Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re searching for answers for yourself or for a new approach to quality care for a loved one, this is a great place to start. We invite you to explore the accommodations and services at Park Shore, your neighborhood resource for senior care services in Seattle. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the services we provide.

Levels of Service

Q. What senior care services do you offer?

A. Park Shore offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing care – all tailored to deliver a customized plan for changes over time to meet each resident’s evolving needs and lifestyle preferences.

Q. What assisted living amenities and services do you offer?

A. Assisted living at Park Shore is characterized by a distinctive combination of individualized care, warm surroundings and professional expertise. Those who choose our community will enjoy a private studio or one-bedroom residence, and are assured of ongoing wellness evaluations and levels of care that address their specific needs. Our licensed, compassionate staff members are available to assist with daily tasks, while wide-ranging services and amenities provide the time and opportunity to enjoy the things that matter most. Direct admittance with no entrance fee to assisted living is available.

Q. How will I know which level of care is appropriate for me or my loved one?

A. Finding the right level of care for you or your loved one is at the heart of everything we do. Prior to move-in, a wellness evaluation will be completed by a licensed health care provider to determine which level of care will meet the individual's specific needs and desires.

Q. What if I or my loved one needs more assistance than what is provided in assisted living?

A. Skilled Nursing offers residents’ comprehensive round-the-clock licensed care in private suites, including regular wellness evaluations. Whether the need is for more hands-on assistance with routine activities or rehabilitation services such as physical, speech or occupational therapies, Skilled Nursing provides a high level of clinical care to ensure each individual’s needs are met, and provides peace of mind for those who love them.

Dining Services

Q. I like my own cooking. May I cook in my apartment?

A. The apartments at Park Shore are equipped with kitchenettes that include cabinets, a refrigerator, a sink, a microwave, and a two-burner stove top.  Assisted Living kitchenettes are equipped the same amenities with the exception of stove tops.

Q. What meals are offered in the dining room?

A. Breakfast, lunch and dinner – 7 days a week

Q. Is room service available?

A. Yes, room service is available at no charge if you are ill or at any other time for a small fee.  

Q. Can I invite friends or family to a meal?

A. We encourage residents to invite guests for meals. You may have their meal charged to your account or pay for it at the front desk. We have a Private Dining Room available for larger groups.

Q. Can I arrange to have a special event catered in the Private Dining Room?

A. Yes, you may, by contacting the Dining Services Director to discuss costs, menus, and service. Arrangements must be made at least two weeks in advance. Residents may also arrange to have special meals catered to their apartment.

Q. Do you accommodate special diets?

A. Yes. Doctor’s orders for special diets or food preferences should be discussed with the Dining Services Director.

About the Organization

Q. What is the business structure of Park Shore?

A. Park Shore is a continuing care retirement community and is a non-profit Washington corporation IRC Sect. 501 (c)(3).

Q. Who owns Park Shore?

A. Presbyterian Retirement Communities Northwest (PRCN), which has been operating since 1956, owns and operates Exeter House and Park Shore. PRCN is a non-profit Washington corporation IRC Sect. 501 (c)(3).

Q. Do I have to be Presbyterian to live at Park Shore?

A. Park Shore welcomes people of all faiths and beliefs. Our residents have diverse backgrounds and religious affiliations. We have a full-time chaplain who conducts non-denominational Vespers services on Sundays. Inter-faith discussion groups and Bible studies are also offered. The chaplain is available for private consultations, prayers, discussions or spiritual guidance.

Resident Life

Q. What’s the average age of people living at Park Shore?

A. People range in age from 62 to 90+. 

Q. Are the Residents involved in the operation of Park Shore?

A. Yes, we are resident driven. There are committees in the Residents’ Association, which cover all phases of life at Park Shore from social activities and dining services to maintenance and housekeeping. 

The Residents’ Association also has an elected representative in attendance at PRCN Board meetings.

Q. What is the Resident Council?

A. The Resident Council manages the business of the Residents’ Association and consists of elected officers as well as committee chairpersons for: Program Coalition, Religious Activities, Bulletin Board and Historian, Dining Services, Hospitality and Floor Representatives, Country Store Sales, Library, Health Care, Maintenance and Housekeeping, Nominating and Finance.

This Council meets monthly and works diligently to provide an avenue of information and cooperation between the residents and management, enhancing the enjoyment of retirement living at Park Shore.

Q. Can Park Shore residents have pets?

A. Yes. Small pets (birds, fish, cats) are welcome. Dogs may reside in ground floor apartments at Park Shore. A non-refundable pet deposit is required. Pets must be in good health, and pet owners must provide documentation of such. 

