FAQ’s

What is the difference between a rental program and entrance fee/buy-in program?

Under a rental agreement the resident typically pays a modest one-time move-in fee of approximately $500 to $5,000. The rental agreement may be month-to-month or for a specified term, typically for six months or one year. Rent is paid monthly. Should a resident choose to leave for any reason, they must provide 30 days notice. After that they are free to move and are relieved of any and all financial commitments.

In a "Buy-In or (Entrance Fee)" arrangement the resident pays a significant fee for the right to live in the community. It is not uncommon for the fee to be several thousand dollars. The buy-in fee affords the senior the right to live within the community during their lifetime and it may afford them priority access to higher levels of care within the community in the event it is needed and the community provides such services. In addition to the entrance fee, the resident will be charged monthly fees. In most cases these charges are similar in amount to those charged in monthly rental communities.

Typically, the entry fee is paid to the owner of the community and is refundable to the resident, only at such time as the owner vacates the unit, the community owner resells the unit and it is occupied by a new resident. The community owner handles this process and the senior resident currently occupying the apartment has no control of this process as they have no ownership rights. The senior occupying the unit has a lifetime right to occupy the apartment but has no ownership rights.

What's included in your monthly fee?

Our monthly fees include all utilities (with the exception of phone and internet service), breakfast and dinner with a continental breakfast and brunch on Sundays. Also included are weekly housekeeping, full community maintenance, scheduled car and bus transportation, fitness and exercise classes along with other innovative activity and wellness programs, plus resident concierge services, educational and cultural events, and 24-hour staffing.

How much does it cost?

In order for you to see the true value we offer you should first consider the true expenses that you or your parent are incurring on a monthly basis. This could include rent/mortgage, property tax, home owner's insurance, subdivision or association fees, utilities, lawn care, snow removal, trash removal, home repairs, housekeeping, transportation, exercise classes, groceries, and any other needs for which you or your parent are currently paying. At Foundation House at Bothell, our monthly fees include all of these expenses.

Our pricing is based on the square footage of your apartment ranging from one bedroom to two bedroom apartments. We have thirty-four floor plans to meet each resident’s personal lifestyle and living needs.

What is the difference between a Retirement Community and an Assisted Living Community?

A retirement community is for active seniors who are looking to enjoy the freedom of everyday living. Residents may still work part time jobs others may volunteer and others have worked hard and are now devoted to playing hard.

Assisted living communities are for people that need additional health care or activities of daily living services commonly referred to as ADL services. These services include bathing, dressing, grooming, hygiene, and medication administration.

Sometimes needs change as we age, and another difference between the two is that you can stay in your home with active neighbors and receive additional services on an ala carte basis tailored to meet your need(s). These services are provided to you by a third party home health care agency which generally is much more affordable than assisted living as you only pay for the services you need and only when you need them. You can even receive physical, occupational and speech therapy service in your apartment home, as well as additional home health services, which are often covered under Medicare.

Pricing and Floor Plans

Our pricing is based on the square footage of your apartment ranging from one bedroom to two bedroom apartments. We have thirty-four floor plans to meet each resident’s personal lifestyle and living needs. Below is a sample of a one bedroom and a two bedroom floor plan. Fill in the cost comparison for pricing and availability.

What is the difference between a For-Profit Corporation and a Nonprofit Foundation?

Foundation House at Bothell is a nonprofit entity that has given nearly $500,000 to enhance the lives of children in the Seattle Public School system. (Read more in our About Us section).

For-profit retirement communities are generally part of a larger chain of properties and are seldom managed by the owner and are typically governed by a board of directors. Generally they are very strict in the way the property is operated. This is an effort to capitalize on as much profit as possible for shareholders with a calculated risk. Unfortunately, residents have little say as to how to make their specific retirement community better.

A nonprofit retirement community is generally a smaller company with a board of directors who have an interest in the overall development of the foundation. Seattle Education Foundation is the sponsor of Foundation House at Bothell and prides itself on making the community a benefit, not only to those we serve, but to the betterment of children and education.

The residents of Foundation House at Bothell are encouraged to provide input about their retirement community and the board is dedicated to listening and providing positive change when needed.

May I bring my best friend?

Yes, we allow small dogs, less than 45lbs, and cats. There is a nominal cleaning fee. Aquariums and birds are allowed with no additional fee.

Is reserved parking available?

Yes. Foundation House at Bothell offers reserved resident parking and ample guest parking. We also have reserved covered parking for an additional monthly fee.

How will I know if Foundation House is the right place?

Your decision should come down to the "feel" of the community. From the soft décor, to the friendly staff to the happy residents and their families Foundation House at should “feel” comfortable to you. Numerous residents and families have made the same decision you are facing. The best way to know is by experiencing it all first hand.

Our commitment to you is to be sure you are comfortable and making the right decision, so we offer a guest apartment for your parent or for you to stay in for up to three days, and it is complimentary. You will have the unique experience to enjoy first hand, a day in the life of a resident at Foundation House at Bothell. Experience not only the laughter, the fun, and the tasty cuisine but the safety and security you’ll find here. We believe your decision is all about how it feels . . . and we are confident that it will feel perfect!