The New Old Age

The Caroline Kline Galland Home

7500 Seward Park Ave S, Seward Park, 206-725-8800; klinegalland.org

What You Get A top-ranked, nonprofit, skilled nursing facility originally built in 1914 at the behest of Bavarian-born founder and lifelong Seattle philanthropist Caroline Kline Galland. From its initial seven-person accommodations, the Lake Washington–view home has grown to include 205 beds. Unique for its dedication to the city’s Jewish community, Kline Galland provides uncommon perks like Orthodox services, holiday celebrations, and all-kosher menus drawn from Jewish culinary traditions. For Hanukkah several menorahs burn nightly and residents sing prayers and festive songs and play dreidel. Kosher treats include latkes (fried potato pancakes served with sour cream and applesauce), and sufganiyot (jelly donuts). But no one is excluded: Gentiles, though a minority, also find a warm welcome. Both short- and long-term treatment is possible, including hospital rehab and end-of-life and cognitive care. Most permanent residents have multiple chronic illnesses, making vigilant care a necessity.

Who It’s For Seniors who want the best in care and creature comforts while remaining faithful to their traditions and the teachings of Judaism.

Why I Work Here David Brumer, director of social services and 12-year KG veteran, says, “The Jewish component was very important to me. The rewards, the unexpected delights are getting a chance to meet people with this wealth of experience who have survived world wars and The Depression and are incredibly accomplished individuals. I’ve met some of the most amazing people.”

Cost $280 daily, no entrance fee (accepts Medicare and Medicaid)

Emerald Hills Family Home

431 12th Pl N, Edmonds, 425-775-0381

What You Get The charcoal gray, single-family jewel tucked in the Edmonds view-home development Emerald Hills ropes in residents with spectacular Olympic Mountain and evergreen vistas. The owner, Jenica Vartolomeu, opened it in May 2008, after remodeling all 2,500 square feet of the upper floor. She widened hallways, installed tile roll-in showers, and dark mahogany hardwood floors for “safety and pleasure.” Residents enjoy the view from the warm, sunny wheelchair-accessible deck that spans the length of the house. Expansive picture windows lend an airy tranquility to rooms with green-apple and butter-yellow walls. But the heart of the home is the open, family-style kitchen and dining room. Boarders watch and sometimes pitch in while caregiver Simona prepares all-organic meals from scratch, rotating faves like pasta and meatballs, fish-and-chips, and roast beef. Sometimes they even borrow resident Ann Ahrens’s favorite recipes.

Twice weekly an activities pro leads Sit and Be Fit exercises, singing, and bingo. But the entertainment highlights remain games of Crazy Eights and spoiling the home’s beloved pup, Scruffy. The Hills welcomes all residents and their family members for regular birthday and holiday celebrations. Last year’s summer birthday party-slash-Fourth of July bash drew 63 revelers. Vartolomeu lives on site (the downstairs is her home) and brings 27 years of caregiving experience—14 served in a military hospital in Romania and 13 years stateside.

Who It’s For Those who like the home-sweet-home environment that comes with fewer residents, personalized, custom care, and an open-door policy for family.

Why I Live Here Ann Ahrens, mother of four and retired nurse of 31 years, says, “It’s so clean and homey, and I love the scenery. It’s just lovely; that’s all there is to it.”

Cost $4,000–$6,500 monthly, no entrance fee

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Published: December 2009