Era Living

The Lakeshore is hands down the perfect environment for my Father. He's happy, safe and enjoying his new home. I'm grateful for the wonderful resources provided by A Place for Mom and the awesome staff of The Lakeshore.

After living in the area for several years, and having relatives who lived in the University House, getting to know the staff and many of people who live here. Knowing the activities and the many good things this place has to offer, makes my arrival like "Coming Home".

My mother has been a resident of University House Issaquah for one year. She loves her new home and is delighted with the employees. Everyone is helpful, cheerful, and very kind. Each and every time I visit, it is a joy. Every person at the front desk is open, welcoming and very warm. I would highly recommend University House to anyone looking for a very special place for their parent.

Aljoya has been a wonderfully warm and welcoming community for not only my mother, who suffers from dementia and even at the beginning of her residency could not remember people’s names and how to get from one place to another, but also for us, her family. As an only child I was concerned about my mother continuing to live by herself. I knew that, although I was with her frequently and doing things with her, I could not possibly give her the care and activities I knew she would need. Mom and I had visited other retirement communities and mom was very adamant that she did not like their environments or décor. For my own part, I wasn't very encouraged about either what we'd seen or by my mother's reaction. One day, after our weekly routine of shopping at Northgate, mom suggested we visit Aljoya. We made an appointment and the moment we walked in mom smiled, breathed in the aroma of the espresso in the Bistro and said “This is it!” She was of course very impressed by the elegance in the décor and the bright warm colors. (She often complained that most of the other facilities were depressing in colors etc.) What impressed me the most were the employees. To this day, 2 ½ years later, the employees are the most amazing group of people of all ages who always have a smile, who greet everyone by name and enthusiastically always try to do something to help residents and visiting family members. The Wellness center, headed by Annie Atienza R.N., who is our number one “Angel,” as my mother calls her, and all of her staff have become an extension of our family. They monitor mother daily and all of her vitals and are sure not only to watch over medical needs but also her psychological and emotional needs. It is clear that Eli and Rebecca Almo and their amazing son, Jacob, have approached the creation of their facility as though they were creating a home for one of their own family members. They have not overlooked a single detail, from the outstanding staff that they hire and train to the smallest details of fresh flowers on the dining room tables to bowls of fresh fruit available to the residents as they wander throughout the complex. The Almos are an extremely caring family, who are concerned about their residents from the day they walk in to the days that follow as some residents become more frail or ill. They have been a huge and very responsive support system to my family. I truly do not know what I would do or where I would have been able to turn in these recent months as my mother has continued to decline. At Aljoya the Almos have created a positive caring community. From those who work there to the other residents who live there, Aljoya has provided a welcoming neighborhood that surrounds my mother with life, love and caring. In many respects, giving up living "on her own" in her later years has been a gain and a blessing, not an ever increasing struggle. It has in fact brought her new comforts, new security and a new environment of great beauty. Because of Aljoya, the staff and the Almos my mother will be able to live her last days in a warm and friendly atmosphere with exceptional nursing care and surrounded by her own personal possessions and family by her side. We can’t thank everyone enough for all that they do every day and what they have done these past 2 ½ years.

After my mom passed away several years ago, my dad grew more and more isolated living alone in their home. When we'd visit, he'd take us to Lilly's for breakfast and show off all of the amenities that Aljoya had to offer, and would introduce us to the friendly staff who always greeted him so warmly. We could tell he wanted to live there, and he just needed a little help figuring out how to make it happen, which we ultimately did. He joined the community just in time. For the first year he was really happy and fairly independent, but later on, as his health began to decline, he was able to get the increased levels of support that he needed. The staff were always trustworthy, patient, gracious, supportive, informative and communicative. I have the highest regard for the organization, the staff, and the quality of service and care that they provide.

Was very pleased with this place. It is presently on the top of my list for dad. I think he will be satisfied here too.

I have taken the tour with my mother and was very impressed with the quality of the condos (layout, kitchen, bathroom). She liked the access to the pool and all the different activities. Lilly's restaurant service and food was outstanding, fresh and local. Employees very friendly and energetic too

My husband and I have been at Aljoya Mercer Island for a little over an year and we enjoy it very much! No more lawn mowing, cooking for dinner, figure out repairs etc. Being gluten intolerant (Celiac) is not easy but Chef Jonathan with his crew keeps me from having gluten reactions. Our kitchen prepares dinners that we all can eat. The menu with Healthy Choices, Daily Specials and lots of other choices is quite divers. We get 25 dinners included in our monthly dues. We have daily exercise classes, lectures and always something to do. Transportation is available too. Mercer Island is a small town and we can enjoy walking to stores and neighboring parks etc.

I have lived in Aljoya Mercer Island since it opened in September, 2008. I moved here from Boston because one of my sons lives with his family on the Island. In my opinion, there are three criteria to consider in choosing a Senior Living Residence (SLR). The first is the physical aspects of the building containing the resident apartments and the associated amenities, such as the dining area, pool, theatre, conference rooms, garage, etc. The second are the rules and regulations that determine the day-by-day operations. The third, and to me, the most important, are the human resources, comprising the managerial staff and the service employees. I believe that on all three counts, Aljoya rates an Excellent. However, it is possible and even probable that there are a number of SLRs that rank highly on the first criterion; good architectural design is prevalent and makes itself apparent. But when we come to the second and third components, that’s where Aljoya shines most brightly. The bottom line is that I appreciate being taken good care of. I look forward every day to a dinner menu that has variety and good food (I make my own breakfast and lunch), to a varied social program, including bus trips-- and I even found a number of good bridge partners-- to getting fast response to requests for apartment repairs (fortunately, all minor so far), and to top flight medical care when needed. In conclusion, this is the place to be.

