MultiCare Health System

Our Social Workers

Our social workers are members of a caring team working to meet the needs of the terminally ill and their loved ones. Our social workers hold master's degrees in social work and are certified and registered with the state of Washington. They receive special training and experience in hospice care and issues related to dying and grief and loss needs of terminal patients and their families.

Social work services may be covered by Medicare or private insurance providers. We offer financial assistance to those who cannot afford to pay for these services.

Social Workers can provide the following services:


1. Information to help you care for a terminally ill loved one and assistance/coordination with the following community resources:

  • Locating in-home support and/or volunteer respite services to provide a break for the caregiver.
  • Locating spiritual support.
  • Advanced directives, such as living wills and durable powers of attorney.
  • Other services that are available and how to access them.

2.Emotional support for your family:

  • Offering a caring presence and a listening ear to family members, encouraging them to express their fears, concerns, needs and wishes.
  • Discussing final wishes (regarding such matters as burial or cremation) with a loved one.
  • Enhancing communication within the family and with the Hospice team by offering to coordinate family conferences to ensure that family members have current, understandable information.
  • Support for the family in handling the stresses and losses they experience while caring for a terminally ill loved one.
  • Helping to empower a loved one to die a natural death with dignity.