KAWEAH HEALTH HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 402 W ACEQUIA AVE
VISALIA, CA 93291 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- May 16, 2002
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) | 5 |
| Physicians | 1 |
10
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 KAWEAH HEALTH HOSPICE 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
- General inpatient care (for pain or symptoms that cannot be managed elsewhere)
- 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 2016.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how KAWEAH HEALTH HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
27.1 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 99th 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 day27.1 min
Ranks better than about 99% 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 weekends9.7%
Ranks better than about 67% 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 life93.9%
Ranks better than about 53% 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 visits29.7%
Ranks better than about 79% 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 care20.8%
Ranks better than about 3% 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 months8.3%
Ranks better than about 96% 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 care4.2%
Ranks better than about 66% 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$6,095 · 2nd 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 54.4% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.7%
- Pain assessment98.8%
- Breathing difficulty screening98.5%
- Breathing difficulty treatment95.3%
- Treatment preferences discussed99%
- Beliefs and values discussed97.2%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids97.3%
- Visits in the last days of life54.4%
- All care steps completed92.2%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer31%
- Dementia7%
- Heart and circulatory disease22%
- Lung and respiratory disease9%
- Stroke19%
- Other conditions12%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care at Kaweah Health Hospice
Kaweah Health Hospice provides end-of-life care in Visalia, California. They focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for their patients. Their team works hard to support both the patient and their loved ones. They offer expert medical care and emotional support during a difficult time. Families in Tulare County can rely on them for professional hospice services. Their goal is to make every day count for those they serve. They help manage pain and symptoms while honoring the wishes of the patient. Choosing hospice care is a big decision for any family. Having a local team can provide peace of mind and steady support. They are dedicated to serving the Visalia community with kindness and deep respect.
About Kaweah Health Hospice
Kaweah Health Hospice has served the local area since May 2002. They operate as a non-profit organization. Being non-profit means their focus stays on patient needs rather than profits. This long history of certification shows their commitment to the community. Medicare certification is a standard that ensures they meet strict federal rules. Families should know that they have a proven track record of care. Being a non-profit provider often means they reinvest resources back into their services. This can lead to better care and more support for families. They follow high safety and quality standards set by government experts. You can feel confident in their long-standing presence in Tulare County. Their team is ready to help you understand your options for care. They prioritize the comfort and well-being of every person under their watch.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in Visalia
Hospice care in Visalia helps people live their final months to the fullest. It is not just about medical help. It is about emotional and spiritual support for the whole family. Many people think hospice is only for the last few days of life. This is not true. Hospice can start as soon as a doctor confirms a life-limiting illness. Getting help early can make a big difference for the patient. It allows more time for the team to build trust. It also helps the family learn how to provide the best care at home. You do not have to walk this path alone. Hospice teams in Tulare County are trained to handle complex needs. They work to keep pain low and spirits high. Their presence brings comfort to the home environment. It helps families focus on being together rather than just being caregivers.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing the right hospice provider is very important for your family. You should feel comfortable with the team you choose. Here are some questions to ask during your first meeting:
- How often will a nurse or doctor visit the patient at home?
- What support do you offer for family members after a loss?
- How do you handle urgent medical needs during the night or on weekends?
- Can you explain how your team helps manage pain and other symptoms?
Asking these questions will help you understand their approach. It is okay to ask for details until you feel satisfied. A good provider will be happy to answer your questions clearly. They should be open and honest about their services. You deserve to feel confident in the team caring for your loved one. Take your time to find the right fit for your situation.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories and memories. Now is the perfect time to capture those moments and keep them safe for future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
INFINITE HEART HOSPICE
SEVA HOSPICE
AMERICAN QLH
GENTIVA
HEARTLAND HOSPICE (SANTA CLARA)
GRACE HOSPICE, INC
Helpful Guides for Families
Choosing a Hospice Provider: A 5-Step Quality Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Use our expert 5-step guide to choosing a hospice provider that offers the compassionate, high-quality care your loved one deserves.
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.
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.
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.