A FIRST IN MID-HUDSON VALLEY

A home for the dying is a care model currently thriving in locations in northern New York State since 1984, where terminally ill patients and their families have found this viable end-of-life option to be a welcome alternative.

After oncology social worker Elise Lark discovered the concept she brought her vision to local healthcare professionals and community leaders in Ulster County. In 2012, Barbara Sarah and Laurie Schwartz joined with Lark to launch Circle of Friends for the Dying (CFD)*, a non-profit organization chartered to open a home for the dying here, serving those with the greatest need and the fewest options. At the time, there were no comfort care options in the 

Mid-Hudson Valley, which underscored the urgency of CFD’s mission.

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* CFD's website◼︎

OVERCHARGING FOR TRANSFER OF REMAINS

The Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule does not allow for a sliding scale of costs for "first call pickup" based on the number of personnel sent or the time or the place of death. 

A cease and desist order, dated April 25, 2023, was sent to the New York State Funeral Directors by the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Funeral Directing.◼