SANFORD HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 2710 W 12TH STREET
SIOUX FALLS, SD 57104 - Ownership Type
- Non-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- September 28, 1988
Are you this hospice's administrator? Update your information
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) | 12 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 5 |
| Physicians | 9 |
45
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 SANFORD HOSPICE 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
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Supplied directly by this hospice
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.
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 SANFORD HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
38.9 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 99th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
78
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 day38.9 min
Ranks better than about 99% 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 weekends24.4%
Ranks better than about 97% 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%
Ranks better than about 70% 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 visits38.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 care4%
Ranks better than about 67% 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 months15.2%
Ranks better than about 92% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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)88th 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$7,437 · 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 9 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 71.5% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment99.6%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids99.4%
- Visits in the last days of life71.5%
- All care steps completed99.6%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer36%
- Dementia10%
- Heart and circulatory disease15%
- Lung and respiratory disease10%
- Stroke6%
- Other conditions23%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
About SANFORD HOSPICE
SANFORD HOSPICE serves families in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This provider operates as a hospital-based program. They offer end-of-life care for patients who need comfort and support. The team works from their office on West 12th Street. They have served the community since 1988. This long history shows their commitment to local care. You can reach them at 605-312-5500 to ask questions about their specific services. They provide care in Minnehaha County for those who need it most.
About SANFORD HOSPICE
SANFORD HOSPICE is a non-profit provider. Being non-profit means they focus on the mission of care rather than making a profit for owners. They earned Medicare certification in 1988. That is a long track record of following federal safety standards. Families should know that Medicare certification means the government checks their work. These checks look at how they treat patients and manage medical records. Being part of a hospital system often means they have quick access to extra medical resources. This setup helps them manage complex symptoms for patients at home. They have a team of 45 employees ready to help. This includes 12 registered nurses and 5 licensed practical nurses who provide daily care. They also have 9 doctors on staff to guide medical decisions. You are getting a team with deep local roots.
Quality Overview
What Is Hospice Care Like in SIOUX FALLS?
Hospice care in Sioux Falls relies on teams of experts. At SANFORD HOSPICE, the staff includes 12 registered nurses and 9 doctors. These experts visit patients where they live. They help manage pain and keep patients comfortable. The goal is to improve quality of life for everyone involved. Most families find that having a nurse visit makes a big difference. The team also includes licensed practical nurses to support daily needs. Because they are based in a hospital, they can connect to extra tools if a patient needs them. They coordinate care for people in Minnehaha County. You can expect regular check-ins from the medical staff. This keeps families informed about what to expect. Good hospice care is about clear communication. It is about having a plan that supports the patient and the entire family unit at home.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a provider feels like a big step. You should ask questions to find the right fit. Start by asking how often a nurse will visit your home. Ask who to call if you have an emergency at night or on the weekend. You should also ask how they manage pain and other symptoms. Ask if they have experience with your specific health needs. It is okay to ask about their team size and staff availability. Ask how they include the family in the care plan. You want to know that your voice will be heard. Do not be afraid to ask for clear answers. You deserve to feel confident in the care your loved one receives. A good provider will answer these questions with patience and care.
Preserve Your Family Stories
This time is hard, but your family history is a gift. Write down your favorite memories and keep your stories safe for the next generation to cherish forever.
Start PreservingOther Hospice Providers Nearby
ASERACARE HOSPICE
MOMENTS HOSPICE OF SOUTH DAKOTA
AVERA @ HOME
ST CROIX HOSPICE
BROOKINGS HEALTH SYSTEM
AVERA @ HOME
Helpful Guides for Families
How to Start the Hospice Conversation: A Practical Guide
Struggling to talk about end-of-life care? Learn how to start the hospice conversation with your aging parents using these compassionate, expert-backed tips.
How to Choose a Hospice Provider: A Family’s Complete Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Our hospice selection guide helps you compare providers, understand Medicare benefits, and make the best choice for your loved one today.
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.
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.