Quality Visiting Nurse Services & Hospice Care in New York

Northport, NY – February 24, 2026 − Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk has been named a Best Home Health agency for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report. This recognition comes as part of U.S. News’ first-ever evaluation of home health providers, identifying the top-performing agencies in the United States.

With more than three million patients turning to home health agencies each year, this debut analysis offers a much-needed, independent view of quality. By prioritizing patient outcomes and consumer experience for a predominantly senior population, these ratings provide clarity for families, in consultation with their physicians, making crucial care decisions. Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk earned the “High Performing” designation – the highest level of recognition – for exceeding expectations in care quality and patient experience based on U.S. News’ methodology.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized as one of the nation’s Best Home Health agencies by U.S. News & World Report in their inaugural ratings. This distinction is a testament to the unwavering dedication, compassion, and professionalism of our entire team – our nurses, therapists, aides, and support staff – who go above and beyond every day to ensure our patients receive the highest quality care in the comfort of their homes. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and patient‑centered service is at the heart of everything we do.

Our mission has always been to help individuals and families live as independently and fully as possible, and this recognition affirms the impact of that work. We are profoundly grateful to our patients and their families for their trust, and to our community partners, physicians, and hospitals for their ongoing collaboration. We will continue to work closely with them to deliver the highest quality care for their patients. Together, we will continue striving to set the standard for home health care in Suffolk County,” said Silvia Cota, Chief Executive Officer of Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk.

In the first edition of Best Home Health, U.S. News evaluated more than 12,000 agencies. Just 17% of the agencies U.S. News rated were awarded the Best Home Health designation from U.S. News.

“Earning the Best Home Health distinction is a significant achievement, as it is reserved only for those agencies that satisfy U.S. News’ standards of care quality and patient experience,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News.

The Best Home Health methodology developed by U.S. News leverages two data sets from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Data on care quality measures, including timely initiation of care and outcomes such as potentially preventable hospitalizations, were combined with patient experience surveys to produce the ratings. The ratings and underlying data for each agency, published on USNews.com, provide consumers with the trusted data and clarity they need to confidently choose, in consultation with their health care providers, the right care for a family member or themselves.

Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk’s Fashion Show at The Hamlet Golf & Country Club in Commack was another sold-out success, raising more than $16,000. This annual event is a celebration of fashion and philanthropy, with net proceeds benefiting Hospice House in East Northport. Founded in 2004, Hospice House provides compassionate end of life care to more than 700 patients each year.

Fashions modeled at this event are from The Community Thrift Shop, which serves as a hub where volunteers and community members come together to share laughter, stories, and bargains on men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, accessories, and home goods. The shop’s more than 70 volunteers greet shoppers and donors alike with gratitude and a smile. The Community Thrift Shop is instrumental to VNS & Hospice of Suffolk, last year contributing $60,000 to advance its mission.

Congratulations to Connie Alexander, Hospice Director of Patient Services, on being recognized as one of City & State NY’s Responsible 100 leaders.

This award recognizes executives in New York who share a commitment to making the world a better place.

Learn more about Connie’s role at VNSHS and the other  City & State NY Responsible 100 leaders

The lighting of the trees at the Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk has become a cherished tradition in Northport. The Annual Trees of Light memorial gathered families and friends to honor and remember those who we have cared for in our hospice program. Guests had the opportunity to reconnect with the compassionate staff who cared for their loved ones, sharing heartfelt stories filled with gratitude and treasured memories.

Check out News12’s coverage HERE

On September 10, 2025, Dan’s Papers honored Silvia Cota, CEO of Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk and named her to the Power Women List 2025 in recognition of her outstanding professional accomplishments and successes in healthcare. 

“Silvia Cota’s years of experience and in-depth knowledge have solidified her as a trusted advisor.  Her unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for patients and families navigating complex medical challenges is evident in every aspect of her work. Silvia’s leads a multidisciplinary team with a focus on dignity, empathy, and clinical excellence. As CEO, she oversees the day-to-day operations, strategic growth, and regulatory compliance—all while honoring the founding values of Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk. The impact of Silvia’s work has had a significant impact on so many, as she provides support, compassion, and respect through every stage of care.”        Dan’s Papers                                                                                               

Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk is honored to celebrate Silvia and to be recognized among such an amazing group of leading corporations and non-profits that make Long Island such a great place to live and work. 

