Allied Services Hospice Earns Five-star Rating

In a move designed to help consumers make better-informed healthcare decisions, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released new star ratings for Hospices throughout the country. Allied Services Hospice was recognized as a five-star hospice, an achievement that places the organization among the top 10% of all hospices in the country. Only 195 hospices out of 2,026 hospices in the United States were awarded five stars, which is the highest quality rating available from CMS. It is the only Hospice provider in Northeastern Pennsylvania to receive a five-star rating.

In August 2022, CMS released its first annual star ratings for Hospice providers based on the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Hospice Family Caregiver Survey. The surveys, which are handled by an independent vendor, assess family satisfaction with the hospice, timeliness of receiving assistance, respectful treatment while in hospice care, receipt of emotional and spiritual support, management of pain and other symptoms, and willingness to recommend the hospice to others.

“We cannot be more proud of the five-star rating we’ve achieved. This is a wonderful recognition of our team’s efforts in providing person-centered, family-centered, holistic care in all that we do,” commented Laura Marion, Assistant Vice President of Hospice and Palliative Care at Allied Services.

“We are honored to care for the patients and families in our community, at a time we consider to be incredibly special, and sacred. Whether we are providing care to patients in their homes, in a facility, or in one of our inpatient units, we strive to focus solely on the needs of the patients and families.”

Hospice To Deliver Thanksgiving Meals To Homebound Patients

On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 24th, Hospice of the Sacred Heart will deliver meals to patients and their families. This is the 17th year the hospice will provide this service project. Over 700 meals complete with turkey, all traditional Thanksgiving sides and dessert will be prepared by Mansour’s Market Café in Scranton, packaged, and delivered by hospice staff members and volunteers.

“We so look forward to this day. The process is closer to normal this year as COVID-19 restrictions are somewhat relaxed, but the result is that we will safely deliver over 700 Thanksgiving meals to our patients and their families. This project once again demonstrates our gratitude for the blessings in our lives,” said Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart.

Media outlets are invited to photograph the distribution process beginning at 7:50 am at Mansour’s Market Café, 969 Prescott Avenue, Scranton. Deacon Patrick J. Massino will bless the meals at 8 am and deliveries will begin immediately afterwards. Diane Baldi, CEO, will be available for interviews between 8 and 10 am.

About Hospice of the Sacred Heart:

  • Not-for-profit, free standing hospice program serving Northeastern Pennsylvania since 2003
  • Main office is located in Moosic, with an Inpatient Unit located in Dunmore
  • Care provided for over 1,000 patients in 2021 and over 18,000 to date
  • Employs approximately 120 employees throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania
  • Volunteers provided over 2,000 hours of support to patients and families in 2021

Pocono Farms Country Club Raises Dollars for Hospice Services

On July 24th, Pocono Farms Country Club Association’s Swim Team held their annual “Laps for Cancer” event. The swimmers and supporters raised over $2,000 that will be donated to hospice services located in the Lehigh Valley Pocono Hospital. This event was first started in the loving memory of Mary Lou DeCroti, a pool staff member. Since its inception, the Pocono Farms Country Club Swim team has raised over $10,000.00 for Hospice Services.

This event was another huge success! Pocono Farms would like to thank all of the participants and organizers of this event!