HomeCare & Hospice

Press Release:

HomeCare & Hospice is inviting the community to help bring warmth and solace to individuals in their final stages of life by donating new lap blankets. As the colder months approach, these blankets not only provide physical warmth but also deliver emotional comfort, offering a small but meaningful way for the community to support those in need. 

“After some staff changes and our recent move to Allegany, we’ve lost touch with a few of our regular blanket donors. We’re hoping to reconnect with past contributors and welcome new volunteers to help replenish our supply,” said Cassie Kelsey, Staff & Outreach Coordinator.

Blankets can be newly handmade or purchased from retail stores, offering flexibility for those who wish to contribute. Both options are deeply appreciated, as they provide comfort and care to hospice patients who need it most. Donations of new lap blankets can be dropped off to any of the following HomeCare & Hospice locations below:

Allegany: St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany - 716-372-2106

Arcade: 563 W. Main St., Arcade - 585-653-5290

Batavia: 29 Liberty St., Suite 6, Batavia - 585-343-7596

Wellsville: 194 N. Main St., Wellsville,  585-593-7600

For questions or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact Cassie Kelsey at the Allegany office at 716-372-2106 or Pat Meek in Batavia at 585-343-7596.

Press Release:

HomeCare & Hospice Foundation (HCHF) is calling on the community to help make dreams come true for hospice patients and their families through its Annual Appeal Campaign. This year’s appeal shines a light on the extraordinary moments made possible through compassionate care and the generosity of donors.

“Our mission is to provide patients and their families with dignity, support, and cherished memories during life’s most challenging moments,” said Melissa Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer, HomeCare & Hospice and Total Senior Care. “The Annual Appeal enables us to go beyond basic care and make heartfelt wishes a reality.”

One recent story perfectly captures the essence of this mission. A hospice patient staying at a comfort home had one final wish: to return to her hometown and bowl one last game at her local alley. It had been the longest stretch she’d gone without bowling, a beloved pastime filled with joy and camaraderie.

With support from hospice staff, transportation was arranged, oxygen supplied, and coordination ensured with a hospice team in her hometown. Surrounded by loved ones, she bowled her final game, creating a memory that will forever be cherished by all who were there. 

While insurance covers many aspects of hospice care, it does not account for costs associated with fulfilling these special wishes. Contributions to the Annual Appeal help bridge that gap, enabling patients to experience moments of joy, fulfillment, and connection. 

Supporters can donate by visiting bit.ly/hospiceappeal or by completing the form included in the appeal letter sent to past donors and friends of hospice.

“With the community’s help, we can continue making dreams come true and bringing comfort to those we serve,” Andrea Aldinger, HCHF Board President said. “Every donation, no matter the size, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of hospice patients and their families.” 

For more information or to make a gift, please visit bit.ly/hospiceappeal or call 716-372-2106. 

The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation exists to support the mission of HomeCare & Hospice, ensuring that patients and their families across Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, and Wyoming counties receive the comfort and dignity they deserve during life’s final journey. Dedicated to honoring each patient’s wishes, HomeCare & Hospice provides compassionate care and support in patients’ homes or residences, upholding its mission since its inception.

Press Release:

National Home Care & Hospice Month, which was created by Jimmy Carter in 1978, is a month-long celebration that recognizes healthcare professionals who provide care wherever the patient calls home.

HomeCare & Hospice, which proudly serves Cattaraugus, Allegany, Genesee and Wyoming counties, will be taking the time to celebrate their administrators, clinical staff, volunteers, personal care aides and home health aides.

“We have amazing staff who truly provide the best care to our communities,” said Melissa Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer. “We are looking forward to showing our staff even more appreciation throughout the month.”

Special recognition dates are celebrated nationally throughout the month including Home Health Week November 18 - 22.

During Hospice Month in November, local libraries in Arcade, Olean, Wellsville, and Batavia will feature special Hospice displays. These displays will include books from the libraries' own collections, along with informational materials provided by HomeCare & Hospice. Stop by and learn more about hospice care and the valuable resources available to support patients and families.