I am glad to share the incredible joy the Mercer Island Aljoya family gave me, my father, and my brother and sister during the last year and a half of his life. My father passed away peacefully in his Aljoya residence on August 31st, with his family by his bedside. He was 84 years old. About two years earlier we had become very worried about his health and safety. He was living alone in his home of thirty years. He was afflicted with Parkinson's disease, and had fallen several times. His ability to manage day to day living was becoming more and more difficult, including hygiene, cooking, and driving to doctors’ appointments or the market. It was worrisome for me, as I live nearby and was always wondering if he was ok. Television became his only pastime. We started exploring options, and a friend recommended Aljoya. She was a resident at Aljoya Mercer Island and LOVED it there. My father did NOT want to move, but was willing to at least take a look. Long story short, we convinced him to sell his house and move to Mercer Island Aljoya. What a gorgeous, bright, beautiful, spotless place to be! Their mission statement and compassion is embodied by every single person that works there. He socialized, took trips, went shopping, exercised, and loved to play bocci ball. He really enjoyed dining with friends at Lily's, and the food was spectacular. My father had a two bedroom residence, so my sister could bring her dog Jake and stay with my father. His residence looked out at a beautiful garden. It was safe, comfortable, and peaceful. My father was very kind, loving, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was able to share those qualities with those around him, and it made his life complete. Everyone at Aljoya went above and beyond any expectations. When my father had a stroke his wishes were to not be kept alive artificially. We took him home to Aljoya to his residence, and for a week lived there while my father passed. It seemed as one big family took care of us, and my dad. I cannot thank the Mercer Island Aljoya family enough for the quality of my fathers’ life, and the kindness and comfort given in his death. Every stereotype of a retirement community is shattered by Aljoya. I will be one of their most vocal champions, as will the rest of my family.

I visited this facility in January, 2014. They have all the bells & whistles for anyone who can afford it. Very clean, spacious, and lots of amenities. Natasha was a very gracious hostess who candidly answered all my questions.

The staff is extremely friendly and they know all the residents by name. The community is very clean. It seems like the staff members really care about their community and the residents. There are always residents moving around within the community, playing cards, reading the paper or just talking. The atmosphere is just a lot better then the other communities we toured.

My mom was familiar with University House Issaquah and it is close to where I live, so those were the two primary decisions in choosing here. They offer a lot of activities to the residents, plus they have memory care assist.

TOP CHOICE. Very Urban/Modern - just what dad would love! Lots of access to outside activities!

The staff members are very caring, supportive and really invested in the care they provide for the residents. The facility is beautiful and well kept.

there is a good system of having a mentor for a new resident. My mentor called me and I have called her a few times. But after a month here I have not met her. Others are friendly but because of pandemic it is hard to make friends.

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.

My Mom has been there for about a year now. they were very understanding to what she needed and helped her (and me) get a new 'normal' established. I cannot say enough good things about the Front Desk Staff! they have been invaluable for me. When I come in to visit they are a wealth of information about where my mom is and how she is doing that day. Any place where large numbers of people live is going to have challenges but the cleaning and maintenance staff are on the ball when problems happen. I was there recently when they had a fire drill and as someone who runs those for a large company myself I was very pleased with the staff's communication, efficiency, and most importantly commitment to the drill. Well done. The several times I have eaten there the food has been excellent and the wait staff patient and attentive. Great job all around.

We toured this community for the care for both my mom and dad. The staff was helpful and caring. The community was clean and the menu looked appealing. We liked the list of activities that are offered to the residents. We would suggest that families your this community for care for a loved one.

This is a note to thank [Removed] for service ABOVE AND BEYOND the call of duty! Please ask her boss to give her a big raise :-) On New Year's Eve, my husband and I brought my 89-yr-old mom for her first visit. First, we were treated to a wonderful lunch, and then [Removed] took us on a tour so that mom could see the place (it's gorgeous, especially with the HUGE Christmas tree in the foyer!). [Removed] spent all afternoon patiently showing us various rooms, and then helped us get mom settled into one of the guest suites where she was going to stay overnight. Well, the bed was too high for mom (4-10", 90 lbs), and she aggravated her already-wrenched back trying to sit up on it. She was in great pain and getting pretty upset, and I thought we were going to have to give up and just take her home. Next thing I knew, [Removed] had literally kicked off her high heels, and was down on the floor taking the bed apart! She and my husband were able to take the frame off and put the bed on the floor, making it the perfect height for mom! She decided to spend the night after all, and [Removed] arranged to have one of the residents to pick her up and escort her to dinner, which she enjoyed very much. Phew!! I couldn't believe it worked out after all, thanks to [Removed] willingness to try whatever it took! (Mind you, this was supposed to be an independent overnight stay, not a free assisted living experience!) We are on the waiting list now and mom is looking forward to moving in! THANKS SO MUCH!!! [Removed]