How to Choose the Right Hospice Care in Lakewood for Your Loved One
If your loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, choosing the right hospice care in Lakewood can feel overwhelming. This guide was created to walk you through each step — from understanding what hospice involves to choosing a provider and paying for services. With compassion and clarity, we aim to help you make an informed decision during a deeply personal time.
Step 1: What Hospice Care Is and Who Qualifies in Lakewood
Hospice care is a special type of support for people in the final stages of life, typically when a cure is no longer the goal. Instead of treating the illness, hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
What Hospice Care Includes
Pain and symptom relief
Emotional and spiritual support for the individual and family
Medical oversight and care coordination
Assistance with personal care
Respite care for caregivers
Bereavement counseling after a loved one passes
Who Qualifies for Hospice in Lakewood?
To qualify for hospice, individuals must meet specific criteria:
Eligibility Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
Life expectancy of 6 months or less | Must be certified by a physician |
Diagnosis of a terminal illness | Examples: cancer, advanced dementia, ALS, heart failure |
Agreement to focus on comfort care | Patient chooses to stop curative treatment |
Functional decline | Difficulty walking, eating, communicating, or managing daily tasks |
Frequent hospitalizations or infections | Often a sign of end-stage illness |
Types of Hospice Care Available
Type | Description | Best For |
In-home hospice | Care provided in the individual’s home | Most common; allows comfort in familiar surroundings |
Inpatient hospice | Short-term care in a facility for symptom control | For pain crises or when home care isn't possible |
Continuous care | Round-the-clock nursing at home during emergencies | Offered when symptoms require intense support |
Respite care | Short stays in a facility to relieve caregivers | Covered under Medicare for up to 5 days |
How to Choose the Right Type
Does your loved one want to stay in their Lakewood home?
Are caregivers available and able to assist?
How complex are your loved one’s medical needs?
Is short-term inpatient care more appropriate during crises?
Step 2: How Hospice Care Works in Lakewood, WA
In Lakewood, hospice services are widely available and can be started quickly with a physician’s referral. Hospice teams typically include nurses, aides, doctors, social workers, and chaplains. Services can begin within 24 to 48 hours after an evaluation.
Most Lakewood hospice providers offer:
In-home care
On-call nurse support 24/7
Regular visits from the care team
Medical supplies and medications related to the diagnosis
Top Hospice Providers Serving Lakewood
Provider | In-Home Care? | Inpatient Facility? | Areas & Neighborhoods Served | Notes |
CHI Franciscan Hospice | Yes | Yes (St. Joseph Medical Center) | Lakewood, Tillicum, Gravelly Lake | Catholic-based; strong emotional support programs |
MultiCare Hospice | Yes | Yes (Tacoma General) | Lakewood, Oakbrook, Clover Park | Part of MultiCare Health System; excellent nurse response time |
Providence Hospice | Yes | Yes (St. Peter Hospital) | Lakewood and Pierce County | Offers wide regional coverage |
Hospice of the Northwest | Yes | No | South Puget Sound including Lakewood | Focus on in-home and rural support |
Lakewood Neighborhoods Served
Hospice providers commonly serve:
Tillicum: Located near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, with many older adults.
Oakbrook: A quiet neighborhood known for its retirement population and golf course.
Local Landmarks Often Referenced
St. Clare Hospital: A key discharge location for patients transitioning to hospice.
American Lake Park: A tranquil site often used for reflective walks and family visits.
Step 3: How to Pay for Hospice in Lakewood
Understanding how hospice care is paid for can relieve some of the financial pressure families face. Here’s what you need to know about coverage and costs.
Is Hospice Free in Lakewood?
Yes, for most families, hospice is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Coverage usually includes staff visits, medications related to the terminal illness, equipment, and support services.
Coverage Options Breakdown
Source | What’s Covered | Notes |
Medicare (Part A) | 100% of hospice services | Includes medications, medical equipment, and team visits |
Medicaid (Apple Health in WA) | Same as Medicare | Coverage may vary by managed care provider |
Private Insurance | Varies; often similar to Medicare | Copays may apply; confirm with your provider |
VA Benefits | Full hospice benefits | Includes additional family support and grief services |
Are There Out-of-Pocket Costs?
Minimal to none if using a Medicare-certified provider
Room and board at inpatient facilities may not be covered unless medically necessary
Extra services (e.g., non-hospice treatments) may incur costs
Can Undocumented Individuals Access Hospice?
Access depends on the provider
Some nonprofits offer sliding-scale or charity care
Medicaid may not be available without legal residency, but private-pay or charity-funded hospice is sometimes possible
Step 4: Important Questions to Ask a Hospice Provider in Lakewood
Choosing the right hospice team starts with asking the right questions. Below is a table of thoughtful questions and why they matter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hospice in Lakewood
Q: How quickly can hospice care begin in Lakewood?
A: In many cases, services start within 24–48 hours after the referral is made and the initial evaluation is complete.
Q: Can hospice be provided at home near Clover Park or Tillicum?
A: Yes. In-home hospice is widely available in Lakewood neighborhoods like Clover Park, Tillicum, and Oakbrook.
Q: What happens if my loved one lives longer than six months?
A: Hospice can be extended. As long as your loved one continues to meet eligibility, they can remain in hospice care.
Q: What if we change our minds about hospice?
A: Patients can leave hospice at any time and resume curative treatments if desired.
Q: Can a person receive hospice in an assisted living facility?
A: Yes. Hospice services can be provided in a private residence, assisted living community, or skilled nursing facility.
Final Thoughts
Hospice isn’t about giving up. It’s about choosing comfort, support, and dignity for your loved one’s final chapter. In Lakewood, you have access to trusted, compassionate hospice providers who can walk alongside your family every step of the way.
If you’re still unsure where to begin, consider reaching out to a few local agencies for a free consultation. Ask about in-home services, how they coordinate with hospitals like St. Clare, and what kind of emotional support is offered.
For more resources on aging, caregiving, and post-hospital support, visit the Caringene blog. Recommended articles:
You’re not alone. Support is available, and the right care can make all the difference. Visit us today to schedule care in Washington.
The content on this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Caringene is a non-medical home care provider. Do not make healthcare decisions based on the information provided here—always consult with a physician or licensed medical professional for guidance regarding medical care or treatment.