National Home Care & Hospice Month is a great time to become a volunteer with the organization. HomeCare & Hospice is seeking caring individuals in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee or Wyoming counties who would be interested in becoming hospice volunteers. 

Both patients and their families not only require the help of the medical, aide, spiritual, and social work team provided by HomeCare & Hospice, but also need the support and respite that can be carried out by compassionate members of the community. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteer opportunities, please contact Pat Meek at 585-343-7596.

When facing the challenges of a serious illness, it’s important to remember that the right support can make all the difference. Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life, ensuring that patients and families are never alone on this journey. Don’t wait until the situation feels overwhelming—call now to explore how hospice can help. Anyone can make the first call to hospice—whether it's a doctor, nurse, discharge planner, friend, family member, or the patient. 

Reach out today and discover how we can support you during life’s most difficult times. For more information on services available, please call 585-343-7596. For more information on the history of HomeCare & Hospice, please visit https://homecare-hospice.org/about/.

Press Release:

HomeCare & Hospice proudly serves Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, and Wyoming counties is offering presentations about the services they provide.

HomeCare & Hospice is a licensed home care program allowing patients with short-term needs or chronic conditions to remain safely in their own homes. Hospice and palliative care programs, also available through HCH, are a multi-disciplinary approach to end-of-life care providing physician oversight, nurses, social work, spiritual care, aides, and volunteers to ensure patients and their caregivers’ needs are met wherever they call home.

“Something we hear often is ‘we wish we would have called you sooner’”, said Nikki Wiseman, Chief Nursing Officer at HomeCare & Hospice in Allegany. “We want the communities we serve to understand and know that they have options when it comes to end-of-life care and we look forward to providing more information to local organizations.”

To schedule a presentation at your organization, please contact Nikki Wiseman, HomeCare & Hospice Chief Nursing Officer, at 716-372-2106 or visit www.homecare-hospice.org for more information.

Press Release:

Tailgating, in the context of sporting events, is defined as fans gathering in the stadium parking lot to build excitement for their team's home game. From the backs of their cars and trucks, football fans enjoy food, drinks, and games for hours. It's a tradition unique to American culture and offers a fun, lively experience.

HomeCare & Hospice (HCH) of Batavia is introducing a new event to their Fall lineup – Tailgate Thursday to be held Thursday, November 7 at Batavia Downs beginning at 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

This tailgate event is where you will eat, drink, and play games – basically a tailgate before the football game that night (exchange out the Raven’s M&T Bank Stadium for the Park Place Event Center at Batavia Downs)!

HCH operates with offices in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, and Wyoming Counties. 

"Our staff was tasked with organizing a 'fun' and 'fund' raising event in our northern service area. This time of year, everyone in Western New York is a Bills fan, and we all love chicken wings. What better combination than football, wings, and fun?" stated Melissa Sullivan, HCH Chief Executive Officer.

Tickets are $35 which includes your tailgate pass, wings, additional tailgate foods, and entry into fun and games. The food staff at the Batavia Downs will be (tentatively) serving up wings in these flavors: mild, medium, BBQ, garlic parm, honey garlic, spicy BBQ, Old bay, Original Buffalo, Teriyaki, and lemon pepper. Of course, there will be celery, carrots and bleu cheese – but the menu also includes Buffalo’s Finest Station of house-made potato chips, pizza logs, mini beef on weck, and pretzel bites. Attendees will have 10 wing tix which they can sample/taste from the variety of wings that will be on hand.

“Support from the corporate and business sector plays a vital role in the success of our event. Their involvement helps raise awareness, attract attendees, and spread the message about our cause to a wider audience. With their support, we can reach more people, enhance community engagement, and increase the impact of our fundraising efforts,” added Ms. Sullivan.

