From the first time you reach out to Guiding Seniors, you will speak to a senior care advisor who is dedicated to providing you with the very best in compassionate service. We will arrange a one-on-one meeting, during which time your advisor will ask you about your specific requirements for senior housing, including medical needs, budget, preferred location, and more. Then, using these details, they will be able to provide you with their professional recommendations for the type of care or housing that would best suit your needs.

Once you’ve determined the type of housing, your senior care advisor will then create a list of suggested communities or homes. Each of your search parameters will be taken into account so that you receive a well-rounded selection of options. Your consultant will set up the tours and will personally accompany you and guide you through each step. When you’ve selected a facility, we are here to help you with administrative tasks and paperwork, and won’t rest until you or your loved one is comfortably settled in the new home.

All services provided by Guiding Seniors are at no cost to you.

Guiding Seniors currently works with seniors and their families searching for housing and care in Olympia and surrounding areas. Our service area includes Thurston, Mason, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties.

The following Olympia area senior care options will be available when you’re working with a senior care consultant from Guiding Seniors:

• Adult family homes
• Assisted living
• Memory care
• Independent living
• Respite care

Yes. Unfortunately, many families encounter unexpected circumstances that necessitate senior care or housing on an extremely short-term notice. The passing of a spouse or caretaker, sudden injury or illness, or the need for 24/7 care leaving the hospital or skilled nursing is just a few of the reasons families have found themselves in need of emergency placement. No matter what your situation may be, we are here for you. Our emergency care placement quickly connects families with safe, comfortable housing in Thurston County and the surrounding areas, helping to make your difficult life event a little less stressful.

Choosing the right type of senior care and housing can be a difficult task, one that involves many complicated emotions and challenging factors. If you aren’t sure which type of senior housing is right for you or a loved one, Guiding Seniors is here to help. Our senior care advisors are experts in the field, and they are able to evaluate your needs and provide knowledgeable recommendations.  

Cost ranges from $1,400 to $6,600 a month. Costs vary widely by community based on location, size of the apartment or cottage, and the amenities offered. Independent Living facilities accept private pay only.

Each retirement community will vary, but the monthly rent typically includes the following:

• Housekeeping services. Laundry services and towels and linens.
• Transportation for shopping and community-planned outings, and medical appointments.
• Monthly rent, classified as an all-inclusive fee that includes utilities but often excludes phone and expanded cable TV.
• 1-3 meals a day in a community dining environment.
• Maintenance-free living, an emergency call system and safety features.
• Social, educational and recreational activities.

• Medical or nursing care, personal assistance with daily living activities.
• Home services can be arranged and brought in by you if you pay the provider directly.
• Concierge services or guest services.

Services often include:

• One to three meals a day
• Medication management including Monitoring and administration
• Personal care, including dressing and bathing
• Housekeeping and laundry
• 24-hour emergency care
• Some medical services
• Social and recreational activities
• Transportation to shopping: groceries, the mall, etc.
• Transportation to doctor appointments

Yes!

ALL AL’s are called Assisted Living but they are very different from each other. It all depends on the type of licensing they have, which allows or DOES NOT allow them to provide certain services. Example: stand-by assist, one person helping with transfers, two people helping with transfers or using mechanical devices for transfers (Hoyer Lift), regular or sliding scale insulin administration for diabetics, etc. If your loved one is a resident in an assisted living facility and requires a higher level of care, including the things mentioned above if the facility is not licensed accordingly, the resident and their family will receive a 30-day notice to move out. Our role in helping the families during the initial search process is to ask ALL the right questions and think ahead of possible care needs. We always want to make sure we help the families choose the best and most appropriate care facility.

Services often include:

• Exterior doors are secured 24 hours a day with keypad entry. Many also include secured courtyards
• Three (3) meals a day
• Private and semi-private rooms
• Medication management including Monitoring and administration
• Personal care, including dressing and bathing
• Housekeeping and laundry
• 24-hour emergency care
• Some medical services
• Specialized activity programs

The primary difference is a Memory Care community is specifically designed for seniors living with Alzheimer's or dementia. They feature safe and secure environments where staff can closely monitor the health of the residents.

You'll also find programs, activities, and events that are designed to help memory care residents work on their cognitive abilities, while also getting to enjoy passions and hobbies. Staff typically are specially trained to provide the quality care needed for seniors with memory loss.

• Private and semi-private rooms
• Nutritious meals and snacks
• Activity programs
• Personal care and hygiene
• Companionship and conversation
• Housekeeping and gardening
• Beautician/barber and nail care

Yes! Specialty Care can include:

• 24-hour specialized care
• Dementia/Alzheimer’s
• Stroke and Diabetes care
• Rehabilitation services
• Home doctor visits
• Palliative care and hospice
• Assistance with/or administering medication
• Respite Care

In Thurston County alone there are more than 200 adult family homes. Generally, there are two kinds of AFH’s:  

1. Houses that were remodeled to meet the licensing criteria to become AFH’s.
2. Houses that were built specifically to be AFH’s. Those tend to be bigger, larger hallways – dining area – rooms – shower rooms, most rooms have a private bathroom and social/activities rooms.

Respite care is an option for you or your loved one to stay in a community for a short stay so they are safe and cared for by professionals. The room is typically fully furnished making the move quick and easy.

The benefit of a respite stay is to give the primary caregiver a much-needed break and it also allows the senior the opportunity to experience community life without a big move or long-term commitment.

• Allows an opportunity for a “trial stay” to see if it’s a good fit.
• Can be a quick solution for urgent placement.
• Allows extra time during rehabilitation it’s safe to return home.
• Increases Social Engagement.
• Provides Assistance and Support.
• Allows Family Caregivers to Maintain a Sense of Identity.