When families begin looking into assisted living, they almost always have questions—lots of them.
At Fields Senior Living of Smokey Point, we talk with adult children and seniors from Arlington, Marysville, Stanwood, and Everett every day. Most of them are going through this for the first time, and it’s normal to feel uncertain or even overwhelmed at the start.
This blog covers the most common questions we hear about assisted living. It’s written to be clear, helpful, and to give you a starting point if you’re trying to understand how this all works.
What Is Assisted Living?
What is assisted living? Assisted living is for older adults who want to keep some independence but need support with daily tasks.
That might include:
- Help with medications
- Dressing or bathing assistance
- Meal prep and dining
- Light housekeeping
- Social and wellness activities
It’s not a nursing home. Residents have their apartments, go to activities, enjoy meals together, and live on their schedule, with caregivers nearby when help is needed.
Who Is a Good Fit for Assisted Living?
Many families start thinking about assisted living after noticing signs like:
- Missed medications
- Trouble with balance or falls
- Isolation or loneliness
- Difficulty managing meals or hygiene
- Caregiver fatigue or burnout
Assisted living works well for both individuals and couples. Some need light support, others need help every day. We adjust care based on the person.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Smokey Point?
It depends on the apartment type and care level.
Costs usually include rent, meals, care, and activities. Private studios or one-bedroom apartments are common. Couples can share a unit, which helps manage the monthly cost.
Fields Senior Living of Smokey Point offers transparent pricing upfront. Our team is always available to discuss cost ranges and what’s included.
What’s Included in the Monthly Cost?
A lot. Here’s what residents typically receive:
- Private apartment (furnished with their own belongings)
- Three meals a day + snacks
- Help with medications and care
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Transportation to appointments
- Daily activities, games, and social events
- 24/7 access to trained caregivers
No surprise charges. Everything is explained before move-in.
What If My Parent Refuses to Move?
This is one of the most challenging situations families face. Many older adults are scared of change or worried about losing their independence.
Here’s what helps:
- Start slow. Visit a community for lunch or a tour.
- Talk about safety and support, not just “moving.”
- Acknowledge their fears instead of trying to convince them.
- Let professionals help explain what assisted living is (and what it isn’t).
At Smokey Point, we often meet with hesitant seniors who leave feeling more open to the idea. Sometimes it just takes time.
What’s the Difference Between Memory Care and Assisted Living?
Assisted living supports daily routines and physical care.
Memory care is structured for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. It includes the same basic care, but adds:
- Special activities for brain health
- A secure environment
- Staff trained in dementia support
At Fields Senior Living, we offer both. This means couples with different needs can live close to one another. It also means there’s no need to move somewhere else later if care needs change.
Can Couples Live Together in Assisted Living?
Yes. Many couples share one apartment in our community.
Each person gets their own care plan. That means one spouse can get memory care or physical help, while the other stays independent. It’s a big reason couples in Arlington and surrounding towns choose us.
You can learn more about this in our full article on Assisted Living for Couples.
Can We Bring Our Own Furniture or Belongings?
Absolutely. We encourage it.
Your apartment should feel like your home. Most residents bring:
- A favorite recliner
- Personal photos
- Their bedding
- A small table or desk
- TV and decorations
Bringing familiar items helps make the transition easier.
What’s a Typical Day Like?
Every resident has a little different routine—but here’s a general idea:
Morning:
- Wake up at your own pace
- Coffee and breakfast
- Light morning help if needed
Midday:
- Group activities, games, or exercise
- Lunch in the dining room
- Appointments or rest time
Afternoon/Evening:
- More social time or one-on-one hobbies
- Dinner with friends
- Wind down with TV, reading, or music
Some days are full. Others are quiet. It’s your choice.
How Do We Get Started?
The process is more straightforward than you think. Here’s how it works:
- Call us or schedule a visit.
- Tour the community and meet staff.
- We aim to understand your needs.
- We help with paperwork and moving in.
No pressure. Just a chance to learn more and see if it feels like a good fit.
Still Have Questions?
Most families do.
Call Fields Senior Living at Smokey Point. We’ll answer anything, big or small, and show you how assisted living works. You can walk through an apartment, meet caregivers, and take all the necessary time.
We’re based in Arlington, WA, close to Marysville, Stanwood, and Everett. Our setting is quiet, our care is personal, and our residents are treated like family.
Let’s talk when you’re ready. No rush.
