Taos News

Compassionate end-of-life care

By Dena Miller RED WILLOW HOSPICE

Slowly building since the 1970s, the hospice movement — predicated on the choice of conscious dying — is increasingly an option for those who face terminal illness. Here in Taos, we are fortunate to have Red Willow Hospice, who is celebrating their first year of serving patients and their families with compassionate integrative and holistic care.

Red Willow Hospice’s approach to hospice care is unique, as they prioritize holistic care. This new approach to hospice care can provide access to high-quality, patientcentered care that focuses on their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

As a locally owned and operated community-based hospice, Red Willow Hospice has deep roots in the Taos area and understands the unique challenges faced by rural people. They collaborate with local organizations and healthcare providers to provide the best possible care to patients and their families.

Robyn Chavez, R.N., B.S.N., serves as executive director; Dr.

Joanna Hooper, M.D., is the medical director; and Rev. Dr. Ted Wiard, Ed.D., L.P.C.C., C.G.C., is director of bereavement services. Together, the trio oversees the staff and volunteers who include nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, counselors, spiritual care coordinators, bereavement specialists, a naturopathic Doctor, end-of-life doula, reiki master, handy-people, emotional support people and others who bring a multitude of skills to meet patient and family needs in Taos and the surrounding region.

“The higher the consciousness of dying, the better quality of life patients experience,” affirmed Rev. Dr. Wiard. “There is healing that comes from returning to the sacredness of dying and from the sanctity of walking mindfully through the process.”

To access the hospice benefit, patients can either be referred by their medical provider, or they can self-refer for a consultation to see if they are hospice appropriate. It is the goal of Red Willow Hospice to provide information and support on the many issues a person may be confronting: What does the dying process look like? Can I choose how and when I will die? Are there financial resources available? What if I need help with estate planning?

New Mexico is one of 10 states and the District of Columbia where medical aid in dying is legal. Red Willow Hospice recognizes the recent legislative changes allowing people with a terminal illness to make informed decisions regarding end-of-life decisions and participate in their care planning. It gives autonomy for a patient to die in their own home surrounded by loved ones.

Patients are also comforted in knowing that other stressors of the end-of-life process have been alleviated, which may even support longevity. “With mental, emotional, spiritual and intellectual concerns addressed, patients can achieve a longer, better-quality of life, or, on the other hand, feel they have permission to die because their affairs are in order,” Rev. Dr. Wiard said.

Red Willow Hospice collaborates with local agencies and non-profit organizations, to address patients’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs under one umbrella. They facilitate a comprehensive approach to end-of-life care that both improves quality of life for patients during their final days and provides comfort and support for their loved ones as they navigate the grieving process.

Ms. Chavez noted that, prior to the establishment of Red Willow Hospice, there was a lack of inter-agency coordination in the region, resulting in a dissociative approach to dying. As Red Willow Hospice fills that gap, she has seen a positive change in the perception of death. “Without the tools available in hospice care, there is so much confusion. Hospice aims to smooth the confusion and provides a healthier grief process. There are, after all, stages of loss, and hospice can anticipate those needs, support all sides of the dying process, and provide a continuum of care in the whole family’s journey.”

Red Willow Hospice is a member of the Texas and New Mexico Hospice Organization, where Dr. Hooper recently received the prestigious Charley Wasson Hospice Advocacy Award, an extraordinary achievement in just one year. “She is our medical guru,” said Wiard and Chavez.

The dedicated volunteers of Red Willow Hospice are acknowledged for their valuable contributions to a wide range of integrative services. Red Willow Hospice remains open to accepting new volunteers who can further enhance their mission of delivering accessible and compassionate end-of-life care, guided by the principles of patience, integrity and empowerment. All volunteers receive formal orientation and training to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles.

“Conscious dying is a gift: a normalization of the process and an opportunity for profound healing and spiritual awakening, and to become more present and loving,” emphasized Rev. Dr. Wiard. 525 Salazar Rd, Taos 575-737-1811 rwhospice.com

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2023-05-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-05-25T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://taosnews.pressreader.com/article/282222310126822

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