How to Choose the Right Hospice Care in Kirkland for Your Loved One
Jul 30, 2025
Making end-of-life care decisions is never easy. But if your loved one lives in Kirkland—whether in Juanita or the Highlands—finding the right hospice care can provide peace, dignity, and essential support during this deeply personal stage. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate hospice options with clarity and confidence.
Step 1: Understand What Hospice Care Is and Who It Helps
Hospice care focuses on comfort, not a cure. It’s meant for individuals with terminal illnesses who have a life expectancy of six months or less and have chosen to stop curative treatments. Care is typically delivered at home, but it can also be offered in inpatient hospice centers or assisted living facilities.
What Hospice Care Includes
24/7 access to nurses and support
Pain and symptom management
Help with personal care like bathing and eating
Emotional, spiritual, and grief support
Medical equipment and medications related to comfort care
Who Is Eligible for Hospice?
A person may qualify for hospice care if:
They have a terminal condition certified by a physician
Their life expectancy is six months or less if the disease follows its usual course
They are no longer pursuing treatments meant to cure the illness
They (or their decision-maker) agree to a comfort-based care approach
Types of Hospice Care
Routine Home Care: Standard home-based visits by nurses, aides, and chaplains
Continuous Home Care: Around-the-clock nursing for short-term crises
General Inpatient Care: Hospital-level care when symptoms can’t be managed at home
Respite Care: Temporary facility-based care to relieve family caregivers
Choosing the Right Type Factors to consider:
How well symptoms are managed at home
Your ability to provide consistent care
The patient’s comfort level staying at home
Financial or insurance limitations
Step 2: How Hospice Care Works in Kirkland
Hospice in Kirkland follows national hospice care standards but is delivered through a mix of local providers, each with their own specialties and geographic coverage. Services are coordinated by a hospice team, often including nurses, aides, social workers, and chaplains.
Top Hospice Providers in Kirkland
Provider | In-Home Care | Inpatient Option | Neighborhoods Served |
EvergreenHealth Hospice | Yes | Yes (Kirkland inpatient unit) | Totem Lake, Juanita, Highlands, Kingsgate |
Providence Hospice of Seattle | Yes | Yes (Seattle-based facility) | South Kirkland, Rose Hill, Norkirk |
Kline Galland Hospice | Yes | No | Kirkland & surrounding Eastside areas |
CHI Franciscan Hospice | Yes | Yes | Greater Kirkland and Bellevue |
Local Landmarks Near Care Centers
EvergreenHealth Hospice: Located near EvergreenHealth Medical Center and Juanita Bay Park
Providence Hospice Access Point: Accessible from I-405 and near Bridle Trails State Park
Most providers allow you to choose where services take place and can help coordinate equipment, medications, and caregiver support.
Step 3: How Do I Pay for Hospice in Kirkland?
Is Hospice Free?
In most cases, yes. Hospice care is covered by Medicare Part A, Medicaid, most private health insurance plans, and VA benefits.
Common Payment Sources
Medicare: Covers 100% of hospice services if criteria are met
Washington Medicaid: For eligible low-income residents
Private Insurance: Coverage varies; check with your provider
VA Benefits: Hospice care is available for qualified veterans
Cost-Related Questions | Answer |
Is hospice free in Kirkland? | Yes, with Medicare, Medicaid, or VA coverage. |
Are there out-of-pocket expenses? | Typically low or none; some medications or respite care may have small copays. |
Can someone without insurance still get care? | Yes, through nonprofits or financial assistance. Check with providers like EvergreenHealth. |
Can undocumented residents access hospice? | Possibly, through charitable care or non-profit hospice providers. |
Step 4: Key Questions to Ask a Kirkland Hospice Provider
Knowing what to ask can help you avoid surprises and ensure your loved one is in capable, compassionate hands. Use the table below to guide your conversations.
Question to Ask | Why It Matters |
What neighborhoods in Kirkland do you cover? | Ensures your home is within their care area. |
Do you offer 24/7 nurse access for emergencies? | Guarantees help anytime it’s needed. |
What does the care team look like? | Helps you understand who will be involved in care. |
Do you provide grief and bereavement support? | Supports emotional healing for families. |
What if symptoms worsen at night or on weekends? | Confirms after-hours availability. |
Are your staff experienced with our condition (e.g. ALS)? | Tailors care to your specific diagnosis. |
Is interpreter or language support available? | Ensures clear communication for non-English speakers. |
Can I meet the team or tour the facility (if inpatient)? | Builds trust and helps you make a more confident decision. |
FAQs: Hospice in Kirkland
Q: Can I get hospice care in the Juanita neighborhood?
Yes. EvergreenHealth Hospice provides in-home services throughout Juanita and Totem Lake.
Q: Do hospice nurses help with bathing and grooming?
Yes. Certified aides provide personal care such as bathing, dressing, and hygiene support.
Q: My loved one is in a Kirkland assisted living facility. Can hospice visit there?
Yes. Hospice teams often provide services inside assisted living or memory care facilities.
Q: Is it possible to receive both hospice and home care support?
Generally, no. Once enrolled in hospice, additional Medicare-covered home health services are paused, but hospice staff often provide overlapping support.
Q: Can we use hospice for conditions other than cancer?
Yes. Hospice is available for end-stage heart disease, lung disease, Alzheimer’s, ALS, and more.
Final Thoughts
Choosing hospice care in Kirkland is one of the most personal decisions you’ll ever make. Whether your loved one lives near Marina Park or in the Highlands, the goal remains the same: peace, dignity, and comfort in their final chapter.
Start by talking to trusted providers and asking detailed questions. Don’t be afraid to get second opinions or request a care assessment. You’re not alone, and resources are available to help.
Helpful resources:
Visit www.caringene.com to explore affordable, high-quality care options throughout Kirkland and across Washington.