best hospice care Westchester County Archives

Hospice Care vs. Palliative Care: What Westchester Families Need to Know

Posted on March 18, 2026 by dcadmin

When someone you love is facing a serious illness, the amount of information coming at you can feel like too much all at once. You may have heard the words hospice or palliative care and wondered whether they mean the same thing, or which one applies to your family right now.

Both hospice and palliative care exist for the same reason: to make sure that people living with serious illness are surrounded by comfort, dignity, and genuine human support. Both involve teams of dedicated professionals who care for the whole person, not just the medical side of things.

The difference, at its heart, comes down to timing. According to the National Institute on Aging, palliative care can start as early as a person’s diagnosis and can be offered alongside treatments aimed at curing or slowing the progression of a disease. Hospice care, on the other hand, is for a person whose doctor has determined that if the illness runs its natural course, life expectancy is six months or less. One can begin at any point in a serious illness. The other is a deeply supportive form of care for the final chapter of life.

What Palliative Care in Westchester County Looks Like

Palliative care Westchester County families can access is not something you have to wait for. It is available from the moment a serious diagnosis arrives, and it works hand in hand with whatever other treatment your loved one is already receiving. According to the National Institute on Aging, palliative care is a resource for anyone living with a serious illness such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease.

Think of palliative care as a layer of support that sits alongside everything else. It helps manage pain and difficult symptoms. It helps your family understand what is happening and what choices you have. It makes space for the emotional and spiritual side of a serious illness that so often gets overlooked in the rush of appointments and treatments. After 35 years of walking alongside Westchester families, we have seen how much of a difference this kind of support can make, not just for the person who is ill, but for everyone who loves them.

The 5 Stages of Palliative Care

Families often ask us about the 5 stages of palliative care and what they can expect as time goes on. While palliative care does not follow a rigid path, it does tend to move through a natural progression that mirrors the journey of a serious illness. According to VITAS Healthcare, palliative care can begin at any stage of illness at the discretion of the physician and patient, and it evolves as needs change. In general, that progression looks something like this:

During active treatment, palliative care focuses on managing side effects and keeping your loved one as comfortable as possible while curative treatment is underway.
As an illness becomes more chronic, palliative care shifts toward helping your loved one live as fully as possible day to day.
In the advanced illness phase, comfort and quality of life become the central focus and conversations about goals of care become more important.
As end of life approaches, palliative care gently supports the transition toward hospice and helps families feel prepared rather than blindsided.
After a loss, palliative care extends into bereavement support, helping the people left behind find their footing again.

Knowing where your family is in this journey can help you ask the right questions and make sure you are getting the right level of support at each step.

The Philosophy of Hospice Care

At its core, the philosophy of hospice care is about one thing: making sure that the end of life is as peaceful, comfortable, and meaningful as possible. According to the Hospice Foundation of America, hospice care aims to manage a patient’s symptoms while supporting their quality of life, and it provides support for family caregivers as well as the patient.

Long Term Hospice Care in Westchester

Long term hospice care that Westchester families can access often begins weeks or even months before the end of life, and that time makes an enormous difference.

According to Medicare.gov, Medicare covers hospice care for patients certified by a physician to have a life expectancy of six months or less, and care can continue for as long as the patient continues to meet that criteria. Hospice long term care is not a countdown. It is an ongoing, evolving relationship between your family and a team of people who are fully committed to being there for you. At Jansen, our hospice care services are provided wherever your loved one calls home, whether that is a private residence, a skilled nursing or assisted living facility, or a NewYork-Presbyterian contracted hospital.

How the Two Types of Care Work Together

It helps to picture palliative care and hospice care as two points on the same path rather than two separate roads. According to the Hospice Foundation of America, all hospice care is palliative in nature because the focus is always on comfort and symptom management, but not all palliative care is hospice. Palliative care is the broader journey. Hospice is a deeply supported, fully focused chapter within it.

And as CaringInfo, a program of the National Alliance for Care at Home, reminds us, if your loved one’s needs change, the kind of care they receive can change too. There is no single right moment to make these decisions, and you do not have to have everything figured out before you reach out.

Key Takeaways

According to the National Institute on Aging, palliative care can begin at diagnosis and works alongside curative treatment, while hospice care is for those with a life expectancy of six months or less.
The 5 stages of palliative care move naturally from active treatment through chronic illness management, advanced illness, transition to end of life, and bereavement support.
The philosophy of hospice care centers on dignity, comfort, and quality of life, not giving up.
According to Medicare.gov, hospice care is covered 100 percent by Medicare and Medicaid for eligible patients and includes medications and medical equipment.
Long term hospice care Westchester families can access often begins months before the end of life and continues for as long as the patient meets eligibility criteria.
According to CaringInfo, the type of care a loved one receives can always evolve as their needs change.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a family consider hospice care?

A family should consider hospice care when curative treatment is no longer helping or when the patient has chosen to prioritize comfort and quality of life over continued treatment. According to the National Institute on Aging, starting hospice early can provide months of meaningful care and quality time with loved ones, and many families wish they had reached out sooner.

