HOSPICE OF JEFFERSON CO/PALLIATIVE CARE OF JEFFERS
Provider Information
- Address
- 1398 GOTHAM STREET
WATERTOWN, NY 13601 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- October 24, 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) | 8 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 12 |
| Physicians | 1 |
| Volunteers | 35 |
32
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 OF JEFFERSON CO/PALLIATIVE CARE OF JEFFERS 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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE OF JEFFERSON CO/PALLIATIVE CARE OF JEFFERS compares to hospices nationwide.
39.6 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 99th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
30
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 day39.6 min
Ranks better than about 99% 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 weekends19.8%
Ranks better than about 94% 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 life83.7%
Ranks better than about 18% 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 visits68.4%
Ranks better than about 28% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 months41.7%
Ranks better than about 36% 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 hospice2.1%
Ranks better than about 36% 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$8,162 · 5th 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 32.3% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening98.8%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed99.6%
- Beliefs and values discussed96.9%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids98.1%
- Visits in the last days of life32.3%
- All care steps completed95.3%
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%
- Dementia12%
- Heart and circulatory disease22%
- Lung and respiratory disease8%
- Other conditions14%
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 Watertown
Hospice of Jefferson Co/Palliative Care of Jeffers serves the Watertown, New York area from their home at 1398 Gotham Street. They focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for those facing a serious illness. Their team provides medical and emotional care to help patients and their families spend meaningful time together. This care happens wherever the patient calls home. The goal is always to manage pain and symptoms while honoring the patient's personal wishes. That is the core of their mission in Jefferson County.
About HOSPICE OF JEFFERSON CO/PALLIATIVE CARE OF JEFFERS
This provider has been Medicare certified since October 24, 1986. That is nearly four decades of serving the local community. They operate under an 'Other' ownership structure, which is common for many community-based non-profit or specialized agencies. Families should know that this long history shows a deep commitment to the region. They have walked alongside many neighbors during difficult times. Choosing a provider with such deep roots can offer peace of mind. You are not just picking a service. You are picking a partner that understands the specific needs of families in Watertown. They have clearly built a steady reputation over these many years. That is a big deal when you are looking for reliable care for someone you love.
Exceptional Quality Ratings
Understanding Hospice Care in WATERTOWN
Hospice care is about more than just medicine. It is about the whole person and the family around them. In Watertown, local hospice teams bring nurses, social workers, and chaplains directly to your door. The thing is, many families wait too long to call for help. They think hospice is only for the very last days of life. But, Medicare covers hospice for up to six months or more if a doctor confirms the need. Starting early lets the team build a real relationship with the patient. It helps lower stress for everyone involved. And, it ensures that symptoms like pain or trouble breathing are managed before they become a crisis. You do not have to walk this path alone. There are experts nearby ready to listen and support your family's unique journey.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a hospice provider is a big decision for any family. You deserve clear answers to help you feel sure about your choice. Start by asking these three questions when you talk to them. First, ask how quickly they can respond if a crisis happens in the middle of the night. You need to know that help is just a phone call away. Second, ask how they handle pain and symptom management for your specific needs. Every illness is different, and the plan should be too. Third, ask how they support family members with grief and emotional care. The best teams care for the whole family, not just the patient. And, feel free to ask about their experience with your loved one's specific diagnosis. Getting these answers will help you make the best choice for your family.
Keep Your Family's Stories Alive
During this time, the memories and life stories of your loved one are more precious than ever. We offer a simple way to record and save these important moments for future generations to cherish.
Preserve MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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LIVINGSTON COUNTY HOSPICE
HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE OF ST LAWRENCE VALLEY
HOSPICE OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
HOSPICE OF THE NORTH COUNTRY INC
JANSEN HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE
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.
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.
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.
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.