SHEPHERD'S COVE HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 408 MARTLING ROAD
ALBERTVILLE, AL 35951 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- April 14, 1988
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CMS Quality Ratings
Composite score combining quality measures and patient survey results.
Based on the CMS Hospice Care Index — 10 operational quality indicators including visits near death, nursing minutes, and care transitions.
CAHPS Hospice Survey — family caregivers rate communication, symptom management, respect, and overall experience.
CMS scores as of August 2026. Quality of Care derived from CMS Hospice Care Index. Patient Satisfaction from the CMS CAHPS Hospice Survey. Overall is the equally-weighted average of both. All source data published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Staffing & Capacity
| Role | Staff Count |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses (RN) | 9 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 15 |
63
Total Employees
Staffing data as reported to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Inpatient Care and Medical Equipment
Hospices report these services to Medicare when they are certified. This is what SHEPHERD'S COVE HOSPICE reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Both provided directly and arranged with other facilities
- Type of inpatient care
- Both general inpatient care and respite care
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Brought in through an outside supplier
Short stays in a hospice inpatient unit, hospital, or nursing home for pain or symptoms that cannot be managed where the patient lives, or to give family caregivers a break.
Equipment and supplies tied to the terminal illness and the plan of care, such as a hospital bed, oxygen, wound supplies, or a wheelchair.
Medicare lets hospices provide these services through arrangements with other organizations. Either way, the hospice stays responsible for the covered care in the patient’s plan of care.
Reported by this hospice to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services when it was certified in 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how SHEPHERD'S COVE HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
10.2 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 27th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
95
patients in care on an average day
A rough measure of size. Smaller can mean more personal. Larger can mean more resources.
How this hospice compares nationally
Bars show national standing on measures from the CMS Hospice Care Index. A fuller bar means this hospice does better than more of the hospices CMS tracks.
- Nurse care minutes per home care day10.2 min
Ranks better than about 27% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The average minutes of nursing care per day for patients getting routine care at home, based on Medicare claims. More nurse time usually means more hands-on support.
- Skilled nursing on weekends3.7%
Ranks better than about 7% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of skilled nursing time delivered on Saturdays and Sundays. Symptoms do not wait for weekdays, so weekend coverage matters.
- Nurse visits in the last days of life90.5%
Ranks better than about 33% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who got nurse visits in their final days of life. This is when families tend to need the most support.
- Gaps in nursing visits56.2%
Ranks better than about 45% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
How often patients went more than a week without a nursing visit. Fewer gaps mean steadier attention.
- Patients discharged alive early in care10.1%
Ranks better than about 26% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who left hospice alive within the first week of care. A rate of 0% means it did not happen to any of their patients.
- Patients discharged alive after 6 months31.9%
Ranks better than about 64% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients discharged alive after six months or more in hospice care.
- Hospital transfers near the end of care11.8%
Ranks better than about 28% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who left hospice, spent time in the hospital, then came back to hospice.
- Hospital stays that interrupt hospice2.5%
Ranks better than about 31% of hospices nationally on this measure.
What this measures
The share of patients who left hospice, went to the hospital, and died there soon after.
- Days at higher levels of care (CHC or GIP)96th percentile
What this measures
The share of care days delivered at higher levels, such as continuous home care or inpatient care. Shown only as a national rank because small percentages round to zero.
- Medicare spending per patient$12,636 · 21st percentile
What this measures
What Medicare paid per patient for this hospice's care. Higher or lower spending is not a quality judgment by itself.
Care steps completed at admissionShow detailsMedicare tracked 9 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 55.5% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.5%
- Pain assessment97.1%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.8%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.0%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.5%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids95.3%
- Visits in the last days of life55.5%
- All care steps completed95.0%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer27%
- Dementia9%
- Heart and circulatory disease19%
- Lung and respiratory disease17%
- Stroke5%
- Other conditions24%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Caring for Your Loved Ones in Albertville
Shepherd's Cove Hospice provides compassionate end-of-life care for families living in Albertville, Alabama. Based on 408 Martling Road in Marshall County, this team focuses on comfort and dignity for every patient. They understand that this time is difficult for your family. That is why they offer specialized support to manage pain and emotional needs. Whether at home or in a care facility, their staff works to ensure your loved one feels peaceful. The goal is simple: to help you focus on quality time together. It is about making every day count when it matters most. They have been serving the local community since 1988, which shows a long-standing commitment to hospice care. If you are searching for dedicated support in Marshall County, this provider is a primary option to consider for your care plan.
About Shepherd's Cove Hospice
Shepherd's Cove Hospice has been Medicare certified since April 14, 1988. This long history is a big deal in the world of hospice care. It means they have decades of experience serving families in Alabama. They operate under an 'Other' ownership structure, which is common for many community-based providers. What should you know about this? It means they are focused on local needs rather than large corporate goals. Families often find comfort in choosing a provider with deep roots in the area. They have seen how hospice needs change over the years. Because they have been around for over 35 years, they have refined their approach to meet high standards of care. When you meet with them, ask about their history in Marshall County. Their longevity often reflects a steady and reliable presence during your family’s most vulnerable moments.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in Albertville
Hospice is not about giving up hope. It is about changing the goal to focus on comfort. In Albertville, families have access to teams that include nurses, doctors, and social workers. These professionals visit you wherever you call home. The thing is, many people wait too long to start these services. You can start hospice care as soon as a doctor says life expectancy is six months or less. This allows the team to build a real relationship with your family. They help manage symptoms so you can focus on being a daughter, son, or spouse instead of a caregiver. And the best part? Medicare covers almost all costs related to this care. You do not have to do this alone. Local providers like Shepherd's Cove are here to guide you through the process step by step.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider is a big decision for your family. Start by asking, 'How quickly can your nurse get to my home in an emergency?' You need to know that help is available 24/7. Next, ask how they handle pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. You want to be sure they have a clear plan for relief. It is also smart to ask about their volunteers. Will they sit with your loved one or run errands for you? This extra layer of support can be a lifesaver. Finally, ask what happens if your loved one needs to go to an inpatient unit for a short time. Do they have a local facility? Understanding these answers will help you feel more confident in your choice. Take your time to get the answers that matter most to your family.
Preserve Your Family's Story
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories and wisdom. Capturing these stories now creates a beautiful gift for future generations to cherish forever.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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COLUMBUS HOSPICE OF ALABAMA
DAYSPRING HOSPICE, LLC
Helpful Guides for Families
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What Does Medicare Cover for Hospice Care?
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Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
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Some stories are worth writing down
Between the calls and the paperwork, many families wish they had asked more about the person at the center of it all. A recorded conversation, a favorite recipe, the story behind an old photo. Small things now can mean a great deal later. Our legacy guides show simple ways to start.