Can someone receive palliative care and still pursue curative treatment?

Yes, absolutely. According to VITAS Healthcare, palliative care can begin at any stage of illness and does not require a patient to stop pursuing curative treatment. It is designed to work alongside whatever is already in place.

What is the philosophy of hospice care?

The philosophy of hospice care is that every person deserves to spend the end of their life with dignity, comfort, and peace. According to the Hospice Foundation of America, hospice care focuses on managing symptoms and supporting quality of life for both the patient and their family caregivers.

How long can someone receive hospice care?

Hospice care can last for weeks or months. According to Medicare.gov, care continues for as long as the patient continues to meet eligibility criteria and a physician certifies that the illness, if it runs its natural course, would result in a life expectancy of six months or less.

Jansen Hospice Is Whenever You Are Ready

Our team at Jansen Hospice has been walking alongside Westchester families through some of the hardest and most tender moments of their lives for over 35 years. We offer both palliative care support and hospice care throughout Westchester, along with integrative therapies including music therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, art therapy, massage therapy, pet therapy, reflexology, Reiki, and therapeutic touch.

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From the First Month to the Last Letter: How Structured Bereavement Support Guides You Through Grief

Posted on February 26, 2026 by dcadmin

When a loved one passes, grief does not follow a schedule and neither does our support. At Jansen Hospice, we walk alongside families for 13 months after loss through individual counseling, grief support groups, personal phone calls, condolence cards, monthly mailings, and anniversary remembrances. Whether your family received long term hospice care at home or in an inpatient setting, our structured bereavement program is here for you every step of the way. You are not alone, and you do not have to navigate this journey without support.

Grief Does Not End When Hospice Care Does

One of the most common misconceptions families carry after a loss is that bereavement support ends when hospice care ends. It does not. At Jansen Hospice, our commitment to your family extends well beyond the final days of your loved one’s life. We believe that caring for a family means staying present through the hard months that follow, not just the ones leading up to a death.

What Is Long Term Hospice Care, and What Comes After?

Long term hospice care refers to the comprehensive medical, emotional, and spiritual support provided to patients with a serious illness and their families, with a focus on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment. Whether care is delivered at home or in an inpatient setting, the mission is the same: dignity, comfort, and family-centered care.

What many families do not realize is that this support is designed to continue after death. As a private hospice serving Westchester and the surrounding communities, Jansen Hospice has built a bereavement program that honors the full arc of grief, not just its earliest moments. Research published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services confirms that hospice programs play a critical role in supporting community bereavement and that structured grief services lead to meaningfully better outcomes for families.

How Jansen’s 13-Month Bereavement Program Works

Grief does not resolve in weeks. It moves in waves, sometimes quieting and then returning with full force around a birthday, a holiday, or an ordinary afternoon. Our bereavement program is built around this reality, offering layered support across a full 13 months after your loved one’s passing.

Here is what that support looks like:

Individual counseling sessions with clinical social workers and specially trained counselors
Grief support groups including spousal and partner loss groups in White Plains and Cortlandt Manor
Personal phone calls to check in and offer a compassionate, listening ear
Condolence cards in the days following your loss
Monthly mailings at the first, third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth month after the death
A closing letter at the end of the twelfth month
Anniversary cards to acknowledge the milestones that matter most

Each of these touchpoints is intentional. Together, they form a structure that holds grieving families steady as the months unfold.

Why Structure Matters in Grief

It might seem surprising that something as personal as grief would benefit from structure. But a systematic review published in PMC-NCBI on the effectiveness of support for people bereaved through advanced illness found that continuity between pre- and post-bereavement support is widely acknowledged as leading to better bereavement care. The trust and rapport built during hospice care, carried forward into bereavement support, makes a meaningful difference in how families heal.

Structure also provides something grief often takes away: a sense of rhythm. Knowing that a call is coming, that a card will arrive, that a counselor is available, gives families a thread to hold onto when everything else feels uncertain.

Inpatient Hospice vs. Home Hospice: Does It Affect Bereavement Support?

Families sometimes wonder whether the setting of hospice care affects what bereavement support is available to them afterward. The short answer is: it does not. Whether your loved one received care at home or in an inpatient facility, Jansen Hospice’s bereavement program is available to your family all the same.

The distinction between inpatient hospice vs. home hospice is an important one when it comes to the level of medical care and around-the-clock support a patient needs. But when it comes to the grief journey your family walks after a loss, our commitment to you remains exactly the same regardless of where that care took place.

Understanding the Difference Between Grief and Complicated Grief

Most people move through grief gradually, finding moments of peace alongside moments of pain. This is what the HHS bereavement services report describes as the typical grieving process. For some, however, grief persists in ways that significantly interfere with daily life. This is known as prolonged grief disorder or complicated grief, and it is distinct from the normal grieving process.

If you find that your grief is not easing over time, that you are struggling to function, or that feelings of hopelessness are intensifying rather than softening, it may be time to speak with a grief counselor. Jansen’s individual counseling services are here for exactly this reason. Reaching out for more support is not a sign of weakness. It is one of the most courageous things a grieving person can do.

