Support Through Difficult Transitions
Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo families are 10% more likely to recommend us compared to the national average.
to take on the day
When a serious illness changes everything, it can feel like you’ve lost control. At Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo, we can help you take it back.
We believe every moment matters. As Erie County’s only certified hospice, we focus on helping you live each moment with peace and purpose, so you can focus on what truly matters: making the most of your time with your family.
Understanding Hospice Care
It’s a common misconception that choosing hospice and palliative care means giving up. The truth is, it’s taking control.
It means shifting away from aggressive treatments that may be painful or offer no chance of success, and instead finding the peace of mind, the comfort of enhanced quality of life, and the confidence to take each day as it comes.
The time to call is at the onset of a prognosis of six months or less, so patients and families can live comfortably with greater peace of mind.
Answers to Common Questions
Hospice and palliative care both involve pain and symptom management to improve quality of life for a patient, and both can be delivered wherever a person calls home. However, there are important distinctions.
Hospice care:
- Is available when an illness is terminal with a six-months-or-less prognosis.
- Includes personal, emotional, social, and spiritual support in addition to medical treatment for patients.
- Includes support for patient families.
- Is covered by most health plans, Medicare, and Medicaid, making it available to everyone.
Palliative care:
- Can be provided at any point after a serious illness diagnosis, even while receiving treatment.
- Focuses on symptom relief, comfort, and support for patients and families.
- Is covered by certain commercial health plans or private pay.
Seeking hospice care means finding comfort and dignity through serious illness. In fact, many of our patients live longer because they’re no longer receiving exhaustive treatments and instead experience a better quality of life with their loved ones.
We're dedicated to providing the right amount of care at the right moment. If your condition improves, you can discontinue hospice care at any time and resume curative treatments.
Hear From Our Families
Joy To Take on the Day
Anne, Mother and Hospice Patient at Home
All of them are just so kind. They’re just like a part of our family. It’s not like strangers coming in. It’s like our family is coming in, which I think is fabulous.
For Anne, Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo offered her a sense of community and support. Hear how her nurse, Jennifer, and other members of her care team became like family and what that means to her.
Watch Anne's Testimonial
Peace of Mind To Take on the Day
Alexis, Daughter and Caregiver
They bring in complete sunshine when they come in. They’re wonderful. They’re caring. They’re joyful. They’re there to hug me when I cry or laugh.
Even as a nurse of 40 years, Alexis didn’t fully know what hospice care would entail for her mother, Anne’s, care. But when her mom had a difficult spell, Alexis found comfort knowing she wasn’t navigating it alone.
Watch Alexis's Testimonial
Courage To Take on the Day
Mark, Husband and Buffalo Hospice Patient at Home
I’ll tell you, everybody at hospice is just wonderful. You’re all in a good mood. I don’t know how you are in a good mood all the time.
After his cancer diagnosis, Mark’s biggest concern wasn’t about himself. It was making sure his wife would be taken care of. Hear how the Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo team’s consistently positive approach helped Mark and his wife navigate uncertainty with grace, living day to day while making the most of every moment.
Watch Mark's Testimonial
Confidence To Take on the Day
Michael, Husband and Caregiver
Being a caregiver for someone with dementia is such a claustrophobic and lonely existence. With the help of Hospice Buffalo, I gained so much confidence in myself and in my abilities to care for my wife.
Michael felt overwhelmed caring for his wife Colleen at home. Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo helped him become the caregiver he wanted to be. After Colleen passed away, Michael continued his healing journey through our grief support program, finding resilience that helped him move forward.
Watch Michael's Testimonial
Tranquility To Take on the Day
Ida Jean, Daughter and Volunteer
A lot of people have the fear that hospice is end of life, but it’s not. It’s just a beginning—a very peaceful and loving one.
Ida Jean’s journey started in 2003 during one of life’s most vulnerable moments: supporting a seriously ill parent. The compassionate care she and her family received inspired her to volunteer for over 20 years, giving back the same "unending love and care" that she witnessed. Hear how she found peace in what many fear, and why she calls the hospice team her "earth angels."
Watch Ida Jean's Testimonial
Faith To Take on the Day
Paul, Husband and Caregiver
Hospice has been a godsend for me and my family.
When Paul’s wife was diagnosed with brain cancer, Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo made it possible for her to remain at home surrounded by love. Hear the incredible story about her final evening, when friends and family gathered to visit, sharing stories and laughter.
Watch Paul's TestimonialStay Connected With Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo
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How We Support You
Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo helps address more than patients' physical symptoms. We take a holistic approach to care that includes medical support as well as care for patients’ and caregivers’ emotional and spiritual well-being.
Care and Symptom Management
Your team, including your doctor, nurses, and existing providers, all work together to support your care
Emotional and Spiritual Support
Social workers, chaplains, and counselors understand that serious illness affects the whole person.
Caregiver and Family Resources
Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo cares for patients and their loved ones through in-home assistance and 13 months of bereavement counseling.
Help at Home
We provide regular scheduled visits from health aides, a round-the-clock call center, and medical equipment and medications delivered to your door.
Care That Counts
Peace of Mind
We’ve earned a Five-Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
There When You Need
Patients receive 30% more hospice visits in their final days than the national average.
Committed to Excellent Care
We rank in the top 15% nationally for quality based on the Family Caregiver Survey.
You Don’t Have To
Navigate This Alone
Many people wait too long after a serious illness diagnosis before they connect with us, but being proactive can mean a better quality of life and a longer life. Contacting us before you and your loved one is in crisis means peace of mind, reduced emergency room visits, and fewer hospitalizations.
Whether you have recently received a serious diagnosis, are caring for a loved one through illness, or simply want to explore your options, we’re here for you. Every conversation is confidential, compassionate, and centered on the care that’s right for you and your family.