HOSPICE OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Provider Information
- Address
- 940 DISC DRIVE
SCOTTS VALLEY, CA 95066 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 27, 1987
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) | 51 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 25 |
92
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 SANTA CRUZ COUNTY reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Provided directly by this hospice
- 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 2018.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY compares to hospices nationwide.
15.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 80th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
177
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 day15.7 min
Ranks better than about 80% 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 weekends12.9%
Ranks better than about 83% 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 life93.3%
Ranks better than about 49% 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 visits56.8%
Ranks better than about 44% 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 months46.6%
Ranks better than about 25% 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 care2.1%
Ranks better than about 77% 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$21,897 · 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 9 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 70.2% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment99.1%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.4%
- Breathing difficulty treatment98.8%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life70.2%
- All care steps completed98.5%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer29%
- Dementia12%
- Heart and circulatory disease9%
- Lung and respiratory disease7%
- Stroke19%
- Other conditions26%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice of Santa Cruz County Overview
Hospice of Santa Cruz County provides compassionate end-of-life care in Scotts Valley, California. The team helps patients and families manage symptoms while focusing on comfort and quality of life. Their office is at 940 Disc Drive. They have served the community for many years with a dedicated focus on holistic support. Patients receive care in their own homes or in care facilities. The staff works closely with families to create a plan that meets individual needs. Choosing a hospice is a big decision for your loved ones. This provider offers experienced care to help you navigate this difficult journey with grace and dignity.
About Hospice of Santa Cruz County
Hospice of Santa Cruz County is a non-profit organization. This means they put their focus on patient care rather than profit. They have been Medicare certified since July 27, 1987. This long history shows their commitment to meeting high federal standards for health care. Families should know that non-profit hospices often focus heavily on community wellness and volunteer programs. Their team includes doctors, nurses, social workers, and spiritual counselors. They work together to address physical pain and emotional needs. Because they are Medicare certified, they follow strict rules to ensure quality and safety. You can trust that they meet national benchmarks for the care they provide to your family members. Their staff is trained to help you understand every step of the hospice process.
Quality Ratings
Understanding Hospice Care in Scotts Valley
Hospice care is a special way to support people facing a serious illness. It is not about giving up hope. Instead, it is about shifting the focus to comfort and peace. In Scotts Valley, families can access these services to help manage pain and symptoms at home. A team of experts visits you to provide support. They help with medicine, equipment, and emotional care for the whole family. Hospice care also provides respite for caregivers who need a break. It is important to know that you can choose your hospice provider. You do not have to pick the first one suggested to you. Take time to learn about the options in Santa Cruz County. Finding the right fit can make a big difference for your loved one's comfort and your own peace of mind.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing the right hospice team is a personal process. It helps to ask clear questions before you decide. Here are a few things to consider asking during your first meeting:
- How quickly can your staff arrive if we have an emergency at night or on the weekend?
- What specific services do your volunteers offer to support our family at home?
- How does your team coordinate care with our current primary doctor?
- Can you explain how your team helps manage pain and other symptoms effectively?
Ask about their experience with your loved one's specific health needs. Listen to how they answer your concerns. A good provider will be patient and clear. They should make you feel heard and supported throughout the entire conversation. Do not feel rushed to make a choice. Take your time to find the team that feels right for your family.
Preserve Your Family Stories
During this time, capturing memories and stories is a beautiful way to honor your loved one. Create a lasting legacy that your family can cherish for generations to come.
Start Your StoryOther Hospice Providers Nearby
GENTIVA
ADVENTIST HEALTH HOME CARE
GRACE HOSPICE, INC
GENTIVA
CHERISH HOSPICE
ADVENTIST HEALTH HOME CARE SERVICES
Helpful Guides for Families
How to Spot a Trustworthy Hospice in 2026
A federal fraud crackdown froze new hospice enrollments in 2026. Here's how to verify a hospice is legitimate, Medicare-certified, and safe to trust.
How to Start the Hospice Conversation: A Practical Guide
Struggling to talk about end-of-life care? Learn how to start the hospice conversation with your aging parents using these compassionate, expert-backed tips.
Starting Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Families
Struggling with end-of-life talks? Learn the best ways for starting difficult conversations with your aging parents to ensure their wishes are honored today.
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.