by Saiba Alam
The first of their kind in South Texas, the new Morningside Homes are tentatively scheduled to open this summer at 642 Babcock Road on the Morningside at The Meadows campus, introducing an innovative approach to senior living that looks and feels far different from a traditional nursing home.
Each of the four homes is designed to accommodate 12 residents in a warm, residential setting featuring private bedrooms and bathrooms, a spacious living room, family-style dining area, and a cozy kitchen where home-cooked meals are prepared daily. The homes were developed in partnership with THE GREEN HOUSE® PROJECT, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming elder care through a model that destigmatizes aging and humanizes the traditional nursing home.
The Green House Home design encourages independence and community among residents, while offering personalized support from dedicated care partners. Services include home-cooked meals, medication management, and assistance with activities of daily living, allowing residents to maintain as much independence as possible.
Since its founding in 2003, The Green House Project has helped develop nearly 400 homes across 35 states and Australia. Many of these homes operate as licensed skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), while others offer post-acute rehab, assisted living, and specialized memory care services.
“Two of the Green House homes will be certified for Alzheimer’s care and memory support,” said Wesley Wells, Assistant Executive Director of the Meadows Campus, “and the other two will be more traditional.”
The Green House model has consistently demonstrated positive outcomes. Research conducted by The Green House Project found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, occupancy rates at Green House SNFs increased, while many traditional nursing homes experienced declines. The model has also seen much lower turnover rates in CNAs, LPNs, and RNs.
Much of that success is attributed to the homes’ thoughtful design and innovative staffing model, which prioritizes consistent relationships between residents and caregivers while creating a more home-like environment.
The plan for pricing is to cover 50% of the funds with Medicaid and 50% private pay, with private pay being on par with the market average.
The Morningside Homes are expected to welcome their first residents in mid- to late July. Interest has already been strong, with the Meadows team building a waitlist ahead of opening.
This initiative represents a significant milestone not only for Morningside, but also for the future of senior living in South Texas. By replacing institutional care with a model centered on dignity, autonomy, and meaningful relationships, Morningside Homes offer older adults the opportunity to age in a place that truly feels like home.