AVERA @ HOME
Provider Information
- Address
- 901 S DAKOTA ST, STE 1A
MILBANK, SD 57252 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- June 15, 2000
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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) | 0 |
| Physicians | 0 |
| Volunteers | 1 |
1
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 AVERA @ HOME 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
- Type of inpatient care
- Both general inpatient care and respite care
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Both supplied directly and through outside suppliers
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 2019.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how AVERA @ HOME compares to hospices nationwide.
15.1 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 77th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
5
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 day15.1 min
Ranks better than about 77% 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 weekends9.6%
Ranks better than about 67% 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 life91%
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 visits15.4%
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 care8.3%
Ranks better than about 37% 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 care8.3%
Ranks better than about 44% 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)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$7,411 · 4th 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 7 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 68.8% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening97.5%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life68.8%
- All care steps completed97.5%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer31%
- Heart and circulatory disease24%
- Other conditions27%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
About AVERA @ HOME
AVERA @ HOME provides hospice care in Milbank, South Dakota. They serve families living in Grant County and the surrounding area. Their team focuses on comfort and support for patients during their end-of-life journey. Hospice care is a special service meant to improve quality of life. This team works hard to meet the physical and emotional needs of every person they serve. They help families navigate difficult times with care and compassion. If you live in the Milbank area, this provider is available to assist you. You can reach their office at 901 S Dakota St, Ste 1A to learn more about their specific care options.
About AVERA @ HOME
AVERA @ HOME is a for-profit hospice provider. They have been certified by Medicare since June 15, 2000. This long history shows their commitment to serving the Milbank community for over two decades. When choosing a provider, it is helpful to look at their history and stability. Medicare certification means they must follow strict federal rules for quality and safety. Families should feel confident knowing this provider has met these standards for many years. You can contact them at (605) 432-3259 to discuss your family's unique needs. Their staff can explain how their services work and how they support patients in their own homes. Choosing the right hospice is a big decision for any family. Learning about their background is a great first step in your research process.
Understanding Hospice Care in Milbank
Finding hospice care in a rural area like Grant County is very important. Hospice is not just about medical care. It is about living each day with dignity and peace. In Milbank, hospice teams visit patients in their own homes. They can also visit if the patient lives in an assisted living center. These teams include nurses, doctors, and social workers. They work together to manage pain and provide emotional support. The goal is to keep the patient comfortable and surrounded by loved ones. Hospice care also offers support for family members who are caregivers. You do not have to walk this path alone. Local providers like AVERA @ HOME are there to help you every step of the way. Reach out to them to see how their services fit your family's needs.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider is a major decision for your family. It is okay to ask many questions before you make your final choice. Here are a few things you should ask during your first meeting:
- How quickly can a nurse get to my home if an emergency happens?
- What specific services do you offer to help with pain management?
- How do you support family members who are feeling stressed or sad?
- Can you tell me how your team stays in touch with the patient's primary doctor?
Asking these questions helps you understand how the provider works. You want a team that listens to your concerns. You also want a team that puts the patient's comfort first. Take your time to find the right fit for your family. Your peace of mind is the most important thing during this time.
Preserve Your Family Stories
This time is precious for your family. We can help you save your stories and memories for future generations to enjoy.
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Helpful Guides for Families
Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefits: A Family Guide
Navigating end-of-life care is complex. Our guide to Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefits helps you manage costs, coverage, and care with confidence today.
Starting Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Families
Struggling with end-of-life talks? Learn the best ways for starting difficult conversations with your aging parents to ensure their wishes are honored today.
Understanding Medicare Hospice Benefit: A Family Guide
Confused by hospice coverage? Our guide to understanding Medicare hospice benefits helps you navigate care options and costs with confidence and clarity.
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.