Let our family
take care of Yours

Family owned and operated, we provide the right care at the right time.

High Desert Hospice

The heart of High Desert Hospice is you!

 

The primary vision of High Desert Hospice is to focus on excellence in patient and family care for those facing a life-limiting illness.

 

We are a family owned and operated hospice which gives us the unique opportunity of providing care that is not bound by corporate policy.
Going above and beyond in our assessment of patient and family conditions, as well as sculpting and delivering tailor-made solutions to meet the individual needs of our patients is continually our commitment.

 

Our highly skilled medical team works hand-in-hand with our compassionate team of social workers and chaplains to provide care that encompasses all aspects of the patient and family dynamic.

 

Because our team is a family, we can ensure that your immediate need always gets our immediate response.

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We Honor Veterans Community Health Accreditation Program
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What is Hospice?

Hospice is not a place, but rather a philosophy that focuses on the well-being of the whole person and their family.

Our Services at High Desert Hospice

Our Services

We provide a full range of services covering all your loved one’s medical, physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Our Team

Our professionally trained and certified staff has the expertise to provide expert care for your loved one, you and your family.

Words cannot express how thankful we are to all of you for the kindness, care and love you showed to our parents. This has been a tough road and we are so thankful you were there to help us through it. You are an amazing group of people! Thank you for everything!

The family of Josie and Archie Sanchez

Elderly Couple

What is Hospice?

Hospice is specialized medical care, where we care for not just the patient but the family as well. With hospice, your loved one and family will receive support from a team of professionals dedicated to providing a care plan tailored to your family and your loved one’s wishes.

 

The term “Hospice” comes from the same root word as “hospitality” and can be traced back to early Western Civilization when it was used to describe a place of shelter and rest for weary or sick travelers on long journeys. The term was first applied to specialized care for patients nearing the end of their life in 1967, at St. Christopher’s Hospice in a residential suburb of London. Today, the term “Hospice” refers to a steadily growing concept of humane and compassionate care which is implemented in a variety of settings including in a patient’s homes, hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities or free-standing inpatient hospice facilities.

 

Hospice is not a place, but rather a philosophy that focuses on the well-being of the whole person. High Desert Hospice services address the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of our patients and their loved ones. We provide care in a location that best meets their needs and desires. These locations include but are not limited to: home, group homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing facilities.

 

The philosophy of High Desert Hospice is to provide care for those in the last phase of a life-limiting illness. The goal is to allow patients to live as fully and as comfortable as possible. Hospice care seeks to allow patients to carry on a pain-free and alert life. Our staff will also manage other symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality at home or in a home-like setting.

 

High Desert Hospice emphasizes quality of patient life, rather than length of patient life. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death: it affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. The hospice movement stresses human values that go beyond the physical needs of the patient meeting emotional and spiritual needs as well.

 

High Desert Hospice considers the entire family to be the unit of care. Patients and their families are included in the decision-making process, and bereavement counseling is provided after the death of their loved ones for up to 13 months.

 

If you or a loved one have been experiencing frequent falls, emergency room visits, or hospitalizations hospice care may be right for you.

 

If you have a life-limiting illness and no longer wish to seek aggressive treatment hospice care is for you.

What Are My Options?

Our Services

Hospice

We provide in-home hospice nurses, aids, homemakers, pastoral care, social workers, volunteers, dietary and counseling services, treatment of pain and symptoms related to life-limiting diagnosis, 24-hour continuous home care during periods of crisis requiring skilled nursing care.

Inpatient

We provide inpatient acute care for control of pain or other symptoms which cannot be managed at home, inpatient respite care for maximum of five consecutive days needed for relief of family or caregivers. We offer 24-hour availability of nursing, physician, drugs and biologicals, as deemed necessary.

Medical

Our skilled staff offers drugs and biologicals needed for control of symptoms related to life-limiting diagnosis, medical equipment and supplies needed for case management related to life-limiting diagnosis. Hospice physicians work closely with your doctor to determine a plan of care.

Ongoing

The focus of our specialized hospice care starts at the time of diagnosis or acute phase of the life-limiting illness and extends beyond the patient’s death to the family during bereavement. We provide bereavement counseling, pastoral care, and social work to the families and caregivers.

