BEACON HOSPICE, AN AMEDISYS COMPANY
Provider Information
- Address
- 52 ATLANTIC PLACE, SUITE B-50
SO PORTLAND, ME 04106 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- September 18, 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) | 25 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
| Volunteers | 4 |
41
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 BEACON HOSPICE, AN AMEDISYS COMPANY 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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how BEACON HOSPICE, AN AMEDISYS COMPANY compares to hospices nationwide.
14.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 74th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
121
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 day14.7 min
Ranks better than about 74% 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 life97.5%
Ranks better than about 83% 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 visits40.9%
Ranks better than about 66% 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 care7.6%
Ranks better than about 42% 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 months30.3%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 care9.1%
Ranks better than about 40% 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 hospice1.5%
Ranks better than about 44% 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$22,525 · 72nd 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 85.4% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life85.4%
- All care steps completed100%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer12%
- Dementia16%
- Heart and circulatory disease22%
- Lung and respiratory disease6%
- Stroke31%
- Other conditions17%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care in South Portland
Beacon Hospice, an Amedisys Company, provides dedicated end-of-life care for patients in South Portland, Maine. Their team serves families throughout Cumberland County with a focus on comfort and dignity. They offer a range of support services designed to help patients live their final months as fully as possible. Hospice care is about providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support during a difficult time. The team at Beacon Hospice works closely with patients and their families to create a plan that meets their unique needs. Whether you need help with symptom management or emotional support, they are ready to assist. Their office is located at 52 Atlantic Place, Suite B-50, in South Portland. Choosing the right hospice is a major step. Families in the area can rely on Beacon Hospice for professional care that puts the patient first at every stage of their journey.
About Beacon Hospice, an Amedisys Company
Beacon Hospice is a for-profit provider that has served the community for over two decades. They have been Medicare certified since September 18, 2001. This long history shows their commitment to meeting high federal standards for patient care. Being a for-profit provider means they operate under specific business guidelines while focusing on quality outcomes. Families should know that Medicare certification is a sign of trust and accountability. It means the agency follows strict rules to ensure safe and effective hospice services. When you choose an agency with a long track record, you are choosing a team that understands how to navigate complex health needs. Beacon Hospice combines this experience with local knowledge to support families in the Cumberland County area. They strive to provide care that improves quality of life for all patients. Their team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process of starting care.
Understanding Hospice Care in South Portland
Hospice care is a special type of care for people facing a terminal illness. In South Portland, many families use hospice to stay at home while receiving expert medical help. The goal is not to cure an illness but to manage pain and symptoms. This allows patients to spend their time in a familiar and comfortable setting. Hospice teams include doctors, nurses, social workers, and volunteers. They work together to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. They also provide support for family members who are grieving or acting as caregivers. Medicare helps cover the costs of these services for those who qualify. It is important to know that you can choose your hospice provider. You do not have to pick the first one you find. Take your time to learn about your options in the South Portland area so you can make the best choice for your loved one.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Selecting a hospice provider is an important decision for your family. You should feel comfortable and confident with the team you choose. Here are some key questions to ask during your search:
- How quickly can your team start services after we call?
- What specific support do you offer to family caregivers at home?
- How does your team handle pain management during the night or on weekends?
- Can you tell me how your staff communicates with our primary doctor?
Asking these questions will help you understand how each agency operates. It is helpful to speak with a few different providers before making a final decision. Pay attention to how the staff answers your questions. You want a team that listens, explains things clearly, and treats you with kindness. Trust your instincts when meeting with potential providers. The right hospice partner will make you feel heard and supported throughout the entire care process.
Preserve Your Family Stories
This time in your life is precious. We can help you record and save the stories and memories that define your loved one's life for future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Helpful Guides for Families
Starting the End-of-Life Conversation: A Family Guide
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Hospice vs Palliative Care: Understanding the Difference
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Choosing a Hospice Provider: A 5-Step Quality Guide
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