HospiceScout

VNA HOSPICE, WESTERN PA

OtherHome Health Agency

Provider Information

Address
154 HINDMAN ROAD
BUTLER, PA 16001
Ownership Type
Other
Medicare Certified Since
May 29, 1984

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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 VNA HOSPICE, WESTERN PA
RoleStaff Count
Registered Nurses (RN)12
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)5
Physicians1
Volunteers15

33

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 VNA HOSPICE, WESTERN PA 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 VNA HOSPICE, WESTERN PA compares to hospices nationwide.

11.4 minutes

of nurse care per routine home care day, on average

That is the 40th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.

69

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 day11.4 min

    Ranks better than about 40% 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 weekends7.7%

    Ranks better than about 47% 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 life90.9%

    Ranks better than about 35% 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 visits51%

    Ranks better than about 53% 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 care5.7%

    Ranks better than about 55% 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 months26.4%

    Ranks better than about 77% 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 care3.4%

    Ranks better than about 70% 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 hospice0%

    Ranks better than about 55% 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)83rd 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$10,676 · 13th 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 25.5% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
  • Pain screening97.9%
  • Pain assessment85.9%
  • Breathing difficulty screening100%
  • Breathing difficulty treatment99.5%
  • Treatment preferences discussed100%
  • Beliefs and values discussed99.7%
  • Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
  • Visits in the last days of life25.5%
  • All care steps completed89.3%

Conditions of patients in their care

Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.

  • Cancer21%
  • Dementia13%
  • Heart and circulatory disease26%
  • Lung and respiratory disease10%
  • Stroke10%
  • Other conditions22%

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

VNA Hospice, Western PA

VNA Hospice, Western PA serves the Butler, Pennsylvania community from their office on Hindman Road. They offer specialized end-of-life care for patients and their loved ones. This team focuses on managing comfort and dignity during difficult health transitions. By providing care directly in the home, they help families stay together in a familiar space. The staff aims to ease the burden of illness by offering medical, emotional, and spiritual support. It is a local resource for those living in Butler County who need extra care. Choosing the right team is a big decision for any family. That is why having a clear view of their services matters. They have been active in the community since 1984, which shows long-term dedication to local hospice needs. Their goal remains clear: to provide comfort when it is needed the most. It is about making every remaining day count for the patient.

About VNA Hospice, Western PA

VNA Hospice, Western PA operates as an 'Other' ownership type entity. They earned Medicare certification back on May 29, 1984. This means they have met strict federal rules for hospice care for nearly four decades. That is a long time to serve a community. What should families know before they choose? First, understand that Medicare certification ensures the provider meets national standards for patient safety. It also means they can accept Medicare insurance for eligible patients. The thing is, every hospice provider has a unique culture and approach. You should look for a team that matches your family's personal values. While they have a long history, you should always call to ask about their current team size and availability. Do they have nurses on call at night? Can they meet your specific medical needs? Asking these questions helps you feel more confident in your final choice. It is your right to ask these things.

Quality Performance Snapshot

VNA Hospice, Western PA holds a perfect 5/5 overall rating from CMS. Their quality of care score is also a perfect 5/5, showing they follow high standards for medical treatment. However, their patient satisfaction score is 2/5. This suggests that while their clinical care is strong, some families have felt less happy with the communication or support they received. We encourage you to ask the agency about these feedback scores during your interview.

Understanding Hospice Care in Butler

Butler, Pennsylvania, is home to several hospice options for residents. Finding the right fit requires looking at more than just a name on a list. Many people think hospice is only for the final few days of life. But that is a common mistake. Hospice can actually provide months of support for patients with serious illnesses. The goal is to focus on comfort rather than a cure. In this region, hospice teams often include nurses, social workers, and volunteers. They work together to address pain, anxiety, and daily living needs. Some agencies in Butler focus heavily on spiritual care, while others focus on complex medical equipment. Think about what matters most to your loved one. Is it having a nurse available at 2:00 AM? Is it having a chaplain visit every week? These details make a huge difference in the care experience. Take your time to compare your options carefully.

What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider

Choosing a hospice is a heavy task. You want to be sure you have the right answers before starting. Start by asking these four questions to get a clear picture of how they operate. First, ask: 'How quickly can a nurse get to our home if we have an urgent problem at night?' You need to know that help is truly available when you need it most. Second, ask: 'How does your team support family caregivers who are tired?' Caring for a loved one is exhausting, and you need a team that supports you too. Third, ask: 'How do you handle changes in medication or pain levels?' You want a team that is proactive, not just reactive. Finally, ask: 'Can we meet the nurse who will be our primary contact?' Building a relationship early helps everyone feel more at ease. Trust your gut feeling during these talks. It is a vital step in your journey.

Preserve Your Family's Precious Stories

The time you spend with your loved one is a chance to capture the memories and lessons that matter most. We can help you record these stories so they last for generations to come.

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.