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Journal of Applied Gerontology
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Issues in Hospice Utilization by Mexicans

Donald E. Gelfand

Wayne State University

Hector Balcazar

University of North Texas

Jeanne Parzuchowski

Covenant Health Care, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Susana Lenox

Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix, Arizona

The research examines the limited use of hospice programs byMexicans—the largest Latino population in the United States. Factors in the use of hospice services, the role of hospice staff in the provision of services, and the most effective means of communicating information and promoting hospice use among Mexicans were examined. Focus groups stratified by two age cohorts and length of residence in the United States were held with Mexicans in Arizona and Michigan. Eight groups were held with community residents and two groups with providers of services to theMexican community. Factors inhibiting use of hospice services by Mexicans include knowledge of hospice programs, fear of discrimination by agencies, possible cost of hospice services, and language issues. Factors encouraging hospice usage were also cited. Hospice staff needs to understandMexican culture, provide good care, and encourage the patient. A number of approaches to promoting hospice use, dispelling myths about hospices, and providing information about hospices were suggested. Structural factors as well as attitudes are thus crucial in determining hospice usage by this important group.

Key Words: attitudes • families • roles

Journal of Applied Gerontology, Vol. 23, No. 1, 3-19 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/0733464803253592
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