Celia's House in Holmes Park

10/14/2026

Dr. John Forsyth began practicing cardiology in the Rogue Valley in 1970. Years later, newly retired, he joined a group of friends and colleagues who dreamed of a hospice house. A fundraising consultant told them they were crazy. John remembers it as magical.

Celia’s House opened in 2018, and John volunteered here until 2025. What he learned at the bedside is that the little things matter most.

The rooms had big, comfortable chairs, but they sat far from the bed. John and his wife, Lynne, gave folding chairs so loved ones could sit close. People on hospice often can no longer speak, but touch still tells them they are loved.

John calls himself a “pragmatic old guy,” and that is how he gives. Read his full story at: https://www.sofriendsofhospice.org/the-gift-of-sitting-close/

If you’d like to help us keep doing the small things, give at www.sofriendsofhospice.org

10/12/2026

We are so grateful for our volunteers 💕

10/10/2026

"Hospice" and "palliative care" are often used interchangeably, but they are not quite the same thing.

Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life at any stage of a serious illness, alongside other treatment. Hospice care is specifically for those nearing the end of life, when the focus shifts fully to comfort, dignity and support, for the person and their family.

At Celia's House, our entire approach is built around that second kind of care. On World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, we wanted to make that distinction clear, and to recognize both as essential parts of the care continuum.

10/05/2026

09/28/2026

"We couldn't be treated better." That's how Mike Narus describes the care his wife, Trish, receives every day at Celia's House.

The staff braid her hair, paint her fingernails and toenails, and sit with her when she's restless. The cooks even make family meals in the dining room so Mike can join her for dinner, and the caregivers help get Trish into her wheelchair so the two of them can spend time together in the garden.

This is what caregiving looks like at Celia's House, every day, for every family who walks through our doors.

https://www.sofriendsofhospice.org

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

How you spend the last days of your life matters.
Celia’s House is a nonprofit 12-bed residential end-of-life care home, only one of two in the state of Oregon.
The home is located in south-east Medford and has served 848 residents and their families since 2018.

As a nonprofit organization, we are able to serve anyone who is on hospice, regardless of their financial situation. This is only possible because of donors like you.

Upcoming this fall, we have heartfelt personal stories, staff spotlights, and many moving updates❣️ Check your mailbox, inbox, and subscribe to our newsletter if you have not already. You can do so at the bottom of any page on our website www.sofriendsofhospice.org

Stay tuned, and enjoy the last remnants of summer 💛

07/23/2026

A summertime sanctuary 🌹 Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice would like to thank Preserving Oregon for a $20,000 grant award towards Celia’s House vital foundation-repair project, thank you 🙏 Celia’s House continues to be a sanctuary for those at the end of life, a peaceful place for residents and their families, staff, volunteers, and visitors ❣️

06/22/2026