
Coverage varies by insurance and services used. We’ll help you understand your options and complete any paperwork.
How to get started
- Ask your Gifford clinician about end-of-life care or the Garden Rooms.
- Call 802-728-2230 or 802-728-2210 to discuss availability and next steps.
- Visit in person: We can arrange a conversation or tour to help you decide what’s right for you.
Support for End-of-Life Care (Last Mile Fund)
The Last Mile Fund is the caring heart behind Gifford’s commitment to supporting patients and families through life’s final chapter. It helps support the Garden Rooms and offers free, meaningful services, comfort care, and wishes not typically covered by insurance. These special services may be received while in one of the Garden Rooms, or may be provided to those coping with serious illness and/or end of life in their own homes.
What Last Mile Supports
Funds raised by Last Mile help provide direct support such as:
- Massage, acupuncture & Reiki for symptom relief
- Legacy projects / professional photos for patients and families
- One-time grants for special wishes (past examples: a trip, a handicap ramp, travel costs, lift chairs, or a life celebration)
- Comfort Cart food carts for families staying in hospital
- Comfort Kits for end-of-life patients (prayer shawls, reading materials, etc.)
- Support for bereavement services and family meals
- Contributions to Riverbend hospice singing group (performing bedside)
Because of Last Mile, Gifford is able to say “yes” to more possibilities—helping provide dignity, comfort, and peace when it matters most.
The Last Mile Event
Each August, Gifford hosts the Last Mile Ride, Run & Walk, a two-day community event designed to bring people together in support of end-of-life care.
- Activities include a 5K run/walk, bicycle rides (road & gravel routes), and a motorcycle ride (87 miles)
- In 2025, the event raised $162,000 with more than 650 participants and 58 business sponsors, bringing the cumulative total raised since inception to over $1.8 million
- The event began as a motorcycle ride and has evolved into a multi-day celebration of community, remembrance, and compassionate care.
How Funds Are Accessed / How to Help
- To request support: Contact Tayo Kirchhof, or call 802-728-2380.
- To donate or participate: Visit our donation page (https://giffordhealthcare.org/donate/) or call 802-728-2380 to learn how you can get involved.
- Why it matters: Every dollar donated translates into care and comfort—helping with therapies, special wishes, family support, and more.
Palliative Care (Support for Serious Illness)
Palliative care is specialized support for people living with serious illness. It focuses on relief from symptoms and stress and can be provided alongside ongoing treatments, helping people clarify goals and improve quality of life.
At Gifford, palliative support may be provided by your existing care team (primary care and specialists) and through referrals for services such as pain and symptom management, counseling, care planning, and care coordination.
Ask your Gifford clinician if palliative services are right for you, or call our main line at 802-728-7000 to be connected to a member of your care team.
Chapel and Chaplaincy
The Chun Chapel is open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week as a place for quiet reflection. Scripture materials from several traditions are available as well as spiritual resources for all ages. The Chapel is located at the south end of the hospital by the entrance to Howell Pavilion/Inpatient Rooms. It is a quiet sanctuary for reflection, meditation and prayer.
Gifford’s Volunteer Chaplaincy Program offers a non-sectarian presence of compassionate listening and counsel to all patients and staff at Gifford Medical Center and the Menig Nursing Home. (giffordhealthcare.org/services-overview/chaplaincy-program/). The Volunteer Chaplaincy Program services can be requested through the nursing staff or by calling 802-728-2107.
Contacts
- End-of-Life Care & Garden Rooms: 802-728-2230 or 802-728-2210
- General questions / connect with your care team: 802-728-7000
