HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE OF ST LAWRENCE VALLEY
Provider Information
- Address
- 6805 US ROUTE 11
POTSDAM, NY 13676 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- August 28, 1986
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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) | 6 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 30 |
28
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 AND PALLIATIVE CARE OF ST LAWRENCE VALLEY 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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE OF ST LAWRENCE VALLEY 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.
41
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 life97.3%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 visits31.4%
Ranks better than about 77% 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 care22.7%
Ranks better than about 2% 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 months13.6%
Ranks better than about 93% 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 care9.1%
Ranks better than about 40% 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 hospice2.3%
Ranks better than about 33% 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)79th 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$9,186 · 8th 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 82.1% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment98.9%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids97.9%
- Visits in the last days of life82.1%
- All care steps completed99.6%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer42%
- Dementia18%
- Heart and circulatory disease12%
- Lung and respiratory disease13%
- Other conditions11%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Supportive Care in Potsdam
Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley provides compassionate end-of-life services to residents in Potsdam, New York. They focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients facing serious illness. Their team serves the local community from their office on US Route 11. By managing pain and symptoms, they help families focus on spending meaningful time together. This team knows the area well and understands the unique needs of neighbors in St. Lawrence County. Making these decisions is hard, but finding local support can bring peace of mind to everyone involved. They are there to walk this path with you every step of the way.
About Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley
This provider has been Medicare-certified since August 28, 1986. That is nearly four decades of serving the community. Being a non-profit organization means their mission focuses on patient care rather than profits. That is a big deal when you want to ensure your loved one receives undivided attention. They have built a long history of trust throughout St. Lawrence County. Families should know that they meet strict federal standards for safety and care quality. Choosing a non-profit group often means you get a team deeply rooted in local values. They prioritize the comfort of the family unit above all else. You can feel confident knowing their long track record shows a steady commitment to the people they serve in Potsdam.
High Quality Ratings
Understanding Hospice Care in Potsdam
Hospice care is not about giving up. It is about choosing a different kind of care that focuses on comfort. In Potsdam, families have access to specialized teams that include nurses, doctors, and social workers. These professionals visit patients wherever they call home. They help manage physical pain while also providing emotional and spiritual support. The goal is to keep the patient as comfortable and alert as possible for as long as they can. Many people think hospice is only for the final days. The truth is that hospice can help for months if the patient qualifies. Starting early allows for better symptom control and stronger bonds with the care team. It really changes the experience for the better.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing the right team is a deeply personal decision. You should feel comfortable asking direct questions to get the clarity you need. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can arrive if an emergency happens at night or on the weekend. You should also ask how they help family caregivers take a break when they get tired. Another good question is how they handle specific symptoms like pain or trouble breathing. It is also wise to ask how they support the family after a loss. Do they offer grief counseling? Do they have volunteers who can sit with the patient? Listen to your gut when you talk to them. You want a team that feels like partners in your journey.
Keep Your Family Stories Alive
Your loved one has a lifetime of wisdom and memories. We can help you record their voice and stories so future generations can cherish them forever.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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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.
10 Essential Hospice Questions for Evaluating Providers
Evaluating hospice care for a loved one? Use these 10 essential hospice questions to interview providers and ensure your family receives the best possible support.
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.