Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where are you located?
A: Sharon Care Center is located in Centralia, WA.

Q: Do you offer church services and other religious activities at the site?
A: Yes, there is a weekly church service and public transportation available to various outside churches.

Q: What is your visitor policy?
A: Sharon Care Center welcomes and encourages visitors, including children and pets. For individuals who wish to bring a pet on a regular basis, please see the Administrator. Visitors should be respectful of resident rights and not interfere with the plan of care. Suggested visiting hours are from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Q: Do you offer transportation?
A: Yes. Transportation to events is scheduled social on a regular basis.

Q: Do you have hair care for residents?
A: An independently operated beauty/barber shop is located at Sharon Care Center.

Q: What amenities are available at Sharon Care Center?
A: The amenities include the common areas of the spacious and beautifully decorated lobby, formal dining room, activity rooms, beauty and barber shop, resident lounge, and outside enclosed courtyard patio.

Q: What basic service does the resident receive?
A: Three delicious meals a day and snacks, individually controlled heating and cooling in each apartment, weekly housekeeping, weekly linen service(sheets and towels), resident monitoring, scheduled social transportation such as shopping, scheduled activities and outings, emergency call system, weekly religious services, cable TV, free on-site laundry facilities, routine suite maintenance, all utilities except phone or premium cable channels.

Q: Does Sharon Care Center provide any other services?
A: For those who need it, we will provide assistance with dining, bathing, dressing, grooming, medications, orientation, day and night security checks, personal hygiene, and scheduling of appointments.

Q: If my health starts to decline, will I have to leave Sharon Care Center?
A: Sharon Care Center is part of a "Continuum of Care" facility. We operate as an assisted living residence under a boarding home license; however, we also operate a 42 unit Skilled Nursing Center as well as a Special Care Unit for Alzheimer's and other dementias. Based on vacancies, we can look after you for as long as we can meet your needs. Only if your condition goes beyond our capabilities to care for you, will it be necessary for you to move. That determination will be made with your knowledge and participation by our staff and your personal physician.

Q: Is Sharon Care Center a nursing home?
A: As a Continuum of Care campus, our services include assisted living, skilled nursing (nursing home), and a special care unit for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. We are able to accept residents who are fully capable of caring for themselves, as well as residents who need help.

Q: Does Sharon Care Center have an Alzheimer's Unit?
A: Sharon Care Center has 20 shared-occupancy rooms in our Special Care Unit for individuals with dementia. This unit has private dining facilities, protected courtyard with garden beds, and activity areas. Our very loving and specially trained staff cares for every need while allowing as much privacy and dignity as possible.

Q: Will housekeeping services be available?
A: Yes, regular weekly housekeeping is provided as a basic service. If you want housekeeping more than once a week it can be provided for an additional charge.

Q: Is there a security system provided?
A: Yes! You may exit anytime you wish, but a code will be necessary for reentry after the building is locked each evening. A fire alarm system with sprinklers is installed throughout the facility as well as smoke detectors in every apartment. Sharon Care Center is also equipped with a backup generator in the event of a power outage.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes. Often pets are part of the family and there is no reason to break that bond. If you have a small dog, cat, bird, or fish, please bring them to Sharon Care Center with you. A non-refundable pet fee required.

Q: Is smoking allowed?
A: We are a non-smoking health care facility.

Q: May I invite guests or relatives for private parties or overnight?
A: Yes. A separate dining area can be set up for you and your guests. Guests may stay overnight in your apartment if space allows and are available. Meals may be purchased separately for guests who wish to join you in the dining room.

Q: If I'm gone for some time, do I receive a credit on my rent?
A: A credit on the meals will be given if you are gone 14 days or more, provided you have given prior notice to the administrator and for medical emergencies.

Q: Do you offer discounts, specials or promotions?
A: Yes! Check out our Internet Specials. Private pay residents also qualify for our Vacations Program, which allows assisted living residents to travel with assistance to another Regency Pacific Assisted Living community for one week at NO charge. See Our Community page for more information.

