ELARA CARING
Provider Information
- Address
- 300 LANDA
NEW BRAUNFELS, TX 78130 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- May 5, 2010
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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) | 15 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 4 |
| Physicians | 2 |
| Volunteers | 1 |
35
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 ELARA CARING 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
- General inpatient care (for pain or symptoms that cannot be managed elsewhere)
- 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 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how ELARA CARING compares to hospices nationwide.
9.1 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.
107
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 day9.1 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 weekends9.4%
Ranks better than about 65% 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 life94.1%
Ranks better than about 54% 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 visits70.3%
Ranks better than about 25% 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 care7.6%
Ranks better than about 42% 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 months44.6%
Ranks better than about 29% 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 care10.9%
Ranks better than about 31% 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 hospice2.2%
Ranks better than about 35% 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$21,407 · 68th 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 82.7% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening100%
- Pain assessment100%
- Breathing difficulty screening100%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed99.7%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life82.7%
- All care steps completed99.7%
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%
- Dementia28%
- Heart and circulatory disease32%
- Lung and respiratory disease8%
- Stroke5%
- Other conditions13%
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 New Braunfels
Elara Caring provides hospice services to families throughout New Braunfels, Texas. They operate as a freestanding hospice provider and have served the community since May 2010. This team holds accreditation from the Joint Commission, which confirms they meet strict national standards for safety and performance. They focus on providing comfort and support for patients during their end of life experience. Choosing a local provider often means the team knows the area well. It helps to have support nearby when needs change quickly. This provider brings years of experience to the Comal County region.
About Elara Caring
Elara Caring operates as a for-profit hospice organization. They maintain a high standing in official quality of care measures, reflecting their focus on clinical outcomes. The Joint Commission accreditation shows they submit to regular, independent reviews of their care practices. This group of experts looks at how the hospice handles medications, safety, and patient rights. When a provider earns this seal, it means they meet high benchmarks. Families should know that this location employs 35 staff members total. This team includes 15 registered nurses and 4 licensed practical nurses who manage daily care. They also have 2 physicians and 1 volunteer on the roster to help with patient needs. Having a clear team structure ensures that families know exactly who is responsible for their loved one's daily comfort and medical management.
Quality Performance
What Is Hospice Care Like in New Braunfels?
Hospice care in this area focuses on quality of life. It provides medical support, comfort, and emotional care for patients with limited life expectancy. Most care happens in the patient's home, though some services can occur in facilities. The team visits regularly to manage pain and other symptoms. You can expect a group of nurses and aides to work together. They communicate with the patient's doctor to create a plan that fits the family's specific needs. This service is about dignity. It is about making sure every day is as peaceful as possible for everyone involved. The local team in New Braunfels includes professional medical staff ready to respond to changes in condition. They provide the tools and training so that family caregivers feel confident in their role. It is a partnership between the professionals and the people who love the patient most.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
Finding the right provider can feel overwhelming. Start by asking clear questions to help you understand how they work. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home if a crisis occurs at night. You also want to know how the team handles pain management and symptom control. Ask them specifically how they support family caregivers who are tired or stressed. Finally, ask what happens if your loved one needs a higher level of care, such as a short stay in an inpatient unit. Do they have a contract with a local hospital or a dedicated facility? Get these answers in writing if possible. Clear communication is the best way to ensure you have the right support. Take your time. You deserve a team that listens to your concerns and answers your questions with honesty and care.
Preserve Your Family Stories
The time you spend with loved ones is precious. We offer tools to help you capture memories and stories that will last for generations.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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