What to Look for When Choosing Assisted Living in Clarkston or Lewiston
Choosing an assisted living community for yourself or a loved one is an important decision. If you’re comparing assisted living options in Clarkston, Washington, or Lewiston, Idaho, look beyond the apartment itself. Consider the level of care, staffing, safety, meals, activities, location, and how well the community can adapt as a resident’s needs change.
1. Personalized Care
One of the first things to ask is how the community determines the amount of assistance each resident needs.
At Evergreen Estates, assisted living residents receive a pre-admission nursing assessment designed to evaluate their abilities and determine whether they can live safely in the community. After move-in, the assessment is continually updated during the first 14 days and used to develop an individualized care plan.
This is especially important for someone who needs assistance with everyday activities such as medication management, nutrition, dressing, or bathing.
2. 24-Hour Staffing and Safety
Ask what kind of help is available at night and what happens during an emergency.
Evergreen Estates provides trained, awake staff 24 hours a day, along with an emergency call pendant system and emergency pull cords. The building also includes fire sprinklers and smoke and heat detectors, with its fire panel connected to the local fire department and a monitoring company.
3. Access to Medical Care
Location can become increasingly important as healthcare needs change. Consider how close the community is to physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, and other medical services.
Evergreen Estates is located at 1215 Evergreen Court in Clarkston on the TriState Health campus, providing convenient access to nearby medical services. Transportation is also available for medical appointments on the TriState Health campus.
4. Medication Assistance
If your parent or loved one takes several medications, find out exactly how the assisted living community handles them.
At Evergreen Estates, medication management is included in the basic rent charges. Nursing staff provide medication assistance according to physician orders and under the oversight of the Director of Nursing.
5. Meals and Everyday Services
Assisted living should make everyday life easier, so ask what’s actually included in the monthly apartment rate.
Evergreen Estates provides three meals each day, snacks and refreshments, weekly housekeeping and linen changes, personal laundry services, utilities, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and telephone service. Residents also have access to amenities including a library, movie theater, courtyard and beautician services.
6. Activities and Social Opportunities
Quality of life is about more than healthcare. Look for a community that gives residents opportunities to stay active, meet people, and participate in activities they enjoy.
Evergreen Estates provides scheduled activities throughout the day. Residents and families describe activities such as games, crafts and movies, as well as opportunities to make friends and become part of the community.
7. Apartment Choices and Comfort
Before choosing a community, tour several apartment options and think about what will make the resident comfortable long term.
Evergreen Estates offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Depending on the apartment, features can include a walk-in shower, kitchenette, walk-in closet, patio or deck, washer and dryer hookups, and natural light.
8. Understand the Full Monthly Cost
When comparing assisted living communities in the Lewis-Clark Valley, don’t compare only the advertised apartment price. Ask what’s included and how additional care charges are calculated.
At Evergreen Estates, assisted living costs consist of the apartment rent plus an additional nursing-care charge based on the resident’s assessment. The nursing assessment helps establish a personalized care plan and determines the assisted living add-on rate.
9. Ask What Happens if Care Needs Change
A resident’s needs today may be different a year from now. Ask whether care plans can change and whether additional levels of care are available.
Evergreen Estates continually evaluates assisted living needs and adjusts care plans accordingly. The community also offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and a Secure Memory Care Unit, providing options for different levels of support. Its Memory Care Unit provides specialized care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-related conditions.
Take a Tour Before Making a Decision
One of the best ways to choose assisted living in Clarkston or Lewiston is to visit the community in person. Pay attention to how staff interact with residents, cleanliness, apartment layouts, dining areas, activities, safety features, and whether the environment feels comfortable and welcoming.
Evergreen Estates encourages prospective residents and families to schedule a private tour and also offers a free nursing assessment to help determine individual assisted living needs.