RIDGEFIELD VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION
Provider Information
- Address
- 27 GOVERNOR STREET
RIDGEFIELD, CT 06877 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- November 16, 2018
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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) | 2 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
5
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 RIDGEFIELD VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION 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 2018.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how RIDGEFIELD VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION compares to hospices nationwide.
14.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 74th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
158
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 day14.7 min
Ranks better than about 74% 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 weekends11.2%
Ranks better than about 77% 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 life96.5%
Ranks better than about 75% 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 visits26.3%
Ranks better than about 83% 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 care14.6%
Ranks better than about 9% 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 months33.3%
Ranks better than about 58% 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 care10.4%
Ranks better than about 33% 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 hospice2.1%
Ranks better than about 36% 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)74th 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$21,186 · 67th 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 69.1% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.7%
- Pain assessment99.5%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment90.2%
- Treatment preferences discussed99.8%
- Beliefs and values discussed99%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids93.9%
- Visits in the last days of life69.1%
- All care steps completed93.9%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer20%
- Dementia35%
- Heart and circulatory disease21%
- Lung and respiratory disease4%
- Stroke5%
- Other conditions15%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice Care in Ridgefield
Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association offers hospice care for families in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Located at 27 Governor Street, this team serves the local Fairfield County area with dedicated support. They focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for those facing a life-limiting illness. Choosing the right care is a big decision. This team works hard to make sure patients feel heard and cared for every single day. It is about more than just medicine. It is about being there when it matters most. They provide skilled nursing and emotional support tailored to your loved one. If you live in or near Ridgefield, this team is a local option worth exploring. They understand the community needs and strive to meet them with compassion. That is a real comfort during a hard time.
About Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association
This provider operates as a non-profit organization. That is a significant detail. Non-profits often put all their resources back into patient care. They have been Medicare certified since November 16, 2018. This means they meet federal standards for health and safety. You want to know that a team has deep roots in the community. Since they are based right here on Governor Street, they know the local landscape well. Families should know that hospice is a team effort. You will work with nurses, aides, and counselors who help manage pain and stress. They are not just visiting; they are building a bridge for your family. The goal is to keep your loved one at home in familiar surroundings. It is a vital service that helps keep families together when things get tough. They have the experience you need.
High Quality Standards
Understanding Hospice Care in Ridgefield
Hospice is a special kind of care. It shifts the focus from curing a disease to improving daily comfort. In Fairfield County, families have several choices for end-of-life support. The thing is, not all providers are the same. Some are large chains, while others are local non-profits like this one. You should look for a team that responds quickly to your calls. A good provider will have staff on call 24 hours a day. That is crucial. If a crisis happens at 2 a.m., you need someone to pick up the phone immediately. Most hospice care happens in your own home. This keeps the environment peaceful and private. Remember, hospice is not just about the end of life. It is about making the most of the time you have left. It is about peace of mind for everyone involved.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a hospice team feels overwhelming. Take a breath. Start by asking these simple questions to get the facts you need. First, ask how quickly they can arrive if there is a sudden emergency. You deserve a fast response. Second, ask how they handle pain management and symptoms. Every patient has different needs. Third, ask how they support the family emotionally. Do they offer grief counseling or respite care? These services are vital for your own health. Finally, ask about their staff's experience with your loved one's specific diagnosis. You want a team that knows what to expect. Write these down before your meeting. It helps to keep track of the answers. You are the advocate for your loved one. Do not be afraid to ask for clarity on anything that feels confusing or unclear to you.
Preserve Your Family's History
Every life is a story worth saving. We help families record memories and share important lessons before time slips away. It is a beautiful way to honor your loved one.
Start Your StoryOther Hospice Providers Nearby
REGIONAL HOSPICE
FRANCISCAN FAMILY CARE CENTER,
MOZAIC HOME CARE AND HOSPICE
CARING HOSPICE SERVICES OF CONNECTICUT LLC
VITAS HEALTHCARE CORPORATION ATLANTIC
MIDDLESEX HEALTH CARE AT HOME & HOSPICE PROGRAM
Helpful Guides for Families
Starting the End-of-Life Conversation: A Family Guide
Starting the end-of-life conversation is hard. Our guide provides scripts, expert tips, and Medicare insights to help you navigate this talk with confidence.
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.
What Does Medicare Cover for Hospice Care?
Confused about medicare hospice coverage? Discover exactly what is covered, how to manage costs, and navigate your benefits with our simple, expert guide.
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.