Key Takeaways

Bereavement support does not end when hospice care ends. Jansen Hospice walks with families for 13 months after loss.
Structured bereavement care, including counseling, support groups, and regular check-ins, leads to better outcomes for grieving families.
Our bereavement program is available to all families we serve, regardless of whether care was provided at home or in an inpatient setting.
Grief support groups offer community, connection, and a space where you do not have to grieve alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Jansen Hospice’s bereavement support last?

Jansen Hospice provides bereavement support for up to 13 months following the death of your loved one. This includes individual counseling, support groups, personal phone calls, condolence cards, monthly mailings, and anniversary remembrances. According to the NCBI Bookshelf’s overview of bereavement intervention programs, approximately 70 percent of hospices offer bereavement services for about a year following a loss, with the most effective programs offering a layered combination of contacts over time rather than a single point of outreach.

What is the difference between grief counseling and a grief support group?

Individual grief counseling involves one-on-one sessions with a trained clinical professional, while a grief support group brings together people who have experienced similar losses in a shared, facilitated setting. Both are valuable and serve different needs. The HHS report on bereavement and grief services highlights that a variety of support types are needed because every person grieves differently, and a combination of individual and group support often produces the best outcomes.

You Do Not Have to Walk This Road Alone

At Jansen Hospice, we believe no family should have to navigate grief without a caring, knowledgeable team by their side. Whether you are newly bereaved or approaching a difficult anniversary, our bereavement program is here to meet you exactly where you are.

If you would like to learn more, we invite you to explore our bereavement services or contact our team to speak with someone who understands. There is no wrong time to reach out.

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Integrating Massage Therapy into Hospice Care in Westchester: Mind, Body, and Spirit Benefits

Posted on February 25, 2025February 14, 2025 by dcadmin

The Benefits of Massage Therapy in Hospice Care in Westchester

Massage therapy is increasingly recognized as an essential component of healthcare, particularly for those seeking comfort and relief in challenging times. This holistic approach to wellness can provide physical, mental, and emotional benefits, making it an ideal complementary therapy for patients receiving hospice care Westchester County.

What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy involves the manual manipulation of soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues, to enhance overall well-being. While traditionally viewed as a relaxation tool, it has evolved into a vital therapeutic option for treating chronic ailments, reducing stress, and improving quality of life. Massage also supports the mind-body connection, fostering a sense of calm and mental clarity.

Physical, mental, and emotional benefits: From among the best hospice in Westchester County

Physical benefits:

Pain relief: Reduces muscle tension and alleviates chronic pain.
Improved circulation: Enhances blood flow, promoting faster healing and reduced inflammation.
Relaxation: Eases muscle stiffness, improving flexibility and mobility.

Mental benefits:

Reduced anxiety and stress: Triggers the release of endorphins, promoting a sense of calm.
Enhanced sleep quality: Relieves insomnia by encouraging relaxation and reducing physical discomfort.

Emotional benefits:

Emotional release: Helps individuals process emotions, offering a safe space to relax and reflect.
Increased sense of connection: Provides a comforting, non-verbal form of communication, particularly beneficial in hospice care settings.

Who performs massage therapy for hospice care in Westchester NY

Massage therapy is performed by licensed massage therapists (LMTs) who have undergone specialized training. In hospice settings, LMTs often collaborate with doctors, nurses, and social workers to integrate massage into a patient’s care plan. Their work is guided by a deep understanding of how to adapt techniques to suit individuals with various medical conditions or sensitivities.

Massage therapy care in Westchester

At some of the best hospice programs in Southern Westchester, massage therapy is offered as part of a comprehensive care plan. Whether provided in private homes, inpatient facilities, or during hospice care in Westchester NY, therapeutic massage plays a significant role in alleviating physical discomfort and supporting emotional well-being. It complements other treatments, such as medication and counseling, to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families.

Why choose massage therapy hospice care?

Incorporating massage therapy into hospice care allows patients to experience a holistic approach to their well-being. For individuals receiving Westchester County hospice care, massage therapy offers:

Relief from pain and discomfort.
A sense of peace during challenging times.
Enhanced communication through compassionate touch.

Programs offering the best hospice care Westchester County often include this service as part of their commitment to comprehensive patient support.

Contact us for more information

If you or a loved one is considering hospice care in Westchester NY, and you’re interested in learning how massage therapy can provide comfort and relief, our team is here to guide you.

For more information about our services, please contact us or visit our website. Let us help you discover the profound benefits of massage therapy and compassionate care during this important time.

My mom continued to decline but I was never alone. The on-call nurses on the after-hours number are amazing. As a first-time care giver their support was invaluable. The Jansen organization has found a way to find truly kind and caring people to employee. I hope you realize how wonderful your staff is. I cannot stress how important the kindness and compassion of your staff is to family members caring for their loved ones. My mom was able to pass away in her home as she wished.

— Robyn