First Inpatient Hospice Facility in Region Opens Its Doors

Feldman, Kleidman, Collins & Sappe LLP Joins Hudson Valley Hospice on “In Touch” Podcast to Discuss

For more than 15 years, the team at Feldman, Kleidman, Collins & Sappe LLP (FKC&S) have been supporting Hudson Valley Hospice, a non-profit health-care agency that provides a full spectrum of compassionate care and support services to individuals, and their loved ones, who are faced with life-limiting illnesses. On December 11, 2023, the organization officially opened the first freestanding hospice house to provide all levels of hospice care, general inpatient, respite and homecare in Dutchess and Ulster Counties. Hudson Valley Hospice expects to serve more than 1,000 patients and their families at the facility each year.

To discuss Hudson Valley Hospice House’s opening, Jeffrey M. Feldman, founding partner of FKC&S and first vice chairperson Hudson Valley Hospice Board of Directors, and Lisa A. Wilson, executive director of the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation and vice president of Marketing at Hudson Valley Hospice, recently sat down for an interview with and Conor Walsh, host of “In Touch”, the award-winning public affairs and issues program that runs across Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley radio stations. You can listen to their interview on a variety of platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.

Jeff and Lisa shared about Hudson Valley Hospice’s wide breadth of services which include the family and loved ones of patients every step of the way. They emphasized the comfort and expert care that the organization can provide, allowing people to focus on spending quality time with their loved ones instead of carrying the weight of decision-making, caregiving and grieving on their own. They also discussed the toll this time of year can take on those who are navigating hard times.

“It’s about community. We have an incredible community and especially during the holidays they need support,” said Lisa. “Life doesn’t just stop for the holidays. People are struggling and I want them to know that we are here for them through the holidays and through their lifetimes… Whoever needs us, we’re here to help.”

At Hudson Valley Hospice House, individualized care plans are developed for each patient, which is staffed by a range of professionals including physicians and nurses, social workers, home health aides, chaplains, bereavement social workers, music therapists, volunteers and end-of-life doulas. Each care plan is constantly reviewed and amended to meet the needs of patients as their journeys progress.

Constructed by Mid Hudson Construction Management, the 16,000 square foot, single story facility is located on seven wooded acres on Route 9G in Hyde Park and affords people the opportunity to stay close to their loved ones as they receive 24/7 care in a home-like setting. Hudson Valley Hospice House includes 14 private patient suites with private baths, individual room temperature control and furniture for loved ones to stay overnight. All of the suites are equipped to handle general inpatient (hospital) patients and two suites can be converted for pediatric patient care. The facility also boasts spacious dining and gathering rooms where people can convene, including a sanctuary and tranquil meditative garden.

During the “In Touch” interview, Jeff, who will assume the role of chairperson for the Hudson Valley Hospice Board of Directors commencing January 1, 2024, described a phone call he recently received from a friend’s daughter who was concerned about next steps with her father’s care. Jeff shared information about Hudson Valley Hospice House for her and her mom to consider, and they became one of the first families served by the new facility.

In a post about the Hudson Valley Hospice House earlier this year, Jeff shared: “Seeing this dream come to fruition has been the highlight of my time as a volunteer with Hudson Valley Hospice. After receiving in-home hospice care for the past two months, my mother passed away on August 27. She was cared for 24/7 by a terrific caregiver, but being at home was not without its unique challenges. When I spoke about the importance of the Hudson Valley Hospice House to donors at a gathering this summer, I couldn’t help but think that if my mom had been in a facility like this, she would have had the chance to receive 24/7 skilled nursing care in a home-like setting. Thanks to Hudson Valley Hospice House, countless people like my mom will receive vital care and comfort while surrounded by loved ones in their own community, at a time when they need it most.”

To learn more and donate, visit www.hvhospice.org/hospicehouse or call 845-240-7609.

Listen to the interview below: