ACARA
Provider Information
- Address
- 2809 S EXPRESSWAY 83
HARLINGEN, TX 78550 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- April 24, 2014
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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) | 2 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Volunteers | 1 |
6
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 ACARA reported, not a check of what it offers today. Confirm current arrangements with the hospice.
An older Medicare record for this hospice lists short-term inpatient care as “not provided.” That code may be out of date. Medicare requires certified hospices to make inpatient care available for symptom management and caregiver respite. Ask this hospice how it arranges a bed if symptoms become hard to manage at home.
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Brought in through an outside supplier
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 2020.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how ACARA compares to hospices nationwide.
9 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 16th percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
7
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 min
Ranks better than about 16% 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 weekends6.1%
Ranks better than about 27% 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 life93.6%
Ranks better than about 51% 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 visits59%
Ranks better than about 41% 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 care0%
Ranks better than about 81% 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 months40%
Ranks better than about 40% 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 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$12,007 · 18th 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 6 required care steps for new patients here, completed for 73.2% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Visits in the last days of life73.2%
- All care steps completed88.5%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Compassionate Care at ACARA
ACARA provides hospice care services in Harlingen, Texas. They serve families living in Cameron County and the surrounding areas. The team focuses on comfort and support for patients during a difficult time. They work hard to meet the needs of those facing a serious illness. Hospice care is about quality of life. It helps patients spend their time in peace and comfort. The staff at ACARA is dedicated to providing care that honors the dignity of every person. They understand the local community and the needs of Texas families. Families can feel supported by a team that truly cares about their well-being. Choosing the right partner for end-of-life care is a very important decision. ACARA offers professional services to help your loved ones feel safe and comfortable in their own home or a preferred setting.
About ACARA
ACARA is a for-profit hospice provider. They have been certified by Medicare since April 24, 2014. This long history shows their commitment to meeting federal standards for care. Medicare certification is a sign that a provider follows strict rules for quality and safety. Families should know that being a for-profit provider does not change the high standards required for certification. The team must pass regular checks to keep their status. These checks ensure that patients get the care they deserve. When you look for a hospice provider, it is good to know how long they have served the public. ACARA has been a part of the Harlingen health community for many years. This experience helps them navigate the local health system for your family. You can feel confident knowing they have a proven track record of service in Texas.
Quality of Care Rating
Understanding Hospice Care in Harlingen
Hospice care in Harlingen is designed to support the whole family. It is not just about medical help. It is about emotional and spiritual support too. Many families in Cameron County turn to hospice when they want to focus on comfort instead of a cure. The goal is to manage pain and other symptoms. This allows the patient to spend more time with the people they love. Hospice teams often include nurses, aides, and counselors. They work together to create a plan that fits the patient’s wishes. You can receive care in your own home or in a facility. The right provider will listen to your concerns and respect your family's values. They are there to answer questions and offer a steady hand. Having the right support can make a big difference during this transition.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Choosing a hospice provider is a personal choice. You should feel comfortable with the people who will care for your loved one. Here are some questions to help you decide:
- How quickly can your team reach our home if there is an emergency?
- What specific services do you offer to support family caregivers at home?
- How does your team handle pain management and comfort needs?
- Can you share how often a nurse will visit my loved one?
Asking these questions helps you understand the level of service you will receive. It is okay to ask for details. A good provider will be happy to explain their process. They want you to feel informed and supported. Take your time to talk with them. See if their values match what your family needs right now. You deserve to feel peace of mind with your choice.
Preserve Your Family Stories
This time is precious for your family. Capturing the life stories and memories of your loved ones can provide comfort for generations to come. Start preserving those meaningful moments today.
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MT. SINAI HOSPICE
Helpful Guides for Families
Understanding Hospice Levels of Care: A Family Guide
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How to Spot a Trustworthy Hospice in 2026
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How to Start Hospice Conversations: A Practical 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.