GAFFEY HOME NURSING & HOSPICE, INC
Provider Information
- Address
- 3408 EAST 23RD STREET
STERLING, IL 61081 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- September 15, 2011
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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) | 5 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 1 |
12
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 GAFFEY HOME NURSING & HOSPICE, 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
- 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 2011.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how GAFFEY HOME NURSING & HOSPICE, INC compares to hospices nationwide.
12.2 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 50th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
3
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 day12.2 min
Ranks better than about 50% 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 weekends13.7%
Ranks better than about 85% 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 life98.7%
Ranks better than about 90% 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 visits45.5%
Ranks better than about 60% 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 care11.1%
Ranks better than about 20% 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 care11.1%
Ranks better than about 30% 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 hospice0%
Ranks better than about 55% 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$5,090 · 1st 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 58.1% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening95.3%
- Pain assessment95.7%
- Breathing difficulty screening97.7%
- Breathing difficulty treatment85.7%
- Treatment preferences discussed95.3%
- Beliefs and values discussed90.7%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids73.1%
- Visits in the last days of life80.7%
- All care steps completed58.1%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer43%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Supportive Hospice Care in Sterling
Gaffey Home Nursing & Hospice, Inc. offers compassionate end-of-life care for families in Sterling, Illinois. They provide medical support and comfort to patients living in Whiteside County. Their team helps manage pain and offers emotional support during a very difficult time. Choosing the right care team is a big decision. This local provider has served the area for many years, focusing on the needs of patients and their loved ones. They work hard to ensure that every patient feels heard, respected, and kept comfortable in their own home. It is all about dignity and quality of life when it matters most. Families often feel a sense of relief once they find a team they can trust. That is the goal of hospice care at its core.
About GAFFEY HOME NURSING & HOSPICE, INC
This provider has been Medicare certified since September 15, 2011. It operates as a for-profit organization. That is a common structure in the hospice world, but every agency runs things a little differently. You should know that their long history of certification shows they follow federal rules for patient care. They have a proven record of meeting the standards set by Medicare over the last decade. When you look at an agency, check how long they have been around. Experience often means they have strong ties to the local community. They know the area well and can coordinate care with local doctors. The thing is, choosing a provider is not just about the numbers. It is about finding a group of people who share your values. You want a team that feels like an extension of your own family.
Top-Tier Quality of Care
Understanding Hospice Care in STERLING
Hospice is a special way of caring for people with serious illnesses. It is not about giving up. Instead, it is about making the most of every day. In Sterling, you have access to teams that visit you where you live. They bring in nurses, aides, and social workers to help with daily tasks. But they also provide emotional and spiritual support. This is vital for both the patient and the family. Many people wait too long to start hospice. They think it is only for the very last days of life. That is a myth. You can actually use these services for six months or more if a doctor says it is time. The earlier you start, the more help you get. It makes a big difference in how comfortable your loved one feels. Lean on these experts for guidance.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You should feel empowered to ask tough questions. Start by asking how quickly they can get a nurse to your home in an emergency. That is a big deal if things change suddenly at night. You should also ask how they handle pain management. Every good agency will have a clear plan for this. Ask if they have someone available to talk to you 24/7. You do not want to be stuck with a recording when you are worried. And finally, ask about their staff. How often will a nurse visit your loved one? You deserve to know who will be coming into your home. A good provider will be happy to answer these questions for you. They should never rush you or make you feel like a burden. Take your time to find the right fit.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
During this time, you may want to capture the memories and wisdom of your loved one. Preserving their life story is a gift that lasts for generations to come.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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SSM HEALTH AT HOME HOSPICE - ILLINOIS
COMFORT PLUS HOSPICE INC
LIFECHOICE HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE
Helpful Guides for Families
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Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
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Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefits: A Family Guide
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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.