HOSPICE CARE

Quick hospice facts:

• In general, hospice care should be used when a person is expected to live about

6 months or less.

• Video or telephone calls are used when possible for check-ins and emotional

support to minimize COVID-19 exposure risks.

• Caregivers can receive bereavement care after hospice.

• The New Mexico Care Planning Council lists hospice organizations by county

and other caregiver resources: carenewmexico.org.

Quick advice:

• Decorate your medical equipment and bring sacred or important objects into the space, such as on your bed tray, to incorporate the equipment into your sanctuary.

• Speak and think openly as much as possible about what you want and what

you need.

• You can always ask for change, whether in equipment or personnel.

• Talk to people in your life about their hospice experiences so you can better

arrange the right care for you.

Tips for choosing a hospice program:

• Ask for professional references, such as from local hospitals or social workers. • Discuss the admission procedures in detail so you understand all of the policies and conditions. Get as much documentation as possible so you can refer back to it later.

• Find out if the program will provide a plan of care for your loved one, and make sure you have contact information for everyone who will be involved in the care.

• Learn about the program’s services, and the training and education of their

staff.

• Ask whether the agency provides 24-hour telephone support.

• Be clear on what treatments the agency can provide and which ones they will

not.

• Get all information on costs, payment policies, and financial assistance, if appropriate. Medicare, Medicaid (usually), the Department of Veterans Affairs, most private insurance plans, HMOs and other managed care organizations pay for all or part of hospice care.

Sources: National Comprehensive Cancer Network Rachel Joyce, Santa Fe RN at Ambercare