Aspen Healthcare has been named Best of Denton County 2026 in both the Home Health and Hospice categories, marking the sixth year the North Texas healthcare organization has earned recognition in the annual community awards. The recognition comes as Denton County's population has surged past 1.06 million, with more than 200 Medicare-certified home health or hospice agencies competing within a 25-mile radius.
"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," said Sukhu George, CEO of Aspen Healthcare. "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."
The award underscores Aspen's growth in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since its founding in 2007. George attributes the organization's continued success to its expansion of healthcare delivered in the home, particularly its growing palliative care program. This service expands options for people living with serious and advanced illness.
"Palliative care is helping us reach patients who need more support at home but may not be ready for hospice," George said. "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."
Unlike hospice, palliative care can be introduced at different stages of disease and provided alongside curative treatment, focusing on symptom relief and quality of life. This addition complements Aspen's established home health, hospice, and home care programs. Home health provides skilled nursing and rehabilitation for patients recovering at home, while home care sends aides for private-duty personal care. Hospice offers comprehensive support when the goal shifts to 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."
Best of Denton County has recognized local businesses since 2004, with residents nominating favorites across more than 400 categories. Winners for 2026 were announced August 26. Aspen's repeated recognition highlights its long-term focus on community-based care in a rapidly growing region.
