HOSPICE OF JEFFERSON COUNTY
Provider Information
- Address
- 1212 WALNUT US HIGHWAY 59
OSKALOOSA, KS 66066 - Ownership Type
- Government
- Medicare Certified Since
- April 23, 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) | 3 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
6
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 JEFFERSON 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
- 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 2018.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE OF JEFFERSON COUNTY compares to hospices nationwide.
22.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 97th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
10
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 day22.3 min
Ranks better than about 97% 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 weekends11.7%
Ranks better than about 79% 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 life95.3%
Ranks better than about 64% 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 visits2.1%
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 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 months20%
Ranks better than about 87% 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 care20%
Ranks better than about 7% 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)52nd 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$8,989 · 7th 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 75.3% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening91.3%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening97.8%
- Breathing difficulty treatment96.2%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life75.3%
- All care steps completed89.1%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer37%
- Heart and circulatory disease18%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice of Jefferson County
Hospice of Jefferson County serves families in Oskaloosa, Kansas, and the surrounding areas. They provide comfort-focused care for people facing a life-limiting illness. Their team works to manage pain and support the emotional needs of patients at home. This local agency acts as a bridge for families during a very difficult season of life. They focus on quality of life above all else. When you choose them, you are choosing a team dedicated to dignity and compassionate care right here in your own community.
About Hospice of Jefferson County
This provider operates as a government-owned agency. That is a unique detail that often means they have deep roots in the local public health system. They have been Medicare certified since April 23, 1993. That is over 30 years of history. What most people do not realize is that long-term certification often points to a stable team. They have seen many changes in healthcare over those three decades. But their goal remains the same: serving the residents of Jefferson County. Families should know that being government-owned means they answer to the public. They hold themselves to high standards to serve the people of this region. It is a level of accountability that can offer peace of mind during your search.
Quality Rating
Understanding Hospice Care in Oskaloosa
Finding the right care in a smaller town like Oskaloosa feels personal. You want a team that understands your neighbors and your community. Hospice is not just about medical equipment or medicine. It is about a team of nurses, social workers, and volunteers coming to your door. They help with the physical pain. But they also help with the worry that keeps you up at night. The thing is, hospice is meant to be a support system for the whole family. You do not have to walk this path alone. Having a local team means they can reach you quickly when you need them most. That local presence makes a big difference when your loved one needs comfort right away.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider is a big decision for any family. You should feel comfortable asking direct questions to get the full picture. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens at night. You need to know that help is available 24/7. Second, ask how they handle pain management and keep the patient comfortable. It is vital to know that the team prioritizes relief above all else. Third, ask how they support the family emotionally. Do they offer counseling or help with daily tasks? And finally, ask what role the family plays in the daily care plan. You should feel like a partner, not a bystander. Getting these answers early will help you feel more confident in your choice.
Preserve Your Family's Story
During this time, the memories and stories of your loved one are more precious than ever. We can help you safely record and save those important life moments to keep them for future generations.
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