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Our story has just begun.
The story of Hospice House – The Josie Harper Residence started in 1993. A group of visionaries from our community recognized the need for a residential hospice because at that time, Omaha had limited options when in-home hospice was no longer suitable.
Partners Lead the Way
Leaders in hospice care from CHI Health (fka Bergan Mercy Hospital, Immanuel Medical Center) and Visiting Nurse Association came together to assess the community’s need for alternative end-of-life care.
Our founders set out on a mission to gather as much information as possible by visiting residential hospices in surrounding states. Beginning in 1995, it was clear that a capital campaign was the next logical step and we raised $3 million to build Nebraska’s first residential not-for-profit hospice facility. An operational plan came next, and Hospice House officially broke ground in 1996. Construction continued through 1997 and finished in time to accept our first residents on March 2, 1998. By August of 1998, our first eight private rooms were full, and we opened an additional eight rooms to continue to meet the needs of the community.
Our third community partner, Methodist Hospital, joined us in 2002. By the fall, we had acquired the building adjacent to us, allowing us to expand into 10 more private resident rooms. We now had a total of 26 fully furnished, private rooms. We became known as Hospice House – The Josie Harper Residence.
In 2006, our most recent partner, Nebraska Medicine (fka The Nebraska Medical Center) joined the alliance. Although we were originally licensed as a residential care/assisted living facility, in 2007 our licensure changed to hospice inpatient.
Our Residents Matter Most
After 25 years of operation, we have served over 10,000 residents, newborn to 106. Our residents come to us from home, hospitals, or other care facilities. A typical stay can last a few days, weeks, or months.
A Not-for-Profit Organization
Hospice House is a not-for-profit organization, and relies on the generosity of the community. We cherish those who give generously of their time, talent, and treasure. It is because of their unwavering commitment and selfless support that we can open our doors to whomever needs our services, even when they have limited resources.
Within these walls you will find comfort, compassion, and joy.
Peaceful and serene, Hospice House is also full of activity and happy faces. Residents enjoy:
- Private rooms with welcoming touches such as homemade quilts and the opportunity to bring small comforts from home
- Plenty of space to welcome visitors and special pets
- Two great rooms with fireplaces to accommodate extended family and friends
- A meditation room with a weekly religious service
- Convenient patios overlooking a picturesque courtyard with a calming fountain
- Stunning gardens surrounding the entire residence
- An art-filled environment featuring new art throughout the year
- A cheerful aviary with chirping birds
- A colorful aquarium with beautiful fish
- A playhouse for children visiting loved ones
Residents may also participate in home-cooked community meals, “Cookie Thursday,” healing touch massage therapy, musical programs, pet therapy, and other volunteer-led activities.
With its many windows looking out on nature and the great room’s soaring cedar ceiling, there’s a bright, uplifting feel to Hospice House. Also an intimacy and communal aspect quite unlike a hospital.
Leo Adam Biga, Writer
OUR TEAM 03
Your comfort is our number one priority.
Our leadership team ensures that every resident, every volunteer and every visitor is treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS 04
We are grateful for those who lead us.
No one dies alone at Hospice House, and our Board of Directors leads the organization in sound financial practices and in making ethical decisions to ensure we are here for generations to come.