NORTHERN ILLINOIS HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 4751 HARRISON AVENUE
ROCKFORD, IL 61108 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- November 16, 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) | 23 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
| Physicians | 1 |
65
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 NORTHERN ILLINOIS 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
- 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 2019.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how NORTHERN ILLINOIS HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
12.1 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 48th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
127
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 day12.1 min
Ranks better than about 48% 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 weekends9.6%
Ranks better than about 67% 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 life94.4%
Ranks better than about 57% 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 visits60.7%
Ranks better than about 39% 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 care8%
Ranks better than about 39% 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 care11.5%
Ranks better than about 29% 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 hospice1.1%
Ranks better than about 49% 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$14,558 · 31st 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 67.3% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.5%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.1%
- Treatment preferences discussed99.8%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.5%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life67.3%
- All care steps completed98.5%
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 disease17%
- Lung and respiratory disease10%
- Stroke9%
- Other conditions22%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
About Northern Illinois Hospice
Northern Illinois Hospice serves families in Rockford and the surrounding area. This non-profit provider offers support for those needing end of life care. They have provided these services since 1988. The team holds accreditation from the Joint Commission. This group sets high standards for safety and health services. They check that providers follow strict rules to keep patients safe. Working with an accredited team gives families clear evidence of a commitment to quality. Their staff includes 23 registered nurses and two licensed practical nurses. One physician also helps lead their medical care team. Having this many nursing staff members on the team shows they focus on clinical support. You can count on their long history of service in Winnebago County. This experience helps them manage complex needs at home or in other settings. They know the local area well. That matters when you need quick help.
Provider Details
This hospice operates as a non-profit organization. Non-profit status often means the group puts its money back into local programs. They have been certified by Medicare for over three decades. That is a long time. The Joint Commission accreditation adds another layer of review. This group sends experts to look at how the hospice operates. They watch how staff members give medicine and talk to families. They look for ways to make care better. Most families want to know that a third party checked the work. This accreditation confirms that the provider meets high national standards. It is a sign of good management. You can feel better knowing they passed these tests. Their team of 65 total employees works together to meet patient needs. They focus on the patient and the family. That is their core job. They show high marks in quality of care and patient satisfaction surveys.
Quality of Care
What Is Hospice Care Like in Rockford?
Hospice care in Rockford focuses on comfort for patients and their families. It is a type of care meant for people with serious illnesses. The goal is to manage pain and improve daily life. You can receive this care at home or in a facility. The team in Rockford includes nurses, doctors, and other specialists. With 23 registered nurses on staff, this provider has a large team to monitor symptoms. They visit patients to help with medicine and daily tasks. The team talks with the family to explain what happens next. They also offer emotional support to everyone involved. This care is about making the patient as comfortable as possible. It is not about curing the illness. It is about living well for as long as possible. Many families find that having this extra help makes a big difference. It helps them spend more time together. That is the main goal.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing the right hospice is a big decision. You should ask questions to understand how they work. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens. You need to know that help is available when you really need it. Second, ask how they handle pain management and symptoms at night or on weekends. It is good to know they have staff ready at all hours. Third, ask how they support family caregivers. You might need help with errands or just someone to talk to. Finally, ask if they have experience with your specific health needs. Every patient is different. Getting clear answers helps you feel more at ease with your choice. Take your time to write down your worries. Talk to the provider directly. They should be open and honest with you. That is how you find the best fit for your family.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Capture memories and life lessons while you have the time. Our simple tools help you record the moments that matter most.
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