Frequently asked questions.

Horizon House is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) designed to provide a full spectrum of services and care for residents, from complete independence to individualized care in Supported Living. Assistance can range from help with daily living to 24-hour-a-day nursing and dementia care.

A Continuing Care Retirement Community provides the assurance that, in addition to independent residential living, healthcare services such as those provided in our distinct Supported Living program will be available for you. When Horizon House signs a Residency Agreement with a resident, we make a commitment to provide care and services to the resident for the period outlined in the terms of the agreement.

Horizon House is a private, non-profit corporation that was established in 1961. Affiliated with the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ and governed by a 16-member local Board of Trustees, Horizon House promotes independence, community service, creativity, personal growth and self-determination. The Board is selected from Seattle-area residents to reflect a wide range of professional expertise and community leadership. Five residents of Horizon House are voting members of the Board. The daily management of Horizon House is the responsibility of the Executive Team.

As a non-profit community, Horizon House is not charged with the task of returning a profit to the investors. In lieu of paying dividends to stockholders, we are able to reinvest proceeds into enhanced services for our residents and provide benefits to the surrounding community.

At Horizon House you’ll enjoy an unregimented lifestyle, free from the burden of home ownership, in one of the most desirable locations in downtown Seattle. As a Horizon House resident you can enjoy all the city has to offer from restaurants, theatres, and art galleries to Pike Place Market and Freeway Park. It’s all at your front door. Your new home also offers the healthcare security of the area’s finest hospitals and clinics, within walking distance. We offer dozens of activities and groups to enrich your life socially, recreationally, educationally, and spiritually. And should your healthcare needs change, our Supported Living program ensures you won’t have to move out of Horizon House to get the right level of care. 

Our Monthly Fee covers all utilities, local and long distance phone services, basic cable, a $150 per month dining credit, participation in our exercise/wellness programs, social and educational activities, access to an extensive library, maintenance of appliances, free transportation to grocery stores, workshops and garden areas, and 24-hour-a-day licensed nursing staff. Additional amenities and services available for a fee include optional dining, housekeeping, high-speed internet, styling salon, guest rooms, covered parking, van transportation, and trips and tours.

There are 390 Independent Living apartment homes at Horizon House including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options with various bath and den options. Sizes for these residences range from 400 to 1,900 sq/ft, offering you a variety of styles and prices to choose from. Our Supported Living Center offers 90 studio and one-bedroom apartments.

Horizon House provides a complete range of healthcare services through Supported Living. This program is a progressive concept with its primary focus on the individual resident. Supported Living is designed with the goal of meeting the social, mental, spiritual, and long-term health needs of each resident we serve. When a resident moves to an apartment in Supported Living, no further moves are necessary. If a resident’s level of care increases, we simply bring in the additional care needed to their Supported Living apartment. If a short-term Medicare A skilled nursing care stay is required, Horizon House maintains partnerships with nearby skilled nursing facilities to serve our residents on a priority basis for short-term stays. When residents receive care outside of Horizon House, the staff is in close contact with nurses and discharge planners to determine the next appropriate steps for their return to Horizon House.

At Horizon House couples can receive the individualized care needed while still living within the same community, usually just an elevator ride away. At Horizon House we support “Aging in Place” and residents may elect to stay in their independent apartment and bring care into their home through contracting with a Home Health Agency. We also offer Adult Day Care in our Supported Living Center through our partnership with Elderwise. 

Horizon House is licensed to provide services under Medicare when such services meet Medicare criteria. Our staff gathers information prior to admission to determine when Medicare benefits are applicable.

Entrance and Monthly Fees are based on the size and location of the apartment you choose, as well as the type of contract you choose. Horizon House offers a standard prorated non-refundable Entrance Fee contract, and 50% and 90% refundable Entrance Fee contracts.

Independent Monthly Fees have increased an average of 4% per year (ranging from 3-6%). Entrance Fees are reviewed annually through the budget process and adjusted as needed.

An application fee of $1,200 is collected with your Application for Residency. After selecting an apartment, signing a Commitment to Occupy, a clinic interview, medical records review, and verification of financial information, a deposit of 20% of the Entrance Fee is required. After any apartment renovations or customization have been completed and a final walk-through performed, the residency contract is signed and the remainder of the Entrance Fee is due.        

A resident, or one resident in a couple, must be at least 62 years of age and capable of living independently to move into Horizon House. Horizon House requests that applicants complete a health form and an interview with our clinic staff. 

