Hearthstone

We love calling the Hearthstone our home, as does our dog Dosey, who is SO happy living just one block from Green Lake park. Exercise classes and the well-equipped gym keep us physically active. Music trivia and local excursions are fun. The staff supports our daily living with maintenance, cleaning, rides, trips, humor and kindness. We feel lucky to live here.

Our decision to move to Cove West at the Hearthstone took several years. We were specifically looking for a non-profit CCRC in order to meet any future healthcare needs. The Hearthstone’s well-established reputation stood out as did the Green Lake location, which in our opinion is unmatched in the Seattle area. All of the community's amenities and the newly-built (at the time) Cove West sealed the deal. Last but not least, we have found true community with our neighbors.

A cautionary note based on my mother's experience. She was living at the Hearthstone and developed dementia. Eventually she became combative and had to be hospitalized. The Hearthstone declined to take her back, at any level of care, even after her combativeness was controlled by medication. I had to move her to a different care facility, where she died a month later. One further tip: if you buy into a CCRC, make sure you understand what happens to your buy-in fee in the event the facility declines to care for you. It came as a shock to me, and added stress to an already stressful time. By posting this I mean no disrespect to the many dedicated caregivers and congenial residents at the Hearthstone. This was a management decision. Unfortunately, my mom’s choice of the Hearthstone did not turn out well for her.

I've just returned home from five days at the Hearthstone Health Care Center for recuperation of knee replacement surgery. What a wonder! The kind and caring staff offered all I could want during those first few days out of the hospital. The food was great. My Physical Therapist most helpful. This stay at the Health Care Center was a great experience! I want others to know.

The Hearthstone is right in the heart of Green Lake, next to the park, with shopping, restaurants, coffee shops and outdoor activities within a short walk. What a perfect place to retire! Plus, it is a Life Plan Community which means that as you age, you will have assisted living and skilled nursing services available. This community has been in Seattle for 50 years, and remains strong in both mission and finances. I have worked for several retirement communities as a consultant and know personally many happy residents that live at the Hearthstone where the staff is engaged and caring. The Hearthstone should be at the top of your retirement options list when you start to visit places..