HELIOS CARE
Provider Information
- Address
- 297 RIVER STREET SERVICE ROAD
ONEONTA, NY 13820 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- May 5, 1988
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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) | 20 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 8 |
| Physicians | 2 |
74
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 HELIOS CARE 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
- Respite care (up to five days at a time, to give family caregivers a break)
- 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 2020.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HELIOS CARE compares to hospices nationwide.
11.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 39th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
91
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 day11.3 min
Ranks better than about 39% 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 weekends7.3%
Ranks better than about 42% 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 life81.5%
Ranks better than about 15% 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 visits78.9%
Ranks better than about 14% 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 care3.4%
Ranks better than about 71% 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 months31%
Ranks better than about 66% 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 care2.3%
Ranks better than about 76% 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 hospice1.1%
Ranks better than about 49% 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)67th 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$11,866 · 18th 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 29.1% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.4%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.6%
- Breathing difficulty treatment97%
- Treatment preferences discussed99.8%
- Beliefs and values discussed98.9%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life29.1%
- All care steps completed97%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer40%
- Dementia11%
- Heart and circulatory disease22%
- Lung and respiratory disease9%
- Stroke2%
- Other conditions17%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
HELIOS CARE in Oneonta
HELIOS CARE serves the Oneonta, New York community from their base on River Street Service Road. This freestanding hospice provider offers end-of-life support to patients in Otsego County. They have been certified by Medicare since May 1988. That is over three decades of local experience. Their team works to meet the needs of each person under their care. Hospice care is about comfort during a difficult time. Choosing the right partner matters for your peace of mind. Families in the area can rely on this established provider for their medical and emotional needs. They aim to provide high-quality service to those they serve. This is their primary focus every single day.
About HELIOS CARE
HELIOS CARE operates as a freestanding hospice provider. This means they focus only on hospice services rather than being part of a larger hospital system. They are classified under other ownership. Their history with Medicare stretches back to 1988. This longevity shows they have a long track record in the local area. The team includes 74 employees who handle different roles. This group features 20 registered nurses and 8 licensed practical nurses. They also employ 2 physicians to oversee medical care. Having this many staff members allows for consistent attention to patient needs. You should look for a provider that matches your specific family goals. A large, dedicated staff often suggests a capacity for responsive care. That is a clear benefit for families needing support. Always check how their team composition fits your loved one's health plan.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in ONEONTA?
Hospice care in Otsego County focuses on comfort and quality of life for patients. Providers in this region must follow strict federal rules to maintain their certification. HELIOS CARE contributes to this local care network with a team of 74 professionals. This includes a mix of nurses and doctors who coordinate daily visits. Most care happens in the home, which allows patients to stay in a familiar space. The staff helps manage pain and offers emotional support to family members too. It is a team effort. You will find that hospice teams work on a plan tailored to each patient. They handle medications and medical equipment so you do not have to worry about those tasks. This local support system aims to reduce stress for everyone involved. Ask about their specific response times to ensure your needs are met quickly.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider is a significant step for your family. Start by asking how many nurses are available to visit on weekends. Consistency is important for good care. Next, ask how the team handles sudden changes in a patient's condition at night. You need to know that help is available 24 hours a day. Ask how they coordinate with your current primary doctor. Good communication prevents confusion about medications or treatment changes. Finally, ask what specific services they offer for family bereavement support. Some providers offer counseling or group meetings to help you cope. Write these answers down so you can compare your options clearly. Do not feel rushed during these conversations. You deserve to feel comfortable with the team that will support your loved one during this time.
Preserving Family Stories
Your loved one has a unique life story that deserves to be remembered by future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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HOSPICE OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
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HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE INC NEW HARTFORD
HOSPICE BUFFALO INC
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Helpful Guides for Families
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