AGAPE HOSPICE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
Provider Information
- Address
- 3955 FABER PLACE DRIVE STE 202
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC 29405 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- February 10, 2009
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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) | 132 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 10 |
| Physicians | 6 |
| Volunteers | 1 |
355
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 AGAPE HOSPICE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
- Short-term inpatient care
- Provided directly by this hospice
- Type of inpatient care
- Both general inpatient care and respite care
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.
Reported by this hospice to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services when it was certified in 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how AGAPE HOSPICE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY compares to hospices nationwide.
12.3 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 51st percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
891
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 day12.3 min
Ranks better than about 51% 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 weekends8.6%
Ranks better than about 58% 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 life96.7%
Ranks better than about 76% 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 visits56.5%
Ranks better than about 44% 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 care11.6%
Ranks better than about 19% 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 months33%
Ranks better than about 61% 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 care19.9%
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 hospice2.8%
Ranks better than about 28% 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)91st 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$15,732 · 38th 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 74.3% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life74.3%
- All care steps completed100%
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%
- Dementia29%
- Heart and circulatory disease14%
- Lung and respiratory disease19%
- Stroke8%
- Other conditions15%
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 North Charleston
AGAPE HOSPICE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY offers end-of-life care for families in North Charleston, South Carolina. They focus on comfort and support for patients during their most vulnerable times. The team works to improve quality of life through expert care and kindness. Families can find this provider at 3955 Faber Place Drive, Suite 202. They serve the Charleston area with a commitment to dignity and peace. Choosing the right hospice is a big step for your loved one. This team is ready to help you navigate this journey with care and respect.
About AGAPE HOSPICE OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
This hospice provider has been Medicare certified since February 10, 2009. It operates as a for-profit organization serving the local community. Families should know that Medicare certification means they meet federal standards for health and safety. This history of service shows they have been helping patients in Charleston for many years. When selecting a provider, consider how their experience fits your family's unique needs. It is important to feel comfortable with the staff who will be in your home. You should always ask about how they handle daily care and emergency needs. Being informed helps you make the best choice for your loved one. This provider remains dedicated to their role in the hospice care system.
Quality Performance Summary
Understanding Hospice Care in North Charleston
Hospice care in North Charleston is designed to support both patients and their families. It is not about giving up hope. Instead, it is about making sure every day is as comfortable as possible. Providers here offer care in private homes, nursing facilities, or specialized settings. The goal is to manage pain and provide emotional support. You will find that hospice teams include doctors, nurses, and social workers. They work together to create a plan that fits your loved one's wishes. Living in Charleston means you have access to many resources for end-of-life support. It is helpful to meet with a provider to see how they can support your specific situation. Do not be afraid to ask for help early on in the process.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Selecting a hospice provider is a major decision for any family. You should feel empowered to ask questions that matter to you. Consider asking these important questions before you make your final choice:
- How quickly can a nurse get to our home if there is an emergency?
- How will you help us manage pain and other difficult symptoms?
- What support do you provide for family members who are grieving?
- How often will a team member visit us in our home?
Take your time when you talk to the staff. It is important that you feel heard and understood. A good provider will be happy to explain their services clearly. Trust your gut feeling when you talk to the team. You deserve support that feels right for your family.
Preserve Your Family's Precious Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories that deserve to be kept safe. We help you record and save these stories for future generations to cherish.
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Helpful Guides for Families
Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
Navigating end-of-life care is hard. Our guide to understanding hospice levels of care helps you make informed choices for your loved one with confidence.
10 Essential Hospice Questions for Evaluating Providers
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Creating a Living Will Checklist: A Hospice Care 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.