I am truly grateful for their support!

High Desert Hospice was outstanding with my father’s care! During the most stressful time of my life, they were there to help. We lost my dad while on Hospice service, but my dad passed with dignity and respect. The staff here are very compassionate and truly care about my dad and our family needs. They go above and beyond their call of duty, making themselves available any time of any day. They have continued to lend a helping hand in grief as well. I am truly grateful for their support!

– Dylan Kuntz
Father

Our Team of Professionals

At High Desert Hospice we have a dedicated on-call staff for after business hours and on weekends. We also believe in keeping a low patient to staff ratio to help ensure continuity of care.
Sarah Crutchfield

Sarah Crutchfield

Sarah Crutchfield, Owner & Administrator of High Desert Hospice, started out in the medical field at age 15 as a volunteer candy striper. She went on to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and from there a respiratory and hemodialysis therapist.

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Katelynn Martin

Katelynn Martin

Katelynn Martin, Director of High Desert Hospice and daughter of Sarah Crutchfield, was raised in a household with a heart for hospice! Katelynn has shared her mother’s vision and passion for hospice since she was very young.

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Kimberly Summers

Kimberly Summers

Kimberly Summers has been serving the hospice community for six years in Albuquerque and surrounding areas. Kimberly breathes compassion into High Desert Hospice as the Director of Nursing. Kimberly’s genuine passion is to fully validate and acknowledge what a hospice patient and their family and/or caregiver are going through when faced with a life-limiting illness.

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Cynthia Estrada

Cynthia Estrada

Cynthia Estrada began serving in the hospice community as a volunteer three years ago. As her love for hospice grew, so did her aspiration to serve in a greater capacity. Cynthia made the decision to initialize a career in hospice shortly after her work as a Certified Nursing Assistant began at High Desert Hospice.

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Michelle Martin

Michelle Martin

With a professional marketing background, a passion for helping the underserved and assisting those attempting specialized adoption, Michelle brings her heart and ability for connecting with people to High Desert Hospice to serve as Facility Manager and Volunteer Coordinator.

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Registered Nurses

Registered Nurse Case Managers and Licensed Practical Nurses

Being able to maintain an excellent standard of patient healthcare after a life limiting or terminal diagnosis, without going outside the home can be difficult. Our High Desert Hospice team of Registered Nurse Case Managers and Licensed Practical Nurses bring outstanding medical care right to our patients’ bedside.

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Social Worker - June 2023

Social Workers

Throughout the progression of a life-limiting illness, the patient, family and/or caregiver will often need direction and assistance to navigate within the healthcare and government systems, as well as locating resources in their community that can bring additional support.

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Chaplains

Chaplaincy

From prior to the initial diagnosis, a life-limiting illness can put, not only a physical strain, but an emotional strain on the patient, family and/or caregivers involved. High Desert’s team of chaplains have a heart for providing the utmost in patient, family and caregiver guidance and support, both emotional and spiritual, during the progression of an illness and well beyond a patient’s passing.

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CNAs

Certified Nursing Assistants

Our hospice team members are all heroic elements in a patient’s day-to-day existence while enduring a life-limiting illness, however, when an individual is bed bound or restricted in their mobility, it can become quite a challenge to navigate personal hygiene tasks.

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Community Liaison Team

Community Liaison Team

The Community Liaison Team of High Desert Hospice is a bridge to expanding the horizon of our interaction with hospice patients and their families in Albuquerque and surrounding areas. Our team is continually reaching out and sharing hospice educational information and material, as well as partnering with medical professionals and senior communities to match the hospice services of High Desert with the needs in our communities.

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I would highly recommend this superb team of professionals, for their loving commitment, their prompt response, their obvious dedication to serving. My father received excellent care, always with kind actions and words. I can not thank this special group enough!

Norma Mclaughlin

Father Photo

Get started with services

Patients, family members or friends, physicians or healthcare professionals can request Hospice Services.

