HOSPICE BY THE SEA
Provider Information
- Address
- 777 S HIGHWAY 101
SOLANA BEACH, CA 92075 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- December 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 August 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) | 6 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
| Physicians | 2 |
| Volunteers | 17 |
18
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 BY THE SEA 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 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE BY THE SEA compares to hospices nationwide.
8 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.
34
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 day8 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 weekends2.3%
Ranks better than about 2% 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 life72.5%
Ranks better than about 9% 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 visits94.6%
Ranks better than about 3% 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 care6.1%
Ranks better than about 52% 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 months57.1%
Ranks better than about 9% 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 care8.2%
Ranks better than about 45% 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)67th 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$27,642 · 88th 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 11.1% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening97.7%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening97.7%
- Breathing difficulty treatment93.5%
- Treatment preferences discussed98.8%
- Beliefs and values discussed96.5%
- Visits in the last days of life11.1%
- All care steps completed87.2%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer22%
- Dementia16%
- Heart and circulatory disease32%
- Stroke12%
- Other conditions15%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice by the Sea in Solana Beach
Hospice by the Sea serves families in Solana Beach and the surrounding San Diego area. This provider offers end-of-life care focused on comfort and symptom management for those with life-limiting illnesses. They operate as a freestanding hospice agency. This means they focus solely on hospice care rather than being part of a larger hospital system. Families often choose them for their local presence in California. They have been certified to provide care through the Medicare program since 1994. Having thirty years of history shows a long commitment to the local community. Their team works to support patients and their loved ones during this time. Choosing a provider is a personal step. You should review their services to see if they fit your specific needs.
About Hospice by the Sea
Hospice by the Sea is a for-profit organization. This structure allows them to operate independently while following federal Medicare guidelines. They received their initial Medicare certification in December 1994. This date marks their entry into the official federal hospice registry. Many families look for this certification because it ensures the provider meets specific government standards for quality and safety. Being a freestanding hospice means their entire focus is on hospice care delivery. It is not an add-on service. They maintain a team of 18 employees. This group includes six registered nurses and two licensed practical nurses. They also have two physicians on staff to oversee medical decisions. Having 17 volunteers adds another layer of support for patients. These volunteers help with social and emotional needs. That is a helpful resource for many families. They provide a clear structure for care delivery in the San Diego region.
Quality of Care Note
What Is Hospice Care Like in Solana Beach?
Hospice care in Solana Beach centers on providing comfort where a patient lives. Most families choose to receive care in their own homes. The goal is to keep the patient pain-free and comfortable. Hospice teams visit frequently to check on the patient and provide supplies. This team approach is standard for providers in the area. At Hospice by the Sea, the staff includes 18 people who manage daily operations. This group consists of six registered nurses and two licensed practical nurses. These nurses handle the clinical side of care. Two physicians guide the medical plan for each person. They also coordinate with the 17 volunteers who offer extra companionship. This mix of medical and support staff helps ensure that patients have help when they need it most. It creates a full circle of care for the family. You can expect regular check-ins from the medical team.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing the right hospice requires asking the right questions. You want to feel sure about your decision. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens at night. You should also ask how the team manages pain and other symptoms. Ask about the role of the volunteers and how they help the family. It is also good to ask how often the doctor will visit or check in on the patient. Ask them to explain their plan for after-hours support. You need to know who to call for help at three in the morning. A good provider will answer these questions with patience and clarity. Do not feel rushed during your talk with them. You deserve to have all your concerns addressed before you sign any paperwork. Take your time to get the answers you need.
Preserve Your Family Stories
During this time, capturing memories and stories can be a way to honor your loved one. These stories become a treasure for future generations to hold onto.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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