University House Wallingford

It's awesome. It is expensive but is a great value for the money. My loved one is very active, and the prograamming is amazing at Univeristy House. They have art, field trips and a fitness center. The interior is gorgeous, and they have alot of units. It felt more like a condo or a house to my loved one. The community liason was amazing, helpful and kind. The people are very warm and inviting. It was hands down our favorite.

By means of introduction, I am a health care provider; specialty in geriatric rehab. I have practiced 35 plus years (three states including WA) allowing me an opportunity to work in different settings. This includes: home health (working with people in their home environment), long term care (nursing homes), assisted living facilities (ALF) and independent retirement communities (University House). During this span I have encountered varying degrees of quality of care in all settings including issues of concern needing immediate action. When found in such situations, I facilitated the needed corrective action. With this exposure, when I am in an ideal environment, it stands out, above the others. This is the University House. My husband and I live out of state. We have the opportunity to visit his father 3-4/year. My father in law has resided here at the University House since 2014. Most recently, while we were visiting, my father in law required emergency care-twice in three days. Once the nurse was contacted, she was at the apt within five minutes and remained until EMS arrived. At the same time, housekeeping was needed and was helping, again within five minutes of notification. First incident time of occurrence: 10:30 pm. At all times each person who assisted us was respectful and treated my father in law and us with dignity. This includes verbal and non verbal communication. As we have been in and out of the facility the last six years, staying with my father in law, we immediately become part of the environment. This allows ongoing interaction with everyone. This includes: housekeeping, nursing staff, food services, administration. No matter who we are working with, there is an immediate response to address the issue. At all times (since [date removed]), we have been treated with dignity and respect. We are encouraged to contact the staff. As my husband and I live out of state,this presents it's own stress-wanting to be at hand when needed. The communication with the staff from nursing to the executive director, is transparent. At all times, the approach is problem solving, working to set the resident for success. What is also endearing to my husband and myself is that the residents know us. We are welcomed-with an open invitation each time we visit- to join the early morning coffee group. We know we are accepted when we are teased. It has been heartwarming to be so readily welcomed. In closing, it is in light of my profession. I would create a position of employment to work at the University House addressing the unique needs of the residents. It would be such, that for those who make the decisions, the only decision would be yes.

We love University House! My parents lived there together for six years (2004-2010) and then my mother lived there for six years after my father passed away (2010-2016). I often visited my mom. I stayed in her apartment, ate meals with her in the dining room, played ping-pong with her, attended lectures and shows, borrowed books from their (fabulous) library, went on all the various music and cultural trips and walks. I often wandered down the first floor hallways to see the interesting and various works of art on the walls. (They have wonderful and regular Art Openings for very interestingly-themed photos and paintings.) The neighborhood is great as well - lots of restaurants, a big grocery store, a Bartell's Drug Store, a library, ice-cream shops, a dry cleaner, and a fun Thrift Shop. There is a nice park nearby for walking as well. This is all within a few blocks. We developed many relationships with other residents; it felt like family. And it still does. My mother died two years ago, and we still visit University House to see the folks we have come to love!

We toured this community for the care. The staff is caring and friendly. The community is beautiful with a nice feeling when you arrived. We liked the activities and the menu. The care at this community has a lot to offer. We would suggest that families tour the community for the care that is needed

They did well with getting my loved ones in quickly when they needed a place to go. I think they have done well with making them feel welcomed and the residents have been welcoming and inviting also. The only thing I think they can improve on is that setting up their cable TV took a while.

Twelve years ago, while still very active, my parents chose to sell their home and move into the University House at Wallingford. At that time my Mom wasn't sure she wanted to make the switch. But within no time, she was sure they had made the right decision. They loved and took advantage of many of the activities. They became involved in a number of committees, which introduced them to other residents who became close and long term friends. They loved the choice of their dining program. And the staff, especially the dining room staff. grew to be like part of the family. Calls to them usually involved them keeping us up to date with the lives of all their new "grandchildren". One concern they had when they moved in was that they would no longer be able to host the family holiday dinners. University House solved that family problem quickly by always being ready to cater dinners, buffets, events right at the facility. Not always easy as they have ranged in sixe from 15-150 people. But they have always provided beautiful meals and friendly, helpful service. The apartments are very comfortable and well kept, as are the main areas of the building. When I come from out of state and stay in the apartment I always feel welcome and at home. It also gives us comfort to know that this facility is one of the "emergency/disaster" centers in the Seattle area. It is good to know that even for an unplanned event, they are the safest spot. Last year we lost our mother. During the last of her life the University House offered us options for multiple levels of care when she needed it. In her last days of hospice she was visited by some of her "kids" that had either graduated from school and left University House employment or still worked there. They had truly become family. She loved them. My father still lives at University House. He works out in the gym facilities 2-3 times a week. Helps on committees, and has enjoyed the comfort of friends as he has transitioned to being single again. He continues to think moving to the UH was one of the best decisions he ever made. Unfortunately I do not live in Seattle, but I hope that when it is finally to "retire" that I can find a place as enjoyable as the University House at Wallingford.

My family had a very positive experience with University House. My mother lived there for four years and was able to thrive as she transitioned from fully independent living to assisted support. The staff was excellent from the folks in the dining area, the wellness center group and especially the Life Enrichment team. For us the highlight was the activity programs offered. Programs from speakers, to art showings, to social get togethers. My mom especially enjoyed the 'outings' to parks, museums and general sightseeing. As my mom’s memory needs changed, the Life Enrichment team stepped up and offered custom programs for small groups that encouraged my mom to maintain her independence as she worked to stay engaged with others. The personal touch from these amazing professionals will always be remembered and I cannot say enough how they helped my mom and my family.

Leaving a home after 20-plus years is never easy, but University House has made it possible for my parents to move forward with excitement and enthusiasm. The beautiful surroundings, the library filled to overflowing, the great food and supportive service. There are so many things to recommend this retirement facility. But the best thing, and the one that can't be easily replicated, is the people. University House is a community that welcomes newcomers and is rich in knowledge and experience.

My experience here had been pretty well. I feel comfortable there at University House. The staff is great, very responsive. The food is pretty good. I give it an 8 out of 10. They offer lots of activities, in fact, I just got back from going on a hike near Lake Washington. Those type of activities are offered three times a week. They also have all sorts of programs to offer, such as book programs, movies, and discussion groups. University House Wallingford is expensive, but worth it if you can afford it.

I talked to these people. I decided it was too expense for us and that the room size was too small.

Good Walkable neighborhood. Residents are sociable & like the art and actvities & lectures.