Congratulations to all Power Women of the East End 2025 Honorees : Dan’s Power Women of the East End – Schneps Media

Three local students launched Bracelets for a Cause to support Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk. Charlotte and Cammy Titus and Maddie Drago have been handmaking beaded bracelets that they are donating to benefit our hospice program. Each student has had a family member in our care and was inspired to use their talent and time during summer vacation to give back. They were encouraged in their efforts by their mothers Rosalie Drago and Jamie Titus. Maddie’s grandmother and aunt were cared for by the Visting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk and Charlotte and Cammy’s great grandfather received care at Hospice House in Northport. These personal connections have made their work and efforts even more meaningful.

The bracelets which feature the word PEACE symbolizing what hospice brings to patients and families, are $10 each and available for sale at The Community Thrift Shop at 345 Main in Huntington, VNSHS at 505 Main in Northport and online HERE.

The Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk swung into action at their 21st Annual Golf Classic & Inaugural Pickleball Tournament, raising over $80,000 for essential healthcare services. Held at The Hamet Golf & Country Club in Commack on August 11th, more than 175 guests came together in support of Hospice House. A huge shoutout to sponsors, golfers, pickleball players and volunteers for making this year’s Classic a hole-in-one success!

Congratulations to our contest winners:

Closest to the Pin: Debra Kawaller and Joe Tantillo

Closest to the Line: Luke Bosco

Longest Drive: Susan Cody and Matt Burnett

Million Dollar Hole In One: Dominic DeFalco

2^nd Place Team (-11):  John Mackie, Joe Napoli, Rich Pansini, Michael White

1^st Place Team (-12): Jim Capuano, Adam Feldstein, John Giacoppi, Darren Groalski,

VNSHS is proud to present Maggie Taylor with the Helen Strobl Memorial Scholarship. VNS & Hospice of Suffolk awards this scholarship annually to a Northport High School senior who has demonstrated academic achievement and is pursuing a career in the field of nursing. This scholarship is in honor of the first VNS & Hospice of Suffolk Executive Director, who was a Baccalaureate and Masters nursing graduate and proponent of higher education for nurses.

Shares Maggie, who will be attending Coastal Carolina University’s Honors College in the Fall, “Ever since I was a child, I have always wanted to help others in any way possible. As I grew, I began to recognize the power, care, and strength that nurses possess. Knowing all that nurses do for their patients has made me appreciate and realize how much I will be able to help others just like the nurses that will have come before me. By being awarded this scholarship, I will be able to begin my journey in Nursing at Coastal Carolina University as a part of the Honors College and join such a valiant profession.”

On June 6th, Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk partnered with Stony Brook University Hospital Blood Center to host a blood drive. Thank you to all who participated in this incredibly successful event. With your support as many as 75 lives may be saved!

The 25th Annual “Run for the Health of It” 5K celebrated a milestone year with a record number of 530 participants, highlighting the community’s strong support for hospice care and services.

 “The 25th Annual Run for the Health of It 5K is a record-breaker—we have our highest number of runners, walkers, and sponsors in the history of the event. This year’s 5K is especially meaningful. The funds raised will be used to expand the Memorial Garden at Hospice House. For over 20 years, this garden has been a place of comfort and remembrance – for patients, families, staff, and volunteers,” said Silvia Cota, CEO of Visiting Nurse Service and Hospice of Suffolk.

Bert Jablon, a 98-year-old fitness enthusiast from Syosset, was among the participants, continuing his tradition of running that began at age 50. Jablon maintains a rigorous workout routine seven days a week and is a beloved figure in the local running community. “Running is a democratic sport, with a small d, where you can meet people from all levels of life,” said Jablon.

In honor of Hospice Awareness Month, we share personal experiences of how hospice helped families see how much can be shared at the end of life and with the peace of knowing that everything possible was done towards achieving a peaceful death for their loved one.

“My childhood friend Jeff was in his 40s, with a wife and two small children when he spent his final days at Hospice House surrounded by family and friends. From the full use of the House’s kitchen, living room, and patio to sharing a stereo so Jeff and Jodi could slow dance, Hospice House opened their doors and was supportive in every way. Aware that Jeff was in the final stages before passing, his primary nurse chose to sleep in her car outside Hospice House that night. When he passed away, she was there within minutes to console his family.”

Watch HERE or read HERE to learn more about how VNS & Hospice of Suffolk has helped families

VNSHS is proud and honored to once again receive a 4.5 star quality rating and 4.0 star patient satisfaction survey rating from the CMS, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This rating places VNSHS at the top of Certified Home Health Agencies in our service area.

You have a choice in home health care and hospice providers. Choose Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk, a trusted leader in compassionate care of the highest quality since it was founded in 1952.