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frequently asked questions

About Threshold House

Is Threshold House Open Yet?

Not yet. We’re currently raising the funds needed to open our doors in Philadelphia.

Visit our 'Support Us' page to help us get there, or join our mailing list on our Contact Page to be notified when we open.

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Is Threshold House a hospice?

No. We are not a hospice and don’t provide medical care. We’ll work alongside each guest’s existing hospice provider, offering a home-like place to stay and round-the-clock non-medical, compassionate presence. Hospice will continue to manage medical care, medication, and symptom management, exactly as they would in a private home.

What does “Threshold Companion” mean?

Threshold Companions are our trained caregivers and volunteers. They won’t manage a guest’s dying — they’ll accompany it: sitting with guests, listening, easing fear, and being present for whatever a guest or loved one needs, day or night.

Eligibility & Admission

Who will be eligible to stay at Threshold House?

Once open, a guest will generally need to be enrolled with a hospice organization certified by Medicare, Medicaid, or a private insurer; have a terminal diagnosis; have chosen to stop curative treatment; have a signed DNR order; and have an Advance Health Care Directive or Power of Attorney in place. Full details will be on our Staying at Threshold House page.

staying at threshold house page

What if my loved one doesn’t have hospice yet?

Hospice enrollment will be a requirement before moving in, but it’s a separate process from applying to Threshold House. If your loved one doesn’t yet have hospice care, contact us at info@thresholdhousephilly.org and we can talk through next steps together.

What if my loved one’s condition stabilizes or improves after moving in?

This can happen, and it’s not a reason to worry. We’ll work with your hospice team to figure out the right next step together — which may include continued hospice care at Threshold House for as long as it remains appropriate, or a return home if that becomes the better option. Our focus will always be on what’s right for your loved one, not on a fixed timeline.

How long will a guest be able to stay?

There won’t be a fixed length of stay. Guests will remain with us for as long as their hospice-eligible status continues and Threshold House remains the right place for their care.

During a Stay

Will loved ones be able to stay overnight?

Yes. Loved ones won’t be treated as visitors — they’ll be part of the circle of care, and will be welcome to stay close, including overnight, for as long as that’s wanted.

What should a guest bring

We’ll share a simple list closer to opening, but in general: comfortable personal clothing, meaningful photos or objects, and anything that makes the space feel like theirs. Threshold House will provide the rest.

Will pets be allowed to visit?

We intend to welcome well-behaved pets for visits, recognizing how much comfort animals can bring at the end of life. Details on this will be finalized before we open.

Will there be religious or spiritual accommodations?

Yes. We’re committed to honoring each guest’s cultural traditions, beliefs, and personal wishes, and will welcome clergy, spiritual advisors, or personal rituals a guest and family would like to include.

Is Threshold House a medical facility?

No. We’re a home-like residential setting, not a licensed medical facility. Medical care will continue to be provided by each guest’s hospice team, not by Threshold House staff or volunteers.

Cost

What will it cost to stay at Threshold House?

Threshold House will operate on a sliding-scale model. Guests and families who are able to contribute toward the cost of a stay will do so; those who cannot will be cared for at no cost. No one will be turned away because they cannot afford care. Full details are on our Staying at Threshold House page.

staying at threshold house page

Does insurance cover a stay at Threshold House?

Hospice-covered medical care will continue to be billed through your loved one’s hospice provider as usual. The nonmedical residential care Threshold House provides is generally not covered by insurance, which is why our sliding-scale model exists.

Getting Involved

How can I help before Threshold House opens?

There are several ways: financial support, joining our Founding Circle of monthly donors, volunteering your time or a professional skill, or helping us connect with hospice agencies and the broader Philadelphia community. Visit our Ways to Give and Volunteering sections on the 'Support Us' page for details.

support us page

I’m a hospice provider or social worker — how do I refer a patient?

Threshold House isn’t yet accepting referrals, but we’d welcome connecting with you now to plan ahead. Contact us at info@thresholdhousephilly.org directly.

How can I stay updated on your progress?

Join our mailing list above to receive updates on our fundraising progress, renovation milestones, and our opening date.

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