Karen Cassidy’s Seed of Compassion Continues to Grow at Hildegard House

By Alisha Proffitt • Photos By Matt Johnson

The idea that became Hildegard House began with a gap in care that Karen Cassidy encountered every day as a palliative care nurse practitioner. Working at St. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital in Louisville, she cared for patients approaching the end of life who qualified for hospice but had nowhere to receive it. Some were homeless. Others lived alone without family or caregivers. Without a home and support, hospice was often out of reach.

A visit to a comfort care home in New York demonstrated a more practical model to Cassidy. Around the same time, she traveled to Bingen, Germany, following the footsteps of St. Hildegard of Bingen, the 12th-century Benedictine abbess, healer, and scholar whose monastery welcomed people in need of care. "Seeing what Hildegard could do in the 12th century, I envisioned this for our community."

That vision is now Hildegard House, Kentucky's first and only comfort care home, where people without housing or loved ones to care for them can receive hospice services in a home setting. The organization partners with Hosparus Health while relying entirely on donations, grants, volunteers, and community support to provide care at no cost to residents.

Cassidy hopes that distinction will not remain unique. "That Hildegard House is the only one in Kentucky is a sad thing. We are always full and most often have a waiting list. I hope that more comfort care homes will be developed throughout the region and state."

The stories she takes with her from Hildegard House are reflective of the purpose behind its work. Jim, a homeless Navy veteran with liver cancer, was connected with a veterans organization that ensured he received a military burial. Thelma celebrated her 100th birthday at the house after outliving her family, teaching fellow residents and volunteers to pray the Rosary and play bingo. Bettie reconciled with her estranged daughter before her death. Hazel was reunited with her son, a long-haul truck driver who had no home of his own. "I could fill a book with all of the special ones we have had the honor of serving."

Building the organization required explaining a model unfamiliar to many partners and supporters. It also required cultivating a community willing to sustain it. 

Today, more than 150 Compassionate Companion volunteers serve alongside nurses, physicians, staff, board members, gardeners, meal providers, and countless donors. All of which has grown from a seed of compassion Cassidy planted in this community.

"I am most proud of the culture of compassion that exists at Hildegard House," Cassidy says. "These dedicated volunteers provide care to our residents just as a family member would."

As she hands leadership to Becky Romans, Cassidy speaks of her gratitude. "I had a vision and a dream. But no one can do it alone." As she prepares her next steps forward into retirement, she leaves behind her a legacy of genuine love and care for her neighbors.

 "I would like for people to remember me as someone who saw a need in her community, in the most vulnerable of our neighbors, and tried to fill it."

Karen, the Hildegard House community celebrates not only what you've built, but the example you set. Your vision has given hundreds of people comfort, dignity, and companionship at the end of life, while inspiring others to serve with generosity and compassion.

 Thank you, Karen, for your kindness, your leadership, and your dedication to Louisville's most vulnerable neighbors. Your work has changed lives and will continue to do so for generations to come.