The event needs additional local businesses and organizations to become a 12th man sponsor or a blitz backer to put on this FANtastic event. 12th Man OPTION: This option ($250) includes your company logo/name on our poster, social media posts indicating your participation, event signage, and two tickets to the event (value $80). BLITZ Backer OPTION: This option ($500) includes your company name mentioned in radio ads, company logo/name on poster, social media posts, event signage, and four event tickets (value $160).

The complete roster of events is not firmed up yet, but hoping to add music, trivia contests, football toss games, (pre-recorded) football games streamed on tvs, and pre-game of the Bengals – Ravens game.

Tickets will go on sale September 27 online at homecare-hospice.org/events/, at the HomeCare & Hospice office, 29 Liberty St., Suite 6, Batavia or by emailing snegron@homecare-hospice.org. For more information, please call 716-372-2106.

Press Release:

HomeCare & Hospice of Batavia received a $1,000 grant from The WalMart Pharmacy Batavia, 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive to continue helping families
maintain independence at home, with compassion.

Melissa Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of HomeCare &Hospice, stated, “It’s an incredible
honor to be chosen for a SparkGood grant. HomeCare & Hospice depends greatly on donations, grants, and fundraisers to raise awareness of our services. Being selected from among the many nonprofits in Genesee County is truly humbling.”

HomeCare & Hospice is a multi-disciplinary approach to end-of-life care.  It brings together a team of nurses, physicians, social workers, spiritual care providers, aide staff and volunteers to provide the care necessary to allow a patient to pass away, peacefully in a dignified manner in their own homes. This program provides quality pain and symptom management so that the patient's final days, weeks, months have as much quality of life as possible.

The ability to manage a patient's symptoms also reduces stress on caregivers, family, and friends.  It also
prevents unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency room visits.  Hospice makes it possible for patients to pass in their own homes.

According to the SparkGood website, the grants are awarded to a variety of organizations, such
as animal shelters, elder services, and community clean-up projects. In FY2023, their stores
and Sam’s clubs provided more than $45 million in local grants.

Somnit Wilson, Walmart Pharmacy Manager, added, “Why did I choose HCH for this grant? End-of-life care is often overlooked in many communities, yet hospice offers invaluable support to families. It provides essential care that brings comfort and healing to those navigating the end-of-life journey.”

Press Release:

HomeCare & Hospice celebrated 10 years at its current location on Liberty Street in Batavia in November 2013. Several employees also reached milestones at the Batavia office in 2023: Patricia Meek, Sandra Grant, and Megan Morlock.

HomeCare & Hospice (HCH) helps maintain independence at home with compassion in communities throughout Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, and Wyoming counties. 

Patricia Meek is the volunteer coordinator for HCH. When asked about her time with HCH for twenty years (!), Ms. Meek stated, “After my 30 years as a teacher in the Rochester School district, I am now spending time on the opposite end of life – dignity in dying. What we do here at hospice is remarkable and I thoroughly enjoy making connections for people.” 

From the aides to the nurses, Ms. Meeks connects staff and volunteers with our patients. It was an eye-opener for her when she applied what she learned from her many years with HCH to keep her partner, Harvey Granite alive with serious CHF, renal disease, and COPD for 3 wonderful years. 

Sandra Grant was recognized for her fifteen years with the organization. She started out as a part-time RN providing hospice care and now is currently a per diem homecare RN for Wyoming and Genesee County. “I love providing education, comfort, and compassion to our patients – I have learned so much from those I’ve cared for throughout the years.”

“Working at HCH has made me value the little things in life. It has made me appreciate life’s lessons more. I love what I do – my heart is with hospice,” added Megan Morlock. Mrs. Morlock celebrated five years of service with HCH. She started out as an RN care coordinator out of Little Valley (HCH office) and is currently the Nursing Services Manager. 

The employees were recently recognized at the Batavia office with the senior staff team. The three employees were recognized with an achievement certificate, pizza, cake, and a gift. 

Kim Pauly, Human Resources Director, HomeCare & Hospice and Total Senior Care commended the staff, “Please know that you are an important member of our team, and your abilities and contributions are an important part of our continued success.

