VNA HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 1124 INDEPENDENCE AVENUE
KENNETT, MO 63857 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- June 24, 1993
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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) | 5 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 0 |
| Physicians | 0 |
| Volunteers | 16 |
11
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 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 VNA HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
17.1 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 88th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
29
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 day17.1 min
Ranks better than about 88% 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 life95.3%
Ranks better than about 64% 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 visits10.8%
Ranks better than about 95% 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 care25.8%
Ranks better than about 1% 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 months25.8%
Ranks better than about 78% 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 care12.9%
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$12,661 · 22nd 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 68.7% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.3%
- Pain assessment98.5%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life68.7%
- All care steps completed98.7%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer31%
- Dementia11%
- Heart and circulatory disease17%
- Lung and respiratory disease12%
- Other conditions30%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
VNA Hospice in Kennett
VNA Hospice serves the community of Kennett, Missouri, and surrounding areas in Dunklin County. They offer end-of-life support to help patients stay comfortable and dignified. You will find their office at 1124 Independence Avenue. Hospice is about more than just medical care. It is about supporting the whole person and their family during a difficult season. The team focuses on managing pain and helping patients live each day to the fullest. They want to ensure that your loved one stays at home whenever that is possible. Choosing the right support changes everything. That is why having a team you trust matters so much. They walk this path alongside you every single step of the way. It is a big job, but they are ready to help you and your family right now.
About VNA Hospice
VNA Hospice has provided care in Missouri since June 1993. That is over thirty years of experience serving local families. They operate as an 'Other' ownership type, which is common for many community-based providers. What should you know about this history? It means they have deep roots in the Dunklin County area. They have passed many federal checks to keep their Medicare certification active since the early nineties. That consistency is a good sign for any family looking for stable care. Most people do not realize how much that long history helps a team work well together. They have seen many changes in healthcare over those three decades. Through it all, they stayed focused on their mission. They are not a new face in town. They are a steady partner that understands the local needs of Kennett neighbors.
Quality of Care
Understanding Hospice Care in Kennett
Hospice care in rural Missouri works a little differently than in big cities. You might rely on a smaller team that knows you by name. That is a real benefit during a hard time. The goal is always to keep your loved one in their own bed, surrounded by familiar things. VNA Hospice brings the doctors, nurses, and aides to you. They handle the supplies and the equipment so you do not have to worry. And here is the thing—you don't have to wait until the very last minute to call. Many families wish they had reached out sooner. Hospice is not just for the final days. It is for months of support. Early care means better pain control and more time for meaningful talks. That time is precious, and we want you to have as much of it as possible.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You have choices, and that is a good thing. But how do you pick? Start by asking how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an emergency happens. That response time is very important. Next, ask about their specific experience with your loved one’s illness. Every condition needs different types of care. You should also ask how they support the family after a loss. Grief does not end when the patient passes away. A good hospice team stays with you to help you cope. Finally, ask who will be on your primary care team. Will you see the same nurse every week? Consistency builds trust. You deserve to feel comfortable with the people entering your home. Do not be afraid to ask these hard questions today.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Every life is a book filled with stories that deserve to be remembered. We can help you capture these precious memories to share with your family for generations to come.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Helpful Guides for Families
What Does Medicare Cover for Hospice Care?
Confused about medicare hospice coverage? Discover exactly what is covered, how to manage costs, and navigate your benefits with our simple, expert guide.
Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
Navigating end-of-life care is hard. Our guide to understanding hospice levels of care helps you make informed choices for your loved one with confidence.
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.