ARDENT HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY
Provider Information
- Address
- 601 HIGH ST, UNIT E
DELANO, CA 93215 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- April 1, 2019
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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) | 2 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
| Physicians | 1 |
8
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 ARDENT HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY 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 ARDENT HOSPICE OF THE VALLEY compares to hospices nationwide.
11.4 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 40th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
19
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 day11.4 min
Ranks better than about 40% 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 life93.6%
Ranks better than about 51% 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 visits51.9%
Ranks better than about 51% 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 care13%
Ranks better than about 13% 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 months39.1%
Ranks better than about 43% 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$24,525 · 80th 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 7 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 20.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening97.4%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed97.4%
- Visits in the last days of life20.9%
- All care steps completed94.9%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer25%
- Dementia41%
- Heart and circulatory disease20%
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 Delano
Ardent Hospice of the Valley provides specialized end-of-life care for residents of Delano, California. Their professional team focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families. Located at 601 High St, Unit E, they serve the Kern County area with a commitment to compassionate support. Choosing hospice is a major decision for any family. This provider aims to offer peace and stability during a challenging time. They work closely with doctors and caregivers to manage symptoms and provide emotional support for everyone involved. By focusing on the unique needs of each person, they strive to make every day more meaningful. Their team understands the local community and is ready to help families navigate their end-of-life journey with care.
About Ardent Hospice of the Valley
Ardent Hospice of the Valley is a for-profit hospice provider serving the Kern County community. They have been Medicare certified since April 1, 2019. This certification shows that the provider meets strict federal standards for patient care and safety. For-profit status means the agency operates as a business while still following these government-mandated quality guidelines. When looking for care, it is helpful to know that this provider has a history of meeting Medicare requirements for several years. Families should feel empowered to ask about the specific services they offer. Understanding their background can help you feel more confident in your choice. It is important to look at both their experience and their commitment to standard care practices. This provider remains a clear option for those seeking hospice support in the Delano region.
High Quality Ratings
Understanding Hospice Care in Delano
Hospice care in Delano is designed to help patients who have a life-limiting illness. The goal is to manage pain and provide emotional support rather than seeking a cure. Many people mistakenly think hospice is only for the very last days of life. However, families often get the most benefit when they start services sooner. Hospice care can happen at home or in a facility. It includes a team of nurses, social workers, and volunteers who work together. They focus on what the patient wants and needs each day. In Kern County, families have access to several options to ensure their loved ones are comfortable. Choosing the right partner makes a big difference in the patient's daily comfort. You should always feel free to discuss your concerns with the hospice team.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Selecting a hospice provider is a personal and important step for your family. You should ask questions that help you understand how they will care for your loved one. Consider asking these questions during your first meeting:
- How quickly can your team respond if we have an urgent need at night or on weekends?
- What specific steps do you take to manage pain and other difficult symptoms?
- How do you support family members who are grieving or feeling stressed?
- Can you explain how your team coordinates care with our current family doctor?
Asking these questions helps you see if the provider is a good fit for your values. Do not feel rushed when talking to potential agencies. It is your right to get clear answers before you make a decision. A good provider will be happy to answer everything you ask.
Preserve Your Family Stories
This time is precious for your family. Capturing memories and stories can be a beautiful way to honor your loved one. We provide tools to help you record and save these important moments for future generations to cherish.
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Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
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Some stories are worth writing down
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