ELARA CARING
Provider Information
- Address
- 222 MERRIMAC STREET, 2ND FLOOR, SUITE A
NEWBURYPORT, MA 01950 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- January 17, 2017
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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) | 1 |
3
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 ELARA CARING 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 2017.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how ELARA CARING compares to hospices nationwide.
11.9 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 46th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
28
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 day11.9 min
Ranks better than about 46% 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 weekends10%
Ranks better than about 70% 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 life89.3%
Ranks better than about 29% 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 visits53.7%
Ranks better than about 49% 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 care8.7%
Ranks better than about 34% 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 months41.3%
Ranks better than about 37% 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 care13%
Ranks better than about 23% 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 hospice6.5%
Ranks better than about 6% 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$19,417 · 58th 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 76.6% 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%
- Visits in the last days of life76.6%
- 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.
- Cancer18%
- Dementia28%
- Heart and circulatory disease14%
- Other conditions31%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Hospice Support in Newburyport
Elara Caring provides dedicated hospice services to residents in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Their team works to support patients and their loved ones during challenging health journeys. Located on Merrimac Street, they bring professional care directly to the places where families feel most comfortable. Hospice is about more than just medical needs. It is about honoring a person's wishes and ensuring they remain peaceful and surrounded by love. Many families find that having local support makes a world of difference when they need it most. That is the true goal of their care team. They focus on managing pain and providing comfort so families can focus on being together. It is a vital service for our community members. Having a team close by means faster responses and a deeper connection to the local area. Elara Caring has served this region since 2017 with a focus on dignity and respect for every patient they visit.
About Elara Caring
Elara Caring operates as a for-profit hospice provider in Essex County. They earned their Medicare certification on January 17, 2017. This certification means they meet federal standards for quality and safety. What does this mean for your family? It means they have been vetted to provide a specific level of care that meets national benchmarks. The team at the 222 Merrimac Street office handles the complex logistics of end-of-life care. This lets you focus on what really matters—your time with your loved one. The thing is, choosing a provider is a very personal decision. You want to know that the team coming into your home is experienced and reliable. Elara Caring has built a track record over the last several years. They understand the local healthcare landscape in Newburyport. You can feel confident knowing they have met the requirements to serve Medicare beneficiaries since 2017. They are ready to walk this path with you.
High Quality Ratings
Understanding Hospice Care in Newburyport
Finding the right hospice team in Essex County can feel like a big task. But you are not alone in this search. Many people in Newburyport look for providers that balance medical skill with a gentle touch. Hospice is a specialized form of care. It is designed for people who are no longer seeking curative treatments for a terminal illness. Instead, the focus shifts to comfort, pain relief, and emotional support. This care is usually provided in your own home. It can also happen in nursing facilities or dedicated inpatient units. The most important thing to know is that hospice is about quality of life. It provides a team of nurses, social workers, and aides to help manage daily challenges. This team approach is a huge help for tired caregivers. You have options in this area. It is worth taking the time to find a team that fits your family's unique rhythm and needs.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You should feel empowered when you interview a potential hospice team. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home in an emergency. This is a very important detail. You also need to know how they handle pain management and symptoms during the night. Ask about the specific roles of the team members who will visit you. Will you see the same nurse often, or will it change? It helps to build a bond with your care team. Finally, ask how they support family members with grief and emotional stress. The best providers offer resources to help you process your feelings. Do not be afraid to ask these questions. A good provider will be happy to answer them clearly. Their goal is to make you feel safe and supported. Your peace of mind is the priority here. Take your time to get the answers you deserve.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
During this time, the memories and stories of your loved ones become even more precious. We can help you preserve these important moments for future generations to cherish.
Preserve MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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