HOSPICE OF THE FOOTHILLS
Provider Information
- Address
- 11270 ROUGH AND READY HIGHWAY
GRASS VALLEY, CA 95945 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- August 3, 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) | 16 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
60
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 THE FOOTHILLS 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 HOSPICE OF THE FOOTHILLS compares to hospices nationwide.
14 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 68th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
69
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 day14 min
Ranks better than about 68% 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 weekends7.2%
Ranks better than about 41% 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 life97%
Ranks better than about 79% 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 visits52.6%
Ranks better than about 50% 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 care11%
Ranks better than about 22% 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 months30.5%
Ranks better than about 67% 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 care1.2%
Ranks better than about 80% 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 hospice2.4%
Ranks better than about 32% 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$13,971 · 28th 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 60.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.8%
- Pain assessment89.1%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment92.4%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.1%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life60.9%
- All care steps completed90.1%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer36%
- Dementia16%
- Heart and circulatory disease14%
- Lung and respiratory disease8%
- Stroke14%
- Other conditions13%
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 Grass Valley
Hospice of the Foothills provides end-of-life care for residents in Grass Valley, California. They offer support focused on comfort and quality of life for patients. Their team works to meet the physical and emotional needs of those they serve. Families in Nevada County can rely on their experienced staff for dedicated care during difficult times. This provider has served the area for many years with a commitment to kindness. Choosing a local hospice helps ensure that care is close to home. They focus on dignity and respect for every patient and their loved ones. Their approach emphasizes managing pain and symptoms effectively. Families can feel supported by a team that understands the unique needs of this community. Every patient receives a care plan tailored to their specific situation and goals for comfort.
About HOSPICE OF THE FOOTHILLS
Hospice of the Foothills has been a Medicare-certified provider since August 1994. This long history shows their experience in the field of hospice care. They operate under an "Other" ownership structure. Being Medicare-certified means they meet strict federal standards for safety and service quality. Families should know that this provider is held to high benchmarks by government agencies. This certification ensures that they follow specific rules for patient care and staff training. Their facility is located on Rough and Ready Highway in Grass Valley. Understanding their history can give families peace of mind when making care choices. Their longevity in the community suggests a stable presence for those in need of support. It is important to review their quality scores to see how they perform compared to other providers in the state. They remain dedicated to high standards of care for all patients.
Understanding Hospice Care in Grass Valley
Hospice care is a special way to support people with serious illnesses. It focuses on comfort rather than a cure. The team includes nurses, doctors, and social workers. They work together to help manage pain and other symptoms. Care often happens in the patient's own home, which is a great comfort. In Grass Valley, families have access to resources that help them navigate this journey. Hospice is not just for the final days. It can provide support for months. The goal is to help patients live their final days with peace and dignity. Families also get support to help them cope with their emotions. This care is designed to honor the wishes of the patient. It allows families to spend meaningful time together. Choosing the right hospice is an important step for your loved one's comfort and care.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
It is normal to have many questions when looking for the right care. You want to be sure your loved one is in good hands. Here are a few important questions to ask any provider:
- How quickly can a nurse or doctor arrive at the home if there is an emergency?
- What specific services do you provide to support the family members and caregivers?
- How do you handle pain management and symptom relief for your patients?
- What is your philosophy on keeping a patient comfortable and at home?
Asking these questions will help you feel more confident in your choice. Listen to your gut feelings during your conversation with the staff. You deserve a team that listens to your concerns. A good provider will be happy to answer everything clearly. Take your time to find the right fit for your family's needs.
Preserve Your Family's Story
This is a meaningful time for your family. Creating a record of stories and memories can be a comfort for everyone. Start preserving your family history today in a simple and private way.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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PARADISE HOSPICE, INC
HYGIEIA HOSPICE
FIVE STAR HOME HOSPICE
CHERISH HOSPICE
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Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefit: A Family Guide
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How to Start Hospice Conversations: A Practical Guide
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Some stories are worth writing down
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