HOSPICE OF NATCHITOCHES, INC
Provider Information
- Address
- 336 2ND STREET
NATCHITOCHES, LA 71457 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- January 9, 2001
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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 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
| Physicians | 3 |
| Volunteers | 3 |
17
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 NATCHITOCHES, INC reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
An older Medicare record for this hospice lists short-term inpatient care as “not provided.” That code may be out of date. Medicare requires certified hospices to make inpatient care available for symptom management and caregiver respite. Ask this hospice how it arranges a bed if symptoms become hard to manage at home.
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Brought in through an outside supplier
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 HOSPICE OF NATCHITOCHES, INC compares to hospices nationwide.
9.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 18th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
40
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 day9.3 min
Ranks better than about 18% 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 weekends8.3%
Ranks better than about 54% 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 life95.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 visits33.7%
Ranks better than about 75% 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 care4.4%
Ranks better than about 64% 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 months37.8%
Ranks better than about 47% 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 care4.4%
Ranks better than about 65% 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 hospice6.7%
Ranks better than about 5% 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$12,437 · 20th 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 73.5% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening96.3%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening97.4%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed98.4%
- Beliefs and values discussed98.4%
- Visits in the last days of life73.5%
- All care steps completed91%
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%
- Dementia24%
- Heart and circulatory disease19%
- Lung and respiratory disease9%
- Stroke10%
- Other conditions16%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice Care in Natchitoches
Hospice of Natchitoches, Inc provides compassionate end-of-life care for families in Natchitoches, Louisiana. They focus on comfort, pain management, and emotional support for patients facing a life-limiting illness. Choosing a provider is a deeply personal decision that affects your loved one's daily peace and comfort. This team works to ensure patients spend their time in familiar surroundings whenever possible. They are located on 2nd Street and serve the local Natchitoches community with a dedicated staff. Getting the right support can make a world of difference during a hard season. It is about focusing on the moments that matter most, rather than just the medical diagnosis. If you live in this area, having a local partner can provide much-needed relief for both you and your family. Their goal is to keep your loved one comfortable and dignified throughout their journey.
About HOSPICE OF NATCHITOCHES, INC
Hospice of Natchitoches, Inc has been a Medicare-certified provider since January 2001. That is over two decades of experience serving the Natchitoches region. As a for-profit organization, they operate under specific federal guidelines to maintain their certification status. Families should know that Medicare certification means they must meet strict quality standards set by the government. This includes regular inspections and reporting on their care outcomes. The thing is, not all providers are the same. Looking at their history helps you understand their long-term commitment to the community. They have built their reputation over many years in this specific county. When you meet with them, ask how their experience shapes the way they care for patients today. It is important to feel comfortable with the team that will walk this path with you. Their longevity in the area suggests they understand the local needs well.
High Quality Care Standards
Understanding Hospice Care in NATCHITOCHES
Hospice care is a specialized type of support designed to improve quality of life. It is not just about medical care, but about treating the whole person. In Natchitoches, families often find that hospice brings a sense of calm to a chaotic situation. The services usually include nursing care, social work, and help with daily tasks. Many people wait too long to ask for help, but hospice can start as soon as a doctor confirms a prognosis of six months or less. The thing is, the earlier you start, the more support you receive. Your team will help manage pain and keep your loved one comfortable at home. They also offer support for the family members who are carrying the heavy load of caregiving. It is a team effort to ensure your loved one feels safe. Don't be afraid to reach out early to see what resources are available to you.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a provider can feel overwhelming when you are tired and stressed. Start by asking how quickly they can get a nurse to your home in an emergency. You should also ask how they handle pain management during the night or on weekends. It is vital to know if they provide 24/7 access to a real person. Ask them what their plan is if your loved one needs more help than you can give at home. Another good question is how they involve the family in the care plan. You want to feel like a partner in the process, not just a bystander. Does the team respect your family's traditions or religious needs? Make sure you feel heard during your first conversation. If they seem rushed or do not answer your questions clearly, keep looking. You deserve a partner who is patient, kind, and ready to listen.
Preserve Your Family's Story
Your loved one's life is full of wisdom and memories. Take time now to record those special stories and keep their legacy alive for future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefits: A Family Guide
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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.