HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Provider Information
- Address
- 459 STATE ROAD, UNIT 18
VINEYARD HAVEN, MA 02588 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- September 30, 2022
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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 |
| Physicians | 0 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
13
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 AND PALLIATIVE CARE OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD 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 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD compares to hospices nationwide.
11.2 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 38th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
19
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 day11.2 min
Ranks better than about 38% 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 weekends4.9%
Ranks better than about 15% 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 life93.1%
Ranks better than about 47% 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 visits55.2%
Ranks better than about 47% 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 months30%
Ranks better than about 69% 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 care10%
Ranks better than about 35% 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)88th 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$21,720 · 69th 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 54.3% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment96.8%
- Breathing difficulty screening98.3%
- Breathing difficulty treatment76.7%
- Treatment preferences discussed93.3%
- Beliefs and values discussed81.7%
- Visits in the last days of life54.3%
- All care steps completed66.7%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer40%
- Heart and circulatory disease25%
- Other conditions21%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice and Palliative Care on Martha's Vineyard
Hospice and Palliative Care of Martha's Vineyard provides essential end-of-life support to residents in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts. They focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses. The team offers specialized medical care, emotional support, and spiritual guidance right in your own home. This helps families stay together in a familiar space during a very difficult time. It is a local resource dedicated to the unique needs of the Dukes County community. They understand the island lifestyle and strive to bring peace to those they serve.
About HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE OF MARTHA'S VINEYARD
This provider operates under an 'Other' ownership structure and has been Medicare-certified since September 30, 2022. Being Medicare-certified is a big deal. It means they meet strict federal standards for safety and care quality. Families should know that this certification allows them to accept Medicare benefits, which covers most costs for hospice care. The thing is, choosing a provider is a deeply personal decision. You want a team that feels like an extension of your own family. They have established a track record of quality in a short time. That shows they take their mission to heart. When you meet with them, ask about their specific team members and how they handle after-hours calls. It helps to have a clear plan in place before the need becomes urgent.
Understanding Hospice Care in VINEYARD HAVEN
Living on an island like Martha's Vineyard presents unique challenges for healthcare. Getting the right support quickly is vital. Hospice care here is designed to be mobile, coming to you rather than making you travel for services. Most people think hospice is just for the final days, but it can provide six months or more of support. The goal is to manage pain and symptoms so the patient can enjoy their remaining time. And it is not just for the patient. The team also supports family members with counseling and respite care. That is a huge relief when you are feeling worn out. You deserve a team that knows the island and can navigate local resources effectively. Having that local connection makes a world of difference when you need a hand.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a hospice team is one of the most important things you will do. Don't be afraid to ask direct questions. First, ask how quickly they can get a nurse to your home in an emergency. You need to know that help is just a phone call away, day or night. Second, ask how they help with pain and other symptoms. You want to hear about a clear, active plan for comfort. Third, ask how they involve the family in the care process. You should feel like a partner, not an outsider. Finally, ask what happens if the patient's condition changes and they need a higher level of care. A good provider will have a clear path for every step of the journey. Take your time to find the right fit for your loved one.
Preserve Your Family's Stories
During this time, the memories and life lessons of your loved one are more precious than ever. We can help you record their unique history and wisdom to share with future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Helpful Guides for Families
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.
What CMS Star Ratings Actually Mean for Your Family
Confused by hospice star ratings? Learn how CMS calculates these scores, what they reveal about care quality, and how to find the right provider for your family.
Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefit: A Family Guide
Confused by hospice coverage? Our guide to understanding Medicare hospice benefits helps you navigate care options and costs with confidence and clarity.
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.