When you are exploring your options for senior housing facilities, you may want to consider adult family homes in Olympia WA. Adult family homes are private homes that are licensed by the state of Washington. They may care for up to 6 residents. They provide warm, personalized care in a family home within a residential neighborhood.  

Each adult family home has licensed  care providers who have the training and experience to care for residents with a variety of needs. The providers may have different levels of skills–there may be a nursing assistant, a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse on staff.

Some of the benefits of living in an adult family home in Olympia WA include:

• Small, intimate environment
• Private or semi-private rooms
• 24-hour personalized care
• Minimum staffing ratio of 1 caregiver to 6 residents
• Family style meals
• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Assistance with medications
• Companionship and emotional support
• Laundry and housekeeping services
• Warm family home setting

The costs for adult family homes are based on the level of care needed and the type of room you choose. You will need to ask what is included in the base fee and what additional charges may be involved.

In addition, there are some other questions you will want to ask in order to make an informed choice. 

• Is the license current and available for review?
• Is the DSHS inspection report available?
• What are the qualifications and background of the caregivers?
• Ask to see references.
• What is the caregiver-to-resident ratio?
• How will the care change as the resident’s needs change?
• Are the grounds and house safe and well-maintained?
• Do the residents appear happy and well cared for?
• What are the medication procedures?
• What foods are served, and do residents have choices?

The process of finding adult family homes in Olympia WA that meet your specific needs can be clarified when you use our free service. Contact us for your consultation.

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I was recently reading an article on happiness over the life span and how assisted living in Olympia, WA can contribute to it. I found the information both fascinating and encouraging. What I learned was that several studies that have been done on this topic indicate that Americans’ happiness increases after the age of 50. This is regardless of income, employment or children. This is also a consistent phenomenon all around the world.

Happiness is a subjective variable. But there is a significant amount of research that shows that happiness goes up as people age. Even though there are many unpleasant realities of aging, from physical ailments to losing loved ones, overall aging seems to increase happiness.

 One study showed that happiness increases after age 50, with people in their 80s scoring the highest on the happiness scale.

 One possible explanation for these findings is the theory that people tend to invest in the things that have the most importance to them as their time gets more limited. Our priorities change as we go through the stages of life, and the priorities of later life are more focused on relationships and friendship.

People who are happier are healthier and live longer. This may be another explanation for the findings that older people are happier, as those who are happier live longer, the data shows happy elderly people.

 Another reason that older people tend to be happier may be that they have lived through more experiences, and have learned from those experiences. They may have more emotional stability. Others suggest that this may be because older people are more likely to focus on the positive aspects of a situation rather than the negative.

Of course, in the bigger picture, age is not the only predictor of happiness. There are many other factors that come into play such as personality type, health, financial security, independence, stress levels, and social connectedness. These happiness factors can be addressed for many seniors by finding assisted living in Olympia, WA that fits their individual needs.

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Helping your loved one make that transition from home into an assisted living facility is an important time in your family’s life. After making that all-important decision to move into assisted living in Olympia, WA, you will begin thinking about how to make that transition go as smoothly as possible. Here you will find some tips that many families have found especially helpful.

Help get the room set up ahead of time. Bring in personal items from home that will help your loved one feel more at home. Of course you will want to include photos and mementos, decorative pillows, blankets, books, and other objects that make the room feel familiar. 

Next, be sure to discuss the personal preferences of your parent or loved one with the staff of the facility. Give them plenty of information about his or her daily routines, food preferences, communication style, and personal habits to ensure that the transition goes as smoothly as possible.

You can provide a supply of the new resident’s favorite snack foods and drinks. Familiar food and drink is sure way to help someone in a new situation feel nurtured and comforted.

You may want to bring in a CD player or ipod loaded with favorite songs. This is another way to create a soothing atmosphere in the new environment. Music also has the ability to create connections with other people in the new home. Many people enjoy sharing memories that are evoked by music.

One more ways of preserving connections is to post a calendar in the new room with a schedule of family and friends’ visits and calls. This will help create predictability in your loved one’s life. Knowing when the next visit or call can be expected will increase his or her sense of security. When someone isn’t able to visit in person, find out if Skype sessions are a possiblity.

These are just a few ideas that can help make a smooth transition into assisted living in Olympia, WA. At Assisted Living Options we have the expertise to help guide you every step of the way in this new stage of life. 

