It’s never easy when a loved one is nearing the end of their life, but at The Collins House, those last moments can be spent in a comfortable, homey atmosphere.

“It’s their home and we provide a space where they can experience empathy and safety,” said Kim Slater Heil RN/BSN, The Collins House Manager. “It’s an open, light-filled home and offers a calm atmosphere where they can finish their life journey in an enjoyable way.”

The Collins House in Franklin was opened by the Venango VNA Foundation in April 2019, and is a three-bedroom home staffed 24/7 with hospice care. Residents have private rooms with a bathroom, along with shared spaces, such as a living area, kitchen, porch, and back patio.

“It took four years to get the house up and running, and our dream has really become a reality,“ said Kim. “It is incredibly rewarding. Loss of life is sad, but if we can make their end of life journey as comfortable as possible, then we have done our jobs.”

Family members can visit at any time and residents can also have pets visit. Kim’s dog Charley is a popular visitor and therapy dogs have come in as well. Often, there is a “real sense of extended family” among residents throughout the house, Kim told us.

Flexibility is offered for residents, in which they can have meals and do activities at preferred times. “It’s so flexible that we’ve even cooked dippy eggs for a resident at 2 a.m.,” said Kim.

Each bedroom has a bird feeder outside the window, and deer also visit the feeders often. Family members have been generous and donated items such as bird seed, rocking chairs, a gas grill, and a keyboard.

There are two criteria to become a resident—they must be hospice eligible and also be a patient of the Venango VNA Hospice team.

“This has been a collaborative effort by our Foundation board and staff at VNA. Our hospice interdisciplinary team of nurses, social worker, pastor, aides and volunteers work well with our staff at the house to ensure that people have the best possible care. It’s a team effort for sure,” said Kim.

To learn more about The Collins House or schedule a tour, call (814) 432-6555 or visit thecollinshouse.org.

Photos above: A volunteer prepares food for residents (left), the dining room of
The Collins House (center), Hospice House Caregiver Jamie Stack and
The Collins House Manager Kim Slater Heil RN/BSN (right)

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s February 2021 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.