Horizon House offers two refund options – 50% and 90%. These refundable Entrance Fees do not reduce over time and are a guaranteed refund of the Entrance Fee you paid upon move-in. You will receive either 50% or 90% of your total Entrance Fee when you leave Horizon House, once the apartment is resold. In the event of death, the refund will be paid to your estate once the apartment is resold. This option is available on selected apartments only.

A person moving into Horizon House may be able to deduct a portion of the Entrance Fee and/or the Monthly Fees as a medical tax deduction. Horizon House recommends that you consult your Tax Advisor for additional information.

The Residency Agreement provides priority access to Horizon House residents for services in our on-site Supported Living and Memory Support neighborhoods. Each qualifying resident is eligible for 60 days in our Supported Living Center at the reduced rate of 50%. The Monthly Fee changes based on the type of apartment and the level of care received, and additional fees are charged á la carte. If you have a Long Term Care policy, your policy may be applied to cover expenses in Supported Living.

Horizon House’s location on First Hill in Seattle puts us at the heart of all the leading medical providers. Just steps away from Horizon House is Virginia Mason Medical Center, one of the area’s finest healthcare facilities and specialty hospitals. Swedish Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center are also close by and enjoy excellent reputations. There are several other medical and specialty facilities, such as same-day surgery centers conveniently located in the area and even within walking distance. Horizon House has a 7-day-a-week on-site Clinic that offers services such as medication management, lab work, dental care, podiatry, and a visiting physician. Our clinic accepts a variety of healthcare plans.

Based on the condition of the apartment, residents have choices in paint colors, flooring options, cabinets, counter tops, appliances, hardware finishes and more. All changes must be approved by Management beforehand and a schedule of construction created with the Renovations Department. Some expenses are paid by Horizon House, and some are the responsibility of the resident.

Horizon House has guest apartments available for $75 per night, and are reserved through the concierge. Residents are encouraged to host parties and events, and may utilize their own apartment or common areas such as the Sky Lounge or Private Dining Room. Catering services are available.

Indoor cats are welcomed.

Horizon House offers secured parking in the building’s garage for $120 per month, per spot. Valet parking is offered at no additional cost, and a monthly car wash is included. Horizon House also offers transportation for local trips. 

We are committed to enhancing the well-being of our residents. Your Monthly Fee includes preventative health services such as access to our resident health clinic for blood pressure monitoring, nurse consultation and minor first aid. In addition, we schedule ongoing health education programs. You also have unlimited access to the Fitness Center, heated Saline Pool and water aerobics. We offer 26 exercise classes per week such as Yoga, Tai Chi, circuit training, dance aerobics, strengthening and stretching, and chair exercises.

Whip up a dish in your own fully equipped kitchen or enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in our Terrace Dining Room. Enjoy fresh pastries, bagels, lattes, and ice cream at the Deli, Chef’s specials with seasonal influences, and special Fine Dining evenings. Our Catering Department can provide excellent food for private gatherings – elegant or casual. From champagne to chocolate chip cookies, we offer many creative choices tailored just for you. A $150 dining credit is included in your Monthly Fee.

Yes, of course. Extra charges will appear on your monthly statement. Meals you purchase for your guests will also be handled that way, relieving you of the need to bring cash or credit cards to any of the dining venues.

Residents enjoy a wide range of social, educational and cultural activities – from art and writing classes to book clubs, bridge and card games, movies, concerts, health forums, and cultural events. Our partnership with Seattle University offers continuing educational opportunities right in your own home! You may choose to participate in water aerobics, weight training and cardiovascular exercises. Social activities like happy hours and wine-tasting events are held. Religious services are offered as well. As always, there is the entire city of Seattle at your doorstep to enjoy. 

Many precautions are taken to promote your safety and security. Our security begins with our controlled-access lobby and concierge. An emergency call device in each apartment home connects to our 24-hour response system and to the licensed nursing staff who will come to your residence to assist you in emergencies. A motion sensor device is installed in each apartment and will alert security if no motion has been detected for a specific amount of time. Security personnel monitor the community’s surroundings. In addition, security cameras are installed throughout the buildings. Access to each apartment, and every entrance, requires a key card which is assigned to each resident.

Horizon House encourages you to retain your family physician. Should you wish, we will coordinate transportation to your physician’s office on your behalf. Also, a physician from Virgina Mason is available weekly at our on-site clinic.