HOSPICE OF DICKINSON COUNTY
Provider Information
- Address
- 1111 NORTH BRADY
ABILENE, KS 67410 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- March 9, 1994
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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 August 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) | 9 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 3 |
| Physicians | 1 |
32
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 DICKINSON COUNTY 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
- Both supplied directly and through outside suppliers
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 2018.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE OF DICKINSON COUNTY compares to hospices nationwide.
17.1 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 88th 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 day17.1 min
Ranks better than about 88% 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 life94.2%
Ranks better than about 55% 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 visits47.4%
Ranks better than about 57% 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 months28.6%
Ranks better than about 72% 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)81st 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$7,521 · 4th 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 39.1% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.1%
- Breathing difficulty treatment89.3%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids97.7%
- Visits in the last days of life39.1%
- All care steps completed92.8%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer14%
- Dementia27%
- Heart and circulatory disease18%
- Lung and respiratory disease15%
- Other conditions21%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice of Dickinson County
Hospice of Dickinson County serves families in Abilene, Kansas. This freestanding provider offers care for patients who need comfort and support at the end of life. They have been certified by Medicare since 1994. This long history shows a commitment to serving their local community. They provide expert care to those in Dickinson County. Finding the right support makes a difference for families during hard times. This provider works to ensure patients remain comfortable in their own homes or local care settings. Their team focuses on managing symptoms and providing emotional care for everyone involved. They are a local resource for those living in the Abilene area.
About Hospice of Dickinson County
This agency operates as a freestanding hospice provider. It is categorized under other ownership types. Medicare certification is a standard that shows a provider meets federal rules for safety and care. Having been certified for three decades shows they have a track record of meeting these standards over many years. Families should know that Medicare certification is not just a label. It means the agency must pass regular reviews of their care practices. These reviews cover how they handle medications and how they support patient needs. The agency relies on a team of 32 employees to deliver these services. This includes nine registered nurses and three licensed practical nurses. A physician also works with the team to guide medical care. This structure ensures that skilled professionals oversee the health of every patient they serve.
Quality of Care
What Is Hospice Care Like in Abilene?
Hospice care in Abilene provides a way to stay at home while receiving medical attention. The goal is to keep patients comfortable and pain-free. A team of experts visits the home to check on the patient. This team includes nurses and doctors who work together. They focus on quality of life rather than curing a disease. The staff at this location includes nine registered nurses and three licensed practical nurses. One physician is also part of the team. They coordinate care plans to meet the specific needs of each person. Family members get support too. This helps them understand what to expect as the illness progresses. Care is available around the clock when emergencies arise. You can ask for help at any time of the day or night. It keeps the patient safe while letting them stay in a familiar place.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a care provider is a big decision for your family. You should ask questions that help you understand how they work. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to the home if an emergency happens at night. Second, ask how the team manages pain and other symptoms. You want to know their plan for keeping the patient comfortable. Third, ask what kind of support they offer to family members. This might include help with emotional needs or daily chores. Fourth, ask how they communicate with the patient's primary doctor. Good communication is the key to getting the right care. You deserve clear answers about how they will serve your loved one. Write down these answers so you can compare your options later. Do not feel rushed to make a choice that does not feel right for your needs.
Preserve Family Stories
Every family has a unique story that deserves to be remembered. Recording these memories is a meaningful way to honor your loved ones during this time.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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MEADOWLARK HOSPICE
FAITH HOSPICE CARE
CATHOLIC COMM HOSPICE
GOOD SHEPHERD HOSPICE
HCA MIDWEST HOSPICE & FAMILY CARE
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