HOSPICE OF CLAY COUNTY
Provider Information
- Address
- 83825 HIGHWAY 9 P O BOX 1270
ASHLAND, AL 36251 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- December 12, 1994
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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 May 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) | 3 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
7
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 HOSPICE OF CLAY COUNTY reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Arranged through another hospital or nursing home
- 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 2019.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE OF CLAY COUNTY compares to hospices nationwide.
8.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 13th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
15
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 day8.7 min
Ranks better than about 13% 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 weekends9.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 life94.8%
Ranks better than about 60% 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 visits68.1%
Ranks better than about 29% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 months0%
Ranks better than about 97% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 hospice0%
Ranks better than about 55% 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)52nd 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$20,986 · 66th 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 6 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 71.2% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening91.2%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life71.2%
- All care steps completed88.2%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Dementia31%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care in Clay County
Hospice of Clay County serves families in Ashland, Alabama, providing end-of-life support focused on comfort and dignity. They offer specialized care plans designed to meet the physical and emotional needs of those with life-limiting illnesses. This local team works hard to ensure patients remain as comfortable as possible in their own homes. Choosing the right support is a big decision during a difficult time. Getting the right help can make all the difference for your loved one. The team at this facility understands the local community and the unique needs of families living in the Clay County area. They prioritize patient well-being above all else. When you choose them, you are choosing a team dedicated to providing care that honors the person, not just the diagnosis. It is about making every single day count for the family and the patient.
About HOSPICE OF CLAY COUNTY
Hospice of Clay County has been a Medicare-certified provider since December 12, 1994. That is over three decades of service to the local community. This longevity shows a deep commitment to the families they serve. As a for-profit organization, they must meet strict federal standards to keep their certification. These rules ensure that care meets high benchmarks for safety and quality. Families should know that Medicare certification is a standard that all reputable providers must hold. It ensures that the care provided is subject to regular reviews and oversight. What most people don't realize is that these standards exist to protect your family's rights and safety. This provider has maintained its place in the community by focusing on consistent care for many years. When you meet with them, ask about their specific experience with your loved one's condition. They are there to help you understand the path ahead.
Quality of Care Excellence
Understanding Hospice Care in ASHLAND
Finding the right care in a rural setting like Ashland can feel overwhelming. But you have options. Hospice care is not just about medical support; it is about providing a network of care for the whole family. In Alabama, hospice providers work to bring services directly to your door. This prevents the need for constant trips to a hospital or clinic. The goal is to keep your loved one in their own bed, surrounded by familiar things. That said, it is important to know that hospice is a team effort. You will have nurses, aides, and social workers who visit regularly. They handle the medical side, but they also offer emotional support to help you cope. It is a full circle of care. Many families find that having this extra set of hands helps them focus on being a family again rather than being caregivers.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Asking the right questions helps you feel confident in your choice. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home in an emergency. You need to know that someone is available 24/7 if things change suddenly. Another good question is how they handle pain and symptom management for your loved one's specific needs. It is also helpful to ask about their experience with your family's specific situation. Do they have volunteers who can sit with patients? This can provide much-needed relief for primary caregivers. Finally, ask what happens if your loved one needs a higher level of care than the home can provide. A good provider will have a clear plan for inpatient care if the situation requires it. Don't be afraid to ask these questions. You deserve clear answers that put your mind at ease.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories that deserve to be remembered. We can help you capture those stories for the generations to come.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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