HOSPICE OF THE BIG COUNTRY
Provider Information
- Address
- 4601 HARTFORD
ABILENE, TX 79605 - Ownership Type
- Other
- Medicare Certified Since
- April 17, 1992
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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) | 6 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 3 |
| Volunteers | 2 |
21
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 OF THE BIG COUNTRY 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
- 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 2021.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how HOSPICE OF THE BIG COUNTRY compares to hospices nationwide.
21.4 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 96th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
25
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 day21.4 min
Ranks better than about 96% 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 weekends10.7%
Ranks better than about 74% 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 life98.4%
Ranks better than about 88% 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 visits2.8%
Ranks better than about 99% 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 care9.1%
Ranks better than about 32% 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 months27.3%
Ranks better than about 75% 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 hospice9.1%
Ranks better than about 2% 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)67th 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$14,749 · 32nd 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 37.6% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening99%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life37.6%
- All care steps completed99%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer29%
- Dementia23%
- Heart and circulatory disease12%
- Other conditions28%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Hospice Care in Abilene
Hospice of the Big Country offers end-of-life care services in Abilene, Texas. They support patients and their loved ones during difficult times. The team focuses on comfort and dignity for every person they serve. They provide care throughout Taylor County and the surrounding areas. Their mission is to help families navigate the hospice journey with compassion and expert care. You can find their office located at 4601 Hartford in Abilene. Choosing the right hospice is a vital decision for your family. This team is ready to help you find the support you need when it matters most.
About Hospice of the Big Country
Hospice of the Big Country has been a Medicare-certified provider since April 17, 1992. This long history shows their commitment to serving the Abilene community for many years. They operate under an "Other" ownership structure. This means they are distinct from standard non-profit or for-profit hospice models. Families should know that Medicare certification ensures they meet federal quality standards. These standards help keep care consistent and safe for all patients. It is helpful to understand that hospice is about quality of life. The team works to manage pain and provide emotional support for the patient. They also offer guidance for family members who are grieving. You can reach out to them at (325) 793-5450 to learn more about how they can help your specific situation. They are prepared to answer your questions about their services.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in Abilene
Hospice care is a special way to care for people with serious illnesses. It is not just about the end of life. It is about making every day count. In Abilene, hospice teams visit patients where they live. This could be a private home, a nursing facility, or an assisted living center. The goal is to keep the patient comfortable and pain-free. Nurses, doctors, and social workers work together as a team. They create a plan that fits the needs of the patient and the family. Hospice care also includes help for the caregivers. It provides rest for families through respite care services. You do not have to walk this path alone. Local providers like Hospice of the Big Country are available to help you understand your options. They can explain how Medicare covers these vital services for your loved ones.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a hospice provider is a big step for your family. You should feel comfortable with the people who will care for your loved one. Here are some questions to ask during your first meeting:
- How quickly can your team come to our home if we have an emergency?
- What specific services do you provide to help with pain and symptom management?
- How does your team support family members who are dealing with grief?
- Can you explain how Medicare pays for these services and what costs might exist?
Take your time to ask these questions. The answers will help you feel more at ease. It is important to find a team that listens to your concerns. A good hospice provider will be patient and clear with their answers. They should want you to feel confident in the care they provide to your loved one.
Preserve Your Family Stories
This time is precious for your family. Capture and save your loved one's stories, memories, and voice to keep them close for years to come.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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.
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.
What Nearly 17,000 Hospice Inspection Reports Reveal
CMS released 16,894 hospice inspection reports from late 2021 to early 2026. See what surveyors cited most, what serious findings mean, and how to use them.
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.