ARKANSAS VALLEY HOSPICE INC
Provider Information
- Address
- 531 LEWIS AVE
LA JUNTA, CO 81050 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- November 18, 1986
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 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 3 |
| Volunteers | 1 |
17
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 ARKANSAS VALLEY 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 ARKANSAS VALLEY HOSPICE INC compares to hospices nationwide.
13.2 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 60th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
14
patients in care on an average day
A rough measure of size. Smaller can mean more personal. Larger can mean more resources.
Medicare reports this hospice billed for routine home care only from January 2022 through December 2024. Hospices can also provide continuous home care, inpatient care, and respite care when symptoms are harder to manage. There can be good reasons for this. Ask the provider how they handle a crisis at home.
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 day13.2 min
Ranks better than about 60% 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 weekends7.9%
Ranks better than about 50% 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 life93.8%
Ranks better than about 52% 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 visits49.4%
Ranks better than about 55% 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 care2.9%
Ranks better than about 74% 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 months26.5%
Ranks better than about 77% 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 care5.9%
Ranks better than about 57% 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$10,868 · 14th 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 52.2% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment97.4%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids84.2%
- Visits in the last days of life52.2%
- All care steps completed92.9%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer24%
- Dementia11%
- Heart and circulatory disease14%
- Other conditions42%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care in La Junta
Arkansas Valley Hospice Inc serves families in La Junta, Colorado, and the surrounding Otero County area. They focus on providing comfort and support for patients during their final stages of life. Their team works to meet the physical and emotional needs of every person they serve. They offer care that honors the dignity of each patient. Choosing a hospice provider is an important decision for your loved ones. This team is dedicated to providing high-quality end-of-life care in your own community. They strive to make this difficult time as peaceful as possible for the entire family. You can trust that their staff is trained to help you navigate these complex health challenges with grace. Their presence in La Junta ensures that local families have access to professional hospice services close to home. Relying on a local team can provide comfort during your journey.
About Arkansas Valley Hospice Inc
Arkansas Valley Hospice Inc is a non-profit organization. It has been Medicare certified since November 18, 1986. This long history shows their deep commitment to serving the community over many years. Being a non-profit means they put their mission and patient care above all else. Families should know that this provider has a strong track record of stability. They have been helping neighbors in Colorado for over three decades. This experience matters when you need reliable support during a health crisis. Their longevity in the Medicare program reflects a steady dedication to meeting federal quality standards. You can feel confident in their history of service and their non-profit status. They work hard to maintain the trust of the local community. Their team remains focused on the values that started their mission many years ago. They are a staple of care in Otero County.
Understanding Hospice Care in La Junta
Finding hospice care in a smaller town like La Junta can feel overwhelming. You want a team that understands the local culture and your specific needs. Hospice care is not about giving up hope. It is about choosing comfort and quality of life. The goal is to manage pain and help the patient stay as active as possible. Support also extends to the family members who are grieving. You deserve to have a partner who listens to your concerns. A good hospice team will visit you where you live. They bring the care to your home. This makes it easier for you to stay in a familiar and comforting place. Local providers like those in Otero County understand the unique needs of rural families. They are here to guide you through every step of this journey with kindness and professional care.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
It is smart to ask questions before you pick a hospice provider. You want to feel sure about your choice. Here are a few things you might ask the team:
- How quickly can your staff arrive if we have a sudden emergency at night?
- What specific services do you offer to help family members with their grief?
- How do you manage pain and other symptoms to keep the patient comfortable?
- Can you explain how your team coordinates care with our current family doctor?
Asking these questions helps you understand how the provider will support you. You should feel comfortable with the answers they give you. Do not be afraid to ask for more details if you do not understand something. Clear communication is the foundation of a good relationship with your hospice team. Take your time to get the answers you need. You are making an important decision for your loved one.
Preserve Your Family Stories
This time is precious. We can help you save your family stories and memories for future generations to enjoy.
Learn MoreOther Hospice Providers Nearby
MOUNT EVANS HOSPICE, INC
COMPASSIONATE HOSPICE CARE LLC
HOME HOSPICE DENVER
LAMAR AREA HOSPICE ASSOCIATION
ALL SEASONS HOSPICE
CANYON HOME CARE & HOSPICE
Helpful Guides for Families
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.
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.
What Nearly 17,000 Hospice Inspection Reports Reveal
CMS released 16,894 hospice inspection reports from late 2021 to early 2026. See what surveyors cited most, what serious findings mean, and how to use them.
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.