A Reno, Nevada-based nonprofit committed to ensuring veterans have access to the medical care they need, will open a hospice home for terminally ill veterans.
Veterans Hospice Home, operated by Veterans Guest House, will be cost-free, made possible by donations and community support. The 5,170-square-foot home will offer private bedrooms, specialized equipment, and ADA-compliant spaces.
In order to help rural veterans access hospice care in Nevada, Veterans Guest House purchased a second property in Reno to offer a non-clinical alternative for veterans to spend their final days.
“At Veterans Guest House, we’ve seen firsthand the challenges many rural veterans face in their final days,” said Sylvia Froslie, CEO of Veterans Guest House. “They have limited resources and limited options.”
In addition to its central location, the hospice home will feature multiple common areas, a shared kitchen and an accessible backyard for residents and their families. Veterans will be encouraged to personalize their spaces with photos and items from home.
Research by the nonprofit organization found that hospice options are limited for the more than 75,000 veterans in northern Nevada who are approaching end-of-life decisions. To address this need, Veterans Guest House will incorporate national best practices from the Omega House Network—a nonprofit membership organization that has developed a blueprint for social model hospice homes.
Based on this model, Veterans Hospice Home will give veterans provider choice, personalized comfort and cost-free care.
“In the same way we know that access to curative healthcare can be cost-prohibitive for veterans, our guests who started to stay with us 30 years ago are now sharing the challenges they are facing at end-of-life.” said Froslie. “We are honored to support veterans through their final journey by creating a peaceful, comfortable, home-like environment we have been known for. We invite the community to help us bring this cost-free option to life.”
Veterans Guest House is seeking both donations and volunteers to launch the new initiative. Individuals can learn more by contacting Patrice Klaich (Patrice@veteransguesthouse.org) or calling 775-324-6958, ext. 14.
The non-profit will open the doors to its first residents in June of 2025 with plans to accommodate up to six veterans by 2026.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@conectingvets.com.