Frequently Asked Questions About Assisted Living, Memory Care, and More in Tacoma, WA.

When more care is needed, the admission process involves establishing a Primary Care Physician (PCP), submitting an application with medical records, providing a medication list, and completing a health assessment. You’ll also need to pick an apartment (Assisted Living) or suite (Memory Care) and prepare for the move.

Making the move to a senior living community can be difficult. Talk to your loved ones about moving to senior living communities and retirement homes and involve them in the decision-making process. Reassure them about visits, bring familiar items to help them feel comfortable, label clothing, be patient during the transition, and consider writing a one-page story about your loved one so the staff can get to know your loved one quickly.

Yes, assisted living helps with daily living activities while promoting independence, while memory care is specialized for seniors with dementia. Memory Care offers guided days and staff are trained to address cognitive impairments.

A memory care community is a specialized type of assisted living designed for seniors with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. It provides a safe and supportive environment for residents with cognitive impairments.

Memory Care provides guided days to ensure residents don’t have to worry about what to do next. Staff are specially trained to understand and respond to the unique needs of people with dementia.

The cost of memory care depends on the level of care services required and the type of room that is selected. Visit our retirement home pricing and brochure page for additional information.

The FTJ Memory Care building is a locked building so residents are unable to get out without the help of staff. We also provide a 24-hour guided day and care, which means the residents are checked on regularly.

With FTJ’s 24 hour guided day there are activities happening nearly all day long, plus our new Montessori program where inspired activities give residents real hands on experiences every day. Some activities include seated exercise, bingo, craft projects, happy hours, chair yoga, music, short story reading, chair dancing, flower arranging and so much more. Click here for our activity calendars:
https://www.franketobeyjones.com/community/events/program-calendars/ 

The first thing to understand is that adverse behaviors are usually an expression of un-met needs, so initially it is important to rule out any needs…is the resident in pain? hungry? tired ? thirsty? wet? Addressing the unmet need may in many cases alleviate the behavior. Every resident is different so there is no “one size fits all” approach. If a resident is acting out, resisting care or behaving inappropriately, we assure their safety and give them some time and space to calm down then re-attempt the task. This can take several tries and we might need to introduce a new face to gain the resident’s trust and cooperation. In some cases, a consultation with a psychiatrist is necessary to assess the resident for pharmaceutical interventions.

FTJ is available 24/7/365 to resident family members.

Absolutely! The room is left empty upon move-in on purpose so the resident can fill it with all those things that are familiar and special to them. We do encourage folks to leave valuable items at home, and to consider replacing valuable sentimental jewelry (wedding rings for instance) with a less expensive costume jewelry substitute.

Early signs include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with language, and trouble completing familiar tasks. Personality or mood changes may also occur.

Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive function, while Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. Think of dementia as the umbrella, and Alzheimer’s as one type underneath it.

Use short, clear sentences and maintain eye contact. Speak calmly, give them time to respond, and avoid arguing or correcting.

Try to identify possible triggers like pain, fear, or overstimulation. Respond with reassurance, a calm tone, and gentle redirection.

This is sometimes called “therapeutic fibbing.” It’s often okay to prioritize comfort and reduce distress over strict honesty.

Secure doors and consider alarms or GPS tracking devices. Notify neighbors and register them with programs like Safe Return if available.

If they’re forgetting to eat, wandering, or having trouble with hygiene or medications, it may be time to bring in help or consider a care facility. Safety is the key factor.

Some medications may temporarily slow down symptoms or help with mood and behavior. Talk to a doctor about what’s appropriate for their stage of dementia.

Yes, it’s very normal. You’re dealing with constant change, loss, and stress. It doesn’t mean you love them any less; it just means you’re human.

This is called ambiguous loss, and it’s one of the hardest parts of dementia. Try to find comfort in small moments of connection and know that it’s okay to mourn even while they’re still here.

You’re learning as you go, doing the best you can in an ever-changing situation. Self-forgiveness is part of the journey—you’re not alone, and you’re doing better than you think.

It’s heartbreaking, and there’s no easy answer. Try to focus on the emotions that still connect to your love, safety, and comfort. Even if they forget your name, they can still feel your presence.

It’s okay to miss the life you had. That doesn’t mean you’re selfish, it means you’re grieving. Try to make space for your own needs and joys, even in small ways.

Because you love them. Watching someone you care for slip away bit by bit is a slow heartbreak. Be gentle with yourself and remember that your feelings are valid.

One breath, one moment at a time. Lean on others, even if just to listen. You don’t have to do this alone—and you don’t have to do it perfectly.

Guardianship is a legal process where the court appoints someone to make decisions for a person who can no longer manage their own care or finances. It’s often avoidable if powers of attorney and advance directives are set up early, so planning ahead is key.

Creating powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and a financial plan can prevent costly and stressful legal steps later. Consulting with an elder law attorney in Washington State can help ensure all documents meet local requirements and reflect your wishes.

Being proactive means anticipating care needs before a crisis—such as identifying support options, evaluating living arrangements, and talking with family about future preferences. Planning early allows for more thoughtful choices and less emotional strain down the road.

Signs include safety concerns, increased confusion, wandering, and caregiver burnout. Memory Care communities offer structured, secure environments where trained staff provide 24/7 support tailored to the unique needs of those with dementia.

Yes, and it’s highly recommended. Touring communities, understanding costs, and getting on waitlists early ensures you’re ready to make an informed and timely decision when care needs change. Franke Tobey Jones offers a warm, secure Memory Care community where residents receive personalized attention while maintaining dignity and quality of life.

An assisted living facility is a type of senior housing that provides assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) while promoting independence and social engagement. It’s for seniors who need help with ADLs but don’t require skilled nursing care.

Assisted Living offers medication management, bathing, dressing, escorting to and from meals, personal laundry, transportation to medical appointments, stores, and activities.

The cost of assisted living depends on the type of bedroom selected as well as the level of care services required. Visit our pricing page for additional information.

FTJ offers a full range of assistance.  Some of these include medication management, diabetic management, bathing, dressing/grooming, meal delivery, escorts and more.  View our assisted living assessment tool.

There are many activities scheduled for Assisted Living residents in which they can choose.  We also offer reminders to attend activities.  A sample of some of these include:  exercise, movies, conversation corner, games, happy hours, Yahtzee, music performances, church services, trivia, Rummy card game, Name that Tune, Uno card game, and so much more.  Click here to see the full calendar:  https://www.franketobeyjones.com/community/events/program-calendars/

Yes, FTJ offers everything from studio apartments to two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments.

Absolutely!  The apartments are empty upon move in so residents can bring their favorite furniture and accessories…to make it their own.

Yes.  FTJ apartments have pull cords so if the resident is experiencing distress, they can pull the cord and help will come.  Also, if a resident has not let us know that they won’t be at a particular meal and the resident does not show up for that meal, a team member will check on them to make sure they are okay.

FTJ provides a delicious senior living menu and a beautiful dining room where the residents sit at a table with four to six people and are served all three meals each day by an attentive waitstaff.  FTJ also has wonderful chef-prepared meals to entice the senses and appetite.