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Unlike some states, we are fortunate to be in a state that requires assisted living facilities and adult family homes to be licensed and monitored. State licensing provides some assurance that the assisted living in Olympia WA you choose has at least met the basic requirements to gain and maintain their license.

An assisted living facility is generally located in a residential area, but accommodates more residents then an adult family home, which can have a maximum of six. The services offered are quite similar. In order to become licensed to provide assisted living in Olympia WA or other cities and towns in Washington State, the administrator must have a minimum of 75 hours of training. The training includes basic training (first aid and CPR) and/or specialty training such as working with special types of populations (memory care, dementia etc.).

While being in a state that requires assisted living facilities to be licensed eases some concerns, it is not the only thing to look for.

When you choose to work with a Certified Senior Adviser, you add yet another layer of protection to your choices in assisted living in Olympia WA. In many instances, these choices are being made during a stressful time in a family’s life. Frequently assisted living is a choice after a medical or emotional crisis. During this time, it’s hard to think straight and remember all of the questions you should always ask of any facility you are going to trust with the care of a loved one.

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Sunday brunch with Mom, some flowers and a card are all nice ways to show your mom you care.  But what about inviting your mother to something different this year?  Assisted Living Options has some local events to share with you, to help you discover Tacoma (and the surrounding area) and make this Mother’s Day 2013 a special one for your senior mom.

Treat your mom to a concert at the Capitol today, as the Olympia Flute Choir puts on a Mother’s day performance at 1:30 on Sunday, May 12.  https://fortress.wa.gov/ga/apps/CampusEvents/default.aspx

If theater is more her style, consider taking your mom to the final performance of “The Rainmaker”, about a presented by the Lakewood Playhouse: “When ‘The Rainmaker’ comes to a drought-ridden farm, will he bring hope or a pocket full of empty dreams?”                   Sunday, May 12 at 2pm.  http://www.lakewoodplayhouse.org/

The Tacoma Museum  District is celebrating Mom with free admission to the Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and the Washington State History Museum.  Spend the day engaged in the local art and history of the region: http://museumofglass.org/mothers-day  

And not to forget our other older family members, there is another event this week to remind us all that seniors have an important voice in the community:

On Thursday, celebrate “Older Americans Month 2013 – Unleash the Power of Age” with Governor Jay Inslee as he reads a proclamation recognizing the importance of older citizens in our society.  The audience can then walk with Gov. Inslee to the Tivoli fountain on the Capitol Campus as part of the event.  Posted by the WA State Senior Citizens’ Lobby. http://www.waseniorlobby.org/ai1ec_event/i-walt-with-governor-jay-inslee-unleash-the-power-of-age

Spending time with older loved ones is the best way to show you care.  By spending the day supporting the arts and other local groups, you help your older parent stay informed about current events and local culture.  Even if you don’t get a chance to attend these events today, you might find a place to take your parent on another special day – a day spent with you!

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Family members helping care for their senior loved ones can often feel overwhelmed.  The individual is now faced with the backwards feeling of taking care of a parent, instead of the other way around.  Helping an elderly parent walk or go shopping may become routine, but what about when a parent loses the ability to prepare his or her own meals, recognize danger, or becomes unable to manage personal hygiene?  This can feel like a crushing blow to the caregiver, who may not know where to turn for support.

Those caring for loved ones need to know they are cared for, too.  A caregiver should be sure to care for their own personal life as well, in order to continue to provide the strong support the senior parent needs.  Spending time with friends, working in the garden, or taking a weekend trip can be a way to renew the spirit after the emotionally and physically exhausting work of being a caregiver for an older loved one.

This is where Assisted Living Options makes all the difference.  Nancy Watkins is a Certified Senior Advisor, helping families in Puyallup and the surrounding area.  She started her business to help families when they need it most, when caregivers are unsure if they can continue to meet the needs of an aging parent.

Nancy provides families with the information they need to make an informed and confident decision.  If you are wondering if it is time to consider a senior care facility, then it is time to contact Assisted Living Options.

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None of us like to think about having to find a senior facility for our parents or other loved ones, but it is something most families will have to talk about at some point.  With so many choices available , how do you know where to start?  How can you know when senior care in Puyallup WA will meet your standards?  That’s where Nancy Watkins  of Assisted Living Options can make all the difference.

