HOSPICE OF HEALTH FIRST INC
Provider Information
- Address
- 1131 W NEW HAVEN AVE STE 102
WEST MELBOURNE, FL 32904 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- May 9, 1985
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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) | 68 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
| Physicians | 3 |
| Volunteers | 112 |
158
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 HEALTH FIRST INC reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Provided directly by this hospice
- Type of inpatient care
- General inpatient care (for pain or symptoms that cannot be managed elsewhere)
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.
Reported by this hospice to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services when it was certified in 2020.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE OF HEALTH FIRST INC compares to hospices nationwide.
16.1 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 83rd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
237
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 day16.1 min
Ranks better than about 83% 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 weekends12.6%
Ranks better than about 82% 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 life99.3%
Ranks better than about 91% 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 visits58.8%
Ranks better than about 41% 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 care9.4%
Ranks better than about 30% 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 months40.3%
Ranks better than about 39% 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 care3.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 hospice1.3%
Ranks better than about 47% 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)98th 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$11,968 · 18th 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 82.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.9%
- Pain assessment99.9%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.9%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.9%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life82.9%
- All care steps completed99.7%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer31%
- Dementia15%
- Heart and circulatory disease14%
- Lung and respiratory disease17%
- Stroke10%
- Other conditions15%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice of Health First Inc
Hospice of Health First Inc serves patients and families in West Melbourne, Florida. They offer end of life support and comfort care for residents in Brevard County. This provider has been certified by Medicare since May 1985. Their team offers medical care and emotional support during difficult times. You can find them at 1131 W New Haven Ave. They focus on providing care that meets federal standards for quality. Choosing a provider with a long history can offer peace of mind. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to hospice services. This means they put their resources directly back into their mission of care. Many families in the area look for providers with this kind of track record. It is a stable choice for those in need of hospice support.
About HOSPICE OF HEALTH FIRST INC
Hospice of Health First Inc is a non-profit organization. Non-profit status often means the group focuses on community health goals. They have been active in the Medicare program for many decades. This length of service shows a deep commitment to the local area. Certification by Medicare means they follow strict rules for safety and care. These rules help ensure that patients get consistent support. Families should know that non-profit providers often have high levels of volunteer involvement. This provider works with over 100 volunteers. These volunteers provide extra companionship for patients and support for families. It is a big part of how they deliver comfort. You should always ask about how these volunteers interact with your loved one. They are a core part of the team. Understanding their role can help you feel more comfortable with your choice. This provider keeps a steady focus on high standards for every patient they serve.
Quality Overview
What Is Hospice Care Like in WEST MELBOURNE?
Hospice care in West Melbourne follows a team approach to comfort. The goal is to manage symptoms so the patient stays as comfortable as possible. This provider employs 68 registered nurses and 2 licensed practical nurses. They also have 3 physicians on staff to oversee medical care. Having many nurses on the team allows for close monitoring of patient needs. The team also relies on 112 volunteers who offer their time to help families. These volunteers provide a personal touch that many families find helpful. The staff works together to create a plan that fits the specific needs of the person receiving care. They coordinate with your doctors to ensure everyone stays on the same page. This level of communication is vital for good care. You can expect regular visits from the team members. They are there to listen to your concerns and answer your questions at any hour.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing the right hospice provider is a big decision for your family. You should feel comfortable asking direct questions before you sign any paperwork. Start by asking how the team handles pain management and symptom control. You also want to know how quickly a nurse can arrive if an emergency happens at night. Ask about the specific role of volunteers and how they support the family members. It is also wise to ask how often the doctor will see the patient. You need to know how they handle communication during the weekend. Ask them to explain their plan for when the patient needs higher levels of care. These answers help you see if their style matches your needs. Take your time to get clear answers. A good provider will be happy to explain their process to you.
Keep Family Stories Alive
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories that deserve to be remembered. We provide simple tools to help you record and save these memories for your family.
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