Hospicare & Palliative Care Services

03/30/2026

Hospice is often associated with older adults, but while many of the patients we serve are over 65, hospice care is open to anyone facing a life-limiting illness, at any age.

What hospice is really about is comfort, dignity, and support. And that need has no age limit.

Have questions? We're always happy to start the conversation.

607-272-0212 | hospicare.org

03/27/2026

Hospicare's Manager of Psychosocial Services Laura Ward shows a photograph of her maternal grandparents and the little metal figurines they had on a windowsill on their front porch, where Laura remembers playing and sometimes swinging on a porch swing with her grandmother. "It was the one thing of theirs I asked for when they died."

Share an ordinary thing that reminds you of a loved one you've lost at Monday's Museum of Ordinary People gathering at Hospicare. Refreshments served. Register today: https://hospicare.org/Event-Details/details/150/The-Museum-of-Ordinary-People

03/25/2026

Many people die in ways inconsistent with their values and wishes. Planning ahead provides an opportunity to think about and communicate what you do and don’t want at the end of life.

Join Hospicare at Talking About Death Won't Kill You. This collaborative event brings together several area organizations that specialize in advance care planning and end-of-life topics. April 25th, 1-4 PM at the First Unitarian Society of Ithaca.

More info: https://theartofdyingwell.com/

03/23/2026

When a loved one is seriously ill, the people who care for them are affected, too.

At Hospicare, our care extends beyond the patient. We provide education, emotional support, and guidance for families, caregivers, and loved ones navigating a hard season. And after a loved one passes, we're still here, providing bereavement support for up to 13 months.

03/20/2026

Heading out to The Chamber's 40th annual Showcase tomorrow? Make sure you stop by the Hospicare booth to say hello! Spin the wheel for a sweet treat, or add your voice to our community project. We'll see you there!

03/18/2026

Join us for an event inspired by the book, 'The Museum of Ordinary People', by Mike Gayle. This fictional story illustrates the value we place on ordinary objects because our memories associate them with the people who once used them.

During this session, you will have the opportunity to bring your own object, and a picture of your deceased loved one which you will share with the group. If you wish, your object will be part of a “one night only” installment of the Museum of Ordinary People presented at the Hangar Theater on April 17th.

This free event is open to residents of Cortland or Tompkins counties. Learn more and register:

Mar 30 The Museum of Ordinary People Registration is required by March 27th and there is no cost. Participants must reside in Tompkins or Cortland County. For more information contact the Bereavement staff via email at bereavement@hospicare.org or phone (607) 272-0212. SHARE ON Share on Facebook Sha...

03/17/2026

Join us on Friday, April 17th for Moving Stories of Grief, an evening of movement performances offered as meditations on grief.

In addition to the performance, Hospicare will be hosting a 'Museum of Ordinary Things' in the lobby and performance space. An homage created by community members, sharing memories of loved one through artifacts of their time together.

Learn more or register here: https://hospicare.org/Event-Details/details/149/Moving-Stories-of-Grief

03/17/2026

It's World Social Work Day, and we want to take a moment to celebrate our incredible social workers, Anna and Edna.

At Hospicare, our social workers play a vital role in supporting patients and their loved ones — providing education, lending a listening ear, making referrals for additional services, and helping navigate difficult conversations with compassion and care. We are proud of the dedication and professionalism our social workers bring to this work every single day. Thank you for the difference you make. 💙

03/16/2026

Happy National Healthcare Decisions Day!

Advance care planning is essential, no matter your age. Take time to talk to your loved ones about what care you want to receive when you're not able to communicate those wishes yourself.

03/16/2026

Our 2026 Women Swimmin' & Go the Distance for Hospicare design was announced yesterday! Congratulations to Bethany Parisi for the winning design!

And be sure to follow Women Swimmin' for Hospicare for the most up-to-date news and information as we move closer to the start of registration.

Drum roll please! We received many lovely, inspirational, and truly amazing designs that reflect just how unique and special this community is, and now we are excited to share the 2026 Women Swimmin' & Go the Distance for Hospicare Design created by Bethany Parisi!

Bethany Parisi is a self-taught interdisciplinary folk artist based in Ithaca, NY. Her digital design was featured at the 2025 Ithaca Festival, her murals can be seen across Ithaca, and her wood carvings have been featured in numerous group exhibitions across New York State and New England. Parisi continues the American folk tradition of documenting personal and social histories through a modern lens. She has been fundraising and swimming in the Women Swimmin' event since 2023 and is thrilled to contribute her artwork to this wonderful event.

You can explore Bethany's work on Instagram and through her website https://bethanyparisi.com/

Thank you Bethany, and to everyone, who took part in this year's Women Swimmin' & Go the Distance for Hospicare's Design Challenge!

03/13/2026

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬?

As part of our commitment to community education, our trained staff members are available to speak with your organization about topics that matter—whether it's understanding hospice and palliative care, advance care planning, grief and loss, or end-of-life preparation.

We've presented to nursing homes, schools, faith communities, human service agencies, medical professionals, and community groups throughout Tompkins and Cortland counties. Our presentations can be tailored to your group's specific interests and can be offered in person or over Zoom.

Some of our most popular programs include "Advance Care Planning," "How to Make a Death Binder," our "Hospicare 101" overview, and workshops on dealing with grief and loss. Each presentation provides practical information and resources while creating space for thoughtful conversation.

These educational opportunities help demystify difficult topics and provide valuable information that can benefit individuals, families, and entire communities.

If your organization would benefit from one of these presentations, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us at info@hospicare.org or 607-272-0212.

Learn more: https://hospicare.org/We-will-speak-to-your-group