BLUE RIVER HOSPICE, INC
Provider Information
- Address
- 171 N ALTADENA DR SUITE 235
PASADENA, CA 91107 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- November 19, 2021
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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) | 1 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 1 |
6
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 BLUE RIVER HOSPICE, 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 BLUE RIVER HOSPICE, INC compares to hospices nationwide.
7.9 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 9th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
31
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 day7.9 min
Ranks better than about 9% 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 weekends22.1%
Ranks better than about 96% 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 life84%
Ranks better than about 18% 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 visits95.7%
Ranks better than about 2% 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 care4.8%
Ranks better than about 61% 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 months46%
Ranks better than about 26% 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 care1.6%
Ranks better than about 79% 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$35,050 · 96th 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 88.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment96.2%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- All care steps completed88.9%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Dementia31%
- Heart and circulatory disease57%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Hospice Care in Pasadena
Blue River Hospice, Inc. provides dedicated end-of-life care for families in Pasadena, California. They focus on comfort, dignity, and support during a difficult time. Their team is committed to helping patients manage pain and improve their quality of life. Serving the Los Angeles area, they offer professional care tailored to each person's unique needs. Choosing the right hospice is a big decision for any family. Blue River Hospice strives to offer a gentle presence when it matters most. They work hard to support both the patient and their loved ones through every step of this journey. You can feel confident knowing they are focused on providing meaningful care in the Pasadena community.
About Blue River Hospice, Inc.
Blue River Hospice, Inc. is a for-profit hospice provider located in Pasadena. They have been Medicare certified since November 19, 2021. Being Medicare certified means they meet strict federal standards for quality and safety. This certification helps families know that the provider follows specific rules for patient care. As a for-profit organization, they operate with a business model that emphasizes efficient and high-quality service delivery. Families should know that hospice care is about more than just medicine. It is about creating a supportive environment where patients feel heard and valued. When you look for a provider, checking their history is a great first step. Blue River Hospice has established itself as a local option for those living in Los Angeles County. They focus on meeting the needs of their community with professional and compassionate care every day.
Understanding Hospice Care in Pasadena
Pasadena offers many resources for families facing a terminal illness. Hospice care is a special type of support for people with a limited life expectancy. The goal is to provide comfort rather than a cure. It focuses on physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. In the Los Angeles area, many providers work to ensure that patients can stay in their own homes. Staying home helps patients feel more comfortable and connected to their family. Hospice teams include doctors, nurses, and social workers who visit regularly. They work together to manage pain and provide emotional support for everyone involved. It is important to know that you can choose your hospice provider. You do not have to pick the first one you hear about. Take your time to find a team that feels right for your family's needs and values.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Finding the right team is a big task. Ask these questions to help you decide:
- How quickly can your staff get to my home in an emergency?
- What kind of support do you offer to family members after a loss?
- How do you help manage pain and other difficult symptoms?
- How often will a nurse or doctor visit my loved one?
These questions help you see if a provider is a good match. A good hospice team will be happy to answer all of your questions. They should be open and honest about what they can do. Listen to how they explain their services. You want a team that makes you feel heard and respected. Trust your gut feeling during these meetings. It is okay to ask for more information if you feel confused. The right provider will want to help you feel at peace with your choice.
Preserve Your Family Stories
This time is precious. We can help you save your family stories and memories to keep them safe for future generations.
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Helpful Guides for Families
Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefit: A Family Guide
Confused by hospice coverage? Our guide to understanding Medicare hospice benefits helps you navigate care options and costs with confidence and clarity.
A Complete End of Life Planning Checklist for Families
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What Does Medicare Cover for Hospice Care?
Confused about medicare hospice coverage? Discover exactly what is covered, how to manage costs, and navigate your benefits with our simple, expert guide.
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.