HOMEREACH HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 444 WEST UNION STREET, SUITE B
ATHENS, OH 45701 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 26, 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) | 10 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 3 |
| Physicians | 1 |
23
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 HOMEREACH 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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOMEREACH HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
15.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 80th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
55
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 day15.7 min
Ranks better than about 80% 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 weekends9.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 life95.9%
Ranks better than about 69% 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 visits49.5%
Ranks better than about 55% 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 care21.1%
Ranks better than about 3% 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 months21.1%
Ranks better than about 86% 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 hospice5.3%
Ranks better than about 10% 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)87th 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$12,369 · 20th 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 68.6% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.4%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.7%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.5%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life68.6%
- All care steps completed98.7%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer25%
- Dementia12%
- Heart and circulatory disease15%
- Lung and respiratory disease17%
- Stroke11%
- Other conditions22%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care in Athens
HomeReach Hospice serves families in Athens, Ohio, providing support during life's most delicate moments. Located at 444 West Union Street, this team helps patients manage pain and find comfort in their own homes. Choosing the right hospice is a major step. It is about finding a team that truly listens to your needs. This provider offers a dedicated approach to end-of-life care for residents in Athens County. They focus on quality of life and dignity for every person they serve. Whether you need help with symptoms or emotional support, they are ready to provide care. What matters most is that you feel supported. Having a local team nearby can make a big difference for your peace of mind.
About HomeReach Hospice
HomeReach Hospice operates as a non-profit organization. That is a big deal because it means their primary focus remains on patient care rather than profits. They have been Medicare certified since July 26, 1986. That is nearly four decades of experience serving the community. When a provider has been around this long, it shows they have deep roots in the area. Families should know that non-profit status often means all funds go back into patient services. You want a team that puts your loved one first. HomeReach Hospice has built a long history of meeting federal standards for care. Choosing a long-standing provider can give you extra confidence during a tough time. It shows they know how to support families through every stage of the journey. Their longevity in Athens is a clear sign of their commitment to local needs.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in Athens
Hospice care in Athens is designed to support the whole family, not just the patient. It brings a team of nurses, social workers, and aides directly to your door. The goal is simple: to make every day as comfortable as possible. Many people think hospice is only for the very last days of life. The truth is that getting help sooner is usually better. It allows the team to build a real relationship with your loved one. They can help with physical pain, but they also provide emotional and spiritual support. That is the hidden strength of hospice. You don't have to face this alone. Local providers like HomeReach Hospice understand the specific needs of our Athens community. They work closely with local doctors and hospitals to ensure care is smooth and easy to manage. It is about keeping your family together in a familiar space.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a hospice team feels overwhelming, so keep your questions focused. First, ask how quickly their team can reach your home in an emergency. You want to know they are available day and night. Second, ask how they handle pain and symptom control. You need to be sure they have a clear plan for your loved one. Third, ask about the specific support they offer to family caregivers. Do they provide respite care if you need a break? That is a vital service for your own health. Finally, ask about their experience with your loved one’s specific health condition. It is okay to be direct. A good provider will be happy to answer these questions honestly. They want you to feel comfortable with your choice. Trust your gut feeling when you talk to them. You deserve a team that feels like a true partner.
Preserve Your Family’s Story
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories and wisdom to share. Capturing these memories now creates a lasting legacy for future generations to cherish.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
Helpful Guides for Families
Starting Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Families
Struggling with end-of-life talks? Learn the best ways for starting difficult conversations with your aging parents to ensure their wishes are honored today.
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.
A Complete End of Life Planning Checklist for Families
Feeling overwhelmed by end of life planning? Use our comprehensive hospice planning checklist to organize your loved one's care and simplify difficult decisions.
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.