Benefiting Organization

Abraham House provides terminally ill guests and their families a safe and loving home, with all the support needed for dignified end of life care, free of any financial burden.

Abraham House was founded in 1998, when beloved local physician Dr. A.L. Shaheen recognized a gap in existing services for individuals facing terminal illnesses, and donated his 2-bed Utica home to be used to deliver cost-free end of life care. Abraham House has been providing our terminally ill guests and their families a safe and loving home, with all the support needed for dignified end of life care, free of any financial burden ever since. In 2019, we expanded and opened a 6-bed community care facility in the neighboring community of Rome.

Our social model hospice homes are community-supported homes providing 24-hour care for terminally ill individuals and their loved ones, when dying at home becomes unmanageable. Based on that of a family caring for their loved one at home, social model hospices are residences, separate and distinct from the medical hospice services that are provided within the home by a state licensed hospice agency.

Abraham House operates the only homes of this kind within the 3 counties of Oneida, Madison, and Herkimer.

We provide guests with a safe and secure home environment as well as the compassion and comfort of a surrogate family through our round the clock caregivers. We honor their wishes and protect their dignity at all times by focusing on individualized guest centered care.

Our home provides the landscape for families to spend quality time together. We pride ourselves on caring for their loved ones so family members can focus on simply caring about them. Abraham House is not a place where our guests come to die; rather it is a home for them to complete their living.

Most of our guests have wonderful, supportive, loving and present family members. But because we serve guests and families without charge, we’re often the only option for those who live alone, lack family support, are homeless, or lack the resources to pay for skilled nursing or private care facilities.

Death, something we will all face someday, is a topic that is difficult to talk about and an experience that is unpleasant. Our mission is to shape a healthier death experience with a focus on home and family, by providing the social and emotional support that guests, families, and friends need to reach acceptance and savor the remaining time they have to spend together.

Terminal illness does not discriminate against race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, or socio economic status and neither do we. Our admissions are based purely on level of need, and we open our homes and our arms to anyone with a terminal diagnosis and a prognosis of 3 months or less.

Testimonials

It was a privilege to use the service of AH who provide outstanding care and concern for their guests, those who occupy a bed and those who visit. The facility is well managed, and the staff is well suited and well trained for this ministry.

The home caregivers at Abraham House along with Hospice went way beyond their expectations. They always checked in on my father, they engaged in conversation with him, kept him clean and followed recommendations from Hospice. His favorite color was orange, and they found bedding sheets and blankets that were orange and made his bed in that color.

It was comforting leaving at night knowing she was in good hands and being taken care of when we were no longer able to take care of her at home.

We really appreciate a room upstairs for a family member to stay in and be close by. Thank you so much for this service.

Abraham House made dads transition as pleasant as they could. The hospital cares for patients, but Abraham House cared for MY DAD.

Please accept my gratitude for what you do in the most difficult times. Mom’s quick decline was traumatic, but being able to trust Abraham House helped.

The Rome home was set up perfectly for my ability to be with my dad in a home setting. Even a brief encounter with other families was wonderful. I was not alone through my dad’s stay.

Lindas end of life care was more than anticipated. Having her at Abraham House allowed family to just relax and be there for her without worry.

We could not be more thankful and grateful for your services. The welcoming and compassionate care that is provided to patients and their families is top notch. You are all truly angels on earth!

I feel they performed excellent care because they treated my mother with the utmost dignity and respect. Throughout her stay they took care of her every need along with our family. They made us feel included in her care and allowed us to have a say in every aspect of her care. This was important to us given our traumatic experiences with mother’s previous hospital stays. Each staff member had a unique characteristic in which they interacted with our mother and family, and every single caretaker provided the same level of excellent care. You can tell they truly enjoyed their job and were passionate about how they cared for her.

The caregivers were exceptional. They treated not only my uncle with care, but we also were treated like family.

I truly cannot thank the staff enough who took care of my dad. The most caring and compassionate people I have ever met. I felt so much peace and comfort knowing my dad was in such great hands.

Abraham House allows you to let your guard down and be there for your loved one 100% instead of being their caretaker. It allows you to begin the grieving process in a safe and nurturing environment. The staff have an uncanny sense of knowing when you need space and private time, as well as when you need support or a shoulder to cry on.

The staff made it feel like a true home away from home. They anticipated all the guests’ needs and always went above and beyond to make sure everybody was cared for. No need ever went unmet during and after our stay. From the executives to the care staff, every person was extremely caring, nurturing, and empathetic. They all felt like an extension of our family, and we are truly grateful for having them by our side during our most difficult time. They will all hold a special place in our hearts.

Past Recipients

2025
Thea Bowman House

2023
Make-A-Wish Central New York

2019
The ARC, Oneida Lewis – Chefs Express Program

2018
The Kelberman Center

2017
Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program

2016
United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area and The Stanley Theatre

2015
Upstate Cerebral Palsy

2014
YWCA

2013
Utica Safe Schools Healthy Student

2012
Stevens-Swan Humane Society and The Children’s Museum