Ruidoso Home Care & Hospice Foundation

The Ruidoso Home Care and Hospice Foundation is a non-profit company, organized exclusively to provide assistance to the families of Lincoln County for end-of-life care. Formed in 2002 and governed by a local non-profit board, the Foundation has ensured that in the past year, all qualified applicants have received financial assistance for medications, home health and hospice care, medical supplies and equipment for their loved one.

The Foundation has also covered expenses such as a Lifeline (a personal emergency response system), installation of a phone, heating costs and travel costs for family members to visit loved ones who were going through the end-of-life transition.

Recognizing the need for emotional and spiritual support surrounding issues of end-of-life, The Foundation publishes a monthly bereavement newsletter available to any Lincoln County resident, as well as faith and community support groups. Caregiver, community and health care provider education on issues related to end-of-life is also offered.

The Foundation’s funds are available to Lincoln County residents who meet the financial guidelines. Individuals are eligible for assistance if they meet the Foundation’s requirements and have been residents of Lincoln County for at least ninety (90) days. Medically indigent means that the person, or person’s spouse or dependent is determined to be unable to pay for covered services after the individual has attempted to make payment and has exhausted all other financial resources and they meet the basic eligibility income criteria depending on the household. See below:

Applicants do not have to be receiving Home Health Care or Hospice services to be eligible for financial assistance. To qualify, the prospective person to receive services must be diagnosed with an incurable illness with a life expectancy of 12 months or less.

The Ruidoso Hospice Foundation Income Eligibility Criteria

Number of Persons in Household, please call if more than 8 for guidelines

There are also volunteers who can assist those in need to complete applications for Medicaid, Indigent Fund and medication assistance programs.

The Ruidoso Hospice Foundation is made possible by gracious and generous donations and community support. Funds have been received by memorial donations, bequests in a will and private donations. All donations are tax deductible and none of the funds are used for operating expenses. 92% of all proceeds are returned to community members.

The Foundation also holds three annual fundraisers each year, which provide entertainment and enjoyment for the whole family. They include:

The Flying J benefit: Dinner and a show with a silent auction that includes items donated by supporting, community business partners, to include art, jewelry, clothing, gift certificates and more. This fundraiser is usually held in April or early May.

The Annual Monarch Butterfly Release: A symbolic, personal memorial where butterflies are reserved for individuals to warm in their hands and release in a beautiful setting.

Tour de Ruidoso: Sponsored by the Bicycle Club, this fundraiser is actually 3 cycling events ranging from 100 miles of our beautiful county to a nearly flat 20 miles, all with wonderful views. This event has gained national attention and demonstrates the collaborative and professional effort of our community. Local civic groups (Kiwanis and Rotary), as well as our Police Department, and Department of Transportation make this event possible.

The Hospice Foundation encourages families to utilize the funds available for end-of-life care. To download an application, click here.

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