Aljoya Mercer Island, Mercer Island, WA Videos

Advocating for Retirees in Senior Living
We’ve so enjoyed our podcast journey with Suzanne from Answers for Elders! Have a listen to our final snippet, featuring Stefanie Starkovich of the UW Retirement Association. Era Living’s decades-long partnership with UWRA benefits residents through active aging programs and lifelong learning opportunities such as onsite lectures. Members also enjoy priority access to University House Issaquah and University House Wallingford. The entire episode with Stefanie is here: https://answersforelders.com/advocating-for-retirees-in-senior-living/

A Day in the Life at Era Living: Resident Diane Miller
Meet Diane Miller, resident of The Gardens at Town Square (our sister community in Bellevue), who shares her senior living story in our latest podcast. In this snippet, she describes how it was time to make a necessary and positive change given the health-related challenges that can come with age (such as reduced vision and her husband’s dementia). Diane discusses the importance of making decisions early, the welcoming friendliness of both staff and residents, and the many wonderful activities that she participates in. You will hear the rest of Diane’s compelling story by clicking here: https://answersforelders.com/a-day-in-the-life-at-era-living-resident-diane-miller/

How Art Exhibits Enhance Senior Living
Have you ever wondered about the rotating art exhibitions that grace the walls of Era Living communities? In this podcast snippet, June Sekiguchi (artist and curator) discusses these amazing shows (three per year at each of our communities), which feature local artists as well as works from our own residents. We'd love to see you at one of our popular art gala receptions (festive affairs with music, hors d’oeuvres, and wine) where you can mingle with creators, converse about art, and share inspiration. We are proud to support creativity in the lives of our residents, as well as the local arts community. Full episode here: https://answersforelders.com/how-art-exhibits-enhance-senior-living/

Virtual Senior Village: North East Seattle Together
This snippet from our new podcast is all about connections. Featured is Emily Jones, Executive Director of North East Seattle Together (NEST) — a virtual community where neighbors engage with and support one another through the transitions of aging. When NEST established a sponsorship program in 2015, Era Living realized the importance of this organization and signed on at the platinum level. We partner with NEST to present resources helpful to older adults in the form of events, speakers, and workshops, both in our local neighborhoods and in Era Living communities. Have a listen to the full episode here: https://answersforelders.com/virtual-senior-village-north-east-seattle-together/

Enhancing Senior Living: de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging
In this new podcast snippet, Dr. Basia Belza discusses Era Living’s long-standing partnership with the de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging at the University of Washington School of Nursing. One of the highlights of this rewarding relationship is the “Thrive” program (developed by faculty, staff, residents, and students), which focuses on therapeutic wellness environments in our communities. Our shared vison for healthy aging includes: support for the training of nurses knowledgeable about the needs of older adults, aging-related health research, and supporting students who are passionate about working with older adults. Have a listen to the full episode here: https://answersforelders.com/enhancing-senior-living-de-tornyay-center-for-healthy-aging/

Courses and a Career in Senior Living Management
Era Living’s partnership with the Granger Cobb Institute for Senior Living (at WSU), originated from the need to exchange ideas between our industry and academia. Founding Director Nancy Swanger joins our podcast to discuss WSU's innovative curriculum in senior living management and the importance of making a difference in the lives of residents. We are proud to help steer this critical program as it educates future leaders (across a wide variety of disciplines) for successful careers. The entire episode can be found here: https://answersforelders.com/courses-and-a-career-in-senior-living-management/

Era Living's Secret Sauce For Staff Longevity
One of the things we’re most proud of is the longevity of our staff. Today’s podcast clip is from Matt Bromen, Era Living’s Human Resources Director. When asked about the secret sauce to recruiting and retaining great people (often for decades), Matt is focused on the mission and values set forth by our founders, Eli and Rebecca Almo. Era Living staff align with these core ideals: respect, integrity, innovation, improvement, teamwork, and excellence. For the entire episode, please listen here: https://answersforelders.com/era-livings-secret-sauce-for-staff-longevity/

A Day in the Life at Era Living: Resident Shirley Hofmeister
In this snippet from our new podcast, Shirley Hofmeister describes her journey from mom and teacher to happy resident at The Lakeshore (our sister community in South Seattle / Renton). Now, her days are filled with walks, social activities, and friends. One concern of Shirley’s was how to host Thanksgiving; with the availability of special rooms for private events, Shirley is still able to host those wonderful family gatherings. Her advice to seniors considering retirement living is to make the decision early and allow for an easier transition (with the benefit of community and freedom from chores such as cooking and yard work). You can hear more of Shirley's story in the full episode here: https://answersforelders.com/a-day-in-the-life-at-era-living-resident-shirley-hofmeister/

Era Living’s In-House Director of Capital Projects
In-House Director of Capital Projects, Kristina Chalfant, visits the Era Living podcast to discuss how her work focuses on quality of life for residents of our eight retirement communities. Kristina and her team of professionals are responsible for renovation projects, emergency repair, and in general keeping our communities fresh, safe, and clean. Our residents enjoy peace of mind, confident that they no longer have to worry about the many aspects of home maintenance. Click here for the full episode: https://answersforelders.com/era-livings-in-house-director-of-capital-projects/

