VNA AT HCS
Provider Information
- Address
- 312 MARLBORO STREET
KEENE, NH 03431 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- October 23, 1990
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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) | 15 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 38 |
36
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 AT HCS 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 VNA AT HCS compares to hospices nationwide.
14.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 70th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
82
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 day14.3 min
Ranks better than about 70% 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 weekends9.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 life93.5%
Ranks better than about 50% 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 visits59.9%
Ranks better than about 40% 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 care5.5%
Ranks better than about 57% 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 months39.7%
Ranks better than about 42% 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 care2.7%
Ranks better than about 74% 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 hospice2.7%
Ranks better than about 29% 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$13,481 · 25th 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 58.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.6%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.6%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.8%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life58.9%
- All care steps completed99.2%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer26%
- Dementia10%
- Heart and circulatory disease9%
- Lung and respiratory disease11%
- Stroke5%
- Other conditions39%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Overview of VNA AT HCS
VNA AT HCS serves the Keene area from its office on Marlboro Street in Cheshire County. This provider offers hospice services to local families in need of end of life care. They have held Medicare certification since October 1990. Choosing a local team with decades of history can offer peace of mind during difficult times. Their long tenure in New Hampshire reflects a steady presence in the community. They are prepared to help your loved ones with medical and personal care needs. It is a local option for those seeking hospice support in the region.
About VNA AT HCS
This provider operates under an other ownership structure. They employ 36 staff members who work to support patients and their families. This team includes 15 registered nurses and two licensed practical nurses. They also have one physician on staff to guide medical decisions. A large group of 38 volunteers supports their mission. These volunteers often spend time with patients to provide extra comfort and companionship. Medicare certification indicates they meet federal rules for safety and care. Families should know that this provider maintains strong marks for quality of care based on government data. This score reflects how well they manage patient symptoms and needs. The certification history shows they have served the area for a long time. They offer a stable team to help your family through each day.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in KEENE?
Hospice care in Keene focuses on comfort and quality of life for the patient. Teams visit homes to manage pain and provide emotional support for everyone involved. You will find that care plans are tailored to meet individual needs rather than a set schedule. VNA AT HCS uses a team approach to cover all bases for the patient. With 15 registered nurses and a physician, they have the medical staff ready to handle complex health issues. They also have many volunteers to help with daily tasks or simple social visits. This mix of medical experts and volunteers helps create a supportive environment for your loved one. Most families find that having this extra help at home makes a big difference. It allows for more time together without the stress of managing medical needs alone.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You should feel empowered to ask questions before picking a hospice partner. Start by asking how often a nurse will visit your home each week. You need to know who is on call after hours or on the weekend. Ask them how they manage pain when it changes suddenly. It is also good to ask how they support family members with grief or stress. You should learn if they have volunteers who can sit with your loved one. Ask about their experience with the specific health condition your family member has. Every hospice team operates differently. Getting clear answers now will help you feel more comfortable with your choice later.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Capture the life lessons, memories, and voice of your loved one to keep their spirit alive for future generations.
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