Hospice of Westchester Celebrates 30 Years of Exceptional Care

Hospice of Westchester (HOW), is proud to announce that it is celebrating its 30th Anniversary of providing exceptional hospice services to patients and families throughout the Westchester County community in 2022.

The organization was established in 1992, when Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester and the Ronald M. Alpert Palliative Care Program at White Plains Hospital Center came together to provide comprehensive, end-of-life care to Westchester County residents, eventually becoming the standalone entity it is today, Hospice of Westchester.

HOW’s dedication to the community over the past three decades includes the provision of services that address the medical, physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of its patients. The organization’s programs and services are offered to Westchester County residents of any age who are diagnosed with any life-limiting illness. HOW combines the highest level of quality medical care with the emotional and spiritual support that families need most when caring for a loved one. HOW staff, with their extraordinary skill and compassionate care, guide patients along their most important journey.

From a grassroots staff of 20 individuals when it launched in 1992, the organization today boasts a team of 61 staff members, which includes a medical director, registered nurses, licensed social workers, spiritual counselors, bereavement counselors and certified home health aides, in addition to other departments that include finance, development and public affairs, and administrative support. HOW also has a very active volunteer program of more than 20 specially-educated individuals which augment the professional staff.

Due to the vison and generosity of Anna L. Shereff, the Anna & Louis H. Shereff Caregiver Program was established in 1995 in memory of her late husband. The program assists patients who lack other resources employ a caregiver, which allows them to receive care at home. Mrs. Shereff expanded her sponsorship to include HOW’s Complementary Care Program in 2012. In 2022, Rochelle Shereff further enhanced the Shereff Family’s support to include the HOW Bereavement Program.

In addition to its traditional hospice services, HOW was the first hospice organization in Westchester County to establish a Complementary Care Program in 2000, which further supports the nonprofit’s commitment to increasing the well-being and improving the quality of life of its patients. The Anna & Louis H. Shereff Complementary Care Program provides a variety of therapies including massage, music and art therapies along with reflexology at no cost to the patient.

In 2013, HOW expanded its pediatric palliative care program named Comfort Crew. HOW was the first organization to provide a formalized palliative care program in Westchester County designed specifically for children.

The organization has been considered the “Hospice of Choice” in the Westchester County community since 2009. These services are offered to patients at little or no cost, wherever they reside; in a private residence, an assisted living facility or a skilled nursing facility.

HOW was not immune to the many challenges that were experienced during the last few years as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. However, the organization had a responsibility to care for patients and their families, and continue to be a part of the health care continuum. As an essential healthcare organization, HOW never closed down to admissions, its offices remained open and staff continued to visit patients wherever they resided.

“For 30 years, our goal has been to provide extraordinary and dignified comfort, care and compassion to Westchester residents facing a serious or life-limiting illness and their families,” said Mary K. Spengler, MS, LNHA, Chief Executive Officer, HOW. “At the core of every decision we make, every program and service we offer, it is our relationships with our patients and families that matter most. This relationship defines who we are and it has been an honor to be invited into our patients’ homes to help them and their families along their most important journey.”

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About Hospice of Westchester:

Hospice of Westchester (HOW) is a private, not-for-profit health-care agency that provides skilled, compassionate and comprehensive end-of-life home care to patients diagnosed with any serious or life-limiting illness and gives support to their families and loved ones. Hospice of Westchester is located at 1025 Westchester Avenue, Suite 200, White Plains, NY. For additional information, visit www.hospiceofwestchester.org or call (914) 682-1484. For the latest news and updates, find HOW on Facebook.