HOSPICE CARE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
Provider Information
- Address
- 7 PLANTATION PARK DRIVE UNIT 4
BLUFFTON, SC 29910 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- July 30, 1993
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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) | 16 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 2 |
41
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 CARE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Both provided directly and arranged with other facilities
- 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 2020.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE CARE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY compares to hospices nationwide.
14.7 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 74th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
84
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 day14.7 min
Ranks better than about 74% 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 life95.6%
Ranks better than about 66% 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 visits26.7%
Ranks better than about 83% 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 care9.5%
Ranks better than about 29% 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 months16.7%
Ranks better than about 91% 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 care16.7%
Ranks better than about 12% 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)74th 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$13,806 · 27th 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 61.5% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.4%
- Pain assessment99.4%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.4%
- Breathing difficulty treatment96.3%
- Treatment preferences discussed99.4%
- Beliefs and values discussed95%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids97.6%
- Visits in the last days of life61.5%
- All care steps completed92.4%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer37%
- Dementia24%
- Heart and circulatory disease14%
- Lung and respiratory disease7%
- Stroke3%
- Other conditions16%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice Care of the Lowcountry
Hospice Care of the Lowcountry serves families in Bluffton, South Carolina, and the surrounding Beaufort County area. They provide specialized end-of-life care focused on comfort and dignity for patients facing life-limiting illnesses. Their team works to manage pain and provide emotional support right where the patient calls home. Getting the right support can make a world of difference during a difficult season. This provider brings professional care directly to your doorstep in the Lowcountry region. They focus on the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of both the patient and their loved ones. It is about making every day count when time feels short. By choosing a local provider, families often find a deeper connection to the community and a team that truly understands the local spirit. They are there to help you navigate the final stages of life with grace and steady support.
About Hospice Care of the Lowcountry
Hospice Care of the Lowcountry operates as a non-profit organization. This is a big deal for many families. It means their primary focus remains on patient outcomes rather than turning a profit. They have been Medicare certified since July 30, 1993. That is over thirty years of serving this community. Longevity like that shows a deep commitment to the residents of Beaufort County. When you look for a hospice partner, that history of service provides a lot of peace of mind. Families should know that non-profit status often allows for more flexibility in how they support patients. They are located at 7 Plantation Park Drive Unit 4 in Bluffton. You can reach their team at (843) 706-2296 to discuss your specific needs. They have a long track record of helping people in this specific area. That kind of experience matters when you are making big decisions for your family.
Quality of Care
Understanding Hospice Care in Bluffton
Hospice care in Bluffton is all about comfort. The goal is to improve quality of life when a cure is no longer the main focus. Many people wait too long to start these services. The truth is that hospice can provide support for months, not just days. It includes help from doctors, nurses, social workers, and volunteers. They work together to keep the patient comfortable and pain-free. Most care happens at home, but some providers offer inpatient units if symptoms become too hard to manage at home. It is a team effort. The family is actually part of the care team, too. You are not alone in this. Local providers like this one know the area well and can connect you with other helpful community resources. That local knowledge helps keep things running smoothly. So, do not be afraid to ask about what services are available in your specific neighborhood.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice is a deeply personal choice. You want to feel confident in the team you pick. Start by asking how quickly they can get a nurse to your home in an emergency. It is also smart to ask how they handle pain management during the night or on weekends. You need to know that support is available around the clock. Another good question is how they involve the family in the care plan. You should feel like a partner in the process. Ask them about the specific volunteers they offer to help with daily tasks or companionship. Do not be shy about asking these questions. A good hospice team will be happy to answer them clearly. They want you to feel comfortable. If they seem rushed or do not give you straight answers, keep looking. Your family deserves a team that listens well and acts with kindness every single step of the way.
Preserve Your Family Stories
During this time, the memories and life stories of your loved ones are more precious than ever. Learn how to capture these important moments to keep them safe for future generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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Helpful Guides for Families
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How to Choose a Hospice Provider: A Family’s Complete Guide
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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.