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 August 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 That code may be out of date.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 1 required care step for new patients here.
- Visits in the last days of life73.2%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
About ACARA in Harlingen
ACARA serves the Harlingen, Texas community as a freestanding hospice provider. They have offered care to families in Cameron County since April 2014. The agency holds accreditation from the Joint Commission, which confirms they meet high standards for patient safety and quality. Choosing a provider that meets these national benchmarks helps ensure your loved one receives consistent support during their end of life. They focus on providing comfort and dignity to those in their care. This provider operates as a for-profit organization. Families often look for this level of oversight when picking a hospice team. Their presence in the area gives local residents another option for end of life support. It is a good idea to speak with their team directly to see if their specific approach matches your needs. They are ready to answer your questions about the care they provide.
About ACARA
ACARA is a for-profit hospice agency. They have been certified by Medicare for over a decade. This track record shows they have met federal rules for a long time. The Joint Commission accreditation is a major part of their profile. This group checks hospice agencies to make sure they follow strict safety rules. They look at how the staff handles medicine and how they train their team members. This matters because it gives families peace of mind. You know an outside group has looked closely at their work. The team at this office includes two registered nurses and one licensed practical nurse. They also work with one volunteer to support their mission. Knowing who is on the care team helps you plan for daily needs. They focus on quality care as shown by their high marks in the Medicare Hospice Care Index. High scores mean they perform well on key quality measures.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in HARLINGEN?
Hospice care in Harlingen focuses on comfort for the patient and support for the family. The goal is to manage pain and symptoms at home or in a facility. This care allows people to spend their final days in a familiar setting. Most teams include nurses, aides, and volunteers who visit often. At ACARA, the staff includes two registered nurses, one licensed practical nurse, and one volunteer. This team works together to create a plan that fits the needs of the patient. They communicate with doctors to keep everyone on the same page. Having a local team means they can reach you quickly when a change occurs. Families often find that having a dedicated nurse helps lower stress. You should ask how the team handles weekend or night calls. This ensures you have support whenever you need it most. Clear communication is the key to good hospice care.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Picking a hospice team is a big decision for your family. You should feel comfortable with the people who will enter your home. Start by asking how quickly a nurse can arrive if an emergency happens at night. You should also ask how the team helps with pain management and symptom control. Ask them how they help family members with grief and emotional support. Another good question is how they coordinate care with your current primary doctor. It is helpful to ask how often the nurse and the volunteer will visit. You want to know what to expect each week. If the agency uses volunteers, ask how they are trained and what tasks they perform. These answers will help you decide if a provider is a good fit for your loved one. Take your time to get the answers you need before you sign any paperwork.
Preserve Your Family Stories
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories and wisdom to share. Recording these stories now creates a lasting gift for your future generations.
Learn MoreOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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