 

Please contact High Desert Hospice early, even if you are unsure if hospice is right for you or your loved one. This helps to ensure that patients are made as comfortable as possible and families are provided with the support, they need to understand what to expect as their loved one’s illness progresses.

 

Fill out the get started form and we will contact you to help you begin services.

An experienced and professional High Desert Hospice Community Liaison will schedule a personal consultation with you and your family.

 

Every patient will go through an initial evaluation to determine prognosis and to determine if their medical goals are consistent with what hospice services provide.

 

A physician referral will be obtained prior to admission and then a hospice assessment can be completed.

Once Hospice services begin our hospice team comprised of physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, certified nursing assistants, chaplains, equipment suppliers, pharmacies, and volunteers will begin providing your loved one with services tailored to the needs.

 

This team is known as the Inter-Disciplinary Group. The IDG meets bi-weekly and works together under the supervision of a physician to design and implement a specific care plan to meet your family’s needs. This is an uncommon, yet most effective approach to care.

Get Started Form

    Frequently Asked Questions

    We know how important it is to get all your questions answered so you can feel confident proceeding with hospice care for your loved one. We will endeavor to answer all your questions, but if you still have unanswered questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.

    Answers to the most frequently asked questions

    Watch this interview video as Sarah Crutchfield, owner and administrator of High Desert Hospice, answers several frequently asked questions.

    FAQ Section Photo

    Who can request Hospice Services?

    Patients, family members or friends, physicians or healthcare professionals can request hospice services.

     

    Please contact High Desert Hospice early, even if you are unsure if hospice is right for you or your loved one. This helps to ensure that patients are made as comfortable as possible and families are provided with the support they need to understand what to expect as their loved one’s illness progresses.

    What can I expect?

    An experienced and professional High Desert Hospice Community Liaison will schedule a personal consultation with you and your family. Every patient will go through an initial evaluation to determine prognosis and to determine if their medical goals are consistent with what hospice services provide. A physician referral will be obtained prior to admission and then a hospice assessment can be completed.

     

    Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) urges physicians to make early referrals for those with life-limiting disease, noting that in the beginning, patients may improve while on hospice, patients may be on hospice longer than 6 months, prognoses do not have to be certain, because end-stage conditions often alter course.

    How will Hospice work with my doctor?

    At High Desert Hospice we have our own physician who can take over your care. If you would like to keep your current physician, we will work directly with them to create a care plan for you.

    Where can I receive Hospice care?

    In the home, assisted living centers, retirement centers, or skilled nursing facilities.

    When is the right time to seek Hospice care?

    It is appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s options at any time during a life-limiting illness. The earlier High Desert Hospice can begin to help the patient and family, the more effective hospice service will be at improving quality of life and managing the physical, spiritual, emotional, and financial burdens associated with the illness.

     

    We often hear from outpatients and family members, “I wish we would have known about this earlier, so we could have started receiving services sooner.”

     

    High Desert Hospice Community Liaisons are available 24/7 to consult with the patient and family in regard to hospice services.

    Can our hospice patients show signs of recovery and return to traditional medical treatment?

    Yes. Sometimes our patient’s conditions improve and the disease seems to be in remission. At this time patients may be discharged from High Desert Hospice services and released back to traditional medical care.

     

    If a discharged patient should later need to return to hospice care, Medicare and most private payers will allow additional coverage for this purpose.

    How are Hospice services paid for?

    Patients with Medicare are fully covered for all High Desert Hospice services related to their life-limiting illness. Private insurance and HMO plans will often cover hospice services through a specific hospice benefit or through hospital, home health, or private duty benefits. Families are responsible for any remaining balance unpaid by insurers.

     

    The numbers show that hospice care is substantially less expensive than the typical cycle of hospitalization and home health agency care. A High Desert Hospice Community Liaison and Social Worker will help you determine your eligibility for Medicare or insurance benefits, and if necessary, assist in finding resources for your family.

     

    We serve all who need us. We help families that live in our community without resources.

    Does High Desert Hospice provide family services after the patient dies?

    Yes. We provide continuing contact and support for family and friends for a minimum of 13 months following the death of a loved one. We offer a variety of support for anyone in the community who has been affected by the death of one of our patients.

    Who will care for the family at home?