HomeCare & Hospice encompasses a licensed home care program allowing patients with short-term needs or chronic conditions to remain in their own homes and a hospice program providing medical care and emotional support for patients and their families coping with a terminal illness. Both focus on quality of life.

For more information, please call 585-343-7596, visit homecare-hospice.org, or email lgeorge@homecare-hospice.org.

Press release:

The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation is gearing up for its 24^th Annual Spring Bouquet Flower Sale, a fundraiser held every March to benefit members of our community facing medical difficulties.

Proceeds from these vivacious yet inexpensive bouquet sales will benefit terminally ill hospice patients and their families throughout Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee and Wyoming counties, who will also receive free bouquets complements of HomeCare & Hospice and Western New Yorkers like you. Proceeds will also support services for the frail, elderly, disabled and those recovering from advanced illness.

A traditional bouquet, consisting of nine vibrant floral stems, is an $8 donation while the larger, more lavish Bouquet of Hope, consisting of 18 floral stems, is a $15 donation.

Bouquet orders can be placed at all HomeCare & Hospice offices, online here, and through hundreds of volunteers at workplaces in communities served by HomeCare & Hospice, or by contacting Ellen Brokaw at 585-343-7596 or emailing her at ebrokaw@homecare-hospice.org.

“Last year we raised over $16,000 to benefit our patients,” said Nick O’Keefe, development coordinator for HomeCare & Hospice. “It truly is a wonderful and easy way to benefit the community, and bring Spring to life in Western New York.”

Orders are now being accepted and should be placed by Feb. 7^th. The bouquets will then be delivered during the week of March 5^th. A free delivery service will be provided for those ordering at least four bouquets. Others may choose one of five HomeCare & Hospice regional offices for pickup.

HomeCare & Hospice, a nonprofit United Way agency, provides specialized medical care and social/emotional support for patients and families coping with life-limiting illness in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee and Wyoming counties.

HomeCare & Hospice Foundation Inc. sponsored its first OctoberFest on Saturday night at Batavia Downs.

From information provided by HomeCare & Hospice: 

Help HomeCare & Hospice Foundation Inc. raise funds for area patients and families by participating in its inaugural October Fest on Saturday, Oct. 21.

The event, sponsored by Overhead Door of Batavia, National Fuel, and Stan’s Harley-Davidson, will take place from 6 – 9 p.m. in the Paddock Room at Batavia Downs. It is located at 8315 Park Road, Batavia.

The October Fest will include 25+ vendors for beer, wine, and food tasting, live harness racing, a cash bar, DJ, 50/50 drawing, and more than $2,000 worth of basket raffle prizes! With the purchase of a $25 pre-sale ticket or $30 at the door, you will receive $10 of free play, food, wine and beer sampling vouchers, and a sandwich or bratwurst.

You must be 21 years of age or older to register for and be admitted to the event. Please bring a valid ID the day of the event.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the HomeCare & Hospice in Batavia, located at 29 Liberty St., or the Warsaw office at 450 N. Main St. You can also purchase tickets at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce (8276 Park Road, Batavia), Big Pauly’s Pizza (314 Ellicott St., Batavia), or online at HomeCare-Hospice.org/October-Fest.

Special discounted tickets for designated drivers are available for $15. Discounts are also available at the Batavia Downs Hotel for the night of the event. If you are interested, please call the Batavia Downs Hotel at (585) 815-7000 and mention HomeCare & Hospice.

HomeCare & Hospice is also seeking volunteers to help during the event. If you would like to find out more about volunteering or to pre-register for the October Fest, please call Nick O’Keefe at (800) 719-7129 or email him at nokeefe@homecare-hospice.org.

About HomeCare & Hospice

HomeCare & Hospice is a nonprofit organization serving a large population in Western New York. Our focus is on providing patient care as a person enters the later stages to end stage of life, and on alleviating the stress this can cause their families. We do this through providing care within the home and keeping hospital stays to a minimum. We operate on two levels – Providing licensed homecare services as well as hospice services.