Q: Can I be assured of an independent lifestyle with as much privacy and dignity as I want?
A: Yes! Sharon Care Center's philosophy is to allow you the freedom and independence you want, while at the same time assuring you of caring attention when you need it.

Q: Will I be able to choose from more than one floor plan?
A: Yes, Sharon Care Center has studio, studio alcoves, and one bedroom floor plans in a variety of desirable locations in the facility. Additionally, the option exists for two suites to be connected for a larger living space when desired.

Q: What type of meal service will be provided?
A: Sharon Care Center has a beautiful dining room where meals are served restaurant style. Our professional staff will prepare delicious meals for your nutrition and enjoyment. If you require a special diet, including vegetarian, we will accommodate your needs.

Q: Do the Assisted Living apartments have kitchens?
A: Yes. Each suite has a kitchenette equipped with an apartment-sized refrigerator, microwave, sink, countertop and cabinets. You may bring your own toaster, coffeemaker, and other small appliances if you wish.

Q: If I become ill, is there help available?
A: As an assisted living and skilled nursing facility we have a nursing staff on duty 24 hours per day. Help can be summoned by the emergency call system located in every apartment.

Q: Are the apartments furnished or unfurnished?
A: Apartments are unfurnished so you can bring your own personal cherished pieces of furniture with you and decorate your apartment as you wish. Sharon Care Center is home and we want you to experience the same comfort and enjoyment from your belongings.

Q: Can someone help me make arrangements to move?
A: Yes. Our maintenance staff can help you unload you vehicle when you arrive and arrange your apartment to suit you tastes. In some cases, we can help you and your family with other aspects of moving as well. Please ask the Administrator for details.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or lease to become a resident of Sharon Care Center?
A: No! Your apartment is rented to you on a month-to-month basis. A security fee is required along with your first month's rent when you move in. A pet fee may also apply if you desire to bring an animal with you.

Q: Is there a charge for the second person living in the same suite?
A: The second resident will pay an additional fee per month and will receive the same basics services as the primary resident.

Q: How do I reserve a suite?
A: By paying a deposit, you can reserve the apartment of your choice or be put on our waiting list for a future time. The deposit will hold the apartment for you for thirty days.

Q. How does living at Sharon Care Center compare financially with living at my current home?
A: Complete this comparison worksheet to compare your current living expenses at your home or apartment with living at Sharon Care Center. You may surprised to find out how affordable retirement living can be!

Q: How do I pay for care?
A: Sharon Care Center accepts Medicaid, Medicare, private pay, long-term care insurance. Our business office manager will be more than happy to assist you in gaining a basic understanding of managing the financial affairs of your loved one.

Q: What is Hospice?
A: Hospice is a special kind of caring for persons facing a life threatening, incurable illness. Hospice care focuses primarily on providing comfort, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support for terminally ill residents and their families. Sharon Care Center's Hospice team consists of nurses, physicians, rehabilitation therapists, chaplains, medical social services and trained volunteers. The team works closely together with the resident, family and friends to meet individual needs, promote dignity, and offer choices and support to honor the resident wishes.

Q: What personal belongings should be considered when making the transition to skilled nursing care?
A: Besides clothing, other suggested personal care items to consider are: tooth or denture brush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, and cordless electric razor. Residents may also bring a television, radio, reading material, a telephone, family photos and decorations, and a bed spread or comforter.

Q: What is Medicare?
Residents 65 years of age or older who are receiving skilled nursing services may qualify for federally funded Medicare benefits. The bookkeeper and rehabilitation department are very knowledgeable regarding eligibility requirements for Medicare and will be happy to discuss these requirements with you.

Q: What is Medicaid?
Residents no longer needing skilled nursing services who continue to need 24-hour nursing care and who have limited income may qualify for the federally funded Medicaid program also called DSHS. Check with the bookkeeper and social workers, who would be happy to answer your questions regarding Medicaid eligibility.

Q: What helpful resources may I consult for more information on senior issues?
A: See the Regency Pacific Healthcare Resources page, which provides a series of links to help find answers to questions related to long term care and services.