HEADWATERS HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE, LLC
Provider Information
- Address
- 2625 WINNE AVE #A1
HELENA, MT 59601 - Medicare Certified Since
- December 17, 2023
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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 August 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.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HEADWATERS HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE, LLC compares to hospices nationwide.
19.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 94th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
13
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 day19.3 min
Ranks better than about 94% 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 weekends12.6%
Ranks better than about 82% 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 life98.5%
Ranks better than about 89% 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 visits17.9%
Ranks better than about 90% 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 care66.7%
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 months0%
Ranks better than about 97% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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)74th 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$8,613 · 7th 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.
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer24%
- Dementia19%
- Heart and circulatory disease24%
- Other conditions22%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Support for Families in Helena
Headwaters Hospice and Palliative Care serves the Helena community from their office on Winne Avenue. They offer expert end-of-life care and comfort services to families throughout Lewis and Clark County. This provider earned their Medicare certification in late 2023. They focus on providing medical support and relief for patients facing serious health challenges. The team works hard to maintain high standards of care for everyone they serve. Families in Montana can rely on their local presence for consistent hospice support. They are ready to help your loved ones during difficult times. Choosing the right care team makes a real difference in daily life. You can reach their local office at (406) 422-0114 to learn more about their specific service area and care options.
About Headwaters Hospice and Palliative Care, LLC
This agency operates as a limited liability company within the state of Montana. They received their official Medicare certification on December 17, 2023. Medicare certification means they meet strict federal rules for health and safety. These rules ensure that hospices provide safe environments for every patient. The government checks these agencies to protect your rights as a family member. Headwaters holds strong quality marks from federal reviewers. They earn high scores for their care quality according to the Hospice Care Index. These scores come from data on how well they manage pain and follow clinical rules. Most families look for these high marks because they show a commitment to excellence. It is a good sign when a provider performs well across these specific metrics. You should feel comfortable asking them about their current service protocols and team availability.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in Helena?
Hospice care in Helena provides a mobile team to visit your home. You do not need to go to a facility for this care. The team usually includes nurses, aides, and social workers who visit on a set schedule. They focus on keeping your loved one comfortable and pain-free at home. Nurses handle the medical side, while aides help with daily tasks like bathing. Social workers provide emotional support to the whole family. This model allows patients to stay in their own bedrooms surrounded by familiar things. That matters a lot. Each care plan changes based on what the patient needs at that specific moment. The team remains in constant contact with the primary doctor to update medications and comfort strategies. This ensures that care stays effective as health needs shift over time. Residents of Lewis and Clark County have access to these professional support services every day of the week.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You should feel empowered to ask questions before you sign any paperwork. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can arrive if a sudden problem occurs at night. You should also ask how they handle pain management and if they provide 24-hour phone support. It is helpful to know who will visit your home and how often those visits happen. Ask about their experience with specific health conditions your loved one faces. You might want to know how they work with your current doctors. Ask if they have staff available on weekends or holidays for extra help. Finally, ask about the training their staff members receive for end-of-life comfort. Good providers will answer these questions clearly and with kindness. Do not feel rushed during this process. You deserve to understand every part of the care plan before moving forward with a new provider.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Capture the life stories and memories of your loved ones to keep their legacy alive for future generations.
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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.
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.
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.
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.