To reach HomeCare & Hospice's administrative office in Olean, call (716) 372-5735.

Press release:

The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation has launched its 2015 Annual Appeal to increase support and awareness for its hospice care services in Genesee and Wyoming counties.

“Thanks to generous donations we receive every year, we are able to provide compassionate and quality care to patients in a way that enables them to make the most of their final days with friends and family close by,” said Kathleen Neeson, HomeCare & Hospice development manager.

As the need for hospice services continues to grow throughout rural Western New York, community support becomes increasingly important to HomeCare & Hospice.

To make a donation to HomeCare & Hospice, visit www.HomeCare-Hospice.org/appeal or call Neeson at 1-800-719-7129.

Contributions made to the agency help provide patients with necessary medications and medical equipment, the expertise of physicians, skilled nurses and aides, and the emotional support of social workers and spiritual care professionals.

“We at HomeCare & Hospice often proudly voice our mission of ‘Today, make a difference,’” said Carol L. Mahoney, HomeCare & Hospice CEO. “We are able to make meaningful differences in many lives because of the wonderful generosity of our community members.”

Gifts to the HomeCare & Hospice Foundation are tax deductible.

Press release:

The HomeCare & Hospice Guild’s 21st Annual Spring Bouquet Sale is set for March 4 and 5.

Traditional bouquets, consisting of nine vibrant floral stems, and a larger Bouquet of Hope, consisting of 18 floral stems, will be for sale at HomeCare & Hospice offices in Batavia at 29 Liberty St. (and 450 N. Main St., Warsaw).

Proceeds benefit terminally ill patients and their families in Genesee and Wyoming counties. HomeCare & Hospice is the only Medicare-certified hospice provider in those counties. Proceeds will also support services for the frail elderly, disabled and those recovering from advanced illness.

Contact Kathleen Neeson at 1-800-719-7129 or kneeson@homecare-hospice.org, or visit www.homecare-hospice.org for more information.

Press release:

The HomeCare & Hospice Guild is looking for some extra hands to help with its annual Spring Bouquet Sale.

Guild members have held spring flower sales each of the last 20 years and once again plan on distributing bouquets throughout Genesee County in early March. Proceeds will benefit the HomeCare & Hospice Foundation.

To make the event a success, volunteers are needed to sort flowers on March 1 or deliver flowers on March 2 and 3 to businesses that have made pre-sale orders. Volunteers can also assist with on-site sales beginning March 4.

Drivers for flower delivery are the greatest need. Those wishing to volunteer are asked to please call toll-free at 1-800-719-7129 or e-mail Kathleen Neeson at kneeson@homecare-hospice.org

To pre-order a Spring Bouquet or learn more about HomeCare & Hospice services, visit <http://www.homecare-hospice.org> or call 1-800-719-7129.

HomeCare & Hospice, a nonprofit United Way agency, provides specialized medical care and social/emotional support for patients and families coping with life-limiting illness in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee and Wyoming counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Tickets are still available but going fast for HomeCare & Hospice’s Third Annual Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Batavia Downs Grandstands Bar and Grille.

Proceeds from the event benefit the HomeCare & Hospice Foundation.

Tickets are $40 each, $70 a couple and include $15 in casino free play and a New Orleans-style buffet dinner. Tickets can be ordered online at www.homecare-hospice.org or by calling Linda Cummings, HomeCare & Hospice development manager, at 877-277-2615.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. A cash bar with drink specials will be available throughout the evening. The event will also include live musical entertainment by M.A.C. and a Chinese auction with a chance to win an overnight stay for two at the International Plaza Hotel in Toronto and two club-level tickets to the Buffalo Sabres game against the Chicago Blackhawks on March. 9.

HomeCare & Hospice’s Mardi Gras is sponsored by WBTA-AM 1490 in Batavia.

HomeCare & Hospice, a non-profit United Way agency, provides specialized medical care and social/emotional support for patients and families coping with life-limiting illness in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee and Wyoming counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.