Hospicare & Palliative Care Services

02/09/2026

Enrolling in hospice starts with a phone call. From there, we'll guide you through the steps needed to sign up, making sure you understand your care options and have the information you need to make an informed choice.

02/04/2026

On World Cancer Day, we’re thinking of:
• people living with cancer
• families and friends showing up day after day
• the oncology teams, nurses, aides, and support staff who walk this road with them

Hospicare is grateful to partner with these caregivers to provide comfort, guidance, and an extra layer of support through our hospice care and grief support services.

To everyone carrying cancer in some way today: we see you. 💙

02/02/2026

People sometimes delay hospice because they think a DNR is mandatory. It isn’t. That's a separate medical decision (and we can help you understand your options, without pressure).

Hospice care can begin without a DNR order, so you can get the support you need sooner.

01/27/2026

Hospicare meets you where you are.

Most of our patients receive care in their own homes, but hospice isn’t limited to just one setting. We also care for people in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, hospitals, someone else’s home, our Ithaca hospice residence, and even shelters or hotels.

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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)