WESLEYLIFE HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 4328 114TH STREET
URBANDALE, IA 50322 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- November 5, 2007
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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) | 10 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 3 |
| Physicians | 2 |
38
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 WESLEYLIFE 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 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how WESLEYLIFE HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
15.5 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 79th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
106
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 day15.5 min
Ranks better than about 79% 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 weekends6.8%
Ranks better than about 36% 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 life97.3%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 visits24.4%
Ranks better than about 85% 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 care6.6%
Ranks better than about 49% 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 months39.3%
Ranks better than about 43% 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 care8.2%
Ranks better than about 45% 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 hospice0.8%
Ranks better than about 53% 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)74th 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$13,568 · 26th 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 75.4% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.4%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.8%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.4%
- Treatment preferences discussed99.8%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life75.4%
- All care steps completed98%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer20%
- Dementia26%
- Heart and circulatory disease19%
- Lung and respiratory disease9%
- Stroke4%
- Other conditions26%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
WESLEYLIFE HOSPICE in Urbandale
WESLEYLIFE HOSPICE serves families across the Urbandale area from their office on 114th Street. They offer specialized end-of-life care focused on comfort and dignity for patients in Polk County. The team works hard to support both the patient and their loved ones through a difficult time. Choosing hospice is a big step. It is about shifting focus from curing an illness to managing pain and finding peace. This provider has been certified by Medicare since 2007. They bring years of experience to the local community. Their goal is to ensure every patient feels safe, heard, and cared for in their own home or a preferred setting. It is a vital service for our neighbors here in Iowa.
About WESLEYLIFE HOSPICE
WESLEYLIFE HOSPICE operates as a non-profit organization. This means they put their resources directly back into patient care and community support. That is a big deal for families looking for a mission-driven approach. They joined the Medicare program on November 5, 2007. Since then, they have maintained a consistent presence in the Urbandale hospice landscape. Being non-profit often shapes the culture of care. You might find a stronger focus on volunteer programs or grief support services. Every hospice provider must meet strict federal rules to keep their certification. WESLEYLIFE has met these standards for over 15 years. Families should know that non-profit status does not change the high level of care they provide. It just changes where the focus stays. Their team is dedicated to providing consistent care that meets the needs of Polk County residents every single day.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in URBANDALE
Finding the right care in Urbandale can feel overwhelming. Many families do not realize that hospice is not just for the final days. It is a service meant to improve quality of life for months. The thing is, many people wait too long to call. Starting early allows the hospice team to manage pain and symptoms better. You get a whole team. This includes nurses, aides, chaplains, and social workers. They all come together to build a plan that fits your family's specific needs. And the best part? They bring this care to wherever you call home. That might be a private house, an apartment, or a care facility. You are not alone in this search. There are resources here in Polk County to help you understand your options. Take a deep breath. You have time to make the right choice for your loved one.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Talking to a hospice provider can be tough. But asking the right questions makes a huge difference. Start by asking how they handle pain management after hours. You need to know that someone will answer the phone at 2:00 AM. Next, ask about their volunteer services. A good hospice uses volunteers to provide companionship and respite for tired family caregivers. You should also ask how they support the family after a loss. Grief support is a huge part of what a good hospice does. Finally, ask about their specific experience with your loved one's diagnosis. Do they have special training? Getting clear answers helps you feel more confident in your decision. Write these down before your meeting. It keeps you focused when emotions are running high. Remember, you are the expert on your loved one. Trust your gut during these conversations.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
During this time, your family's history is more important than ever. We can help you record and save those precious memories for future generations to cherish.
Preserve MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
UNITYPOINT HOSPICE
HOSPICE OF JACKSON COUNTY
HOSPICE OF THE HEARTLAND
ST. ANTHONY REGIONAL HOSPITAL AND NURSING HOME
HOWARD COUNTY COMMUNITY HOSPICE
GUNDERSEN PALMER LUTHERAN HOSP AND CLINICS-HOSPICE
Helpful Guides for Families
Starting the End-of-Life Conversation: A Family Guide
Starting the end-of-life conversation is hard. Our guide provides scripts, expert tips, and Medicare insights to help you navigate this talk with confidence.
Hospice vs Palliative Care: Understanding the Difference
Confused about hospice vs palliative care? We break down the key differences, benefits, and how to choose the right end-of-life care for your loved one.
How to Choose a Hospice Provider: A Family’s Complete Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Our hospice selection guide helps you compare providers, understand Medicare benefits, and make the best choice for your loved one today.
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.