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Jansen Memorial Hospice opened its doors on January 3, 1984, bringing the gift of dignity and hope to families in Westchester County. For over 25 years, the care provided by our nurses, social workers, doctors, aides, therapists and volunteers has truly been immeasurable.
Jansen's unique history began with the vision of one woman, Elizabeth "Bissie" Jansen, who cared for her husband, Allan, throughout his illness with throat cancer until his untimely death at age 53.
Allan was diagnosed with cancer in late 1979 and, with the unwavering support of his family, made the decision to stay at home. At the time, the concept of hospice care in the home was virtually unknown in the United States. It took weeks to find a doctor who would make house calls, and even longer to coordinate services and equipment to care for him. Bissie and their children were Allan's caregivers.
In February of 1981, Allan Jansen died, surrounded by those he loved. In the months following his death, Bissie's dream of coordinated services for the terminally ill was born as others in similar situations came to her seeking help.
In the winter of 1981, Bissie presented her idea of compassionate end-of-life care to the Junior League of Bronxville, who immediately responded by forming a Hospice Task Force and providing seed money. The Task Force began an intensive self-education process that included research into types of hospices and services offered. They also spoke with many civic groups, churches, hospitals, etc. to assess community interest in starting a local hospice program.
In 1983, Jansen Memorial Hospice formally came into being, named by the Junior League of Bronxville as a tribute to the memory of Allan Jansen. The hospice affiliated with the Home Nursing Association of Westchester (formerly the Public Health Organization of Eastchester and, now, Lawrence Home Care of Westchester) to provide inpatient care. In September 1983, the first Jansen volunteer training program was conducted and, in January 1984, Jansen opened with two patients.
In 1989, Jansen Memorial Hospice received accreditation from the Department of Health of New York State, enabling the organization to be reimbursed for its services by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies.
In the mid 1990s, Jansen staff and volunteers recognized a need in the community for bereavement services above and beyond what was offered as a hospice benefit, particularly for children. Once again, the Junior League of Bronxville participated and, in the fall of 1995, the Bereavement Center of Westchester offered its first training program for volunteers. Shortly thereafter, in April of 1996, eight grieving families were welcomed into the first Tree House, BCWs cornerstone program designed specifically for children ages four to eighteen who have lost a parent or sibling.
In January of 1998, Jansen Memorial Hospice, along with the Home Nursing Association of Westchester and the Bereavement Center of Westchester, joined together to become Lawrence Community Health Services as part of Lawrence Hospital Center.
In 1999, Home Nursing Association of Westchester and Jansen Memorial Hospice received accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
In 2005, Jansen Memorial Hospice formally changed its name to Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care in recognition of the importance of palliative care to the hospice philosophy.
In 2009 Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care celebrated 25 years of caring for those in our community. | 
