KINDER HEARTS HOSPICE
Provider Information
- Address
- 842 NORTH MOCKINGBIRD LANE
ABILENE, TX 79603 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- September 30, 2013
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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) | 3 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 0 |
| Volunteers | 1 |
7
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 KINDER HEARTS HOSPICE 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 2019.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how KINDER HEARTS HOSPICE compares to hospices nationwide.
9.6 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 21st percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
74
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 day9.6 min
Ranks better than about 21% 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 weekends7.9%
Ranks better than about 50% 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 life94.3%
Ranks better than about 56% 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 visits32.9%
Ranks better than about 76% 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 months45.8%
Ranks better than about 26% 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 care9.7%
Ranks better than about 37% 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$23,991 · 78th 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 68.9% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.1%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.5%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life68.9%
- All care steps completed98.6%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer15%
- Dementia34%
- Heart and circulatory disease23%
- Lung and respiratory disease12%
- Stroke7%
- Other conditions10%
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 Abilene
Kinder Hearts Hospice provides expert end-of-life care for patients in Abilene, Texas. Located at 842 North Mockingbird Lane, they serve the Taylor County area with a focus on comfort and dignity. Their team works to improve the quality of life for patients and their families during a difficult time. They offer skilled nursing, emotional support, and pain management services to those who need them most. By focusing on the whole person, they help families navigate the hospice journey with care and grace. Their staff is committed to meeting the unique needs of every person they serve in our community. Choosing hospice is a big decision, and finding a local provider you can trust is a vital first step for your loved one's comfort.
About Kinder Hearts Hospice
Kinder Hearts Hospice is a for-profit provider that has served the Abilene area for over a decade. They have been Medicare certified since September 30, 2013. This certification shows they meet strict federal standards for safety and care. When choosing a provider, it helps to know that this agency has a long history of serving local families. Being a for-profit hospice means they operate under specific business guidelines, but they still must follow all Medicare rules. Families should know that they are held to the same quality standards as non-profit groups. Their longevity in the community suggests a stable presence for your loved ones. You can feel confident knowing they have been part of the Abilene healthcare network for many years. We encourage you to reach out to them directly to learn more about how their specific team can assist your family.
High Quality Ratings
Understanding Hospice Care in Abilene
Hospice care in Abilene is focused on comfort rather than a cure. It is for people with a serious illness who choose to stop aggressive treatments. The goal is to manage pain and symptoms so the patient can live their final days with peace. Hospice is not just for the patient. It is also for the family. Teams include nurses, doctors, and social workers who visit your home. They provide emotional support and help with daily tasks. Many families find that starting hospice early allows them to have more meaningful time together. In Taylor County, you have access to providers who are dedicated to this mission. It is important to talk with your doctor about when hospice care might be the right choice for your specific situation. You deserve a team that listens to your needs and respects your wishes throughout the entire process.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider is a personal choice. You should ask questions to make sure the team is a good fit. Here are a few things to consider during your first meeting:
- How quickly can a nurse get to my home if there is an emergency at night?
- How does your team help with pain and other hard symptoms?
- What kind of support do you offer to family members who are grieving?
- How often will a nurse or aide visit our home each week?
Take your time when you talk to them. You want to feel comfortable and safe with the people who will be in your home. A good hospice team will be happy to answer all your questions. Do not feel rushed to make a decision. It is okay to ask for time to think about your options before you choose the right care for your family.
Preserve Your Family's Precious Memories
Your loved one has a lifetime of stories that deserve to be kept safe. We offer a simple way to record and save these memories for future generations to cherish.
Start Preserving StoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
Helpful Guides for Families
Hospice vs Palliative Care: Understanding the Difference
Confused about hospice vs palliative care? We break down the key differences, benefits, and how to choose the right end-of-life care for your loved one.
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.
How to Start Hospice Conversations: A Practical Guide
Learn how to start hospice conversations with your loved ones. Get expert scripts, signs it is time, and tools to find quality care near you with Hospice Scout.
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.