Hospicare & Palliative Care Services

10/29/2025

Did you catch our Executive Director, Joe Sammons, on the news?

He’s in Albany this week alongside hospice leaders from across New York, encouraging the Governor to protect patient-centered care by limiting for-profit hospices in our state.

When hospice care is driven by compassion, instead of profit, patients and families receive more visits, stronger bereavement support, and the kind of personalized care every family deserves.

Learn more about this bipartisan effort: https://www.localsyr.com/news/state-news/bipartisan-bill-banning-for-profit-hospices-lands-on-hochuls-desk

New York hospice providers and advocates are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the Hospice Care Integrity and Oversight Act, which would prevent the creation of new for-profit hospice organizati…

10/27/2025

It's ! This one comes up a lot, and it’s not true. There’s no strict time limit on how long someone can receive hospice care.

Here’s how it works:

Hospice is designed for people with a life expectancy of six months or less, but as long as a physician continues to certify that the person remains terminally ill, care can continue. Some people receive hospice support, along with the comfort and guidance it provides, for longer than six months (the record here at Hospicare is 3+ years!).

Don’t wait to call because you’re worried about “running out” of time. If hospice is the right fit, it’s here for as long as you need it.

10/20/2025

We had a great time at the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday! There were so many fabulous costumes, and we had a blast talking with families (and showing off our Jurassic Trunk!). 🦖🦕

Catch us this Saturday on Main Street in Cortland from 2-4 PM for the Cortland Youth Bureau Trunk-or-Treat!

10/15/2025

'Finding Light in the Darkness' is an annual tradition of remembrance, reflection, and community. Through spoken words, music, and the glow of candlelight, we come together to honor the memory of loved ones who have passed.

All community members are welcome to attend this evening of remembrance and thanksgiving for the lives and love we continue to hold in our hearts. Please register in advance: https://form.jotform.com/252545633245154

Hospicare is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our mission is to bring medical expertise and compassionate, respectful care to people and their loved ones at any stage of a life-threatening illness, and to provide information and education about advanced illness, dying, and bereavement to the entire c...

10/14/2025

Hospicare team members gathered today to eat pizza and carve pumpkins. Now, we need you to vote for your favorite! Between now and Friday the 17th, click 'like' to vote for the pumpkin you think should win the top spot. 🏆🏆

Thank you to Mandeville Farm for their generous pumpkin donation! Not only did our team have a great time, we were able to decorate the residence for fall, both inside and out.

10/10/2025

Looking for your next career opportunity? Want a job that really makes a difference in the lives of local families? Hospicare is hiring!

See all of our openings and learn more about becoming a part of here: https://www.hospicare.org/careers/

10/07/2025

Hey, Cortland--we'll be out at the Cortland County Family YMCA and Access To Independence of Cortland County, Inc. Run 4 All this weekend! Stop by to browse the wellness fair, or (even better) sign up to run or walk!

Learn more or register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Cortland/CortlandYMCABorgWarnerRun4All5K1Mile

10/07/2025

Hospicare is partnering with Clay School Ithaca to bring you Clay for the Healing Heart for Adults on Tuesday, December 9th.

If you're grieving the loss of a loved one, this class is an opportunity to process your grief through the art of hand building a memory box. This program is free for all participants.

To learn more or sign up: https://www.hospicare.org/event/clay-for-the-healing-heart-for-adults-2

10/06/2025

It’s !

Many people think that signing up for hospice means you can no longer see your primary care doctor — but that’s a myth!

At Hospicare, we love when our patients keep that connection. Your doctor can absolutely remain part of your care team, working alongside us to make sure you’re fully supported.

10/01/2025

What a night! On September 6th, Iron Horse Ithaca threw one final blowout show—a night full of music, dancing, and community spirit. Thanks to the generosity of the band and everyone who came out, the concert raised an incredible $1,600 for Hospicare and the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes.

Last week, Mark and Jackie Armstrong stopped by with a check for $800 to support our work here at Hospicare. We are so grateful to them, the band, and the amazing crowd who made this unforgettable night possible. 💙

09/27/2025

What do you want to be remembered for?

We're down at the Apple Harvest Festival asking people to share their answers with us, as part of our community art project. If you're going to the festival this weekend, stop by and join in!