HOSPICE OF PELLA, THE COMFORT HOUSE
Provider Information
- Address
- 404 JEFFERSON STREET
PELLA, IA 50219 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- February 12, 1995
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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 | 0 |
9
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 HOSPICE OF PELLA, THE COMFORT HOUSE 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 HOSPICE OF PELLA, THE COMFORT HOUSE compares to hospices nationwide.
7
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.
- Skilled nursing on weekends27.8%
Ranks better than about 99% 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 life100%
Ranks better than about 99% 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 visits2%
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 care14.3%
Ranks better than about 10% 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 months14.3%
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 care7.1%
Ranks better than about 50% 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)100th 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$7,249 · 3rd 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 91.5% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening96.2%
- Pain assessment94.8%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment98.1%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life92.5%
- All care steps completed91.5%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer45%
- Heart and circulatory disease18%
- Other conditions18%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice of Pella, The Comfort House
Hospice of Pella, The Comfort House provides end of life care for residents in Pella, Iowa. They have served the community from their Jefferson Street location since early 1995. This non-profit organization focuses on supporting patients and their families during difficult times. Their team works to provide comfort and care within the local Marion County region. Many families turn to them when they need professional support for a loved one. They have built a long history of service to the town. Choosing a provider with this much experience can offer peace of mind for those making these tough decisions. Their focus remains on the well-being of the people they serve every day. It is a local option for those who live in the area.
About Hospice of Pella, The Comfort House
This provider operates as a non-profit organization. Non-profit hospice care often reinvests money back into the services they provide to the community. They have been certified by Medicare since 1995, which means they follow strict federal rules for patient care. Being a long-term certified provider shows a deep commitment to maintaining standards over many years. Families should know that non-profit status can sometimes mean a different approach to care compared to for-profit groups. This provider functions as a hospital-based program. That structure allows them to draw on resources that are common in hospital environments. You should ask how their specific setup impacts the daily care your loved one receives. Understanding the ownership structure helps you see the bigger picture. It is one part of the puzzle when you compare different hospice programs in Iowa.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in Pella?
Hospice care in Pella centers on comfort and dignity for the patient. The team includes five registered nurses who handle the medical side of care. They focus on managing pain and keeping the patient as comfortable as possible. While they do not employ physicians directly, they work with a team to ensure medical needs are met. Having a small team of nine total employees means your family will likely see the same familiar faces often. This can build a strong bond between the staff and the people they serve. Care happens in a place that feels like a home rather than a sterile office. That is a benefit for those who want a quiet environment. The staff works hard to keep everything running smoothly. It makes a difference when you know the people caring for your family member.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Selecting a hospice provider is a big step for any family. You should feel comfortable asking direct questions to get the answers you need. First, ask how often a nurse will visit your home. You want to know the schedule for regular check-ins. Second, ask how the team manages pain or sudden changes in health during the night. Emergencies do not always happen during business hours. Third, ask about the support services they offer to family members. This might include counseling or help with daily tasks. Finally, ask how they communicate with the patient's regular doctor. Good communication keeps everyone on the same page. Do not feel rushed when you meet with them. Take your time to find the right fit for your loved one. You deserve to have all your questions answered clearly and honestly.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Capturing the memories and life lessons of your loved ones is a gift for future generations.
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