FAQ

Abraham House is designed to care for individuals with a terminal diagnosis who have reached the end of curative therapy options, are seeking comfort care at the end of life, and need around the clock supervision. Guests of Abraham House have  typically received a prognosis of 3 months or less. We welcome all individuals regardless of diagnosis, gender, religion, race or financial status. Admission to Abraham House is not based on income. All guests must have a signed MOLST or DNR.

Everyone’s journey is unique. General guidelines are one or more of the following:
When your loved one’s care needs become difficult to manage or overwhelming for family members.
When you feel like a full time caregiver instead of a wife, daughter, son, etc,.
When you notice that the family member who is providing care is getting run down.
When your loved ones appetite starts to decrease.
When your loved one starts to experience falls.
When your loved one’s pain is too difficult to manage.
When you can no longer physically move, turn, bathe your loved one.
When 24 hour supervision becomes necessary.

Over the last 25 years, Abraham House has developed a reputation for excellence. Our caregivers are the best at what they do, our guest to caregiver ratio is lower than any other facility, and our houses are the next best thing to home. Your loved one will receive unparalleled care, and you will regain peace of mind and the ability to simply be family again.

Yes. We accept guests with oxygen, catheters, colostomies, feeding tubes, IV pumps, and tracheotomies. We evaluate each guest on a case by case basis to ensure that we can safely and appropriately care for his or her needs.

Our caregiver to guest ratio is never more than 1:3 so each guest can receive compassionate and individualized care. This is one factor that sets Abraham House apart from other facilities.

All Abraham House services are provided completely free of charge. You will never get a bill for services. Most families are so well served that they choose to give back in a variety of capacities – financial gifts, volunteering, fundraiser participation, supporting our thrift store, etc. For Hospice’s role in our homes, they are compensated the daily hospice rate from Medicaid.

Abraham House and Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc are 2 completely separate organizations that collaborate together to provide the best care for individuals facing terminal illnesses. Our roles are very different. Abraham House provides the residence, 24 hour caregiving, meals, social and emotional support, and other amenities. Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc, provides the medical care plan and oversight. Any house or caregiver related issues are to be directed to Abraham House management. Any medical questions should be directed to the assigned Hospice staff member.

It is possible to tour either Abraham House location, Utica or Rome. However, because of the nature of our organization we ask that you call first so that we can ask our guests’ permission to have outside visitors. Maintaining our guests dignity, privacy and comfort is our first priority.

Yes. With the ability to host multiple families at once, both Abraham House locations are able to provide accommodations to out of town family members, long time spouses, etc who request to stay temporarily at the home. We have full living quarters located in the upstairs sections of each home. We also have an easy lift chair in each guest room if family members wish to stay right alongside their loved one.

Abraham House caregivers provide all direct care, hygienic care, and medication administration according to Hospice care plan. We also provide simple meals, snacks, and beverages. However, families are always welcome to bring in favorite foods. We provide daily laundry services, bathing, and linen changes. Companionship is also provided within our homes.

Yes. As long as your loved one is physically capable of handling an excursion, you may sign him/her out. You will be asked to complete a Release of Responsibility/Leave of Absence form. You must assume responsibility for administering medication during that time, and you will need to take the MOLST or DNR with you.

Family members are allowed to visit 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The only time that visitation would be limited is with family consent in the event that our guests become overwhelmed or exhausted. Again, our main goal is the comfort and dignity of our guests.

We do allow well behaved pets to visit who are flea and disease free and up to date on all immunizations. Please bring a current copy of vaccination record with you. Pets must be on a leash while in common areas of home. They may be taken off leash when in private guest rooms.

All care given is provided by  Abraham House caregivers who are thoroughly trained to provide the best possible care. Our caregivers work around the clock.

Yes, it is necessary for our guests to be a patient of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. We coordinate care with our local Hospice, who develops a medical care plan and provides oversight of all medications, guest assessments, and medical care. The Hospice Nurse sets up our guests’ medications and coordinates care between the Hospice team, our team and our guest’s own physician. Hospice is available through their on-call system 24 hours a day if we have any questions or concerns. We can admit guests who are currently in the hospital, a nursing home, or at home. If you are not currently a Hospice patient, you can be admitted to Hospice and to Abraham House at the same time without delay. Calling Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. Admissions at 315-735-6484 Ext. 3 to request an evaluation is a great first step.

All services at Abraham House are offered absolutely free of charge.  We also do not receive insurance reimbursement for our services. We have been working diligently to increase our occupancy rate, which means offering more services to more terminally ill people and their families.  This also means that we have the associated increased expenses. We rely on the financial generosity of the community through individual donations, memorial donations, small grants and fundraising events in order to continue operating.

When we have 2 or more beds available, we do consider accepting short stays of 10 days or less. All other eligibility criteria must be met. Short stays can be facilitated through Hospice and Palliative Crae, Inc.

We have donation envelopes, which can be used for donations of cash, checks or credit cards available at both houses or you can request they be sent to you. We accept all major credit cards.  You can also send a check to Abraham House at 1203 Kemble Street, Utica, NY 13501.  Please identify who the donation is in memory of and the full name and address of the person who you want Abraham House to notify that a donation was made in memory of their loved one. (Donation amounts are kept confidential). You will receive a thank you letter for your donation that can be used for tax deduction purposes. Donations can also be made through PayPal via our website at www.theabrahamhouse.org or over the phone by calling 315-733-8210.

Yes. In addition to memorial donations, Abraham House also accepts general donations to help us continue our mission of providing the best possible care for our terminally ill guests. We have been in business since 1998 due to the financial generosity of our community.

Giving a planned gift to Abraham House will ensure that our mission continues. Planned Gifts include bequests through a will, setting up a charitable remainder trust, naming Abraham House as beneficiary to life insurance policies or retirement plans and/or gifts of tangible personal property. Please consult your own legal, accounting, estate, and other professional advisors as you consider options for giving to Abraham House. We feel privileged that you are interested in supporting the loving care we give to the terminally ill.

Please contact Gina Ciaccia · Abraham House Executive Director
gciaccia@theabrahamhouse.org
(315) 733-8210 or info@theabrahamhouse.org
1203 Kemble Street, Utica, NY 13501