HOSPICE OF THE PLAINS INC
Provider Information
- Address
- 302 N 9TH AVE
STERLING, CO 80751 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- November 8, 1996
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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 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) | 8 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 3 |
| Volunteers | 3 |
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 OF THE PLAINS 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
- Supplied directly by this hospice
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 HOSPICE OF THE PLAINS INC compares to hospices nationwide.
11 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 35th 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.
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 day11 min
Ranks better than about 35% 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 weekends3.3%
Ranks better than about 5% 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 life94%
Ranks better than about 54% 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 visits21.1%
Ranks better than about 88% 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 care10.7%
Ranks better than about 23% 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 months28.6%
Ranks better than about 72% 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 care3.6%
Ranks better than about 69% 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 hospice10.7%
Ranks better than about 1% 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$13,386 · 25th 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 52.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.9%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening98.9%
- Breathing difficulty treatment94.8%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed98.9%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids94.3%
- Visits in the last days of life52.9%
- All care steps completed94.7%
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%
- Dementia7%
- Heart and circulatory disease17%
- Lung and respiratory disease13%
- Other conditions32%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice of the Plains Inc
Hospice of the Plains Inc provides end-of-life care for families in Sterling, Colorado. They focus on comfort, pain management, and emotional support for patients facing terminal illness. The team works hard to improve quality of life during a very difficult time. Being located on North 9th Avenue makes them a local resource for those living in Logan County. They aim to keep patients comfortable in their own homes whenever possible. It is a local team dedicated to the needs of this specific community. That makes a big difference when you need support quickly. Choosing the right care team is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Their goal is to walk this path with you, providing both physical and spiritual support. They bring care directly to where you live, ensuring your loved one feels safe and respected at all times.
About Hospice of the Plains Inc
Hospice of the Plains Inc operates as a non-profit organization. This is a key detail for many families to understand. Being non-profit often means that any extra money goes back into patient care services. They have been Medicare certified since November 8, 1996. That is over 25 years of experience serving the Sterling area. Longevity like that shows a deep commitment to the community. You are looking for a team that knows the local health system well. They have clearly stood the test of time. When you call them at (970) 526-7901, you are connecting with a group that has helped many families in Logan County for decades. It is important to feel like you have a partner who truly understands the local medical landscape. Their long history of certification gives families a sense of stability when they need it most. That is peace of mind.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in Sterling
Hospice care in rural Colorado is all about bringing specialized help to your doorstep. In a place like Sterling, the goal is to reduce the need for travel to a hospital. You want your loved one to stay in a place that feels like home. This is why local teams are so vital. They know the roads, the local doctors, and the community culture. The thing is, hospice is not just about the end of life. It is really about living each day with as much dignity and comfort as possible. Nurses, aides, and social workers visit your home to help with daily tasks and pain control. They also offer support to the family members who are acting as caregivers. It is a team effort designed to make a tough situation a little easier to manage. You never have to do this alone.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a provider can feel overwhelming. Start by asking clear questions to help you decide. First, ask how quickly they can get a nurse to your home in an emergency. You need to know that help is available 24/7. Second, ask how they handle pain and symptom management for specific conditions. You want a team that has a clear plan for your loved one. Third, ask what kind of support they provide for family caregivers. It is hard work, and you will need someone to talk to as well. Finally, ask how they involve the patient in their own care plan. It is their journey, after all. Keep these simple questions in mind during your first meeting. The right provider will be happy to answer everything clearly. They should make you feel heard and understood every single time you speak with them.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
During this time, the memories and stories of your loved ones become more precious than ever. We help you preserve these moments so future generations can know their history.
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