Ella Shepherd and her family own/operate five adult care homes (ACHs) across the metro area so she’s no stranger to working with hospice agencies. But when it comes to providing truly compassionate, collaborative end-of-life care, only one agency earns her highest praise.

“Housecall Providers Hospice is at the top of my list,” she says without hesitation. “From admissions to nurses to chaplains, they are in a league of their own.”

What sets Housecall Providers apart isn’t just attentive hospice care. It’s the model of seamless, in-home primary care available to every eligible resident too, ensuring continuity and stability long before and after a hospice referral.

“Their primary care team is incredible. When a resident qualifies, they get a provider who comes to them, who knows them, who checks in regularly,” Ella explains. “And when the time comes for hospice, it’s not a handoff to strangers. It’s a continuation of care from people who already understand the patient.”

Ella’s ACHs are known for high standards. That is no surprise considering she is a registered nurse. Most care home operators are not also licensed nurses. Weekly medication reconciliations, detailed care planning and staff trained far beyond state requirements are the norm. She is quick to say though that none of it would work without partners who match that same level of excellence.

“With Housecall Providers, everything just clicks. They respect our insight as caregivers and they collaborate with us, not just tell us what to do.”

She shares a story of a hospice patient who found joy in the little things: mashed potatoes, gravy, ice cream and hot chocolate.

“Not a balanced diet,” she laughs. “But it brought him joy. And Housecall [Providers] never tried to take that away. They got it that hospice isn’t about rules. It’s about comfort.”

More than just a clinical service, Ella says Housecall Providers Hospice treats each person as a whole human being and includes the care home staff and the family in that circle of compassion.

For Ella, that means fewer communication errors, fewer stressful transitions and a lot more peace of mind.

“Nobody dies alone in my homes,” she says. “We hold hands. We sing their favorite songs. And with Housecall Providers, we’re never doing that alone.”