MORNING STAR PALLIATIVE & HOSPICE INC.
Provider Information
- Address
- 11651 STERLING AVE, SUITE I
RIVERSIDE, CA 92503 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- April 1, 2014
Are you this hospice's administrator? Update your information
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) | 3 |
| Physicians | 2 |
13
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 MORNING STAR PALLIATIVE & 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
- Respite care (up to five days at a time, to give family caregivers a break)
- 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 MORNING STAR PALLIATIVE & HOSPICE INC. compares to hospices nationwide.
12.2 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 50th 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 day12.2 min
Ranks better than about 50% 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 weekends8.5%
Ranks better than about 57% 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 life86.8%
Ranks better than about 23% 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 visits53.8%
Ranks better than about 48% 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 care5.4%
Ranks better than about 57% 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 months48.6%
Ranks better than about 21% 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 care13.5%
Ranks better than about 22% 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 hospice5.4%
Ranks better than about 9% 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$22,053 · 70th 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 9.8% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening95.5%
- Pain assessment92.9%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life9.8%
- All care steps completed86.4%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Dementia27%
- Heart and circulatory disease44%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Supportive Care in Riverside
Morning Star Palliative & Hospice Inc. provides essential end-of-life care for families in Riverside, California. They focus on comfort, pain management, and emotional support for patients facing life-limiting illnesses. Their team serves the local community from their office on Sterling Avenue. Choosing the right care is a big decision for any family. That is why having a local provider who knows the area can make a real difference. They aim to help patients stay comfortable in their own homes. It is about keeping dignity and quality of life at the center of everything they do. Whether you are just starting to look at options or need care right away, they are there to help. This team understands the unique needs of people living in Riverside County. They bring professional care directly to your door when it matters most.
About Morning Star Palliative & Hospice Inc.
This provider has been Medicare-certified since April 1, 2014. As a for-profit organization, they operate with a clear structure to meet federal standards. Being certified for over a decade shows they have experience in the field. That is a long time to serve a community. What families should know is that Medicare certification means they must follow strict rules for quality and safety. They are regularly checked to make sure they follow these rules. It is not just about the paperwork. It is about the care they provide to your loved ones every day. You can feel a bit better knowing they have been in the system for many years. They have built their practice on the requirements set by Medicare. This provides a baseline of care that every family deserves. It is good to see a local provider with this level of history in the Riverside area.
High Quality Ratings
Understanding Hospice Care in Riverside
Finding the right hospice in a large county like Riverside can feel like a lot to take on. But you have options. Hospice is not about giving up. It is about choosing a different path that focuses on comfort and peace. Many families here choose hospice to avoid frequent trips to the hospital. Instead, they bring the care to the patient. This helps keep everyone in a familiar and safe space. The thing is, hospice is a team effort. You will have nurses, aides, and social workers helping you out. They work together to manage symptoms and support your emotional needs. Riverside has many resources for families. You do not have to walk this path alone. It is worth asking questions to see which team feels like the right fit for your family. Start by looking for providers who listen to your specific concerns and needs.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
It helps to have a list of questions ready when you call a hospice agency. First, ask how quickly they can start care once a doctor refers you. Time is often very important. Second, ask how they handle pain management after hours. You need to know that someone will answer the phone at 2:00 AM if you need help. Third, ask how often a nurse will actually visit your home. Some agencies visit more often than others. Finally, ask if they have experience with your loved one's specific illness. A good provider will be happy to talk through these details with you. They should never make you feel rushed or pressured to sign anything. Take your time to get the answers you need. Your peace of mind is the most important thing here. Trust your gut when you talk to them on the phone.
Preserve Your Family Stories
This time of life is for sharing memories and celebrating a life well-lived. Capture your family's history and wisdom so it can be passed down to future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
RIVA HOSPICE OF CALIFORNIA
LIVING WATERS HOSPICE
MOUNTAIN TOP HOSPICE CARE, INC
INLAND VALLEY HOSPICE
CARELIFE HOSPICE INC
DIGNIFIED HOSPICE CARE
Helpful Guides for Families
What CMS Star Ratings Actually Mean for Your Family
Confused by hospice star ratings? Learn how CMS calculates these scores, what they reveal about care quality, and how to find the right provider for your family.
Creating a Living Will Checklist: A Hospice Care Guide
Need help with end-of-life planning? Use our Creating a Living Will Checklist to ensure your loved one's medical wishes are honored. Start your planning today.
How to Start Hospice Conversations: A Practical Guide
Learn how to start hospice conversations with your loved ones. Get expert scripts, signs it is time, and tools to find quality care near you with Hospice Scout.
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.