By Lillian Young
Kin On
Imagine an aging loved one who is still mentally and physically capable, but cannot manage all of the tasks of independent living. He or she may not require the services of a nursing home but may want help with some daily activities, such as cooking, housekeeping, and transportation. Indeed, local and national surveys indicate that seniors prefer to stay at home for as long as possible, rather than moving from place to place as they age. Assisted living facilities accommodate the aging population by providing safety and appropriate methods of care, while allowing a high degree of independence in a safe and socially stimulating environment.
In order to adapt to the rapidly-changing economic and healthcare environment, Kin On is in the process of completing the final phase of its capital expansion to offer housing options with personalized support services so that seniors can healthily and happily “age in place”.
“The new project will fulfill a need that is growing in the community,” said Steven Liang, Kin On Supportive Housing Director. “We have a vision to create a vibrant, healthy, and independent community and we want our residents to feel happy, secure, and comfortable in the aging process.”
Kin On seeks to create more options for seniors and families through culturally-sensitive, affordable housing with services, and offering a comprehensive continuum of care no matter where one is in his or her life stage and aging process.
As the traditional ideas of aging services are being revamped and challenged, how people age is up to the individual preferences. Liang believes Kin On can be a shining example in the community and the among our industry peers.
To Liang, it is both challenging and rewarding to be involved in long-term care. Coming from a background in housing management, he has the experience and knowledge to help create this new service at Kin On.
“We face many challenges such as funding shortage, changes in policies, and the demands of the market and consumers,” he said. “I am hoping to bring new ideas and fresh perspective on the industry.”
The project includes a 20-unit assisted living apartments with shared dining and activity spaces, and an adult family home featuring six private rooms with private baths, a shared kitchen, dining, and living room area, and access to a universal caretaker, 24-hours a day. Residents of the assisted living apartments and adult family home can also access the myriad of healthy living activities in the community center on the Kin On campus.
Liang sees a future of choices and options. He believes current residents and future residents will be able to tailor their care exactly the way they want it, and Kin On will continue to provide excellent care to the community.
“We envision Kin On to be the preferred destination for Asian seniors in the greater Seattle area,” he said.
Located adjacent to the existing Kin On Rehab & Care Center in Columbia City of South Seattle, the new assisted living apartments and the adult family home are expected to open fall of 2018.
About Kin On Assisted Living Facility and Adult Family Home
The Assisted Living Facility will enable residents to maintain their privacy while providing communal options for socializing and gathering. Socialization within this small community is encouraged, as communal meals will be provided in a community room that is designated for activities, visitation, and taking meals as a group. If residents desire more opportunities to socialize or learn, they will have easy access to the Community Center, due to the user-friendly set-up of the aging-friendly campus. The Assisted Living Facility will best benefit those who desire a limited degree of personalized care.
The Adult Family Home will be inspired by The Green House Project which was created in 2003 by Dr. Bill Thomas. As of February 2015, there were 174 completed Green House homes on 40 campuses in 27 states, with another 186 in development. “The Green House concept is widely recognized as the most comprehensive effort to reinvent the nursing home,” according to the New York Times. A Green House home is created to mirror the same feeling and experience someone receives from living in their own home. It is warm and personal due to the small number of elders living in the home. Each individual has the comfort of private rooms and bathrooms but also the family-like atmosphere of open common spaces. Again, if residents desire more opportunities to socialize or learn, they will have easy access to the Community Center.
