What our families say about our services


Jill's Story

Never having navigated the hospice road, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But believe me, the expectations I did have were far and above exceeded. Every single piece of hospice was exceptional, from the receptionist who always greeted me as if we had been friends for some time to the impromptu trips from my team to check on us. I just cannot express enough praise for the quality of care we received. Bringing home a medically fragile newborn from the hospital was daunting enough, but hospice was at my house to enroll us that very afternoon. An enormous burden was lifted from me at that point, knowing that she could die in our home and I wouldn’t have a screaming ambulance parked in my driveway.

Nurse Shelly was amazing in liaisoning with the pediatrician and keeping my child’s pain under control. She was an awesome advocate in arranging medical equipment deliveries around our schedule, and obtaining out-of-reach items.

I so looked forward to Social Worker Dee’s visits. She verbalized much of what was in my heart that I could not articulate. And what a boon for our 3 year-old; she loved when Dee came! I appreciated the direction Dee pointed me in to lead my daughter down the path of loss.

Having Cece the Spiritual Caregiver come to just sit and have a cup of tea and pray over us girls was of great comfort.

I can not tell you how much we appreciate the support everyone gave in honoring our decisions and choices. Each of the above ladies were so nourishing to my soul, my confidence, my mothering, my visceral emotions. The support, compassion, and friendship were offered unconditionally; qualities that improved my family’s life during a time of anxiety and sorrow.

Sincerely,
Jill Queener

Tom's Story

When Tom started hospice care the cancer had moved to his spine, and he was in excruciating pain. His hospice team tailored his plan of care and modified his medications. Within a few days Tom was feeling better. As a Navy man who had retired early and subscribed to the theory of living life to the fullest for nearly two decades, he now had a definite list of goals that needed to be accomplished.

A new granddaughter was on the way. His son-in-law, who is in the Navy, had recently been made chief (just like Tom had years ago), and was due home from a long deployment on the USS Carl Vinson. And if there was a way, Tom would sure love to see another Mariners game at Safeco Field. Tom’s Hospice team sprang into action.

First a group of volunteers were lined up to stay with Tom if needed, while his wife went to the hospital with their daughter to have the new baby.

Next, a call was placed to Frank Moran at the Emerald Queen Casino who donated three tickets to a Mariners game so Tom, his wife Jean, and his hospice nurse Mary could all attend the game. To make things extra special, Frank also sent Tom some Mariners t-shirts, hats, and a baseball. The day turned out to be perfect. Tom was able to go on to the field, eat garlic fries, and he even ran into three old buddies from his days in the Navy who he hadn’t seen in years.

Finally, as luck - and some excellent nursing care- would have it, Tom was feeling great the day his son-in-law, returned home as a Navy Chief.

In the beginning Tom’s friends bristled at the mention of hospice -- he was only 68, they thought it was like giving up. But Tom and his family know better. They’ve learned the “secret” that hospice care is a rare and wonderful combination of professionalism and knowledge mixed with warmth, caring, and even humor. “I wasn’t sure I was ready for this. I was afraid having hospice care would mean I would be ‘drugged up’ and sleeping all day. But I have been able to do so much since being in the hospice program. The pain is under control and I’ve been able to get out, see my friends and family -- I’m enjoying every day. I would tell anyone with a terminal illness to get into the hospice program as soon as possible. People need to know what hospice can do.”

When Tom died this fall he was in his own bed surrounded by the people who loved him. He was peaceful and filled with wonderful memories from a life well lived.