    The hospice team is comprised of physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, certified nursing assistants, chaplains, equipment suppliers, pharmacies, and volunteers. This team is known as the Inter-Disciplinary Group. The IDG meets bi-weekly and works together under the supervision of a physician to design and implement a specific care plan to meet your family’s needs. This is an un-common, yet most effective approach to care.

     

    As needed, these professionals will come to you:

    Nurse

    Each patient and family is assigned a Nurse/Case Manager who will coordinate the delivery of care. They will be there as often as necessary as an extension of your physician, to monitor and manage pain and symptoms. They will also educate the family on what to expect and how to help.

     

    Certified Nursing Aide

    A Certified Nursing Aide may make regular visits to assist patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, shaving, shampooing, and the changing of patients’ bed linens if needed.

     

    Medical Social Worker

    A Medical Social Worker can serve as liaison to other community resources that may be helpful to patients and families — with specific help on family relationships, the stress of the illness, financial, or legal issues and more.

     

    Chaplain

    A Chaplain is available for those who request spiritual assistance and support.

     

    Specially Trained Volunteer

    Specially Trained Volunteers are available as a companion, someone to talk with, someone to listen, and a friend to lean on.

    Making A Referral

    To make a referral or to ask questions about services available please call High Desert Hospice at 505-585-2603 to begin the referral process.

     

    Any of the following can make a referral:

     

    • Physicians
    • Discharge Planners
    • Social Workers
    • Nursing Homes
    • Clergy
    • Patients
    • Family Members
    • Friends

     

    Too often hospice referrals are made too late; when the patient is near death and has uncontrollable symptoms. Although we can provide care at this time, the patient and family can benefit much more the earlier hospice services are referred.

     

    Many symptoms (i.e. pain) can be anticipated and prevented from becoming severe. The hospice team in the patient’s home can manage symptoms that might otherwise require a hospitalization or an emergency room visit. The patient’s and family’s quality of life can be greatly enhanced by early intervention.

    FAQ Section Photo
    FAQ Section Photo

    What is Hospice Care?

    Hospice is not a place, but rather a philosophy that focuses on the well-being of the whole person. High Desert Hospice services address the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of our patients and their loved ones. We provide care in a location that best meets their needs and desires. These locations include but are not limited to: home, group homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing facilities.

    Must I leave home or my place of residence to receive hospice care?

    No. Hospice is a philosophy of care, not a physical location. In fact, the majority of care is delivered to the patient’s place of residence. This type of care, provided in-home, allows families to be together when they need it most.

    Does turning to hospice mean giving up hope?

    No. When faced with a life-terminating illness, patients and family often dwell on this loss of life, rather than making the most of every day that remains. When medical treatment can no longer prolong life, High Desert Hospice seeks to make the most out of the days that remain.

    Can hospice care only be provided when there are family members there to care for the patient?

    No. We understand and recognize that many people live alone. To accommodate this, High Desert Hospice will help coordinate community resources to make home care possible. Finding an alternative place to live is also an option.

    What can be expected from your High Desert Hospice Care Team?

    1. Once admitted to service, a nurse will stop by for an initial visit
    2. The nurse will go over any necessary paperwork, answer any questions, and do an initial assessment
    3. Based on the initial assessment, a care plan will be put together and necessary medications will be determined
    4. Your necessary medications will be ordered from our pharmacy
    5. Covered medical equipment and supplies will be delivered within 24 hours of admission

    What makes High Desert Hospice different?

    • Family owned and operated in Albuquerque and Las Cruces, New Mexico
    • Low patient to nurse ratio allowing us to give back to our patients and families at a premier level for care
    • 100 years of combined hospice experience
    • Only Hospice that will pay for psychiatric medications
    • Dedicated on-call nursing staff 24/7
    • We have a placement specialist to assist our patients with placement if needed

     

    High Desert Hospice focuses on the entire family

    The physical, emotional and spiritual complications of life-limiting illness affect everyone who is part of the patient’s life.  Our goal is to look at the patient and family together and to reduce the pain and worry for all.

