AVERA AT HOME
Provider Information
- Address
- 826 NORTH EIGHTH STREET
ESTHERVILLE, IA 51334 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- February 6, 1984
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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) | 7 |
| Physicians | 2 |
22
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 AVERA AT HOME 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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how AVERA AT HOME compares to hospices nationwide.
18.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 92nd percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
14
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 day18.7 min
Ranks better than about 92% 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 weekends7.9%
Ranks better than about 50% 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 life96.8%
Ranks better than about 77% 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 visits13.8%
Ranks better than about 93% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 months47.8%
Ranks better than about 22% 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 care8.7%
Ranks better than about 42% 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$11,563 · 16th 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 8 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 81.6% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment96.5%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life81.6%
- All care steps completed97.5%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer22%
- Dementia14%
- Heart and circulatory disease23%
- Other conditions29%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
AVERA AT HOME
AVERA AT HOME operates as a freestanding hospice provider in Estherville, Iowa. The team serves families across Emmet County from their office on North Eighth Street. They offer end of life support services to help people stay comfortable in their own homes. This organization has been certified by Medicare since early 1984. That long history shows they have deep roots in the local area. Many families turn to them when they need professional care and guidance during difficult times. Their staff works to meet the specific needs of each patient. Choosing a local provider with a long track record can provide peace of mind for everyone involved. They focus on maintaining high standards for the care they deliver each day.
About AVERA AT HOME
AVERA AT HOME is a non-profit hospice provider. This means they operate to serve the community rather than to generate profits for owners. They have held Medicare certification for over four decades. This is a significant milestone for any healthcare organization. The provider maintains a team of 22 employees to handle daily operations. This group includes 7 registered nurses and 2 physicians. These professionals lead the care plans for patients under their watch. Having registered nurses on staff is a standard part of hospice care. They help manage pain and monitor any changes in health status. You should know that non-profit status often means resources go back into patient services. It is a model built for stability and focus on the patient. Understanding these facts helps you compare your options with confidence as you look for the right fit for your loved one.
High Quality Standards
What Is Hospice Care Like in ESTHERVILLE?
Hospice care in Estherville is designed to bring medical support directly to a patient. The care team includes doctors and nurses who visit the home. They work together to manage pain and keep the patient comfortable. The staff at this location includes 7 registered nurses and 2 physicians who coordinate these services. This team approach is standard for hospice care in Iowa. They talk with the family to create a plan that fits the goals of the patient. Nurses provide the daily check-ins needed to track health changes. Physicians oversee the medical side of the care plan. It is a structured way to handle end of life needs. You can expect regular visits from the team members. They help lower the stress of caring for a loved one at home. That is the primary goal of hospice services in this region.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Selecting a hospice provider is a big decision for any family. You should feel comfortable asking direct questions to learn how they operate. Start by asking how quickly their nurses can reach your home during an emergency. You should also ask how they handle pain management for their patients. It is helpful to know who will be your main contact person during the week. Ask what support they offer to family members who are also helping with care. You might ask if they have staff available on weekends or holidays. Get a clear answer on how they coordinate with your primary doctor. Do not be afraid to ask for details about their past performance or how they handle concerns. Good providers will be happy to answer these questions clearly and fully. Take your time to get the answers you need before you make your final choice.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories and wisdom to share. Recording these memories is a meaningful way to honor their life and keep their voice alive for future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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