Questions about University House Issaquah
Describe the overall population of assisted living residents at University House Issaquah. What is their average age? What are their favorite things to do?
Our residents live together at University House Issaquah, whether receiving help with assisted living services or not. That’s the beauty of our flexible license model – we provide in-apartment care when needed. We commonly use the phrase, “You’re only as old as you feel.” Ages range from 62 all the way to 103! Age is just a number and no matter what that number is, our residents feel young at heart. Our residents enjoy enriching activities which support successful aging and life-long learning. Our thriving life enrichment programs focus on enhancing the mind, body, and spirit.
What programs or activities does University House Issaquah offer to enrich residents' well-being?
We value life-long learning and offer a variety of life enrichment activities for the mind, body, and spirit. We offer lectures, discussion groups, art classes, card games, board games, book clubs, exercise classes such as Enhance Fitness, tai chi, yoga, walking groups, chair exercise, and more! We also offer concert and theater events. Our outings to local favorite restaurants and the theater are popular too.
What places are near University House Issaquah or within walking distance for assisted living residents to enjoy?
Within our community there are patios, courtyards, a fireside lounge, a solarium, and a viewing deck. We are a short complimentary drive to many desirable local places such as The Highlands, Historic Downtown Issaquah, and the North Issaquah Shopping District.
What transportation services does University House Issaquah offer to assisted living residents?
Don’t have a car or don’t feel like driving? Don’t worry; we have you covered. Our community transportation services provide personal and group services to popular locations in Issaquah, Sammamish, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Redmond, The University District, First Hill, and Downtown Seattle, as well as to local churches. We make regular and frequent visits to local grocery stores, shops, and lunch and dinner outings to restaurants, casinos, farmers' markets, sculpture parks, and theaters. Reservations are made through Reception.
What makes the chef or dining program at University House Issaquah exceptional? What kind of menu can assisted living residents expect?
All of our residents (whether receiving assisted living services or not) enjoy restaurant-style dining in our restaurant. There is all-day dining so residents can enjoy a meal when it’s convenient with their schedules. We offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as complimentary snacks throughout the day. We frequently have themed specials such as Italian night or surf-and-turf. Our in-house chef welcomes menu ideas from our resident dining committee too! We believe in offering healthy options to promote successful aging.
What safety features or security measures does University House Issaquah offer to assisted living residents?
Standard security measures include daily courtesy checks, scheduled staff 7 days a week / 24 hours a day, pendants (if needed), and gated garage. Our assisted living services include 24-hour Certified Nursing Assistant staff (supervised by a Registered Nurse) and three meals daily. Residents may customize their care with additional fee-based services according to individual needs. Fees reflect the time and credentials of the professionals providing each service. A Community Health representative will conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to determine service requirements and associated fees.
How does University House Issaquah keep residents' families informed about their loved ones?
Our Executive Director has an open-door approach. Residents receiving assisted living services have care conferences as needed. There are also monthly town hall meetings and occasional community memos shared by the Executive Director.
What is the care staff-to-resident ratio at University House Issaquah during daytime and nighttime hours?
Because our community lifestyle model tends to have fewer residents receiving assisted living services, our staff-to-resident ratio is lower than what you would see at a skilled nursing, memory care, or a high-level assisted living community. It is common to have one care provider for every 8-10 residents.
If University House Issaquah accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
There is a nice walking area around the community, two beautiful courtyards, and outdoor patios that can be utilized while the pet is on a leash. We also provide pet care for an additional fee if heading out of town for a couple of days.
What ongoing senior care training does the staff receive?
Depending on the position held at the community, staff can receive training in a variety of areas: dementia, mental health, HCA licensing, CPR/First Aid, mixology licensing, food handler’s permitting, Best Friends Orientation, Era medication, nurse delegation, as well as class 12 and 13 permitting prior to serving and dispensing alcoholic beverages.
Describe the overall population of independent living residents at University House Issaquah. What is their average age? What are their favorite things to do?
