The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA) is developing the first and only Hospice House facility in North Texas to provide seriously ill patients who lack an appropriate caregiver, suitable housing, or financial means with a safe place to die with dignity and respect. VNA is currently working to open the Hospice House in Dallas in 2027 to meet this need.
Why VNA is Embarking on this Mission
Traditionally offered in the home, hospice provides compassionate end-of-life care for those suffering from serious illness. Offering vital medical and emotional support to patients and their caregivers, hospice is a gift to the nearly two million patients who receive it each year. Sadly, there are many suffering from life-limiting illnesses who are unable to receive home hospice care due to a variety of reasons such as:
- A lack of a safe place to keep medications or equipment like oxygen
- Lacking caregiver support for administering care
- Not having a safe environment for care
VNA’s clinical partners struggle to care for these vulnerable patients with few options which are extremely limited and often inadequate. As a result, these patients may be discharged without services, placed in nursing homes at the hospital’s expense (if space allows), or remain in the hospital until death, increasing strain on the healthcare system. VNA has heard this call and is dedicating efforts to ensure these patients have a safe and compassionate place to pass.
How We Will Meet the Need
VNA is working with multiple community partners to ensure these vulnerable individuals are able to die with dignity. The Meadows Foundation has generously leased a home in the Wilson Historic District to VNA at no charge to make this vision a reality. In this five-bedroom, warm, inviting atmosphere, patients will receive all of the same services of home hospice with 24-hour caregivers. Local hospital systems can contract with VNA to assist with room and board expenses to ensure patients without proper resources have a safe discharge. Renovations will begin in January 2026 with the goal of admitting the first patients in winter of 2027. The House will be licensed as an Assisted Living Facility and on average, patients will stay for approximately two weeks. Given the immense need in the community, VNA anticipates serving 120 patients per year.
What You Can Do
You can be part of this first-of-its-kind facility ensuring the most vulnerable among us can die with dignity, in peace, and with the vital care they need. VNA is seeking partners to assist in the cost of remodeling the House. Charitable contributions are also being sought to provide operating support for the first five years. Following these initial five years, VNA will continue to rely on community support to off-set operating expenses.
Here’s what our clinical partners are saying:
“The availability of a place for our most marginalized patients when their need is greatest is something that would provide dignity and care to those that have often rarely experienced it. We have patients that continue a cycle of discharge and readmit for weeks leading up to their deaths, simply due to a lack of a support system to mobilize and coordinate a housing option. Or, lack of available caregivers for our younger patients whose families work full-time and have no option to stay home and provide care around the clock. The ongoing works to achieve a Hospice House are so appreciated. We eagerly await news on progress!”
Claudia Shook, LMSW, ACM-SW, APHSW-C, Supportive and Palliative Care Social Worker, Baylor Scott and White Health
The Meadows Foundation has generously leased a home to VNA at no charge in the Wilson Historic District. In January of 2026, VNA will begin renovations to the house with an expectation to begin caring for patients in winter of 2027. VNA is seeking partners to remodel the home and provide operating support for five years at a cost of $5 million.
