Empress Senior Living at Laurelhurst sits in a classic European-style neighborhood in Northeast Seattle with tree-lined streets and well-kept homes, and the building design borrows from older masonry styles in the area because they wanted it to fit in with the surroundings, and with street-level spaces like The Bistro and the dining room, residents and visitors can see activity as they walk by and it all feels like part of the local community. The community opened in 2021 and brings together assisted living, independent living, and memory care in one place, with entry requiring a $13,500 fee, and the state license number is 2613. The living spaces include studios and one-bedroom apartments, and each apartment has a kitchenette, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms, with access to laundry and linen services, housekeeping, and maintenance taken care of, so daily life feels comfortable and easy. There's a big roof garden terrace-4,400 square feet-plus walking paths and garden spaces, which let residents get fresh air and sunlight, and a pet-friendly policy means people can even bring small pets along. Everyone has choices for how they want to eat, whether in the communal dining room, through room service, or in private rooms, and the kitchen offers meals made to order with attention to dietary needs like diabetic, kosher, low salt, or other special diets, with guest meals also available.
People who live here can keep busy with daily structured activities like arts, crafts, music, exercise classes such as tai chi and yoga, walking groups, hobby groups, literary and educational programs, and field trips on the activity bus for shopping or visits. There's also a theater room, recreation and game room, library, artist studio, coffee bistro, fitness center, and entertainment lounge, so people can pick what interests them each day, and special events or game nights often show up on the calendar. Empress involves the community with religious services, on-site salon and barber care, and even overnight guest accommodations alongside guest parking, which is handy for visiting family and friends. Staff includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants trained in dementia care, and there's always someone on duty 24 hours a day for emergencies or help, whether the need is small or serious.
For those needing help with daily activities like medication, bathing, dressing, continence, grooming, or safety checks, the care team gives support tailored to what each person needs, and staff do regular health care coordination or provide event reminders and cues for those with memory loss. The memory care section, called Audrey's Garden, splits into two parts: Transitions for people with mild to moderate memory concerns and Reflections for people with greater needs, each with special designs and direct access to outdoor decks or lounges where residents can spend quiet time or safely socialize. People seeking independence can have all the benefits of resort-style living without the chores-like weekly housekeeping, scheduled transportation, three meals a day, all-day snacks and drinks in The Bistro, help with activities or special outings, and a concierge who can assist if questions come up. There's general transportation for shopping and errands, on-site and guest parking, and flexibility to pay by check or insurance, with rent and care fees separate from the entry fee.
Fitness and wellness programs, including PrimeFit Wellness and opportunities for exercise, aim to keep people healthy in mind and body, with the goal of helping people enjoy life at their own pace, whether with friends or alone, and hospice providers partner for added support should health needs change. The entire setup wants to feel flexible and supportive for a wide range of needs-someone could just want a nice apartment and good food, or they might need daily help or specialized dementia care, and Empress offers services for all those situations.
