Hospice Care

The use of sound, music, and musical interventions to restore, maintain, and improve emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual health. Music can reduce blood pressure, relieve anxiety, provide a way to release emotions, augment pain management, provide distraction, and reduce stress.

One of the oldest and most commonly used procedures in the world, originating in China more than 2,000 years ago. Acupuncture involves stimulation of anatomical points on the body using thin, solid, metallic needles manipulated by hand or electrical stimulation.

A holistic approach using botanical essential oils such as rose, lemon, lavender, and peppermint. Oils may be added to a bath, massaged into the skin, inhaled directly, or diffused to scent a room. Aromatherapy is used to relieve pain, alleviate tension and fatigue, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation.

Uses the creative process of art making to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Art therapy is based on the belief that artistic self-expression helps people resolve conflicts, manage behavior, reduce stress, and increase self-awareness.

Therapeutic massage addresses the condition of the body while promoting integration of the whole person, resulting in a calmer mind and greater sense of well-being. It is recognized across traditional healthcare systems as a support for those managing illness or chronic conditions.

Animals provide a consistent source of comfort, calm, and unconditional acceptance. Pet therapy draws out the nurturing instinct and is well recognized for its ability to reduce stress.

The application of pressure, stretch, and movement to the feet and hands to affect corresponding parts of the body. Touch therapies of this kind promote relaxation and are known to decrease pain.

A Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation administered by laying on hands. Reiki is based on the concept that an unseen life force energy flows through each of us. A treatment promotes relaxation and feelings of peace, security, and well-being for the whole person, body, mind, and spirit.

A type of energy medicine in which the practitioner works with the patient’s energy field to support the body’s natural healing abilities. Research has shown that Therapeutic Touch promotes relaxation, may reduce pain, and supports a sense of well-being.

Both focus on comfort rather than cure, but they differ in timing and eligibility. Palliative care can begin at any stage of illness alongside curative treatment. Hospice care is for patients who are no longer pursuing curative treatment and whose physician has certified a prognosis of six months or less.

Hospice care is not about giving up. It is a decision to shift the focus of care from curing an illness to managing its symptoms and supporting quality of life. Many families describe hospice as one of the most affirming decisions they made for a loved one. The goal is to allow a patient to live as fully and comfortably as possible for the time they have.

Yes. Hospice care is voluntary. A patient can choose to leave at any time, including if their condition stabilizes or improves to the point where they no longer meet eligibility criteria. If a patient leaves hospice and later needs to return, they can re-enroll.

Hospice is not limited to a fixed period of time. Any patient who continues to meet eligibility criteria remains eligible for care. Eligibility is reviewed regularly, and there is no penalty for remaining on hospice for an extended period.

The majority of patients receive hospice at home in Westchester County, though care is also available in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and contracted hospital settings.

A Jansen hospice team includes a medical director, registered nurse, certified home health aide, social worker, spiritual counselor, and trained volunteer. The team is coordinated by the registered nurse, who works directly with the patient’s physician to manage the care plan.