     

    Research shows that most of us would prefer to be at home when we’re sick. This is no different with a life-limiting illness. However, many families fear and can’t take on the responsibilities of home care.  Hospice reduces the practical burdens on the entire family through a managed system of physical, emotional and spiritual care.

    Myth #1: Hospice is a place you go when there is nothing more the doctor can do.

    Hospice is not a place, but rather a philosophy that focuses on the well-being of the whole person. High Desert Hospice services address the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of our patients and their loved ones. We provide care in a location that best meets their needs and desire. These locations include but are not limited to: home, group homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing facilities.

    Myth #2: Hospice is only for the last days of life.

    Fact: Hospice patients and families can receive care for six months or longer, depending on the course of the illness. Hospice care is most beneficial when there is sufficient time to manage symptoms and establish a trusting relationship.

    Myth #3: Choosing hospice means giving up hope.

    Fact: Hospice provides comfort and quality of life when the hope for a cure is no longer possible. The hope for living each day to the fullest becomes the reality.

    Myth #4: Good care at the end of life is very expensive.

    Fact: Medicare beneficiaries pay little or nothing for hospice.  Most insurance plans, HMOs, and managed care plans include hospice coverage.

    Myth #5: You can’t keep your own doctor if you enter hospice.

    Fact: Hospice physicians work closely with your doctor to determine a plan of care.

    Myth #6: Hospice only cares for patients in their homes.

    Fact: Most patients choose to die at home surrounded by their loved ones. High Desert Hospice cares for patients wherever they call home, including long-term skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.

    Myth #7: Hospice is just for the elderly.

    Fact: Hospice serves anyone facing a life-limiting illness, regardless of age.

    Myth #8: Families are not able to care for people with life-limiting illnesses.

    Fact: Hospice involves families and offers professional support and training to help them care for their loved ones.

    Myth #9: Hospice care starts when someone is close to dying and ends at death.

    Fact: The focus of hospice care starts at the time of diagnosis or acute phase of the life-limiting illness and extends beyond the patient’s death to the family during bereavement.

    FAQ Section Photo

    We Honor Veterans

    We assist veterans with applying for benefits that will pay for care for them or their loved ones, benefits they often do not realize that they have.

     

    High Desert Hospice aspires to honor Veterans in every way possible. One of the ways we have chosen as a hospice to do that is to become a Hospice-Veteran Partner.

     

    Hospice-Veteran Partnerships are coalitions of Department of Veterans Affairs facilities, community hospices, state hospice organizations and other entities who work together to ensure that excellent patient care is readily available for our nation’s veterans and their families.

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    Veteran

    Volunteer

    We at High Desert Hospice are passionate about excellence in overall care for our patients. We offer a structured care plan that includes emotional, mental, spiritual and physical support.

     

    However, our patients often have limited outside social interaction due to the progression of their illness. This limitation can create issues with isolation and subsequent loneliness. These circumstances can then be accompanied by a decline in the daily quality of life for the patient and their families.

     

    The High Desert Hospice Volunteer Program gives us the opportunity to reach into a patient’s life with an additional layer of care. Our volunteer staff includes folks from all walks of life that have a heart for providing companionship to those experiencing a life-limiting illness.

     

    Our volunteer opportunities include but are not limited to, running errands, reading out loud, playing a game, working a puzzle or just giving the patient a chance to visit with someone outside of the regular caregiver circle. For those individuals who may prefer to contribute hand-made items such as blankets or lap blankets, we consider all donated items a part of our High Desert Hospice Volunteer Program, as well.

     

    Our High Desert Hospice Volunteer Program is geared to our volunteers. We will work with your schedule and are committed to taking every single moment that our volunteers gift us with and making it significantly count toward easing the strain that can occur for our patients who are progressing through a life-limiting illness.

     

    Become a part of our family as a volunteer today! For specific information regarding that process, please fill out the form below.

      The right care
      at the right time

      We are located in Albuquerque and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

      8661 San Pedro Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

      101 N. Alameda, Suite 8, The Richardson Building, Las Cruces, NM 88005

      1-505-585-2603 (Albuquerque Office)

      1-575-993-2644 (Las Cruces Office)

      info@highdeserthospice.care