Aspen Healthcare has been named Best of Denton County 2026 in both Home Health and Hospice categories, marking the sixth year the North Texas healthcare organization has earned this recognition in the annual community awards. The award, determined by resident votes, underscores the company's deep roots in a county that has seen significant population growth and healthcare competition.
Denton County's population has surged to over 1.06 million, up about 18% since 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That growth has fueled intense competition, with more than 200 Medicare-certified home health or hospice agencies operating within 25 miles of Denton. Against this backdrop, repeated recognition by residents distinguishes providers that have established a lasting presence, says Sukhu George, CEO of Aspen Healthcare.
“Being chosen by the people who live here means a great deal to us, especially after so many years of serving families throughout Denton County,” George said. “Home health and hospice are both intensely personal services. Families remember the nurse who came to their home, the therapist who helped them get stronger, and the hospice team that was there during one of the most important times in their lives. This recognition really belongs to our staff.”
George attributes the 2026 win to Aspen’s expansion of home-based care, particularly its growing palliative care program. Palliative care, which can be provided alongside curative treatment, focuses on symptom relief and quality of life for patients with chronic or serious illness. It fills a critical gap for patients who need more support but are not ready for hospice.
“Palliative care is helping us reach patients who need more support at home but may not be ready for hospice,” George explained. “A patient can still be pursuing curative treatment, or the prognosis may simply be uncertain. We can send experienced clinicians, including prescribers such as nurse practitioners, into the home to help manage difficult symptoms and coordinate care. It fills an important space between traditional medical visits, home health and hospice.”
The addition complements Aspen’s established home health, hospice, and home care programs. Home health provides skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and other clinical services for patients recovering or managing illness at home. Home care offers private-duty personal care for those needing assistance with daily activities. Hospice provides interdisciplinary support when a patient with advanced terminal disease shifts the goal of care toward comfort.
“Healthcare keeps moving toward the home, and we intend to keep moving with it,” George said. “Our goal is not just to offer more services. It is to make sure patients and families have the right kind of support at the right point in their journey.”
Founded in 2007, Aspen Healthcare is Medicare-certified and CHAP-accredited, serving Dallas-Fort Worth from its Lewisville headquarters. The organization employs more than 200 professionals and provides a broad continuum of care, including in-home primary care, respiratory care, and veteran-centered services. Its recognition in the Best of Denton County awards, which began in 2004, reflects a sustained commitment to community-based care.
