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Erie to Gain New 16-Bed Hospice House, Expanding End-of-Life Care

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/0 .. ed-hospice-house-expanding-end-of-life-care.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 6:43 GMT by Erie Times-News
      Locale: Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

Erie's Julia House Hospice: A New Facility Poised to Expand End-of-Life Care

Construction on the Julia House, a much-anticipated new hospice house in Erie, Pennsylvania, is nearing its start date, promising to significantly expand access to compassionate end-of-life care in the region. The project, spearheaded by UPMC Hamot, aims to address a critical need for specialized inpatient hospice services, currently limited by capacity at the existing 10-bed unit within the hospital. This article summarizes the development of the Julia House, its funding, planned features, and the impact it is expected to have on the Erie community.

The need for a dedicated hospice house stems from a growing demand for comprehensive end-of-life care, extending beyond what can be provided solely through home hospice or limited hospital beds. Currently, UPMC Hamot's hospice program serves roughly 200 patients daily, with the vast majority receiving care in their homes. However, a substantial number require a level of support – like symptom management requiring 24/7 nursing, or respite care for overwhelmed families – that necessitates an inpatient facility. The existing 10 beds are often full, leading to situations where patients needing inpatient care have been delayed, or even turned away.

The Julia House, named in honor of the late Julia Porter, a longtime volunteer and advocate for hospice care, will alleviate this pressure. Located on a 12-acre parcel of land on Peach Street, adjacent to the Millcreek Health Center, the facility will boast 16 private patient suites. Each suite will be designed with comfort and dignity in mind, offering private bathrooms, space for family to gather, and direct access to a peaceful outdoor patio. Beyond the individual patient rooms, the facility’s design emphasizes a homelike atmosphere, a stark contrast to the often clinical environment of a hospital.

The design incorporates several key features intended to enhance the patient and family experience. These include a dedicated family lounge, a children’s play area, a state-of-the-art kitchen allowing for specialized dietary needs, a chapel/meditation room, and landscaped gardens. The thoughtful planning extends beyond aesthetics, with a focus on providing a holistic approach to care, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. A significant portion of the building will be dedicated to non-clinical spaces, promoting a sense of calm and normalization within the challenging context of end-of-life care.

The project carries a total cost of approximately $12 million. Funding has been secured through a combination of UPMC Hamot's internal resources and a robust philanthropic campaign. The “Our Next Chapter” campaign, launched in 2022, has already raised over $7 million through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants. UPMC Hamot is actively seeking to raise the remaining funds necessary to complete the project. This community-driven fundraising effort underscores the strong local support for improved hospice care services.

According to Chad Kessler, UPMC Hamot’s president, the Julia House isn’t just about adding beds; it’s about elevating the standard of care. He emphasizes the goal of providing a peaceful, supportive environment where patients can live their final days with dignity and surrounded by loved ones. The facility will also serve as a resource for families navigating the complexities of grief and loss, offering bereavement support services long after the patient has passed.

The construction timeline anticipates groundbreaking in early 2024, with completion slated for late 2025 or early 2026. The project has navigated the necessary approvals from Millcreek Township, and the UPMC Hamot team is working diligently with local contractors to ensure a smooth construction process.

The impact of the Julia House is expected to be far-reaching. By increasing the availability of inpatient hospice beds, it will not only provide crucial support to patients and their families but also free up valuable beds within UPMC Hamot for acutely ill patients. This improved access to specialized end-of-life care will ease the burden on families, allowing them to focus on spending quality time with their loved ones during a difficult period. Furthermore, the facility's holistic approach to care will contribute to a more compassionate and supportive healthcare landscape within the Erie community.

The Julia House represents a significant investment in the well-being of Erie residents, embodying a commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to those facing the end of life. It’s a testament to the power of community collaboration and a symbol of hope for families seeking peace and dignity in their final moments.