HospiceScout

GRANE HOSPICE CARE INC

For-ProfitFreestanding Hospice

Provider Information

Address
115 UNION AVENUE
ALTOONA, PA 16602
Ownership Type
For-Profit
Medicare Certified Since
February 1, 2008

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CMS Quality Ratings

Overall Rating

Composite score combining quality measures and patient survey results.

Quality of Care

Based on the CMS Hospice Care Index — 10 operational quality indicators including visits near death, nursing minutes, and care transitions.

Patient Satisfaction

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

Staffing breakdown for GRANE HOSPICE CARE INC
RoleStaff Count
Registered Nurses (RN)25
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)4
Physicians4

85

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 GRANE HOSPICE CARE INC 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

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.

Type of inpatient care
Both general inpatient care and respite care
Medical supplies and equipment
Brought in through an outside supplier

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 GRANE HOSPICE CARE INC compares to hospices nationwide.

13.7 minutes

of nurse care per routine home care day, on average

That is the 65th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.

147

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 day13.7 min

    Ranks better than about 65% 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 weekends4.3%

    Ranks better than about 10% 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 life93.8%

    Ranks better than about 52% 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 visits15.5%

    Ranks better than about 92% 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 care6.9%

    Ranks better than about 46% 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 months49.7%

    Ranks better than about 19% 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 care3.7%

    Ranks better than about 69% 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 hospice4.2%

    Ranks better than about 15% 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)52nd 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$16,674 · 43rd 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 56.3% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
  • Pain screening100%
  • Pain assessment100%
  • Breathing difficulty screening100%
  • Breathing difficulty treatment99.7%
  • Treatment preferences discussed100%
  • Beliefs and values discussed99.8%
  • Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
  • Visits in the last days of life56.3%
  • 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.

  • Cancer17%
  • Dementia27%
  • Heart and circulatory disease26%
  • Lung and respiratory disease9%
  • Stroke7%
  • Other conditions16%

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.

Supportive Hospice Care in Altoona

Grane Hospice Care Inc provides compassionate end-of-life services for families in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Located at 115 Union Avenue, their team focuses on comfort and dignity during a difficult time. They offer specialized support for patients facing life-limiting illnesses right in the Blair County area. The goal is simple: helping your loved one live as fully as possible while managing pain and emotional needs. Hospice care is not about giving up. It is about choosing to prioritize comfort and quality of life. That is a big deal when you are facing hard choices. Their team works closely with you to create a plan that fits your family's unique situation. Whether it is managing symptoms or providing emotional guidance, they are ready to help. You do not have to walk this path alone. Having local support makes all the difference for your peace of mind.

About Grane Hospice Care Inc

Grane Hospice Care Inc has been Medicare-certified since February 1, 2008. This for-profit provider has served the Altoona community for many years. Choosing a provider often feels overwhelming for families. But knowing a provider has a long history of certification can offer some comfort. Medicare certification means they must meet strict federal rules for quality and safety. That is the baseline for care. Families should know that this provider is part of the broader healthcare landscape in Blair County. They have established systems to handle the complex needs of hospice patients. What most people do not realize is that you can interview hospice agencies before you decide. You have the right to ask about their specific experience with your loved one's condition. It is your choice. Take your time to learn how they handle after-hours calls and weekend support. That insight is vital for your daily comfort.

Quality Performance Snapshot

Grane Hospice Care Inc holds a strong 4.5/5 overall star rating. They also earned 4.5/5 for their quality of care based on CMS data and 4/5 for patient satisfaction. These numbers suggest they consistently deliver high-quality support to those they serve.

Understanding Hospice Care in Altoona

Hospice care in Altoona focuses on the whole person. It is not just about medical supplies or medicine. It is about the heart and spirit of the person you love. Most people receive this care in their own homes. Some stay in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. The team usually includes nurses, aides, social workers, and chaplains. They visit regularly to check on symptoms and offer emotional support. And they provide equipment like hospital beds or oxygen when needed. The thing is, hospice is a team effort. You are the most important part of that team. You know your loved one best. By working together, the hospice staff and your family can make each day meaningful. It is about creating moments of connection. Sometimes that means a quiet conversation. Other times it means music or just holding a hand. That is the true value of care here.

What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider

You have questions, and you deserve clear answers. Start by asking how they handle pain management at night or on weekends. It is vital to know that someone is always available to help. Ask how many staff members live in the Altoona area. Local teams often respond much faster in an emergency. You should also ask how they support family caregivers. Do they offer respite care to give you a necessary break? That is a fair question to ask. Finally, ask what happens if your loved one's needs change suddenly. A good provider will have a clear plan for these shifts. Do not feel rushed to pick a provider. Take a breath. Ask the questions that matter most to your family. You are the expert on your loved one's needs. A good agency will listen to you with patience and respect.

Preserve Your Family's Unique Story

During this time, memories become even more precious. We can help you capture your loved one's stories and wisdom to share with future generations.

Start Preserving Memories

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Helpful Guides for Families

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.