Sierra Cares helps families when home feels the hardest

Sometimes the hardest part is not the hospital stay. It is what happens after.

For uninsured patients in Southern New Mexico, going home can mean going home afraid — still sick, still weak, and unsure how to manage medications, equipment, follow-up care, or the next crisis. Sierra Cares was created for those moments. It was built because too many people are discharged needing home health or hospice support, but without coverage, they are left to face recovery alone.

Sierra Home Health & Hospice is launching Sierra Cares to help uninsured patients receive compassionate post-acute care after leaving the hospital. The program is designed in partnership with Memorial Medical Center, MountainView Regional Medical Center, and Three Crosses Regional Hospital to create a real pathway for patients who otherwise might fall through the cracks.

This is for the daughter trying to care for her father with no training and no support. For the senior too frail to recover alone. For the family facing serious illness and wondering how they will get through tomorrow.

Sierra’s proposal says the real value is what happens for the patient: instead of being sent home confused and unsupported, they receive care, guidance, and someone to walk with them through the next steps.

And Sierra Cares has a partner in Elite Medical that will be providing free transportation (ambulance) to these indigent patients who need it.

Sierra Cares aims to serve about 90 uninsured patients each year, reduce readmissions by 25%, and improve patient satisfaction by 15%. But beyond the numbers, the heart of the program is simple: no one should suffer alone because they do not have insurance.

“At Sierra, we believe every person deserves dignity, compassion, and care — especially in life’s hardest moments,” said Marti Licon, executive director. “Sierra Cares is about making sure our neighbors are seen, supported, and not forgotten.”

Sierra describes this effort as more than a care program — it is “a model not just of care delivery, but of care dignity.”