Frequently Asked
Questions
Choosing care for a loved one involves many questions. We've compiled answers to the most common questions families ask about Edmonds Villa and adult family home care.
About Adult Family Home Care
What is an adult family home?
An adult family home (AFH) is a residential care option licensed by Washington State DSHS where up to 6 adults receive personal care and nursing services in a home setting. Unlike large nursing facilities, AFHs provide intimate, personalized care with consistent caregivers who know each resident individually. Edmonds Villa operates as a licensed AFH specializing in high-acuity care.
How is an adult family home different from assisted living?
Assisted living facilities typically have 20-100+ units and provide help with daily activities but limited medical care. Adult family homes like Edmonds Villa offer more intensive care in a smaller setting. We can accommodate complex medical needs like dialysis support, tube feeding, and bariatric care that most assisted living facilities cannot. The Medicare Care Compare tool can help you understand different care options.
How is Edmonds Villa different from a nursing home?
Nursing homes are typically large facilities with 50-200+ beds, institutional settings, and rotating staff. Edmonds Villa is a 6-bed home in a residential neighborhood. We offer similar medical capabilities for high-acuity patients—nursing oversight, medication management, specialized equipment—but with personalized attention, consistent caregivers, home-cooked meals, and a true home environment.
What does "high-acuity" mean?
High-acuity refers to patients who have complex medical needs requiring more intensive care, specialized equipment, or advanced training. Examples include patients on dialysis, those requiring tube feeding, bariatric patients needing special equipment, or those with complex medical conditions requiring constant supervision. Many care facilities cannot accommodate high-acuity patients. Edmonds Villa specializes in this population.
Is Edmonds Villa licensed and inspected?
Yes. Edmonds Villa is fully licensed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services as an adult family home. We comply with all regulations in WAC 388-76 and undergo regular state inspections. We maintain all required insurance, training certifications, and safety standards.
How many residents does Edmonds Villa accommodate?
Edmonds Villa is a 6-bed adult family home. This small size is intentional—it allows us to provide highly personalized care with consistent caregivers who know each resident's needs, preferences, and routines. Research from the National Institute on Aging suggests smaller care settings often lead to better resident satisfaction.
Services and Care Questions
What conditions does Edmonds Villa specialize in?
We specialize in bariatric care, peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis, enteral feeding (J-tube/G-tube), neurological disorders (Parkinson's, ALS, MS, TBI), cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, complex metabolic conditions, and oncology and cancer management.
What medical care is provided on-site?
Licensed nurses (RN/LPN) provide medical oversight including medication administration, wound care, vital signs monitoring, and coordination with physicians. We support complex treatments like dialysis and tube feeding. Our staff is trained in medical emergency response. We coordinate all specialist appointments and communicate with your loved one's healthcare team.
Can residents keep their own doctors?
Yes. Residents can continue seeing their existing physicians and specialists. We coordinate transportation to appointments and communicate with healthcare providers about care needs and changes. Many families appreciate maintaining continuity with doctors who know their loved one's history.
What daily assistance is provided?
We provide comprehensive assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility, and eating. Care is tailored to each resident—we help with what's needed while encouraging independence where possible. Our goal is to maintain dignity and quality of life.
What about meals and nutrition?
We prepare home-cooked meals in our kitchen—not institutional food service. Meals are tailored to dietary needs and preferences, whether that's diabetic diets, texture modifications for swallowing difficulties, or simply favorite foods. For residents with tube feeding, we manage enteral nutrition according to physician orders.
What activities and socialization are available?
We offer activities tailored to residents' abilities and interests including music, gentle exercise, arts and crafts, games, reading, and social conversation. Research shows that meaningful activities benefit all residents by promoting engagement and quality of life. We also celebrate holidays and special occasions.
How do you handle medical emergencies?
Our staff is trained in emergency response protocols. We have emergency call systems throughout the facility and maintain relationships with local emergency services. Our small size means help is always nearby. We follow established protocols for when to call 911, when to contact physicians, and how to communicate with families during emergencies.
Is hospice care available?
Yes. When appropriate, we coordinate with hospice providers to deliver end-of-life care in the familiar, comfortable environment of Edmonds Villa. Many families prefer hospice in an AFH setting rather than a hospital or large facility. We support residents and families through this difficult transition with compassion and dignity.
Admission Process Questions
How do I know if my loved one qualifies for Edmonds Villa?
We serve adults who need more care than standard assisted living provides. Ideal candidates have complex medical conditions requiring specialized equipment or expertise, need 24-hour supervision, and would benefit from personalized attention in a small setting. We accept residents with multiple conditions. Contact us to discuss whether we're a good fit.
What is the admission process?
Our process includes: 1) Initial phone consultation to understand basic needs, 2) In-person tour of our facility, 3) Review of medical records and current care situation, 4) Comprehensive assessment of your loved one, 5) Care plan development and cost discussion, 6) Admission if mutually agreed. We move at a pace that works for your family.
How quickly can you accept a new resident?
Timing depends on current availability and assessment needs. For planned transitions, we recommend starting the process 2-4 weeks in advance. For urgent placements following hospitalization, we can often expedite assessment when a bed is available. Contact us to discuss your timeline.
Can I tour Edmonds Villa before deciding?
Absolutely. We encourage tours before making any decision. Seeing our facility, meeting our staff, and experiencing the atmosphere helps families make informed choices. Contact us to schedule a tour at your convenience.
What information do you need for assessment?
We'll request medical records, current medications, diagnoses, care needs, and insurance information. We also want to understand your loved one's preferences, routines, and what's important to them. Family input is valuable—you know your loved one best.
Do you have a waiting list?
