Hospice of Jefferson County

Hospices across the country have for years been trying to dispel the “myths” about hospice – that it is only for cancer patients; that it is only for the last few days of life; that it is only for the elderly; that hospice care shortens lives.A recent survey of our community, commissioned by Hospice of Jefferson County and conducted by the Center for Community Studies at Jefferson Community College, demonstrates that clearly the vast majority of Jefferson County residents have a good understanding of what hospice is all about.    Over 90% of respondents know that hospice is available to all age groups; 85% know that patients do not die sooner on hospice (in fact, studies have shown that life expectancy increases); 72% understand that hospice is not just for the very final stages of life; and 77% recognize that hospice serves patients with any terminal illness, not just cancer.

The survey questioned respondents regarding areas of importance to them when considering end-of-life care.  The preference to spend final days at home was overwhelming – 86% of respondents said that was their choice.   Despite that, only 69% of respondents believe that they would be able to receive 24-hour per day support at home if needed.   When asked the question, “If your doctor thinks that you have a terminal illness, would you want to know?” over 94% answered in the affirmative. 

When asked about their primary concerns about end-of-life care, the two most often cited issues were the cost of care (32%) and the pain that might be experienced (31%).  The vast majority of respondents (87%) agreed that it was important to talk to their doctors about the kind of treatment desired at the end-of-life, but only 17% had actually done so.  Less than half of respondents have completed advance care directives.

The results of the survey will be used by Hospice of Jefferson County to evaluate the services it offers the community, and its methods for disseminating information about those services.  Further information about the survey can be obtained by calling Stephen Lyman at 788-7323, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Sunny skies and warm temperatures were enjoyed by 132 golfers participating in the 11^thAnnual Hospice Golf Tournament on July 14, 2011 at the Thousands Islands Golf Club on Wellesley Island.   Golfers competed in teams of four in a Captain and Crew format.  Over $17,000 in prize money was awarded to winners of the competition; the skins game; longest drive, closest to the pin and putting contests. 

 Four teams tied with a score of 58 for the tournament title – Bauer Concrete, Eagle Beverage, North Country Orthopaedic Group, and United Professional Advisors.  In a tie-breaker apparently invented by Old Tom Morris, Bauer Concrete was declared the victor, with the other three teams splitting second, third and fourth place money.  The team from ConTech took fifth place with a 59

While not all of the golfers finished in the money, none went home hungry.   Donuts and coffee were available before tee-off, and lunch, donated and prepared by Savory Café of Watertown, was served all day at three locations around the course.  The day concluded with a buffet at Joey’s catered by Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

As always, the real winners of this event were Hospice patients and families.  The over $70,000 raised this day will enable Hospice to continue to provide the highest level of care to all who need it.  This result was made possible by the generosity of many donors.  

Major donors included:
Davidson Auto Group
Ives Hill Country Club
Coca-Cola
Eagle Beverage
McGrann Paper Corporation
Watertown Savings Bank
Hampton Inn/Comfort Suites & Inn
Lawman Heating & Cooling
Kinney Drugs and Kinney Drugs Foundation
North Country Orthopaedic Group
Otis Technology
Waite Toyota
FX Caprara
Purcell Construction
Knowlton Technologies
Stebbins Engineering and Morgan Management. 
Associate sponsors were:
Matt Doheny
Savory Café and Catering
Widrick Auto Sales
Jreck Subs
Renzi Food Service
Little Caesar’s Pizza
and ConTech Building Systems.
Hole sponsors were:
New York Air Brake
RBC Wealth Management
and Employee Benefit Systems. 

Planning for the 12^thAnnual Tournament is already underway – mark Thursday, July 13, 2012 on the calendar now!