ST CROIX HOSPICE WAUKESHA
Provider Information
- Address
- N16 W23217 STONE RIDGE DR SUITE 270
WAUKESHA, WI 53188 - Ownership Type
- For-Profit
- Medicare Certified Since
- September 5, 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) | 31 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | 1 |
| Volunteers | 0 |
75
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 ST CROIX HOSPICE WAUKESHA 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 2022.
Care Details from Medicare Data
Medicare computes these numbers from claims and required reporting. They show how ST CROIX HOSPICE WAUKESHA compares to hospices nationwide.
15.8 minutes
of nurse care per routine home care day, on average
That is the 81st percentile among hospices nationally. The national median is about 12 minutes.
364
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 day15.8 min
Ranks better than about 81% 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 weekends7.6%
Ranks better than about 46% 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 life95.8%
Ranks better than about 68% 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 visits55.6%
Ranks better than about 46% 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 care9.7%
Ranks better than about 28% 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 months48.5%
Ranks better than about 21% 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 care12.1%
Ranks better than about 26% 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 hospice3%
Ranks better than about 25% 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$24,870 · 81st 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 79.2% of patients or more. Most hospices score above 90 percent.
- Pain screening99.9%
- Pain assessment99.6%
- Breathing difficulty screening99.9%
- Breathing difficulty treatment100%
- Treatment preferences discussed100%
- Beliefs and values discussed100%
- Bowel care for patients on opioids100%
- Visits in the last days of life79.2%
- All care steps completed99.6%
Conditions of patients in their care
Share of patients by primary diagnosis. Useful if you want a team with experience in a specific condition.
- Cancer6%
- Dementia17%
- Heart and circulatory disease34%
- Lung and respiratory disease3%
- Stroke29%
- Other conditions12%
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reporting period January 2023 through December 2024. Percentiles are computed by CMS across all reporting hospices.
Support for Your Loved Ones
St Croix Hospice provides compassionate end-of-life care in Waukesha, Wisconsin. They focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families. When a loved one faces a serious illness, having the right team makes a world of difference. This provider serves the Waukesha area from their office on Stone Ridge Drive. They offer specialized care plans designed to manage pain and provide emotional support during difficult times. Choosing a local provider means their team is often nearby when you need them most. It is about making sure your family feels heard and cared for every step of the way.
About ST CROIX HOSPICE WAUKESHA
St Croix Hospice operates as a for-profit hospice provider. They have been Medicare certified since September 5, 2013. That is over a decade of service to the local community. Being Medicare certified means they meet strict federal standards for safety and quality. Families should know that ownership type can influence how a hospice manages its resources and staffing. For-profit status does not change the high standards they must follow to stay in the Medicare program. The thing is, every hospice has its own culture and approach to care. You should always feel comfortable asking how they handle daily needs and after-hours emergencies. Their long history of certification shows they are a stable presence in the Waukesha health system.
Quality Performance
Understanding Hospice Care in WAUKESHA
Finding the right care in Waukesha means looking at both clinical skills and the heart of the team. Hospice care is not just about the end of life; it is about living well for as long as possible. Many families in Wisconsin choose to start hospice care early to get the most benefit. The team usually includes nurses, aides, social workers, and chaplains who work together. They visit the patient wherever they call home. That could be a private house or an assisted living facility. And the goal is always to keep the patient pain-free and surrounded by loved ones. You might be surprised to learn that hospice care is fully covered by Medicare for eligible patients. So, there is no need to worry about the cost of these essential services.
What to Ask When Choosing a Hospice Provider
You have a lot on your mind right now. Asking the right questions can help clear the path. First, ask how quickly a nurse can get to your home if an urgent need arises at night. That is a big deal for peace of mind. Second, ask how they support family caregivers who might be feeling tired or overwhelmed. Do they offer respite care to give you a break? Third, ask how they handle medication changes to keep your loved one comfortable. You deserve a team that explains everything in plain English. Finally, ask what their specific experience is with your loved one’s particular diagnosis. The right hospice provider will be happy to answer these questions with honesty and kindness. Never be afraid to ask for clarity.
Preserve Your Family’s Story
Your loved one has a lifetime of memories and wisdom. Capturing these stories now provides a lasting gift for future generations to cherish forever.
Start Preserving MemoriesOther Hospice Providers Nearby
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COMMONHEART HOSPICE
HILLSIDE HOSPICE
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UNITY HOSPICE
AMEDISYS HOSPICE OF MILWAUKEE
Helpful Guides for Families
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.
How to Choose a Hospice Provider: A Family’s Complete Guide
Feeling overwhelmed? Our hospice selection guide helps you compare providers, understand Medicare benefits, and make the best choice for your loved one today.
Starting the End-of-Life Conversation: A Family Guide
Starting the end-of-life conversation is hard. Our guide provides scripts, expert tips, and Medicare insights to help you navigate this talk with confidence.
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.