Visiting Angels University Place – Services, Pricing, and Local Alternatives [2025 Guide]
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If you’re searching for reliable in-home care in University Place, Visiting Angels is likely one of the first providers you’ll come across. With national recognition and a long history in senior care, they’ve become a go-to for many families. But as the needs of caregivers and older adults shift toward flexibility, fast response, and cost efficiency, it’s important to take a closer look.
This 2025 guide offers a detailed, local breakdown of Visiting Angels in University Place—what services they provide, what they don’t, how much you’ll pay, and how they compare to other home care agencies in the area—including a lesser-known but highly-rated alternative: Caringene.
Visiting Angels in University Place – Local Office and Reputation
Visiting Angels serves University Place and surrounding communities through their office located at 621 Pacific Ave, Suite 102, in downtown Tacoma—just a 15-minute drive from neighborhoods like Sunset Beach and The Knolls in University Place. They've been serving the South Sound region for over a decade, offering non-medical in-home care with an emphasis on dependable long-term planning.
Caregivers from this location frequently support clients living near Chambers Bay Golf Course and Homestead Park, two local landmarks that are often part of clients’ daily routines for outings or walks.
Families in University Place report generally positive experiences with Visiting Angels. On platforms like Google and Caring.com, reviews often mention friendly caregivers and strong communication from the office. However, others have expressed frustration with minimum hour policies, difficulty getting urgent care started quickly, and higher costs for short-term or post-hospital needs.
What Services Does Visiting Angels in University Place Offer?
Visiting Angels University Place focuses on non-medical care, which includes support with daily activities, safety monitoring, and companionship. This level of care works well for many seniors aging in place—but it does have clear limitations when it comes to medical needs or urgent situations.
Their service offerings generally include:
Companion care for emotional support, conversation, walks, and recreational activities
Personal care, including help with bathing, grooming, toileting, and transferring
Meal planning and preparation along with light grocery errands
Light housekeeping like laundry, dishes, vacuuming, and tidying up
Dementia and Alzheimer’s care focused on routine, safety, and familiarity
Respite care that gives family caregivers a break during scheduled shifts
End-of-life support, providing comfort and presence in collaboration with hospice
Hospital discharge help through their “Ready-Set-Go Home” program
What They Don’t Offer
While the above services can meet many daily needs, Visiting Angels does not provide:
Licensed nursing services such as wound care, injections, or medication administration
Guaranteed same-day or next-day starts—new clients often wait several days
Flexible short-term scheduling for 1–2 week recovery periods
Small shift options—most clients are required to schedule at least 4 hours per visit and 12 hours per week
This creates a problem for families navigating a hospital discharge from Tacoma General or St. Joseph Medical Center who may only need 2 hours a day for a week or two after a surgery.
This is exactly where Caringene steps in. They offer fast starts, no minimums, and are highly trusted for post-op and transitional care. If your parent is being discharged tomorrow, Caringene can often begin care within 24 hours—with no commitment beyond the hours you actually need.
How Much Does Visiting Angels in University Place Cost?
Visiting Angels does not post local pricing on their site, but based on feedback from families in University Place and averages across Pierce County, you can expect to pay about $45/hour for a 20-hour-per-week schedule.
If you schedule fewer hours, the rate typically increases by 30–40% to account for staffing and admin costs. There is also usually a 4-hour daily minimum and a 12-hour weekly minimum.
Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs for Visiting Angels University Place:
Weekly Hours | Estimated Hourly Rate | Weekly Cost | Monthly Cost (4.33 weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
40 | $40/hr | $1,600 | $6,928 |
30 | $43/hr | $1,290 | $5,586 |
20 | $45/hr | $900 | $3,897 |
10 | ~$61/hr | ~$610 | ~$2,641 |
Even if you only need 6–8 hours per week, you’ll often be billed at a higher rate and forced to schedule more time than you truly need.
Caringene’s Pricing – Affordable, Flexible, and Transparent
Caringene offers a single, all-inclusive rate of $35/hour, regardless of how many hours you schedule. There are no minimums*, so you can book exactly what you need—whether that’s a one-time visit or daily support for a full month.
Caringene is often 20–40% more affordable than traditional agencies, and gives you the flexibility to scale care up or down as your needs change.
Comparing University Place Home Care Providers
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Visiting Angels and other top agencies serving the University Place area:
Agency | Rate @ 20 hrs/week | Minimums | Specialty Focus | Review Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Visiting Angels | ~$45/hr | 4 hrs/day, 12 hrs/week | Companion & memory care | Good BBB rating, long-term care |
Home Instead | ~$46–48/hr | 4 hrs/day, 12 hrs/week | Alzheimer’s, safety-focused | Mixed Yelp reviews, praised caregivers |
Right at Home | ~$45–47/hr | 3–4 hrs/day | Rehab, chronic care | Positive local feedback |
Caringene (Recommended) | $35/hr | None | Post-op, flexible care | 5-star Google, Nextdoor favorite |
If you live in Sunset Beach or The Knolls and want care that fits around a real-world routine—like helping Mom get out of bed after surgery, checking in during the day, or accompanying Dad to the park—Caringene offers the responsiveness and affordability that many families are looking for.
Local Reviews – What Families in University Place Are Saying
To give you a clearer picture of what to expect, we reviewed feedback from local families on Google, Yelp, and Caring.com. Here’s a summary of the most common praise and concerns for Visiting Angels in University Place:
Review Source | Positive Themes | Common Concerns |
|---|---|---|
Google Reviews | Caregivers are warm and professional | Delays in getting care started |
Yelp | Excellent long-term matches | Frustration over minimum hours |
Caring.com | Supportive with memory care routines | Limited availability for urgent needs |
Caringene Review Highlights
Caringene has a 5-star rating on Google and is a Nextdoor neighborhood favorite in University Place. Clients consistently praise:
Praise their long-term care services especially those who require live-in or 24/7 care.
Supportive with memory care routines
Ability to start care within 24 hours
Affordable rates with no unnecessary hours
Clear, friendly communication from the care team
FAQs – What University Place Families Often Ask
Q: Do Visiting Angels serve neighborhoods like Sunset Beach and The Knolls?
Yes, their Tacoma-based office supports all of University Place, including those areas and nearby neighborhoods like Day Island and Bridgeport Way.
Q: Can I book just 2 hours of care to help Mom transition home after surgery at St. Joseph Medical Center?
Probably not. Visiting Angels typically requires 4-hour shifts. Caringene allows you to book as little as 2 hours.
Q: Will they provide transportation to places like Whole Foods or Chambers Bay?
Sometimes. It depends on the caregiver’s ability to drive and vehicle access. Make sure to clarify during the intake process.
Q: What if I only need care for one week after a hospital stay?
Visiting Angels may require a longer-term commitment. Caringene specializes in short-term, flexible care for exactly these situations.
Q: How quickly can care start after discharge from Tacoma General?
Families report waiting several days to get care started with Visiting Angels. Caringene can often begin care the same or next day.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Home Care Provider in University Place
Visiting Angels University Place and Caringene have built a reputation as a dependable choice for long-term care. Their structured services and caregiver consistency make them a strong option for families needing ongoing weekly support.
But if your needs are urgent, temporary, or part-time—especially after a hospital stay—Visiting Angels’ higher prices and minimum requirements may create unnecessary strain.
Caringene is the flexible, affordable alternative many families in University Place have been looking for. With no minimums, flat pricing, and a team experienced in post-surgery, long-term and short-term care, they’re changing how in-home care fits into real life.
More Helpful Resources from Caringene
Explore more at Caringene or Schedule a Callback today to find the right fit for your family.
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.