Nancy’s business, Assisted Living Options, has made it possible for so many families in our region to receive FREE, client-oriented recommendations about the best care facilities around.  Nancy will meet with you to find out your family’s specific needs and wants, and then will arrange tours of the homes that best meet your wishes.

Nancy works with only the best senior care in Puyallup, which means less worrying for you – the hardest work has been done by this expert! Even more, she has experience with Veterans’ benefits and other programs that can provide financial assistance for seniors.  This has helped many families who did not know that their loved one qualified for assistance, allowing them to expand their senior care options.

Whether you are just beginning your search or if you have been researching senior care in Puyallup for months, it is time to call Nancy Watkins.  Local families have benefitted greatly from her free services, and now you can, too!

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A few weeks back, Assisted Living Options suggested some ways to make an outing with elder loved ones safe and non-stressful. If you are looking at that sometimes-sunny sky and trying to find somewhere to go with your loved one living in a senior living facility here in Olympia, we have a few suggestions to get you planning.

Olympic Flight Museum: This museum is located at the Olympia Regional Airport. January through April, they are open Wednesday through Sunday, but beginning in May the museum will be open from 11am-5pm seven days a week. World War II aircraft and memorabilia forms the bulk of the exhibit, and there are air shows and other events planned by the museum. Depending on their age and military experience, grandparents may be able to show younger generations the type of planes they or their fathers flew during their time in service.

Percival Landing: This boardwalk-style park on the waterfront of West Bay is a great place for people-watching. Stroll as far as you wish before stopping for a picnic, enjoying the sights and the Sound. A children’s playground will get the little ones tired out, and the sculptures scattered throughout are a great way to get all ages talking about art. There are places to eat and shop, and the Capitol can be seen at a distance. The distinctive roof of the Harbor House is eye-catching, too.

Olympia Farmers Market: Farmers markets are appearing everywhere these days, and the Olympia Farmers Market is now open for the season. Walk through the market, collecting samples and reminiscing about favorite meals, and maybe buy some flowers to send home with your loved one.

Spending the day with loved ones is important. Even when it seems challenging, remember that planning ahead can make a day’s adventure much more fun. Your family will appreciate it, and you will know you have helped create a memorable experience for all.

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If you are helping a loved one explore housing choices, you might be overwhelmed with the options available for seniors in our region.  The good news is that assisted living facilities and other elder care residences have come a long way since they first appeared.  The “bad news” is that, with so many alternatives, it can be challenging to know where to begin.

Fortunately, Nancy Watkins created Assisted Living Options to help provide a free service for families in such situations.  Whether your loved one is just beginning to seek out an alternative to living solo or if you are helping a loved one face the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, Assisted Living Options is the best place to begin.

Nancy has made a priority of finding the best assisted living facilities in Puyallup, Olympia, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, and the surrounding area.  She is a trusted resource for so many families because she takes the time to learn about the individual needing care, and their families’ need as well.

Assisted Living Options will help you discover benefit programs (like Veteran’s benefits) that can help your senior loved one afford the quality care they have earned.  Nancy can also help you choose which type of facility is the best choice for your elder loved one, from group homes to “traditional” assisted living facilities, to hospice and more. 

If you are starting on the road to helping secure a loved one’s best living possibilities in Washington, please contact Nancy today.  Her expertise has helped many families, and her caring manner and personal attention will put you at ease. Choosing a home for a parent can be stressful – let Assisted Living Options take the guesswork out of your decision!

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Easter and the Passover holiday also give cause for reflection, a time when families can share their specific traditions that span the generations and educate young family members about the family’s history and culture.

When visiting with older relatives, help children take advantage of the wisdom of their elders.  We are a society whose relationship with our seniors has greatly changed in recent generations.  Where generations used to dwell together in a home, longer life spans and other factors have increasingly moved our oldest family members out of the home and into specialized communities such as assisted living centers.

These assisted living communities provide a great service, and help many family members with medical and mental needs beyond what the core family can provide.  But grandchildren and great-grandchildren of these seniors may not be benefiting from their elders’ important values and family storytelling.  Take the time to allow seniors to engage the young ones in telling the story of the family, of springtime holidays decades past.

We are grateful that assisted living facilities have evolved over time as medicine and philosophy have changes the way we see our seniors through their later years.  Passover and Easter, and spring in general are also a chance for us to look forward with hope.  We hope your family shares some treasured moments, and we wish you a beautiful spring day!

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