Our residents appreciate the ease of living at our community, knowing that mundane chores are taken care of and allowing for time to do the things they love. Residents enjoy nearby walking paths and easy hikes with boxed lunches – Tradition Lake, Lake Sammamish State Park, Hilltop Park, and an indoor track at the Issaquah Community Center for rainy days. We also offer balance classes, Enhance Fitness, stretch and flex classes, yoga/chair yoga, an in-house television channel for in-apartment participation, musical performances, book reviews, mahjong, card games, cribbage, bunco, bingo, art classes, lecture series on art, film, and history, brain fitness classes, and a quilting group. Monthly rent includes the following: daily courtesy check-in, weekly light housekeeping and linen service, all utilities (except telephone and internet), Comcast Cable HD Digital Starter Package, one meal per day, scheduled group transportation, life enrichment programs, and access to our Wellness Center.
What places are nearby for independent living residents to enjoy?
Within our community there are patios, courtyards, a fireside lounge, a solarium, and a viewing deck. We are a short complimentary drive to many desirable local places such as The Highlands, Historic Downtown Issaquah, and the North Issaquah Shopping District. Residents enjoy nearby walking paths and easy hikes with boxed lunches – Tradition Lake, Lake Sammamish State Park, Hilltop Park, and an indoor track at the Issaquah Community Center for rainy days.
What are some recent off-site events that the community activity director at University House Issaquah has organized?
Our residents enjoy shopping trips (Trader Joe’s, PCC, QFC, Safeway, farmers' markets), Japanese Gardens, The Village Theater, restaurant outings for lunch and dinner, and The Snoqualmie Casino. Variety is the spice of life and we keep it spicy!
What transportation services does University House Issaquah offer to independent living residents?
Don’t have a car or don’t feel like driving? Don’t worry; we have you covered. Our community transportation services provide personal and group services to popular locations in Issaquah, Sammamish, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Redmond, The University District, First Hill, and Downtown Seattle, as well as to local churches. We make regular and frequent visits to local grocery stores, shops, and lunch and dinner outings to restaurants, casinos, farmers' markets, sculpture parks, and theaters. Reservations are made through Reception.
What makes the chef or dining program at University House Issaquah exceptional? What kind of menu can independent living residents expect?
All of our residents (whether receiving assisted living services or not) enjoy restaurant-style dining in our restaurant. There is all-day dining so residents can enjoy a meal when it’s convenient with their schedules. We offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as complimentary snacks throughout the day. We frequently have themed specials such as Italian night or surf-and-turf. Our in-house chef welcomes menu ideas from our resident dining committee too! We believe in offering healthy options to promote successful aging.
What common areas are available for independent living residents?
All common spaces are available for all of our residents to enjoy, including our Gillman Auditorium, swimming pool, fireside lounge, private dining room, two interior courtyards, patios, solarium, and raised garden beds.
What safety features or security measures does University House Issaquah offer to independent living residents?
Standard security measures include daily courtesy checks, scheduled staff 7 days a week / 24 hours a day, pendants (if needed), and gated garage.
If University House Issaquah accepts dogs or cats, what indoor/outdoor areas can they enjoy?
There is a nice walking area around the community, two beautiful courtyards, and outdoor patios that can be utilized while the pet is on a leash. We also provide pet care for an additional fee if heading out of town for a couple of days.
Does University House Issaquah work with an agency or registry to provide nursing and medical assistance as needed?
Our Community Health staff are University House Issaquah employees. That is a benefit for our assisted living residents and their families, as the community manages oversight of the hiring process, background checks, training, etc. This assurance of quality care allows for real peace of mind. We do allow private caregivers in our community for residents who need additional support, companionship, or 24/7 oversight.
What safety features or security measures does University House Issaquah provide to protect residents who wander?
We offer cueing and reminders for residents. If residents are exit-seeking or wandering outside the community and need secured memory care, we work with the family to find a community that offers a more secured environment. We have strong partnerships in the area that we can recommend.