Frequently Asked Questions

Life expectancy averages three months or less.

Referrals are typically from a physician, a hospital, or the local Hospice Provider. However, referrals can come from individuals as well.

Most of our residents come from the tri-county area. It is rare to serve someone from another area, though consideration may be given if they are eligible and a bed is open.

Yes, there are. Some examples are: people who have contagious illnesses, people who require isolation, or people who have open wounds or severe dysfunction.

No. Bampa's House serves terminally ill individuals regardless of age or diagnosis.

Bampa’s House is a home for terminally ill individuals who are near death. Admission to Bampa’s House is based on the demonstrated need of the applicant, and preference is given to terminally ill individuals who cannot receive adequate care at home. Bampa’s House can accommodate up to two residents at a time. Each resident has their own private bedroom, bathroom, and outdoor deck. There are shared spaces including a fully stocked kitchen, dining area, library, family room, and serenity garden that the residents can enjoy with their family and friends. There is even room for family members to stay with their loved ones if needed.

In addition to the volunteers, there are usually 2-3 employees, including a full-time Nurse Director, a part-time Volunteer Coordinator, and a part-time Fundraising Coordinator. Volunteers typically provide care for the residents, though some volunteers choose to clean, perform lawn care, cook, or perform other jobs around the house.

Hospice services are provided by CareFirst, the professional Hospice coordinator for Steuben, Chemung, and Schuyler counties.

Volunteers come from many sources: some from newspaper ads, others are word of mouth, friends of friends, etc.

Bampa’s House serves as a residence for terminally ill individuals. Care is provided by trained volunteer caregivers and the resident’s family and friends. CareFirst, the local hospice organization, is responsible for the provision of hospice care to residents. Bampa’s House is not a nursing facility, hospital, or treatment center; rather, it is a comfortable, home-like environment. Its focus is on comfort care. The staff and volunteers at Bampa’s House do not administer IV fluid for hydration, tube feedings, or CPR. They do, however, do their best to alleviate symptoms and make the resident as comfortable as possible.

Volunteers usually take the hours from 7am-11pm. They work for four hours at a time, and up to two volunteers may be needed at one time. Therefore, 56 volunteers are needed per week. Paid caregivers work the shift from 11pm-7am. Therefore, 7 paid caregivers are needed per week.

Bampa's House trained volunteers and staff are surrogate caretakers for our residents, providing 24/7 care similar to what a loved one would provide in the resident's own home. Bampa's House also provides the physical home for our residents. CareFirst employees provide support to supplement the 24/7 care already provided by our home. Their services are federal and state certified and may extend to include nursing, spiritual care, social work, and counseling, depending on the individual's needs. Their services are offered in many different settings, including comfort care homes.

Volunteers are welcome to fill any four hour slot. Typically, the late night/early morning shift is filled by per-diem staff.

The home is called Bampa’s House because it was established in honor of Jim Dugan, a native of Corning, whose grandchildren nicknamed him Bampa.

There are few options for people needing end-of-life care in the tri-county area. Bampa’s House will provide an alternate to the area residents. The next closest comfort care home is over 45 miles away.

Visiting hours are not limited. Families or close friends may even stay overnight if needed.

No. Each resident has their own private bedroom and bathroom.

The nearest home in Steuben County is in Wayland, NY, about 45 miles away from Corning.

Bampa's House is located at 170 East First Street in Corning, NY. Click here for Google Maps.

Bampa's House has a stocked kitchen. Volunteers prepare meals for the residents. Families are also welcome to cook.

This is a community-funded service. Funds come from several sources including annual fundraisers, corporate sponsorships, grants, annual appeals to the community, memorials/bequests, and other sources.

Yes. Bampa's House is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.

While this depends a good deal on the various utilities, salaries, etc., a good average operating budget is $250,000 - $300,000.

Nothing! Neither residents nor their families are charged for use of the home. Bampa's House is supported through monetary and in-kind donations, grants, and fundraising efforts.

Most people would choose to spend their final days in their own home rather than in a nursing home or hospital. However, caregiving for terminally ill individuals can be overwhelming to their family and friends. A comfort care home provides an alternative to traditional nursing homes or hospitals, providing care in a home-like setting and giving the resident’s family and friends a break from the strain of providing care.

Yes, there are a few people who actually get better under this type of care. Some have been moved to Palliative care at other facilities.

A Comfort Care Home is defined by New York State as having up to two beds.

The goal of comfort care is to prevent and/or alleviate suffering during the dying process. Comfort care does nothing to hasten or prolong a person’s natural dying process. It is similar to palliative care in that its goal is to minimize pain and suffering. However, palliative care can be received by patients at any time, whether their illness is terminal or not. Comfort care focuses solely on end-of-life care.

A Hospice House as regulated by New York State has three or more beds.

Up to two residents are cared for at any one time.