FAQs

Q: What is the age range for people living in your facilities?

A: The average age is 84, with the range being between 70 to over 100!

Q: What is the difference between independent living and assisted living?

A: Independent living is for active seniors who are able to manage their own lives but want the ease of having their meals, housekeeping and home maintenance taken care of. Assisted Living is for seniors who require assistance with daily living needs such as dressing, toileting and mobility. In an Assisted Living community these services are provided by registered care givers or an RN if needed.

Q: What kinds of meals do your facilities serve?

A: Northwest Care Senior Living Communities meals are overseen by our chefs who work with a dietician to create well-rounded and nutritious meals. Click here for a sample menu

Q: How do people pay for retirement and assisted living care?

A: Many of our residents pay privately, using their pension, Social Security income and savings. Some residents sell their homes and use this resulting nest egg to rely on.

Q: Are there outdoor areas for recreation?

A: Each of our facilities is different, but all provide beautiful outdoor grounds for residents. Seasonal colorful landscaping surrounds patios, walkways and seating areas.

Q: What does ADL mean?

A: ADL stands for Activities of Daily Living. It’s a common phrase used by health care providers in an evaluation process for a potential resident. Those activities include bathing, grooming and personal hygiene.

Q: Are assisted living facilities licensed or inspected?

A: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) license and regulate all assisted living facilities. Our facilities are reviewed annually by inspectors from DSHS who arrive, unannounced, to look over our operations.

Q: Can residents call for help from their apartments in case of an emergency?

A: All residents’ rooms have intercoms and call systems. There are pull cords in the bathrooms. These systems are monitored 24-hours a day.

Q: How long can Northwest Care Communities care for someone?

A: Northwest Care Communities are licensed under an Assisted Living License with the state of Washington. Therefore, we can provide most care needed throughout the aging process. We work closely with home health agencies and hospice to provide those services we are not licensed to do.

Q: What is a skilled nursing facility?

A: Skilled nursing facilities (SNF’s), also called nursing homes, usually provide rehabilitation and intense 24-hour nursing care.

Q: What do you mean by rehabilitation?

A: Rehabilitation is a process residents go through as they return to their former level of activities following a debilitating event.

Q: What does Aging in Place mean?

A: It’s a natural progression of life changes that occur as one gets older. Northwest Care Senior Living Communites are designed to provide a continuum of care so that a resident doesn’t have to move each time he or she is faced with a change because of age. This allows our residents to enjoy the comfort of their own homes as long as possible by providing increased levels of care to accommodate the aging process.