HospiceScout

WESTERN HORIZON HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE, INC

For-ProfitACHC AccreditedFreestanding Hospice

Provider Information

Address
23441 S POINT DR
LAGUNA HILLS, CA 92653
Ownership Type
For-Profit
Medicare Certified Since
March 15, 2018

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CMS Quality Ratings

Overall Rating

Composite score combining quality measures and patient survey results.

Quality of Care

Based on the CMS Hospice Care Index — 10 operational quality indicators including visits near death, nursing minutes, and care transitions.

Patient Satisfaction
Not yet rated

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

Staffing breakdown for WESTERN HORIZON HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE, INC
RoleStaff Count
Registered Nurses (RN)4
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)2
Volunteers1

11

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 WESTERN HORIZON HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE, 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

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.

Type of inpatient care
Both general inpatient care and respite care
Medical supplies and equipment
Brought in through an outside supplier

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 2018.

Care Details from Medicare Data

Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how WESTERN HORIZON HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE, INC compares to hospices nationwide.

9.2 minutes

of nurse care per routine home care day, on average

That is the 17th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.

24

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 day9.2 min

    Ranks better than about 17% 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 weekends10.2%

    Ranks better than about 71% 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 life100%

    Ranks better than about 99% 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 visits90.6%

    Ranks better than about 5% 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 care7.8%

    Ranks better than about 40% 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 months52.9%

    Ranks better than about 13% 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 care7.8%

    Ranks better than about 46% 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%

    Ranks better than about 37% 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$25,341 · 83rd 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 8 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 10% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
  • Pain screening100%
  • Pain assessment100%
  • Breathing difficulty screening100%
  • Breathing difficulty treatment65.5%
  • Treatment preferences discussed100%
  • Beliefs and values discussed100%
  • Visits in the last days of life10%
  • All care steps completed85.5%

Conditions of patients in their care

Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.

  • Cancer13%
  • Dementia46%
  • Heart and circulatory disease22%
  • Other conditions14%

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 Lake Forest

Western Horizon Hospice and Palliative Care serves families across Lake Forest, California. They provide support for those facing a life-limiting illness. Their team focuses on comfort and dignity during a very difficult time. By managing pain and symptoms, they help patients stay at home whenever possible. This care is about improving quality of life for the patient and their loved ones. The team works hard to meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It is a big job, but they are dedicated to helping families find peace. They offer a team-based approach to ensure everyone feels supported throughout the journey. You are not alone in this process.

About Western Horizon Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc

Western Horizon Hospice and Palliative Care has been Medicare certified since March 15, 2018. As a for-profit organization, they are held to national standards set by federal agencies. Medicare certification means they must follow strict rules to ensure patient safety and care quality. Families should know that these standards cover everything from staff training to how they handle medical records. That said, it is always a good idea to meet with their team in person. You want to see if their approach matches what your loved one needs. They are located at 2 S Pointe Dr, Suite 130. Being in Orange County, they have a deep connection to the local community. They have been providing this specialized care for several years now. That is a solid foundation for families to rely on when making tough choices.

Quality Care Rating

Western Horizon Hospice and Palliative Care holds an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating from CMS. Their Quality of Care score is also 4.5 stars. This means they are performing above average based on national hospice care measures.

Understanding Hospice Care in Lake Forest

Finding the right care in Orange County can feel like a chore. There are many options, but not all providers are the same. Hospice is a specific type of care that centers on comfort rather than a cure. The main goal is to reduce pain and help the patient live their final days with peace. Most people think hospice is only for the very last days. The truth is, hospice can provide support for months if the patient qualifies. It brings medical equipment, nurses, and social workers right to your door. This helps keep the family together in a familiar space. You get to focus on being a family member rather than a caregiver. That is the true value of these services. It gives you time to talk, share memories, and simply be present with one another.

What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider

Choosing a provider is a big decision for your family. You should feel comfortable asking direct questions to get the answers you need. First, ask how quickly they can respond to an urgent call in the middle of the night. You need to know that help is available 24/7. Second, ask how their team handles pain management. Their philosophy on comfort should match your own goals. Third, ask how they support family caregivers who might be tired or stressed. Do they offer respite care or volunteer help? Finally, ask about their experience with your specific health situation. Every patient is different, and you deserve a plan that fits your life. Do not feel rushed during these talks. Take your time to find the right fit for your loved one.

Preserve Your Family Stories

During this time, the stories and wisdom of your loved ones are more precious than ever. We help you capture those memories to keep them safe for generations to come.

Start Preserving Memories

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Helpful Guides for Families

Some stories are worth writing down

Between the calls and the paperwork, many families wish they had asked more about the person at the center of it all. A recorded conversation, a favorite recipe, the story behind an old photo. Small things now can mean a great deal later. Our legacy guides show simple ways to start.