HOSPICE BUFFALO INC
Provider Information
- Address
- 225 COMO PARK BLVD
CHEEKTOWAGA, NY 14227 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- December 1, 1983
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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) | 103 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 28 |
| Physicians | 6 |
231
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 HOSPICE BUFFALO INC reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Provided directly by this hospice
- 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 HOSPICE BUFFALO INC compares to hospices nationwide.
18.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 91st percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
406
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 day18.3 min
Ranks better than about 91% 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 weekends12.2%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 life96.2%
Ranks better than about 72% 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 visits57.5%
Ranks better than about 43% 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 care7.8%
Ranks better than about 40% 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 months35.3%
Ranks better than about 54% 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 care1.4%
Ranks better than about 80% 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 hospice2.6%
Ranks better than about 30% 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)93rd 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$12,059 · 19th 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 72.1% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.8%
- Pain assessment99.8%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.5%
- Treatment preferences discussed99.9%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.7%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids99.7%
- Visits in the last days of life72.1%
- All care steps completed99.1%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer37%
- Dementia21%
- Heart and circulatory disease16%
- Lung and respiratory disease8%
- Stroke7%
- Other conditions11%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice Buffalo Inc. Overview
Hospice Buffalo Inc. serves the Cheektowaga community from their location at 225 Como Park Blvd. This provider offers specialized end-of-life care focused on comfort and dignity for patients and their loved ones. They help manage pain and offer emotional support during a very difficult season of life. Families in Erie County often turn to them for professional care that puts the patient’s needs first. It is a local resource dedicated to serving the specific health needs of people in the Buffalo area. The team works hard to ensure that every patient feels heard and supported throughout their journey. Choosing a provider is a big decision, and having a local expert can make a real difference in your daily experience.
About HOSPICE BUFFALO INC
Hospice Buffalo Inc. is a non-profit organization. That means their main goal is providing quality care rather than making a profit for owners. They have been Medicare certified since December 1, 1983. That is over 40 years of experience serving the community. What does that mean for your family? It means they have a long track record of following strict federal rules for safety and quality. They have proven they can provide consistent, reliable care over many decades. When you look at their history, you see a provider that knows how to handle the complex needs of patients. You should feel good knowing they have been around this long. It shows they are a stable part of the local healthcare system in New York.
Quality Ratings Snapshot
Understanding Hospice Care in CHEEKTOWAGA
Finding the right care in Erie County can feel overwhelming. But you have options. Hospice care is not about giving up. It is about choosing to live each day with as much comfort and peace as possible. In New York, hospice providers work with your existing doctors to create a plan that fits your specific goals. They often send nurses, aides, and social workers to your home. The goal is to keep you in a familiar place surrounded by the people you love. Some people wait too long to ask for help. But the truth is, the sooner you start, the more support your family gets. Don't be afraid to ask questions early. The team at Hospice Buffalo Inc. is there to help you understand your choices and make the best plan for your unique situation.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
It is smart to interview a few providers before you decide. Start by asking how they handle pain management after hours. You want to know that someone is available to help at 3:00 AM on a Sunday. Ask how they support family caregivers who may be exhausted. You should also ask how often a nurse will visit your home. Every patient has different needs, so look for a team that is flexible. Finally, ask what their plan is if the patient's symptoms get worse suddenly. A good provider will have a clear answer for every one of these questions. If they seem rushed or give vague answers, keep looking. You deserve a partner who is patient and clear. Your peace of mind depends on it.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
This time of life is about more than just medical care. It is a chance to honor the stories, values, and memories that make your loved one who they are. We can help you capture those precious moments today.
Preserve Your HistoryOther Hospice Providers Nearby
LEWIS COUNTY GENERAL HOSPITAL HOSPICE
HOSPICARE & PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES
CAREFIRST / SOUTHERN TIER HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE
LIVINGSTON COUNTY HOSPICE
COMMUNITY HOSPICE, INC, THE
HIGH PEAKS HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE, INC
Helpful Guides for Families
Choosing a Hospice Provider: A 5-Step Quality Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Use our expert 5-step guide to choosing a hospice provider that offers the compassionate, high-quality care your loved one deserves.
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.
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.