With only 6 beds, we sometimes have waiting lists when fully occupied. We maintain a list of families interested in future placement. Even if we don't have immediate availability, contact us to begin the relationship—you can tour, complete preliminary assessment, and be ready when a bed opens.
Costs and Payment Questions
What are the costs for care at Edmonds Villa?
Costs vary based on the level of care required—residents with more complex needs or requiring more staff time have higher rates. We provide transparent pricing after assessing your loved one's specific needs. Monthly rates include room, meals, and all care services. Contact us for a personalized estimate based on your situation.
Does Medicare cover adult family home care?
Medicare generally does not cover long-term residential care in adult family homes. Medicare may cover some services like physician visits and therapy. The Medicare website provides details on coverage. However, other payment options exist.
Does Medicaid cover care at Edmonds Villa?
Washington State Medicaid (through programs like COPES) may cover adult family home care for eligible individuals. Eligibility depends on financial and functional criteria. We can help families understand their options and navigate the application process. Contact Washington DSHS/ALTSA for eligibility information.
Do you accept long-term care insurance?
Many long-term care insurance policies cover adult family home care. Coverage varies by policy. We recommend reviewing your policy and contacting your insurance company to understand your benefits. We provide documentation needed for insurance claims.
What is included in the monthly rate?
Our monthly rate includes private or semi-private room, all meals and snacks, 24-hour care and supervision, medication management, personal care assistance, activities, laundry, and housekeeping. Medical supplies and some specialized services may be additional. We discuss all costs transparently before admission.
Are there additional fees I should know about?
We're transparent about costs. Potential additional expenses include personal supplies, specialized medical equipment not already in our inventory, and transportation to appointments. We discuss all anticipated costs during the admission process so there are no surprises.
Family Involvement Questions
Can family members visit anytime?
Yes. We have open visitation—this is your loved one's home. While we ask for consideration of other residents during late hours, families are welcome to visit and spend time with their loved ones. We encourage regular visits as they contribute to resident well-being.
How do you communicate with families?
We maintain regular communication through phone calls, in-person conversations during visits, and written updates as needed. We contact families promptly for any significant changes in condition or care needs. We're always available to answer questions and address concerns.
Can families participate in care planning?
Absolutely. We view families as essential members of the care team. You're invited to participate in care plan meetings, provide input on care approaches, and share insights about your loved one's preferences. Family knowledge helps us provide better, more personalized care.
Can residents have overnight visitors?
While our rooms aren't designed for overnight guests, we can sometimes accommodate special circumstances. Please discuss specific situations with us. We want families to maintain close relationships with their loved ones.
Can residents leave for outings or holidays?
When medically appropriate, residents can leave for outings with family, whether that's a restaurant meal, family gathering, or holiday celebration. We coordinate medications and care needs for these occasions. Family involvement in residents' lives is important to us.
What if I have concerns about my loved one's care?
Please bring any concerns to us immediately. We welcome feedback and address issues promptly. Our small size means concerns don't get lost in bureaucracy—you can speak directly with caregivers and management. Your input helps us provide better care.
Location Questions
Where is Edmonds Villa located?
Edmonds Villa is located at 5119 144th St SW, Edmonds, WA 98026. We're in a quiet residential neighborhood in Edmonds, Washington—a peaceful setting that feels like home rather than an institutional environment.
What areas do you serve?
We serve families throughout South Snohomish County and North King County, including Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Everett, and North Seattle. Families from farther away also choose us for our specialized care.
Is parking available for visitors?
Yes. We have convenient parking available for family visitors. Our residential location provides easy access without the parking challenges of larger facilities.
How do you handle transportation to appointments?
We coordinate transportation for medical appointments, whether using specialized medical transport services or accompanying residents in appropriate vehicles. Staff accompanies residents to provide information to providers and ensure continuity of care.
Most Common Questions
What is an adult family home?
An adult family home (AFH) is a residential care option licensed by Washington State where up to 6 adults receive personal care and nursing services in a home setting. Unlike large nursing facilities, AFHs provide intimate, personalized care with consistent caregivers in a real home environment.
What conditions does Edmonds Villa specialize in?
Edmonds Villa specializes in high-acuity conditions including bariatric care, peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis, enteral feeding (J-tube and G-tube), neurological disorders (Parkinson's, ALS, MS, TBI), cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, complex metabolic conditions, and oncology and cancer management.
How is Edmonds Villa different from a nursing home?
Nursing homes are typically large facilities with 50-200+ beds and institutional settings. Edmonds Villa is a 6-bed home in a residential neighborhood. We offer similar medical capabilities for high-acuity patients but with personalized attention, consistent caregivers, home-cooked meals, and a true home environment.
Does Edmonds Villa have backup power for medical equipment?
Yes. Edmonds Villa is equipped with a commercial‑grade propane backup generator that automatically provides full‑house power within seconds of an outage. This ensures continuous operation of ventilators, oxygen concentrators, dialysis machines, feeding pumps, medication refrigeration, climate control, and safety systems. Our generator is tested weekly and maintained by licensed professionals.
What are the costs for care at Edmonds Villa?
Costs vary based on the level of care required. We provide transparent pricing after assessing your loved one's specific needs. Payment options include private pay and some Medicaid programs. Contact us to discuss your situation and receive a personalized estimate.
How do I know if my loved one qualifies for Edmonds Villa?
We serve adults who need more care than standard assisted living provides. Ideal candidates have complex medical conditions requiring specialized equipment or expertise, need 24-hour supervision, and would benefit from personalized attention in a small setting. Contact us to discuss whether we're a good fit.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to answer any questions not covered here. Contact us by phone or through our contact form, or schedule a tour to see Edmonds Villa in person and talk with our team.