Making the Move

Q. How do I know if it’s the right time to move?

A. Each person, in a very personal sense, will know when it is time to move. Many of our residents tell us they wish they had moved sooner. The best time to make a move is while your energy level is up to the challenge and your quality of life is such that you can enjoy all that Park Shore has to offer. Perhaps you would enjoy talking with one of our current residents about their decision. Once you decide to make the move to Park Shore, our marketing staff will work closely with you to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Q. How do I fit all my belongings into my new home?

A. Given that most of our residents move to Park Shore from larger homes, it may not be possible to bring all your belongings with you. Many residents find that it is helpful to have a floor plan of their new apartment, which will allow them to decide what items to bring. Resources are available to help you plan your move from deciding what items to bring, to packing and moving, to unpacking and arranging your space. We also have contacts to help you sell your home, antiques and artwork.

Q. Is there a guest apartment at Park Shore?

A. Yes. Park Shore has guest apartments that are furnished like hotel rooms. Residents can make reservations for their guests with the receptionist at the front desk.

Q. Do I have control over the heating and cooling of my apartment?

A. Yes. There is a thermostat in each room for the heat as well as individual air conditioning units with their own controls in the windows (optional). Our windows are all screened. 

Q. Is smoking allowed?

A. Park Shore is a non-smoking facility. 

Financial Security

Q. What happens if I outlive my savings?

A. We ask prospective residents to complete a financial application prior to admission. Based on the contract a resident chooses at the time of admission and based on the organization’s ability to supplement a person’s income, Presbyterian Retirement Communities Northwest may provide financial assistance to residents who, through no fault of their own, have outlived their savings.

Q. What is the PRCN Foundation?

A. The PRCN Foundation manages fundraising efforts for Park Shore supporting six different funds: the Resident Support Fund; Special Projects Fund; Community Outreach Fund; Employee Education Fund; Endowment Fund; and General Fund.

Application Process

Q. Do I have to tell anyone about my personal finances?

A. Yes. When you fill out the application we ask for your monthly income and assets to determine if you are financially eligible for admission.

This information is kept confidential and only Managers that review and approve admissions (Executive Director and/or Administrator, Director of Business Services and Marketing staff) have access to this information.

Park Shore does not share your personal information with any other organization or entity.

Q. Am I required to have a health exam before moving to Park Shore?

A. We ask that your primary care doctor complete a Physician’s Health Statement. 

Fees & Services

Q. Do I have to pay an entrance fee?

A. Park Shore offers month-to-month rentals on studio apartments with no entrance fee required. One and two bedroom apartments require an entrance fee.

Q. What are the monthly fees?

A. Monthly charges for each apartment and person are based on the size and amenities of the apartment selected as well as our actual costs for labor, utilities and food. These rates increase annually depending on the cost of doing business.

Q. What is included in the monthly fee?

A. Three meals a day, utilities, weekly linen service, weekly housekeeping service, telephone service with local calls, emergency call system in the apartments, activities and events at Park Shore are all included.

Q. Do I have to pay for utilities?

A. Utilities are included in the monthly service fees. Long distance phone service, however, is extra and will be billed to you on your monthly statement.

Q. Is cable TV included in the monthly service fee?

A. Basic cable is included in the monthly fee. Premium cable service such as HBO or Showtime may be purchased directly from the cable provider.

Q. What is included in the housekeeping services?

A. Our residents receive weekly housekeeping services. We clean and disinfect the bathroom(s), empty trash, dust & vacuum, clean and polish windows and mirrors, wipe down fixtures, and clean appliances as necessary.

Q. Is there storage available at Park Shore?

A. Yes. Storage lockers are available for an extra charge.

Safety & Security

Q. What security is offered at Park Shore?

A. Park Shore has security cameras monitored by the receptionist at the front desk. Visitors must sign in with the front desk receptionist.

Activities & Fitness

Q. What activities are offered?

A. A wide variety of activities and entertainment is offered. Movies, bus trips, musical concerts, bridge games, billiards, literature and poetry groups, Bible studies and more! 

Q. I’m interested in keeping active. What exercise programs are available?

A. Park Shore has a full spectrum of exercise programs including: flexibility, strength, balance and posture, chair aerobics, senior aerobics, Tai Chi, Yoga, and walking club.

Q. Are there volunteer opportunities available at Park Shore?

A. Yes. There are numerous volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are needed for social events, administrative office work, health center visits, and chapel services. A number of residents volunteer within the community at the Public Library, hospitals, churches, museums and more.

Other

Q. Is Park Shore right for me or my loved one?

A. Only you can decide. Call Stan Saltzberg, Marketing Director, at (206) 720-8217 or contact us online to schedule a personal appointment.