Frequently Asked Questions

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Serenity House End-of-Life Care Home provides an alternative care option in a compassionate, home-like setting for hospice patients who are unable to remain in their own homes during the final stage of life. Serenity House is a non-medical residence that accommodates up to five residents at a time. All residents must be under the care of a licensed hospice provider.

Eligibility criteria include:

•  MUST be under Hospice care
• A life expectancy of approximately two to three months or less 
• MUST have a signed Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order.

Residents typically include individuals who lack the financial resources to secure in-home caregiving or nursing home placement; those with frail or working caregivers who are unable to provide 24-hour care; and individuals without family or support systems.

A minimum weekly fee of $150 helps offset basic household expenses, including food and utilities. A sliding fee scale—based on income and liquid assets—is reviewed prior to admission and may adjust the weekly fee up to $1,050. Fees may be reduced or waived for individuals who are indigent.

 You can support Serenity House by visiting our website and clicking the “Donate” button on the homepage or selecting the “DONATE” tab located at the top of any page. 

Yes, all donations made to Serenity House are tax-deductible.

Serenity House serves all of Hamblen and its surrounding counties. Our services are for those in the most vulnerable situations. These include, but are not limited to:

• The uninsured/underinsured
• Those with a lack of family or social support
• The homeless or those living in poor conditions
• Those without a capable or responsible caregiver
• Those who desire an alternative place to spend their days

Serenity House is provided by Friends of Hospice of the Lakeway Area, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3 agency. We operate solely through fundraising and donations. Our current operating expenses are approximately $150 per day (per resident). Residents are asked to pay a minimum of $150/week (which only covers food and utilities), and a sliding scale is in place for additional weekly funds from residents/families to help with caregiving staff. Resident admission is based on need and not on ability to pay. If there is a waiting list, the resident with the greatest need will be admitted when a bed opens up. Upon admission, the agreed-upon weekly fee plus one extra week will be due (non-refundable). After the 2nd week of care, the weekly fee will then be due on a weekly basis. 

• The uninsured/underinsured
• Those with a lack of family or social support
• The homeless or those living in poor conditions
• Those without a capable or responsible caregiver
• Those who desire an alternative place to spend their days