ROCK RIVER HOSPICE AND HOME
Provider Information
- Address
- 2706 AVENUE E
STERLING, IL 61081 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- March 25, 1993
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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 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 3 |
| Physicians | 2 |
| Volunteers | 1 |
18
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 ROCK RIVER HOSPICE AND HOME 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
- 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 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how ROCK RIVER HOSPICE AND HOME compares to hospices nationwide.
21.1 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 96th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
13
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 day21.1 min
Ranks better than about 96% 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 weekends15.9%
Ranks better than about 89% 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 life97.7%
Ranks better than about 84% 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 visits3.5%
Ranks better than about 99% 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 care6.9%
Ranks better than about 46% 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 months13.8%
Ranks better than about 93% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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)99th 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$5,125 · 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 67.8% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.8%
- Pain assessment76.8%
- Breathing difficulty screening96.5%
- Breathing difficulty treatment77%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids83.3%
- Visits in the last days of life67.8%
- All care steps completed70.2%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer34%
- Dementia10%
- Heart and circulatory disease12%
- Lung and respiratory disease12%
- Other conditions30%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Care in Sterling
Rock River Hospice and Home serves families in Sterling, Illinois, and the surrounding Whiteside County area. They offer specialized end-of-life care focused on comfort and support. Choosing the right team makes a real difference when a loved one faces a serious illness. They provide medical care alongside emotional and spiritual support for both patients and their families. This team works hard to ensure that every person stays comfortable at home or in their preferred setting. It is not just about medicine. It is about honoring the life and dignity of the person in their care. By focusing on quality of life, they help families make the most of the time they have together. That is a big deal during a very difficult time in life.
About ROCK RIVER HOSPICE AND HOME
Rock River Hospice and Home is a non-profit organization. This is important because it means their focus remains on patient care rather than profits. They have been Medicare certified since March 25, 1993. That shows a long history of serving the community. You should know that non-profit hospices often reinvest their money back into patient services and community programs. They have served the Sterling area for over three decades. When you look at their history, it shows they are a stable part of the local healthcare system. Families often feel better knowing the provider has a long track record. It is comforting to work with a team that knows the area and the people well. They bring stability to a time that can feel very uncertain.
Quality You Can Trust
Understanding Hospice Care in STERLING
Hospice care in Sterling helps people focus on comfort when a cure is no longer the goal. Many people think hospice is only for the final few days of life. The truth is that families get the most benefit when they start care sooner. It allows the hospice team to build a real relationship with the patient. They manage pain, help with daily tasks, and provide guidance for family members. You do not have to walk this path alone. The team comes to your home or wherever the patient stays. They are on call 24 hours a day to answer questions or handle emergencies. This support gives families peace of mind. It allows you to focus on being a son, daughter, or spouse rather than a full-time caregiver. That is the true value of hospice.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Finding the right provider can feel overwhelming. Do not be afraid to ask direct questions. First, ask how quickly they can respond if there is an emergency at night. You want to know that help is just a phone call away. Second, ask how they support the emotional needs of the family after the patient passes. Grief support is a huge part of good hospice care. Third, ask how they will coordinate with the patient's regular doctor. It is vital that everyone stays on the same page. Finally, ask what specific services they provide to keep the patient pain-free. Every family has different needs, so be clear about what matters most to you. The answers will help you feel confident in your choice. You deserve a team that listens to your concerns.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories that deserve to be remembered. Recording these memories is a beautiful way to honor their legacy and keep their voice alive for future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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COMFORT PLUS HOSPICE INC
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