VNA & HOSPICE OF COOLEY DICKINSON
Provider Information
- Address
- 30 LOCUST STREET
NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 11, 1985
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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) | 1 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 25 |
19
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 VNA & HOSPICE OF COOLEY DICKINSON reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Both provided directly and arranged with other facilities
- 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 VNA & HOSPICE OF COOLEY DICKINSON compares to hospices nationwide.
15.5 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 79th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
59
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 day15.5 min
Ranks better than about 79% 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 life94%
Ranks better than about 54% 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 visits35.4%
Ranks better than about 72% 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 care5%
Ranks better than about 60% 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 months27.5%
Ranks better than about 75% 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 care5%
Ranks better than about 61% 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 hospice2.5%
Ranks better than about 31% 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)67th 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$12,515 · 21st 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 67% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.6%
- Pain assessment91.5%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.5%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.4%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids97.6%
- Visits in the last days of life67%
- All care steps completed94.3%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer35%
- Dementia11%
- Heart and circulatory disease17%
- Lung and respiratory disease7%
- Stroke13%
- Other conditions17%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Providing Compassionate Care in Northampton
VNA & Hospice of Cooley Dickinson offers end-of-life care for families in Northampton, Massachusetts. They focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients facing a terminal illness. Their team serves the Hampshire county area with a deep commitment to local support. This provider helps manage pain while offering emotional and spiritual guidance. They understand that this time is difficult for everyone involved. By focusing on the person rather than just the illness, they aim to bring peace to the home. The staff works closely with doctors to create a plan that fits each patient's unique needs. Choosing the right hospice is a major decision for your family. Having a local team can make a world of difference during these quiet, final months.
About VNA & HOSPICE OF COOLEY DICKINSON
This organization operates as a non-profit, which means their focus stays firmly on patient care. They have been Medicare certified since July 11, 1985. That is nearly four decades of experience serving the community. What most people don't realize is that non-profit status often means any extra funds go right back into services. They are located at 30 Locust Street in Northampton. You can reach them at (413) 584-1060 to discuss your specific situation. And here is the thing—long-standing providers like this one have deep roots in the local health system. They know the area and they know the resources available to help you. Families should feel comfortable asking about their specific programs and how they handle after-hours care. Their longevity in the region shows a steady track record of service to local residents.
Quality Care Highlights
Understanding Hospice Care in NORTHAMPTON
Hospice care in Hampshire County is designed to help patients live their final days with comfort. The goal is to manage symptoms so the patient can spend time with loved ones. It is not about giving up. It is about choosing to focus on quality of life. Many families worry that starting hospice means they lose control of their care. But the opposite is true. The hospice team acts as a partner to the patient and their family. They provide nursing visits, social workers, and volunteers to help with daily tasks. Some hospice services happen in the home, while others might be in a facility. It really depends on what the patient needs most. The key is to start the conversation early. Early access to these services often leads to better comfort for the patient and more peace for you.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a provider can feel overwhelming. Start by asking how they handle pain management and emergencies at night. You need to know that help is just a phone call away. Ask about the size of their team and who will visit your home. Consistency matters a lot when you are dealing with a serious illness. Ask them how they support family caregivers, too. You are going through a lot, and you need a team that supports you as much as the patient. Another good question is how they handle spiritual or emotional needs. Not every hospice offers the same support for grief or counseling. Get clear answers before you make your final choice. And remember, you can talk to more than one provider. You deserve to feel confident in the team you choose to walk this path with you.
Preserve Your Family's Unique Story
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories and wisdom to share. Finding a way to record these stories creates a lasting gift for future generations to cherish.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Helpful Guides for Families
Starting the End-of-Life Conversation: A Family Guide
Starting the end-of-life conversation is hard. Our guide provides scripts, expert tips, and Medicare insights to help you navigate this talk with confidence.
Hospice vs Palliative Care: Understanding the Difference
Confused about hospice vs palliative care? We break down the key differences, benefits, and how to choose the right end-of-life care for your loved one.
Starting Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Families
Struggling with end-of-life talks? Learn the best ways for starting difficult conversations with your aging parents to ensure their wishes are honored today.
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.