Author: An Qiqi
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Joseph Tso stands in the doorway of his Legacy House room. (Image courtesy of ICHS)
As the world adjusts to the new normal, many may still be struggling to feel safe and grounded. Seniors, in particular, must pay extra attention to their health and well-being.
Since the first case of COVID-19 at the Kirkland nursing home in March 2020, Washington state has taken steps to enforce strict safety precautions to protect residents living in long-term care facilities. Seniors are advised to stay put and many feel isolated.
The great fears and hardships seniors face every day have become a burden, but the pandemic has further isolated them from family, friends and each other, forcing many to tackle the challenges quietly and alone.
At International Community Health Services Legacy House Assisted Living, residents know that no matter what they’re going through, they’re not alone. Each of them should feel safe and concerned.
For seniors who come to Legacy House, this supportive, family-like community respects and reflects their cultural values. The staff at Legacy House promote healthy aging with attentive care, they are dedicated and knowledgeable, and they speak a variety of Asian languages and dialects.
Legacy House has become a haven for its residents, protecting them from the staggering effects of the pandemic and providing them with the best possible care in a very supportive community.
Zuo Zongtang
Legacy House resident Joseph Tso was born in mainland China and moved to Taiwan at a young age.
Before moving to California, he served for nine years as a district judge in Taiwan. He moved again and settled in Washington, where he owned a small coffee shop for 31 years. Then, he started having heart problems and trouble sleeping. That’s when he realized he needed help, and that’s why he started looking for assisted living facilities. He is grateful that his wife found Legacy House.
In Zuo Zongtang’s mind, the Heritage Home was never just where he lived.
“Legacy House is beautiful, not because of the facilities,” Tso said. “It’s the heart!”
Since moving in, Zuo said he has been well looked after. He slept well, stayed physically active, and ate more than he used to. Other residents were shocked when they saw that he was able to eat all the food and even ask for a few seconds. Although he admits that his sense of taste has declined, he is increasingly satisfied and appreciative of his life.
“Here, we all get special treatment,” Zuo Zongtang said. “It’s us who benefit!”
Shaoxin Hu
A long time ago, Hu Shaoxin, a resident of Legacy House, lived in Guangzhou as a housewife. She said life was much harder for her then. After moving to the United States, she experienced cultural and language barriers that kept her at home most of the time. Little did she know how much her life would change when she moved into the Legacy House.
“At Legacy House, it’s like a whole different world,” Hu said.
In her bright, sunny room, you can see potted plants lined up on the windowsill, handcrafted ornaments hanging from every corner. Although residents do not have kitchens or stoves in their rooms, they can have their own rice cookers. Hu often uses it to make chicken soup with her.
Here, she has everything she needs and more. One of her favorite things about staying at Legacy House is the number of activities it offers. Hu felt that he had become a student again, capable of everything from metamorphosis Tai Chi, Mahjong, to making various handicrafts. When asked about her proudest achievement, she shared how pleasantly surprised she was when she learned to play the piano.
Now, she says she is the happiest ever.
Martha Chen
Legacy House resident Martha Chan immigrated to the United States with her family when she was about 5 years old. She grew up in California and became a hairdresser before moving to Washington.
Most of her family is in Washington, and she wants to stay here too. However, the rent for her former senior housing facility was expensive, so when she found Legacy House, she was delighted.
Chen said she was grateful for the helpful staff and personalized care. Legacy House helps her make friends in the community and enjoy her time and space watching TV and resting. On days when her sisters visit, she can go out with them. Among other special occasions, she loves the cozy celebrations hosted by the Legacy House staff.
“Legacy House is great,” Chan said. “I feel safe here.”
friend Vo
Legacy House resident Hoa Vo was born in Vietnam. He came to the United States in 1992 as a refugee.
He and his wife worked and lived in Washington State for many years before retiring. Then, when the pandemic hit, both he and his wife got sick, and unfortunately, his wife died of COVID-19.
Grief made it difficult for him to return to his former housing facility, so he asked his healthcare provider to help him find a new home. That’s when he found Legacy House.
He told himself he had to forget his grief and move on, and living at Legacy House helped him on his journey to a new peace.
“One of my happiest memories since the pandemic was spending Christmas at Legacy House,” Vo said. “The staff got together to celebrate with us.”
Legacy House also provides him with daily activities to do, and his most frequent exercise is Tai Chi. Vo looks like a pro when he does it: slow and fast movements, landing on his feet. He said he really enjoyed it.
Although the residents of Legacy House are mostly Chinese, there are also Vietnamese friends in the building. Sometimes, on a good day, he would visit his favorite Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants in the international district of Chinatown.
“I’m very happy with what Legacy House has given me,” Vo said.
At ICHS Legacy House Assisted Living, residents have the opportunity to age richly and healthy. Activities and social interactions help seniors connect with each other and continue to grow as they age.
Even as they face new challenges, Legacy House can provide them with the care and support they need. Because here—”We care.” “Chúng tôi quan tâm.” “We care.”
Legacy House is currently accepting applications. Legacy House is a nonprofit organization that accepts Medicaid. To learn more, visit the ICHS Legacy House webpage or call 206-292-5184.