A Day in the Life at Era Living: Resident Jeanne Luchtel
Jeanne Luchtel and her dog Joyce (a beautiful Golden/Labrador Retriever mix) are residents of Era Living’s Aljoya Mercer Island. When asked about what brought her to this community, Jeanne loved her house, neighbors, and family, but knew it was time to consider a living situation with healthcare elements readily available. She found her perfect apartment, where she and Joyce have easy access to walking opportunities and her friendly, helpful neighbors. Since then, their days are busy, rewarding, and always different. Jeanne even discovered a creative streak after becoming chairperson of the music fund, in charge of planning monthly musical programs. Full episode here: https://answersforelders.com/a-day-in-the-life-at-era-living-resident-jeanne-luchtel/

Executive Director in Training Program
Our new podcast checks in with Susan Vahlkamp to discuss Era Living’s unique “Executive Director in Training Program,” which offers valuable opportunities for career advancement to current employees. Susan took a job at an Era Living dining room right out of college and soon fell in love with senior living, realizing that her business skills would be a great fit for an Executive Director role. She was invited to join this intensive program and was able to work directly with a variety of staff members in multiple departments at different communities, with the goal of understanding the many aspects of how a well-functioning department is run. Today, Susan puts her knowledge to work as the Executive Director of University House Issaquah. We’re so proud that this program has created strong, relatable leaders at our communities. For the entire episode, please listen here: https://answersforelders.com/era-livings-executive-director-in-training-program/

A Day in the Life at Era Living: Resident Said Hitti
Our new podcast visits Mr. Said Hitti of Ida Culver House Broadview, an Era Living community in Seattle’s North End. After a career in economics at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, he moved to Seattle to be near family. Despite knowing little about the area, Said has found his happy home and is even in charge of the bridge club. He especially enjoys speaking with the many highly-educated residents (from disciplines such as academia and business) and hearing of their life experiences. The entire episode can be found here: https://answersforelders.com/a-day-in-the-life-at-era-living-resident-said-hitti/

Key Questions to Ask About Senior Living
Our podcast series continues with the final clip from Tina Hall, our hard-working Business Development Manager. We know how important it is to start planning as early as possible for health issues associated with aging and a possible move to a senior living community. An important part of that process is to ask the right questions. A good place to start is the most recent state survey, which will address operational quality of care. Ask about staff turnover rates, which can reflect better training and great relationships with residents. Also, find out about family involvement in care conferences, meals, and activities. Listen to the full episode for more great questions to ask: https://answersforelders.com/key questions-to-ask-about-senior-living/

Pharmacy Benefits, Health Checks
Professor Abby Winter is a pharmacist and geriatrics expert at the University of Washington. She joins our podcast to discuss the many opportunities for engagement that Era Living residents enjoy thanks to our partnership with UW. Residents are empowered with knowledge in a variety of ways, including one-on-one consultations, medication reviews and de-prescribing, health screenings, and wellness instruction. The full episode is here: https://answersforelders.com/pharmacy-benefits-health-checks-at-era-living/

A Day in the Life at Era Living: Resident Kathy Swanson
We believe it’s important to hear from residents who have actually experienced the transition to a senior living community. Kathy Swanson is a retired teacher and current resident of Aljoya Thornton Place, our community in North Seattle. Kathy advises to visit often, get a feeling for the social atmosphere, involve friends and family, and make the decision as early as possible. The entire episode can be heard here: https://answersforelders.com/a-day-in-the-life-at-era-living-resident-kathy-swanson/

What to Expect When Visiting Senior Living
Our podcast series visits Karla Clark, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing, to discuss what to expect when visiting an Era Living community. Those first courageous steps are guided by a warm and welcoming community relations team member. In order to find the right personalized solution and fit based on needs, these trusted advisors ask questions and connect the visitor with other amazing residents and staff. Even more great insight is available in the full episode here: https://answersforelders.com/what-to-expect-when-visiting-senior-living/

Downsizing Help to Move into Senior Living
The caring and knowledgeable Catherine Arendt assists families in all aspects of move-in at Aljoya Thornton Place. The sometimes emotional downsizing journey entails many moving parts, from measuring furniture to coordinating movers. She considers it a privilege to walk this path with new residents, to efficiently create a well-planned home. Our new podcast is available here: https://answersforelders.com/downsizing-help-to-move-into-senior-living/

What Happens If I Outlive My Money?
Here’s a sneak peak at our new podcast episode, featuring Era Living’s Tina Hall. Finances are a serious consideration as we age. Home equity will often cover costs, but realistic conversations are essential to find the right long-term solutions given your circumstances. The right decision upfront will affect long-term health, especially if you don’t want to move again. Costs of care vary greatly, depending on region where you live, health conditions, and how long those conditions may last. Full episode here: https://answersforelders.com/what-happens-if-i-outlive-my-money/

A Day in the Life at Era Living: Resident Lynn Coulibaly
Lynn Coulibaly is a retired nurse administrator who has resided at Aljoya Thornton Place for almost ten years. She recalls her first visit (during an art gala), where the good energy was so palpable that she immediately decided that this was the place. Her advice for people beginning their search: consider availability of health care, have an aging plan in place well in advance, consider the food that's served, as well as the dining environment where you'll be gathering with friends. Hear the full episode here: https://answersforelders.com/a-day-in-the-life-at-era-living-resident-lynn-coulibaly/

Optimal Healthy Aging: Thrive at Era Living
Thrive is a comprehensive wellness program designed to promote quality of life and healthy aging at Era Living communities. In collaboration with the University of Washington Schools of Nursing and Social Work, it focuses on mind, body, and spirit through exercise, music, social engagement, and learning. Cliff Warner, Director of Thrive, discusses this powerful approach in our new podcast. Listen here: https://answersforelders.com/optimal-healthy-aging-thrive-at-era-living/