BEACON HOSPICE, AN AMEDISYS COMPANY
Provider Information
- Address
- 25 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE, SUITE 272
PORTSMOUTH, NH 03801 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- March 9, 2005
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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) | 24 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 21 |
38
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 BEACON HOSPICE, AN AMEDISYS COMPANY 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 BEACON HOSPICE, AN AMEDISYS COMPANY compares to hospices nationwide.
12.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 51st percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
120
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 day12.3 min
Ranks better than about 51% 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 weekends7.6%
Ranks better than about 46% 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 life97.9%
Ranks better than about 85% 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 visits62.7%
Ranks better than about 36% 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 care5.6%
Ranks better than about 56% 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 months37%
Ranks better than about 49% 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)92nd 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$15,252 · 35th 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 83.6% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment99.4%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.7%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life83.6%
- All care steps completed99.5%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer20%
- Dementia26%
- Heart and circulatory disease19%
- Lung and respiratory disease12%
- Stroke13%
- Other conditions10%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care in Portsmouth
Beacon Hospice, an Amedisys Company, provides dedicated end-of-life care in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Located on New Hampshire Avenue, this team supports patients and their families throughout Rockingham County. They focus on comfort and dignity during a difficult time. Their goal is to improve the quality of life for those facing a serious illness. The staff works closely with you to manage pain and emotional needs. They understand the challenges families face when choosing hospice care. You can trust them to provide professional support in the comfort of your own home or care setting. Their team is ready to help you navigate this journey with care and respect.
About Beacon Hospice, an Amedisys Company
Beacon Hospice has been a Medicare-certified provider since March 2005. Being Medicare-certified means they meet strict federal standards for safety and care. As a for-profit organization, they are part of a larger national network managed by Amedisys. This allows them to bring extensive resources to the Portsmouth area. When you choose this provider, you are choosing a team with nearly two decades of experience in hospice services. Families should know that they are committed to following national guidelines for patient care. Choosing a long-standing provider can offer peace of mind during your decision process. They prioritize clear communication with families to ensure every need is met. Their long history shows a steady commitment to the community in New Hampshire. You can feel confident in their ability to serve your loved ones with expertise and kindness.
Quality of Care Highlights
Understanding Hospice Care in Portsmouth
Hospice care is a special type of care for people with a life-limiting illness. In Portsmouth, you have access to providers who prioritize comfort over curative treatments. The main goal is to help patients live their final days with as little pain as possible. Hospice is not just for the patient. It is also for the family. The team offers emotional and spiritual support to help you cope. Services often include nursing care, help with daily tasks, and grief support. Many families find that hospice allows them to focus on making memories rather than managing medical equipment. You can receive care in your own home or in a facility. It is important to talk with your doctor about when hospice might be right for your family. Taking this step can provide a sense of relief and calm during a hard time.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider is a big decision for any family. You want to be sure you are getting the best care possible. Here are a few questions to ask when you meet with a provider:
- How quickly can a nurse or doctor get to my home in an emergency?
- What kind of support do you offer to family members after a loss?
- How do you help manage pain and other difficult symptoms?
- How often will a member of the hospice team visit my loved one?
Asking these questions will help you understand how the provider works. It also helps you see if their style of care matches what your family needs. Do not be afraid to ask for clarity if you do not understand a term. The hospice team should be happy to answer your questions. Your comfort and the comfort of your loved one are the most important things to consider during this process.
Preserving Your Family Story
During this time, sharing stories and memories can be a source of great comfort. We encourage you to start recording your family history now to preserve your legacy for future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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BROOKHAVEN HOSPICE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE LLC
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CORNERSTONE VNA
NORTH COUNTRY HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE AGENCY
BETH ISRAEL LAHEY HEALTH AT HOME
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.
What Nearly 17,000 Hospice Inspection Reports Reveal
CMS released 16,894 hospice inspection reports from late 2021 to early 2026. See what surveyors cited most, what serious findings mean, and how to use them.
How to Spot a Trustworthy Hospice in 2026
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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.