ASCEND HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 65 JACKSON DR, STE 103
CRANFORD, NJ 07016 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- June 21, 1995
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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) | 28 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 5 |
| Physicians | 2 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
115
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 ASCEND 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 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how ASCEND HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
11.9 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 46th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
286
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 day11.9 min
Ranks better than about 46% 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 weekends5.8%
Ranks better than about 24% 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 life82.3%
Ranks better than about 16% 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 visits77.6%
Ranks better than about 16% 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 care10.1%
Ranks better than about 26% 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 months47.6%
Ranks better than about 22% 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 care11.5%
Ranks better than about 29% 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 hospice2.4%
Ranks better than about 32% 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$22,531 · 72nd 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 56.4% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.9%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.8%
- Breathing difficulty treatment97.5%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.5%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids98.4%
- Visits in the last days of life56.4%
- All care steps completed98.4%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer15%
- Dementia59%
- Heart and circulatory disease5%
- Lung and respiratory disease4%
- Stroke3%
- Other conditions16%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
About Ascend Hospice
Ascend Hospice provides compassionate end-of-life care for residents in Cranford, New Jersey. Located at 65 Jackson Drive, this team supports families in Union County during difficult times. They offer professional hospice services designed to prioritize comfort and quality of life. Their staff focuses on meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of every patient. By choosing local care, families can ensure their loved ones remain close to home. Ascend Hospice is committed to providing expert support with a gentle touch. Their goal is to help patients live each day with dignity and peace. You can reach their Cranford office at (908) 931-9080 to learn more about their specific care options. They stand ready to support your family through every step of the hospice journey.
About ASCEND HOSPICE
ASCEND HOSPICE operates as a for-profit hospice provider. They have been a Medicare-certified agency since June 21, 1995. This long history shows their experience in the hospice field. When choosing a provider, it is helpful to look at their official certification and history. Medicare certification means they must meet strict federal standards for patient care. Families should know that this provider has a high rating for the quality of care they deliver. While their patient satisfaction scores reflect areas for improvement, their clinical care standards remain strong. Understanding these details can help you make a better choice for your loved one. Always feel free to ask questions about how they support families. A good hospice partner will be open and honest about their services and their team.
Quality of Care Note
Understanding Hospice Care in CRANFORD
Hospice care is a special type of support for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on comfort rather than a cure. In Cranford and across New Jersey, hospice teams work to manage pain and symptoms. They want to help patients stay comfortable in their own homes. A hospice team usually includes doctors, nurses, social workers, and volunteers. These professionals work together to create a plan that fits your family. They also offer support for family members who are grieving. Choosing hospice does not mean giving up. It means choosing to focus on quality of life and precious time together. Many families find that hospice care brings great relief and peace of mind during a hard season. It is a resource designed to help you focus on what matters most to your loved ones.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider is a big decision for any family. You deserve to feel confident in the team you pick. Here are some simple questions to ask during your search:
- How quickly can your team respond if we have an emergency at night or on the weekend?
- What specific steps do you take to help manage pain and other symptoms for patients?
- Can you explain how you handle feedback from families regarding their experience with your care?
- What kind of emotional or spiritual support do you provide to family members?
Asking these questions helps you understand the provider's values. Take your time during these meetings. It is important to find a team that listens to your concerns. You want partners who make you feel heard, respected, and supported throughout the entire hospice process.
Preserve Your Family Stories
During this time, your family's history is more important than ever. We can help you save your loved one's stories, wisdom, and memories for future generations to cherish.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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