EMPYREAN HOSPICE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Provider Information
- Address
- 900 TRAIL RIDGE RD SUITE 105
AIKEN, SC 29803 - Medicare Certified Since
- September 22, 2023
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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.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how EMPYREAN HOSPICE OF SOUTH CAROLINA compares to hospices nationwide.
12.6 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 54th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
81
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 day12.6 min
Ranks better than about 54% 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 weekends6.3%
Ranks better than about 30% 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 life92.3%
Ranks better than about 42% 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 visits37.2%
Ranks better than about 70% 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 care11.3%
Ranks better than about 20% 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 months12.4%
Ranks better than about 94% 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 care19.6%
Ranks better than about 8% 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 hospice1%
Ranks better than about 50% 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$15,473 · 36th 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 8 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 96.1% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99%
- Pain assessment99.4%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment96.1%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.7%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- All care steps completed97%
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%
- Dementia23%
- Heart and circulatory disease27%
- Lung and respiratory disease15%
- Stroke7%
- Other conditions10%
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 Aiken
Empyrean Hospice of South Carolina provides end-of-life care for patients in Aiken and the surrounding areas. Located at 900 Trail Ridge Road, this team focuses on comfort, dignity, and support for families during difficult times. Their staff works to manage pain and symptoms while honoring the wishes of those they serve. Choosing the right hospice is a major step. It is about finding a partner who understands both the medical needs and the emotional journey of your loved ones. This provider serves the local community with a commitment to quality and presence. They know the Aiken area well. That local touch often makes a real difference in how quickly they can respond to your needs. When you need support, having a team nearby provides peace of mind for everyone involved.
About Empyrean Hospice of South Carolina
Empyrean Hospice has been Medicare certified since September 22, 2023. This certification is a big deal. It means they meet strict federal standards for care and safety. Medicare certification also allows them to accept hospice benefits for eligible patients. You should know that hospice is not just for the final days. It is a service meant to improve quality of life for months or weeks. Families often wait too long to call for help. The thing is, the sooner you start, the more support you receive. This team is ready to help you navigate the paperwork and the care plan. They focus on the whole person, not just the illness. That is the core of their mission. You deserve a team that listens to your goals and respects your family values every single day.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in Aiken
Aiken offers several options for families needing hospice support. The goal is always to keep your loved one in a place they call home. Whether that is a private house or an assisted living facility, hospice teams come to you. They bring medical supplies, medications, and equipment directly to the bedside. But they also bring a team of experts. This includes nurses, doctors, aides, and chaplains. Each person plays a part in keeping your loved one calm and pain-free. What most people do not realize is that the family is also part of the patient unit. You get support too. This includes counseling and help with the hard parts of grieving. Hospice care is a team sport. And in Aiken, you have access to providers who are ready to walk this path with you.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a provider can feel overwhelming. Take a deep breath and start with a few simple questions. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home in an emergency. You want to know that help is available 24/7. Second, ask how they handle pain management and if they have a specific approach. It is okay to be direct about your fears. Third, ask about the volunteers and social workers they have on staff. These people provide the extra emotional support that families often miss. Finally, ask what their plan is for after-hours calls. You need to know that someone will answer the phone at 3 a.m. if you need them. Here is the thing—there is no such thing as a bad question. Your goal is to feel safe and heard.
Preserve Your Family Stories
This time of life is about more than just medical care. It is about the memories, the lessons, and the stories that make a person who they are. Take a moment to capture those precious thoughts for future generations to cherish.
Start PreservingOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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HELPING HANDS HOSPICE OF SOUTH CAROLINA LLC
GENTIVA
ENHABIT HOSPICE
CMC EMBRACE HOSPICE
MUSC HEALTH HOSPICE AT HOME BY BAYADA-CHARLESTON
Helpful Guides for Families
What Does Medicare Cover for Hospice Care?
Confused about medicare hospice coverage? Discover exactly what is covered, how to manage costs, and navigate your benefits with our simple, expert guide.
Hospice at Home vs. Inpatient: Choosing the Right Care
Deciding between hospice at home and inpatient hospice? Discover the pros and cons of each care setting to help you make the right choice for your loved one.
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.
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.