Hospicare & Palliative Care Services

01/20/2026

New event alert! 🎨

Landscapes of Grief (Ink and Water Paintings), Part of the new Art of Grief series, led by Snowy Lajoie, LCSW.

Date: Friday, February 6
Time: 9:00-11:00am
Location: Hospicare Residence (172 E. King Road, Ithaca)

Open to residents of Tompkins and Cortland County. Registration is required by February 3rd and there is no cost. Register on the events page of our website or contact the Bereavement staff via email at bereavement@hospicare.org or phone (607) 272-0212. Learn more or register: https://www.hospicare.org/event/the-art-of-grief-landscapes-of-grief/

01/20/2026

“She truly felt cared for, never rushed, and even loved.” 💙

We’re grateful to Linda for sharing these words about her mom’s experience with Hospicare. Our team works hard to make sure patients and families feel respected, heard, and supported during a really difficult time.

Families like Linda’s are at the heart of everything we do. Thank you for letting us be there when it matters most.

01/14/2026

On Saturday, the Ithaca High School Boys Varsity Ice Hockey hosted their first annual Pink the Rink fundraiser in memory of Fay Cokeley, benefiting Hospicare, the American Cancer Society, and the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes. Congratulations to the team on the 8-4 win over Fairport!

We are so very grateful for the generosity of the team and the community that supports them. Thank you for inviting us to be a part of your inaugural event. 💙

01/12/2026

Myth Monday: A person doesn’t have to be in pain for hospice to help.

Hospice supports the whole person, as well as the people caring for them. That can include help with symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia, plus emotional support, caregiver guidance, and practical help at home.

Starting hospice when someone is eligible can mean more comfort, more support, and fewer crises for everyone involved.

01/09/2026

Looking for something to do tomorrow? Come out and cheer on the Ithaca High School Boys Varsity Ice Hockey at their Pink the Rink event! This game is in memory of a member of their hockey community, and benefits Hospicare, the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, and the American Cancer Society.

Full details: https://givebutter.com/IHSBoysHockeyPinktheRink

Please come to Cass for our first annual Pink the Rink game! We host Fairport at 12pm. LGR!

01/07/2026

When someone starts hospice, people often picture nurses and medications. But hospice is also about the things that don’t fit neatly on a checklist: worry, change, family dynamics, planning, and the weight of “what happens next.”

That’s where a hospice social worker comes in.

They support both patients and caregivers by helping families understand what to expect, connecting them to community resources, and offering a steady, compassionate space to talk. They can also help families navigate difficult conversations and provide support for grief that often begins long before the loss.

Every family needs something different. Some want to talk. Some need help navigating next steps. Some just need someone steady in the room.

Our social workers are there for all of it.

01/06/2026

Calling all artists and artistic types! 🎨

This year we are asking YOU to help us create the Women Swimmin’ for Hospicare & Go the Distance for Hospicare artwork that will go on the 2026 T-shirts, posters, notecards, and more!

There are so many creative people in our community, and so many generous people who love to support Hospicare in so many ways that we figured why not put out a call for submissions?

If your artwork is chosen, we will ask for permission to edit it so it can fit on the various items (t-shirt, poster, etc....).

As a reward for your contribution, you will receive a 2026 T-shirt; recognition of your work on social media, in the fall newsletter, and at the event on August 8th; and the satisfaction of knowing that you contributed to making the 2026 Women Swimmin’ for Hospicare event and Go the Distance for Hospicare a success!

To take part, submit your artwork to womenswimmin@hospicare.org, by February 15th. The winner will be announced by March 15th.
Acceptable formats:
- High resolution Adobe Illustrator files and pdfs or
- Drawings, paintings, etc.

(if submitting on paper, please make no larger than 8 ½” x 11” and mail to Dana Havas c/o Hospicare, 172 E King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 or drop off at the reception desk during business hours 8:30 – 4:30 M-F)

01/05/2026

Happy National Bird Day! 🐦🦆

At our Ithaca residence, the birds are part of daily life—dozens of varieties across the seasons, right outside our windows. With feeders outside residents’ rooms and a pond on the property, there’s almost always something to watch.

01/05/2026

At Hospicare, we believe that worrying about financial issues should not be part of your end-of-life experience. Hospice services can be covered by Medicare and Medicaid, many insurance companies, and managed care providers. No one is refused service because of the inability to pay. The cost of medications and medical equipment related to hospice service may be covered.

01/02/2026

Happy New Year. May your days be filled with love, calm, and small moments that matter. 💙

12/31/2025

Take a look at our residence all dressed up for the holidays. 📸

Big thanks to our staff and volunteers for creating a beautiful setting for our holiday meal and helping make the day feel special for residents and their guests.