Top Quality

end of life care.

All Whatcom Hospice clinical services, including those provided at Hospice House, are delivered by PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center with sustaining annual support provided by the Foundation. Whatcom Hospice Foundation and PeaceHealth are committed to maintaining a strong collaborative partnership that results in top quality end of life care for every patient in need, regardless of ability to pay.
 

What Services Does Hospice Provide?

Any eligible patient referred by a physician for hospice is entitled to the following services:

  • Skilled nursing care in the patient’s home or nursing home facility with hospice contracts.
  • Nursing services on call, 24 hours a day, seven days a week including holidays.
  • Assistance with personal hygiene and skin care.
  • Arrangements for durable medical equipment and physical therapy services in the patients home when medically indicated.
  • Volunteers to help with direct patient care, errands, and to provide companionship.
  • Social workers to help the patient and family deal with terminal diagnosis, treatment and family issues.
  • Grief support for family members.

Who is Eligible for Hospice?

Whatcom Hospice provides end of life care to anyone with a prognosis of six months or less to live. Any adult, child or infant with advanced illness and limited life expectancy may be referred to Hospice by a physician.

Hospice patients no longer receive curative treatment, but instead receive expert care designed to alleviate pain, treat symptoms, maximize quality of life, and provide emotional support to the patient and family. With appropriate pain and symptom management, hospice patients are free to live their days to the fullest, surrounded by loved ones and doing things they enjoy.

Whatcom Hospice Services

In-home Care

Top-quality, end of life care in a private residence.

Hospice House

Comfortable, modern in-patient residential facility.

Palliative Care

Relief from the symptoms, pain and stress of illness.

Bereavement

Services that support those who are grieving a loss.

Explore Hospice House

A look at our modern, comfortable, in-patient residential setting located in Bellingham.

Molly’s Story

The inspiring story of Molly, a hospice patient who was able to enjoy a higher quality of life thanks to the care provided by Whatcom Hospice and the support of the Whatcom Hospice Foundation.

Paying for Hospice Care

Most insurers, including Medicare, offer hospice benefits as part of their healthcare coverage. Medicare Hospice coverage includes the care of hospice clinicians throughout the illness, coverage of related medications, equipment, medical supplies, and access to respite care and bereavement support.

If a patient has no health insurance, or if health insurance does not cover all the costs of hospice care, Whatcom Hospice will help identify resources to ensure access to services. No patient is ever turned away because of inability to pay.

Workshops

Advanced Care Planning

PeaceHealth is offering free Your Voice, Your Choice interactive workshops for members of our community. All participants will be guided through the simple, yet thought-provoking process of completing an Advanced Directive. Advance care planning is for all adults age 18 and older. Spread the word to your friends, family and neighbors!

For resources, FAQs and links to join upcoming online classes, please visit our page.