VNA HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 2350 N ROCKTON AVE, STE 401
ROCKFORD, IL 61103 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- December 29, 1988
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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) | 13 |
| Physicians | 0 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
29
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 VNA 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
- Respite care (up to five days at a time, to give family caregivers a break)
- 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 2019.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how VNA HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
12.8 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 56th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
57
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 day12.8 min
Ranks better than about 56% 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 weekends7.2%
Ranks better than about 41% 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 life95.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 visits40.3%
Ranks better than about 67% 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 care3.6%
Ranks better than about 70% 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 months36.4%
Ranks better than about 51% 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 care18.2%
Ranks better than about 9% 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 hospice3.6%
Ranks better than about 19% 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)67th 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$15,587 · 37th 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 80.6% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.5%
- Pain assessment97.5%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.5%
- Breathing difficulty treatment98.8%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.1%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life80.6%
- All care steps completed96.8%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer22%
- Dementia28%
- Heart and circulatory disease20%
- Lung and respiratory disease6%
- Stroke5%
- Other conditions23%
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 Rockford
Mercyhealth at Home provides dedicated hospice services to residents in Rockford, Illinois, and the surrounding Winnebago County area. Their team works to support patients and families during life’s most difficult transitions. By focusing on comfort and dignity, they ensure that every person receives care tailored to their unique needs. Whether at home or in a facility, they aim to bring peace to those facing a terminal illness. It is a local service committed to the well-being of the Rockford community. They have been a staple for families in the area for many years. Choosing the right partner for end-of-life care is a big decision for any family. That is why having a provider with deep roots in the community matters so much. Their presence in the North Rockton Avenue area offers a familiar face when you need it most. They truly understand what local families face every single day.
About Mercyhealth at Home
Mercyhealth at Home has served the public as a Medicare-certified provider since December 29, 1988. That is over three decades of experience in the hospice field. That is a long time to build trust. Being certified by Medicare means they meet strict federal standards for quality and safety. While they operate under an 'Other' ownership model, their long history shows a clear dedication to the Rockford region. Families should know that this longevity often translates to a deep knowledge of local resources. They are not new to this work. This experience helps them manage complex symptoms and provide emotional support with real ease. When you look at their track record, it is clear they value consistency. You want a team that knows how to handle the unexpected. Their staff is trained to help you navigate these moments with kindness and clarity. It makes a difference when your providers have seen it all before.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in Rockford
Hospice is about more than just medicine. It is about living the final chapters of life with as much joy and comfort as possible. In Rockford, many families choose to receive this care in their own homes. This allows patients to stay in a familiar environment surrounded by their favorite things. The thing is, hospice is not about giving up. It is about choosing a different kind of care that focuses on quality of life. The team at Mercyhealth at Home works to manage pain and symptoms while supporting the entire family unit. They offer visits from nurses, aides, and social workers. Some people wait too long to start these services. Do not be afraid to reach out early. Even a few extra weeks of support can change everything for a patient. It lets them focus on what matters most, like spending time with people they love in the place they call home.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a provider can feel overwhelming. Start by asking questions that matter to your specific situation. First, ask how quickly they can respond to an emergency at night or on the weekend. You need to know that help is just a phone call away. Second, ask how they handle pain management and if they have a doctor on call. You want to be sure they have the right medical expertise. Third, ask how they involve the family in the care plan. It is your journey, and you should have a say in how it goes. And finally, ask what kind of grief support they offer after a loved one passes. Good providers care about the family even after the patient is gone. These answers will help you feel more confident in your choice. Take your time with these talks. You deserve to feel comfortable with the people entering your home during such a private time.
Preserve Your Family’s Story
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories and wisdom. Capturing these stories now creates a beautiful gift for future generations to cherish forever.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Helpful Guides for Families
What CMS Star Ratings Actually Mean for Your Family
Confused by hospice star ratings? Learn how CMS calculates these scores, what they reveal about care quality, and how to find the right provider for your family.
Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
Navigating end-of-life care is hard. Our guide to understanding hospice levels of care helps you make informed choices for your loved one with confidence.
How to Choose a Hospice Provider: A Family’s Complete Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Our hospice selection guide helps you compare providers, understand Medicare benefits, and make the best choice for your loved one today.
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.