Dear Heloise:

I’m a hospice nurse, and I’ve found that most families don’t understand what hospice is or what it does. We’re here to enhance the quality and dignity of the patient’s life and provide emotional support for the family. Often there also is financial relief for the family. Selecting the right hospice is a matter of asking the right questions, asking the doctor for referrals and doing research. Any life-limiting illness is frightening, but hospice is here to follow the patient’s wishes, to relieve his or her pain, to answer questions and to alleviate fears.

— Betty G. in Detroit

Betty, thank you. I know there are misconceptions about hospice, but here are a few questions to ask when selecting a hospice:

Is the hospice provider certified and licensed by the state?

How long has it been in business?

What services are provided, and how often does a nurse see the patient?

How does the hospice handle after-hour emergencies?

How will the referring physician work with the hospice physician?

What happens if the patient’s illness goes into remission?

Nothing makes a hospice happier than to know its care has helped a patient get better or extended his or her life.

Heloise Dear Readers: —

Here are a few more travel suggestions that have served me well through the years: Always pack a pair of slippers to wear in your hotel room. You never know how clean the floors are or if there might be sharp objects in the carpeting.

Pack a mini emergency kit with just a few items, such as adhesive bandages, safety pins, alcohol wipes, etc. You might be surprised how often it’ll come in handy.

— Heloise Dear Heloise:

Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When your windshield fogs up, wipe it with the eraser. Works like a charm.

— Anita W., Pocatello, Idaho Dear Heloise:

I’ve worked in human resources for many years, and I’ve seen applicants who’ve impressed me and even more who haven’t. With fewer jobs available and more applicants, it’s important to remember a few things:

Always dress as though you take your job/ career seriously. That means no flip-flops and no cutoff jeans. If your mother wouldn’t like it, we probably won’t, either.

Please don’t say you have a college degree if you don’t.

Never speak ill of a former employer or of coworkers.

After the interview and before you leave, calmly ask, “Is there anything about my application that concerns you?” This opens the door to clear up any misconceptions

Be sure to ask for the job. We look for people who are assertive enough to speak up and ask for the position.

— Kathy in Gainesville, Fla.