ELITE HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 1201 HIGHWAY 71 SOUTH
MENA, AR 71953 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- September 26, 1996
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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) | 7 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Volunteers | 14 |
23
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 ELITE HOSPICE 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 2020.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how ELITE HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
13.6 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 64th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
79
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 day13.6 min
Ranks better than about 64% 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 weekends5.3%
Ranks better than about 18% 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%
Ranks better than about 54% 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 visits39.3%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 care2.5%
Ranks better than about 76% 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 months40.8%
Ranks better than about 38% 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 care2.5%
Ranks better than about 75% 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 hospice0.8%
Ranks better than about 53% 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)67th 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$16,702 · 43rd 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 72.7% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.7%
- Pain assessment99.0%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.7%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids99.3%
- Visits in the last days of life72.7%
- All care steps completed98.4%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer20%
- Dementia18%
- Heart and circulatory disease26%
- Lung and respiratory disease12%
- Stroke8%
- Other conditions18%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
ELITE HOSPICE in MENA
ELITE HOSPICE serves families throughout Polk County from their office on Highway 71 South. This freestanding provider offers specialized end of life care for those in the MENA area. They have been certified by Medicare since 1996, which shows they have served this community for many years. Their team consists of 23 staff members who work to manage symptoms and provide comfort to patients. Choosing a local provider helps keep care close to home. That is a benefit for many families during a hard time.
About ELITE HOSPICE
This provider operates as an independent, freestanding hospice agency. Being certified by Medicare since 1996 means they meet federal rules for quality and safety. Medicare certification is not just a label. It acts as a baseline for how they handle patient care and record keeping. The agency supports 23 employees, including seven registered nurses and one licensed practical nurse. They also work with 14 volunteers to provide extra support to patients and their loved ones. This mix of staff and volunteers allows them to offer consistent attention. Families should know that this provider has a long history of meeting federal standards in Arkansas. They have maintained their certification for nearly three decades. This consistency often brings peace of mind to families who need reliable support during a difficult phase of life.
Quality Summary
What Is Hospice Care Like in MENA?
Hospice care in Polk County focuses on comfort rather than a cure. It brings medical experts directly to the patient, whether they live in a private home or a care facility. The team at ELITE HOSPICE includes seven registered nurses and one licensed practical nurse who manage pain and other symptoms. These professionals work alongside 14 volunteers who can provide companionship or help with daily errands. Care plans are tailored to each person. And the goal is always to improve the quality of each remaining day. The team visits regularly to monitor the patient and support family members. They also handle medical equipment and supplies. This makes the process much simpler for everyone involved. It allows the family to spend time together without worrying about the logistics of medical needs.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Selecting the right care team is a big decision. Start by asking how quickly they can visit your home after a referral. You should also ask how the team handles pain management after normal business hours. Ask if they have staff available on weekends or holidays. It is also wise to inquire about how they support family members with grief and emotional stress. Ask if you will have a consistent nurse for most visits. Continuity of care helps build a trusting bond between the patient and the staff. Finally, ask what specific services their volunteers provide. Every agency operates a little differently. Getting clear answers to these questions will help you feel more confident in your choice.
Preserve Your Family History
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories worth saving for future generations to cherish.
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Helpful Guides for Families
Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefits: A Family Guide
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How to Choose a Hospice Provider: A Family’s Complete Guide
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