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Northaven Retirement Living / Northaven II- Assisted Living
Warm,
secure, inviting, friendly – these are just a few words to
describe the unique senior community at Northaven, an apartment
residence located in the Northgate neighborhood of In the late 1960’s a small group of Olympic View Community Church of Brethren members saw a need for low-income housing for seniors. They mortgaged their homes in order to get a loan from HUD for Section 236 HUD Funding. Senator “Scoop” Henry Jackson assisted their efforts and they opened in 1972 with 10 units filled. Within one year they filled all 198 units. In 1986 church members started working on the development and funding for Northaven II, a facility that would offer assisted living. With financing from the Washington State Housing Trust fund and a loan from Bank of America, Northaven II opened in 1992, and they reached full occupancy of the 40 units within five months. Over the years Northaven was remodeled to install sprinkler systems, energy rated windows and energy conservation toilets, and updated common areas and apartments.
Northaven, Inc. has supported and nurtured the hearts and bodies of numerous residents in its 28 years of existence and has always been committed to enhancing the quality of life for those women and men in their retirement years. Nothing exhibits Northaven's concern for the individual more than the commitment of Northaven staff and the level of compassionate care that is exhibited each day in their community. It was also, this very commitment from Olympic View Church members that started the Northaven Foundation. As a dedicated charity with the mission of managing the Northaven Foundation Planned Giving Program, the Foundation Board distributes funds to assist those residents living at Northaven II and at Northaven Retirement Apartment whose incomes are so restricted or whose assets are totally depleted and no longer are able to pay for the services or care needed to keep them independent. Special features at Northaven include 24 hour security, an emergency call system in each apartment, medical transportation, a beautiful dining facility, library, on-site beauty shop, computer, a Wellness program and fitness center staffed experienced instructors. The dining room has a program that hires students looking for their first job. It has been a very successful program that also helps to develop their understanding of the needs of older adults and encourage mutual respect and longtime relationships.
In addition, Northaven is proud of the “Whizbangers” formerly known as the “kitchen band” – a group of 15 musicians that travel by bus 3-4 times a month to visit local homes and centers to entertain residents that are not able to get out. Instruments include kazoos, washboards, guitars, flutes and a piano. Another wonderful project that is noticeable when you first arrive is the stunning gardens that are maintained by the residents. They certainly catch your eye. Northaven II provides assistance and support to the person needing a moderate level of care and assistance in the performance of their daily activities in an environment that will allow residents to maintain the highest level of independence possible. The Assisted Living program is staffed by Certified Nursing Aides and a Registered Nurse 7 days a week. All
rooms are single occupancy with full private bath with emergency
call system and 24-hour staffing. The monthly rate includes
three meals daily plus snacks, weekly housekeeping, linen
service and a full activity program staffed with Certified
instructors. Assisted
Living is designed to remind, guide, and assist residents in the
activities of daily living. Assisted Living includes help Featured Resident Mel
Hart – Taking a leap into the record book It's never too late to make your mark, and Milburn Hart, 96, proved it by being accepted into Guinness World Records for being the oldest man to make a solo parachute jump. The record book officially notified Hart by a letter to his home at the Northaven Retirement Apartments in Seattle that his daring, if somewhat ill-fated, jump in February qualified. Hart's feat knocked the record out of the hands of Herb Tanner, who jumped at age 92 in 1998. "I did my jump against pretty heavy odds," said Hart, who hit his shoulder on the way out of the plane during the jump in Bremerton. The injury disabled his ability to steer the chute and led to a hard landing. His leap also landed him on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno and "The Today Show" to discuss how he managed to put down despite a dislocated shoulder. Leno asked him the question he often asks those who have done something a little off the wall. (Remember Hugh Grant?) "He said to me, 'What were you thinking?' " said Hart. "Well, I told him I thought I was in a hell of a fix," he said. Ground crew were trying to radio instructions to him. "But I couldn't follow orders," he said. "My left shoulder was useless." He decided his best bet was to use his right arm to circle and scout for a decent place to land. He spied a brushy hillside and was too busy trying to aim for it to be scared, he said. "I was going pretty fast because when I hit and let go of the shroud I went flying and there were branches going everywhere," he said. "It was a landing to save my bacon." An ambulance carted him off, and he later learned he'd torn his rotator cuff, an injury common to fastball pitchers as well. He's seeing a doctor this month about whether to repair it, and he remains unfazed by his whole adventure. "Everything came out all right," he said. Hart, a retired repairman for the Washington Natural Gas Co. who dreamed of being a pilot as a child, has been pursuing the record for at least a year. He did two tandem jumps strapped to an instructor before making his solo leap. He first got the idea from watching former President George H.W. Bush make a jump. Hart's exploits haven't surprised his family or fellow residents at the retirement center. "He's a really determined person," said Susan Thomsen, who helps manage the home. "He has no fear of doing anything." As a young man, Hart rode the rails with a friend around the country. To celebrate his 93rd birthday, he went to Las Vegas to ride the roller coasters. But in terms of planning an encore to this year's adventure, "I haven't gotten that far," he said. His daring days are not behind him yet, however. Last week, Hart, who is widowed, signed up with the center's fitness director to join the women during their weekly Friday swims. Congratulations Mel! When asked what it means to be a nonprofit organization, Darlene Storti, Administrator, said, being a nonprofit organization means that our mission, vision and values allow us to utilize revenues derived from operations and channel them back into the organization to benefit those served rather than being paid to someone who has no knowledge of the mission of the organization and therefore no true sense of ownership.” Northaven is a member of WAHSA, a state association serving primarily not-for-profit organizations, dedicated to providing quality housing, health, community and related services to older persons. WAHSA is affiliated with the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). When asked what it means to be a WAHSA member, Darlene Storti, stated, “I am proud to be a member of WAHSA. This association is about collaboration and assisting its members in achieving their mission. In addition to the relationships that are built with other members, WAHSA has promoted collaboration with state agencies and regulators in an effort to provide the highest quality of life available for seniors in Washington. This has been of tremendous benefit to our residents, employees and Board members. I have also found the networking that occurs to be invaluable in addressing issues that are faced on a daily basis.” Northaven Retirement Administrator – Darlene Storti (206) 365-3020 Northaven II Assisted Living – Administrator – Mary Quarterman (206) 362-8077
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There
are a variety of group activities available for residents at
Northaven including their annual picnic held at Kayak Point,
Stanwood, for the last 14 years. 