How to Choose the Right Hospice Care in Puyallup for Your Loved One
If you or someone you love is facing a serious illness and beginning to consider end-of-life care, navigating hospice options in Puyallup can feel overwhelming. This guide is designed to walk you through the process step-by-step so you can make an informed, confident decision with compassion and clarity.
Step 1: Understand What Hospice Care Really Is — And Who Qualifies
Hospice care is specialized medical and emotional support designed for people in the final stages of a life-limiting illness. The focus isn’t on curing the disease but on ensuring comfort, dignity, and quality of life in a person’s remaining time.
What Hospice Care Includes
Pain and symptom management
Emotional and spiritual support for both patient and family
Care coordination by a team (physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains)
Medication and medical equipment
Respite care for family caregivers
Bereavement counseling
Who Is Eligible for Hospice?
To be eligible for hospice care in Washington:
A physician (and often a hospice medical director) must certify a life expectancy of 6 months or less if the illness runs its normal course.
The patient must agree to forgo curative treatments for the terminal illness.
The illness must be progressive and life-limiting (e.g., late-stage cancer, advanced heart failure, ALS, advanced dementia).
The patient can still receive treatments that improve quality of life (such as oxygen, pain meds, etc.).
Hospice Eligibility Table
Eligibility Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
Life expectancy of 6 months or less | Certified by a physician |
Terminal diagnosis | Common examples: cancer, dementia, heart failure |
Decision to focus on comfort, not cure | Patient/family elects palliative focus |
Declining health/function | Weight loss, frequent hospitalizations, reduced ADLs |
No longer seeking curative treatments | Chemotherapy, surgeries, etc., are stopped |
Types of Hospice Care
Type | Description | Common Use Case |
In-home hospice | Hospice team visits you at home | Preferred for patients who want to stay in familiar settings |
Inpatient hospice | Facility-based care, often in a hospital or hospice house | Short-term intensive symptom management or no caregiver at home |
Respite care | Temporary inpatient care to give family caregivers a break | Covered up to 5 days at a time under Medicare |
Continuous care | Around-the-clock nursing during crises | For pain or symptom crises at home |
What to Consider When Choosing
Where does your loved one feel most comfortable?
Can family or a caregiver be present daily?
Does your loved one have complex symptoms that may require hospital-level care?
How often will you need nursing or social work visits?
Step 2: How Hospice Care Works in Puyallup, WA
Puyallup residents have access to several hospice providers that offer in-home and facility-based services. Here’s what you need to know about how hospice works locally.
How It Works
Once your loved one is referred to hospice, an initial assessment is done (typically at home or the hospital). Then, a care plan is created with input from nurses, doctors, aides, and family.
Services are usually provided at no cost through Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance. Providers schedule regular visits and are on-call 24/7 for emergencies.
Top Hospice Providers in Puyallup
Provider | In-Home Care? | Inpatient Facility? | Areas Served | Notable Info |
MultiCare Hospice | Yes | Yes (Tacoma General) | Puyallup, South Hill, Sunrise | Local, hospital-affiliated, 24/7 support |
CHI Franciscan Hospice | Yes | Yes (St. Joseph Medical Center) | Puyallup, Downtown, South Sound | Catholic-based, robust chaplain services |
Hospice of the Northwest | Yes | No | Puyallup and Pierce County | Focus on rural and suburban care |
Providence Hospice | Yes | Yes (Providence St. Peter) | Broader South Puget Sound area | Large, trusted network |
Local Neighborhoods Served
Hospice agencies in Puyallup often serve:
South Hill: A popular residential area with many seniors.
Downtown Puyallup: Older neighborhoods and retirement communities near Pioneer Park.
Nearby medical landmarks include:
Good Samaritan Hospital (on 15th Ave SE)
Bradley Lake Park (common for therapeutic walks with aides or loved ones)
Step 3: How to Pay for Hospice in Puyallup
The financial aspect of hospice care can be confusing. Here's a breakdown of how it typically works in Washington and what you need to know.
Is Hospice Free?
Yes, for most families, hospice is fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance plans. That includes medical staff, medications related to the terminal diagnosis, and equipment.
Coverage Sources
Source | What It Covers | Notes |
Medicare (Part A) | 100% of hospice services | Must meet eligibility; includes equipment & respite care |
Medicaid | Same as Medicare | For low-income families; may vary slightly by plan |
Private Insurance | Often similar to Medicare | Some plans may charge copays or limit providers |
VA Benefits | Full coverage for eligible veterans | Includes caregiver support and bereavement counseling |
Out-of-Pocket Costs in Washington
Minimal to none if using a Medicare-certified hospice
You may need to pay for non-hospice related meds or treatments
Some facility-based hospices may charge for room and board if not covered by insurance
Can Undocumented People Access Hospice?
Yes, but access varies. Some non-profits and safety-net providers offer sliding scale hospice care.
Medicaid coverage may be limited for undocumented individuals, but in-home hospice through charitable organizations is sometimes available.
Other Financial Considerations
Ask about bereavement counseling, which is often free.
Inquire about respite care availability and coverage.
Step 4: Essential Questions to Ask Any Puyallup Hospice Provider
Before selecting a provider, come prepared with key questions to ensure they align with your family’s needs.
Table of Questions to Ask and Why They Matter
FAQs About Hospice Care in Puyallup
Q: How fast can we get hospice started in Puyallup?
A: In many cases, hospice can begin within 24–48 hours after a referral. Hospitals like Good Samaritan can expedite the process.
Q: What if my loved one doesn’t want to leave home?
A: In-home hospice is common and available throughout Puyallup, including South Hill and nearby areas.
Q: Can we use hospice even if my loved one is in a nursing home?
A: Yes. Hospice teams can provide care inside skilled nursing or assisted living facilities.
Q: Is hospice only for cancer patients?
A: No. Common hospice diagnoses include dementia, COPD, ALS, heart failure, and others.
Q: Can we stop hospice if we change our minds?
A: Yes. Hospice is voluntary, and patients can leave at any time if their health improves or they choose other treatment.
Final Thoughts
Choosing hospice is one of the most meaningful decisions you can make for someone you love. It's about compassion, dignity, and providing comfort in the most personal way possible.
If you're exploring hospice options but not sure where to begin, start with a free consultation. Many providers will visit your home in Puyallup, explain how the process works, and help you decide if it's time.
For other helpful guides, visit the Caringene blog where we cover:
You’re not alone in this journey. With the right support, your family can navigate the next steps with confidence and peace of mind. Visit us today to get started with care.
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.