AREA AGENCY ON AGING OF WESTERN ARKANSAS INC
Provider Information
- Address
- 3600 WHEELER AVE STE 2
FORT SMITH, AR 72901 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- January 24, 1986
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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) | 8 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 4 |
| Physicians | 2 |
| Volunteers | 4 |
43
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 AREA AGENCY ON AGING OF WESTERN ARKANSAS INC 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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how AREA AGENCY ON AGING OF WESTERN ARKANSAS INC compares to hospices nationwide.
5.5 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 2nd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
16
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 day5.5 min
Ranks better than about 2% 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 weekends4.4%
Ranks better than about 11% 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 life88.5%
Ranks better than about 27% 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 visits92.4%
Ranks better than about 4% 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 care3.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 months73.1%
Ranks better than about 2% 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 care7.7%
Ranks better than about 47% 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)74th 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$22,788 · 74th 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 35.2% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening97.6%
- Breathing difficulty screening88.1%
- Treatment preferences discussed78.6%
- Beliefs and values discussed78.6%
- Visits in the last days of life35.2%
- All care steps completed52.4%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Dementia50%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice Care in Fort Smith
The Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas Inc serves patients in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They provide professional hospice care to those who need end-of-life support. Their team focuses on comfort and dignity for every person they serve. This provider is located at 3600 Wheeler Ave, Suite 2. They aim to help patients and their families during difficult times. Choosing a local hospice provider is an important step for your loved one. This agency has served the Sebastian County area for many years. Their staff works to meet the physical and emotional needs of their patients. Families in the region can rely on this office for dedicated care and support services. You can reach their team at (479) 783-5550 to learn about the care options they offer. They are ready to assist you with your hospice care needs.
About Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas Inc
This agency operates as a for-profit provider in the state of Arkansas. They earned their Medicare certification on January 24, 1986. This long history shows they have helped families for many decades. Medicare certification means they follow strict rules set by the federal government. These rules ensure that patients get safe and high-quality care. When you pick a hospice provider, you should look at their experience. This agency has met federal standards for a long time. Families should feel good knowing this provider has a history of serving the community. You can ask them about their specific team members and daily care routines. They are located in the heart of Fort Smith for easy access. Taking the time to visit or call can help you decide if they are the right fit for your family. They are committed to providing care that meets your specific needs.
Quality Care Rating
Understanding Hospice Care in Fort Smith
Hospice care is a special way to support people with serious illnesses. It focuses on comfort instead of a cure. The goal is to improve the quality of life for the patient. In Fort Smith, families have access to several hospice choices. Each agency offers different services to help your loved one. Some agencies provide care in the home. Others might offer care in a nursing facility. You should think about what your family needs most. Do you need help with daily tasks? Do you need medical equipment or pain management? Hospice teams usually include doctors, nurses, and social workers. They work together to create a plan that fits your goals. It is important to talk about these choices early. This helps your family feel prepared and supported. You can ask each agency how they handle emergencies. Good communication is the key to getting the best support possible.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider is a big decision for your family. You should feel comfortable with the team you choose. Here are a few questions to help you get started:
- How quickly can your team come to our home if we have an urgent need?
- What services do your nurses and social workers provide to the family?
- How do you manage pain and other symptoms to keep my loved one comfortable?
- Can you explain how your team works with our primary doctor?
Asking these questions helps you understand how the agency operates. Do not feel rushed when you talk to them. It is okay to ask for more information if you are confused. A good provider will be happy to answer all your questions. They should make you feel heard and respected throughout the process. Take your time to find the support your family deserves.
Preserve Your Family Stories
This is a meaningful time to record the memories and wisdom of your loved ones. We offer tools to help you capture these stories for future generations to cherish.
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