You’re now part of the ‘family’; so what does that mean?

Welcome to McKinley Care Assisted Living! 

You’re now part of the ‘family’; so what does that mean? 

Moving into an assisted living facility is a big step for most people, but for those who’ve never resided in a group setting before, it also comes with its own unique set of challenges and responsibilities. From becoming acquainted with new routines to meeting and interacting with new people, it can be overwhelming, especially during the first few months. 

To help newcomers to the McKinley Care family settle in and as a reminder to those who have been with us for some time, here’s a set of guidelines that hopefully encourage a sense of community and kindness. 

The most basic is, of course, ‘The Golden Rule’: Treat others as you want to be treated. Respect is of paramount importance at McKinley Care, by staff and residents alike. In return, you are right to expect the same. We do understand that a diverse range of people, each with decidedly different life experiences, perspectives, and personalities, live in this building, but respect transcends this uniqueness and extends to everyone. 

Are you a night owl? Many of us are, too! But also, many of your fellow residents may be early-to-bed people. Please remember that McKinley Care quiet hours are between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. During this timeframe, lower the volume of your television, radio, and/or music player (or wear headphones or earbuds). For those who are up with the birds, especially during Alaska’s bright summer months, please keep conversations low until after 7 a.m. 

Your room may come furnished if that is what you have requested, and all rooms come with a flat-screen television. Please treat these furnishings and items with care and respect. If any property owned by McKinley Care Assisted Living becomes damaged, you are responsible for replacing it. 

Living with lots of other people means we all share the responsibility for keeping personal spaces clean and healthful. McKinley Care offers housekeeping services once per week, and as a resident, you do have the right to decline this service. But – if you choose to perform your own housekeeping, we ask that you maintain a high standard of cleanliness. Our team may come check on you to make sure the tasks are not too challenging, and may determine that staff should place your apartment on the weekly cleaning schedule. 

Your personality and style are welcome to shine at McKinley Care! All we ask for decorations is adherence to the building safety rules (listed below) that keep everyone within McKinley Care’s community safe at all times. 

Safety rules

● Residents are not permitted to have microwaves in their rooms. Each floor is equipped with a microwave that residents may use to reheat food under staff supervision.

● Residents may not make structural or physical changes to their rooms.

● Residents have the choice of private or shared rooms, as well as the option to request roommates for shared rooms. In general, shared rooms are more economical, while private rooms offer more privacy at an increased cost.

● Residents in shared rooms will be required to share a bathroom. More details are specified in the McKinley Care Roommate Choice Policy and Shared Bathroom Policy. Copies of these policies are available upon request.

McKinley Care Assisted Living features several common rooms and areas within the building that are available for all residents and their families or guests. Come relax in the 4th Avenue or South lobbies, or the first-floor TV and recreation room between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Our comfortable dining room is available to residents between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. 

For residents who use tobacco or marijuana products, please know that smoking of any kind is not permitted inside the building. Anywhere. Ever. Please ask a staff member for assistance in locating these areas outdoors, and please, do not block open any McKinley Care doors, as this action damages the card key swipe access. 

Alcohol and illegal drugs are always prohibited on the premises. Possession or use of illegal drugs will result in eviction.

McKinley Care Assisted Living also restricts the possession of firearms and deadly weapons anywhere on the facility property. This extends to visitors and family members. We take very seriously the health and safety of residents and staff, and if a resident has such items in his or her possession, the care team will confiscate them and allow family members to remove the firearm from the facility. 

Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” Living among a large group of people isn’t always easy, but it is possible to take each day as an opportunity to build your own community of others who care. Please let our team know if there are any ways we can support you or your family as you adjust to this new type of living environment. 

Reach out to us by calling (907) 268-6576 or emailing welcome@mckinley.care. We want to know how you are doing!