Don is a flesh-and-blood example of what it means to live in a “community like no other.” One of our senior residents, he is deeply invested in the lives of his friends and neighbors. As a master craftsman, he leads classes at the woodshop for other residents and King’s Schools students. He inspires others to get involved and regularly works on projects that will benefit his fellow residents at CRISTA Senior Living. Whether it’s creating an upholstered footstool for a heart patient needing to elevate his feet or refinishing a table or chair, he will take nothing for what he generously contributes. As he works, he will often lead prayer for someone in need or lend a listening ear. Don has learned how to use his hands and his heart to bless other people.
This vibrant community gives as good as it gets, too. When Don recently lost his wife, he was surrounded and helped by the very people he so willingly serves and calls both neighbors and friends. “This community means so much to me,” states Don. “These are the best friends I’ve ever had.”
With services ranging from independent living to skilled nursing facilities, and a passion to bring joy and purpose to the lives of seniors, CRISTA Senior Living indeed provides “community like no other.”
In the past year, we have increased these services in several ways. Our recently opened Outpatient Therapy Clinic offers new therapy options to residents and others in the community alike. We established nine “flex” apartments at Crista Shores, which accommodate couples that need a combination of independent and assisted living services, allowing them to maximize their time together. A Respite Program was added in our assisted living community in Shoreline. This is a critical resource for families needing a break from caring for a loved one at home, or for allowing more time for recovery after a hospital stay or illness. It can also provide for a smoother transition from our nursing center back into an independent living setting. CRISTA Senior Living introduced a “Living Legacy” program, demonstrating Christ’s compassion by providing practical assistance and sensitive care to residents and families dealing with end-of-life issues. We expanded our intergenerational programs, allowing seniors to impart their wisdom and life experience by engaging with students from King’s Schools and Seattle Urban Academy.
We served 1,055 residents last year who, in turn, invested 7,658 volunteer hours. Ten of our residents ran a non-profit support group for faith-based volunteers around the world. Nearly fifty residents served food to the mentally ill homeless through the Ballard Ecumenical Ministries. We raised $283,930 to provide financial aid to 12 low-income residents. CRISTA Senior Living provided 30,175 days of care to DSHS residents through the Medicaid program. Last year, 371 community service and faith-based meetings occurred in our facilities which accommodated 13,825 resident and non-resident attendees.
CRISTA Senior Living invests in the lives of seniors so that they can invest in the lives of others.