Best care I could ever have expected for my Mom. She was in the Skilled Nursing section for a few weeks before she passed. Everyone was kind and the staff to resident ratio was superb. read more

My mother was at Franke Tobey Jones, first in an apartment, then assisted living and finally the nursing home part of the facility. She enjoyed going for her daily walks participating in classes. She developed a deep friendship with one of the other residents. Staff were kind to her. The beginning of the tragic turmoil began during her transfer to the HCC. She was shocked. She was excluded from having any part in decision making for the HCC. When I took her to see her new room she sat down and cried, "Please don't let them put me here". I told the nurse, but they went forth with placing her in the HCC against her will. FTJ has a history of not disclosing that the nursing home (HCC) is far more restrictive and that the resident may not need this level of medical care. In the age bracket of my mother, residents are transferred to nursing homes, in order to access nursing home insurance. Through rapid transfer, isolation, immobility and restricting communication, my mother lost her level of functioning rapidly into the parameters of the insurance. The transfer to HCC, was over $10,000 per month. My mother was sent to live in a constricted small room along a dark hallway. When she looked out her windows she saw parked cars right in front of her room. After placement in the HCC, FTJ could then rent out the beautiful assisted living unit she had lived in with views of Mt. Rainier over the fountain. One of the administrators informed me that residents are often transferred before they need that level of care. A direct care provider told me how residents are placed with no contact with friends or family for two weeks. When I came to visit and support my mother two days after her move, I was told to leave immediately or they would call the 'authorities'. I asked to speak to the CEO, who was a compassionate man. I was told he was not available and I must leave. There was no consideration for our mother's needs for support from the family. She later told me she thought she would never get to see me again in her lifetime. Another staff member told me how residents are transferred and cry for a few days. She went on to say that staff give them lots of attention and gradually they adapt. After transferring from assisted living to the HCC I observed that residents were no longer looking up and engaging with others, like they did before. From my perspective the move against my mother's will, isolation, restraint to wheelchair is 'kidnapping'. I never would have believed before that FTJ would do this to her. My mother grieved, with her loss of freedom, choice and respect. She had been a social activist for equal rights of minorities in Tacoma and president of the YWCA. She trusted the medical system, as a professional in the field herself. How ironic that a citizen who fought for equal rights would have these taken from her when she became an elder. My mother had been promised with the move that she would get to eat with her friends. Never again. She was no longer allowed to get up and walk on her own with her walker. She was placed in a transport wheelchair, with footrests. My mother was restrained through taking away her means of mobility, unplugging her telephone, not allowing her to eat or visit with her friends in assisted living. My mother told me, "I am imprisoned. I have no more rights. I cannot speak at a deep level. I must be superficial in my conversation or they will confine me even more." "When I die I want you to be free. To go where you are loved and never have to come back". The new Nursing Supervisor, Jenny Dooley, RN, had been my mother's Nursing Care Coordinator from Sound Options. She put further restrictions in place. My mother could no longer eat with anyone from outside FTJ staff, including healthcare professionals specializing in this field. My mother wanted to go out with her sister to eat and go with myself to her beach cabin. This right was withdrawn, even with accommodations including adaptive equipment and care providers. As a retired ARNP, who was a rehabilitation disability specialist, it was so hard to simply stand back and watch it all happen. FTJ lacked the knowledge and provided unsafe behaviors in eating and drinking, toileting, transfers, and working collaboratively with family. When the struggle impaired my health I had to give up on trying to support my mother's duration of life. I needed to adapt her quality of life needs to simply visitation in her room, and never again to go visit family or even go to her own home. I even needed to get an attorney to quote the Washington state laws in order to be with my mother as much as SHE wanted 24/7 for her last month of life. FTJ had requested no more than 2 hours a day, which was devastating for my mother. FTJ forgets how one's life expectancy is significantly reduced when opportunity to be with loved ones is restricted. My mother felt trapped and at FTJ's mercy until she passed. Then she was free. read more

I've been a satisfied resident of FTJ for four years. Choosing a long term care facility was one of the most important choices I ever made. I am confident I made the right one by choosing Franke Tobey Jones. As an Assisted Living resident, I receive an individual care plan which I have a voice in designing. I have privacy and independence with the assurance that care is available 24/7. Never have I been more appreciative of FTJ than during the pandemic. As I write this (Aug 27, 2020) we continue to have no cases of COVID-19. I appreciate FTJ's diligent monitoring of residents and staff, the consistent observance of DOH regulations, and above all the steadfast commitment of the administration to maintain the highest standards of care for their residents. read more

I would love to have good things to say but they are not interested in their own reputation then the care of their residents. My mom had to go to the hospital and then rehab at manor care - when she left manor car she was negative for Covid 8 day later after getting back to Tobey Jones she tested posative they said she had to go back to manor care because they didnt have the staffing to take care of her and that's where she got it and they didn't want her there until she was negative - really ..... take responsibility for the health of your residents instead of your own reputation. It appeared they are more about kn year then the people they take care of. read more

Franke Tobey Jones is a wonderful Life Plan Community located above Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, WA. In 2009, my husband and I began searching for where we wanted to spend our retirement years. We knew we wanted to leave the heat and drought of Texas and relocate to the Pacific Northwest. We spent 21 days exploring 20 different retirement communities between Bellingham, WA and Medford, OR, and chose Tobey Jones as our favorite. It had everything we were looking for - congenial people; private, not for profit status; and all levels of care from independent living to full health care. We have lived here since June of 2012, and are very happy with the community. All maintenance is included; there are enrichment activities available; the dining staff is outstanding; the Senior University program helps keep our minds active. Franke Tobey Jones is a great place. read more

I had always planned to sell my house and move into a retirement community that could care for my needs as I aged and needed more care. There are only two non-profit retirement communities in Tacoma: the Tacoma Lutheran Home and Franke Tobey Jones. Franke Tobey Jones has been in Tacoma a very long time, has a good reputation and I knew several people who lived there. It has an unpaid Board of Directors. I moved into a one bedroom Garden apartment during the pandemic last summer. I have a full kitchen, cook my own meals, have my own washer and dryer and cleaning service twice a month. I brought my cat with me. The staff has gone above and beyond to help us stay connected during this long time of no gatherings and made getting the covid shots an easy process. People I know on the meal plan are happy with the quality and variety of the food. During normal times there are a lot of activities with speakers from the local colleges for "senior university", band concerts in summer, garden plots, a well equipped gym with personal trainers on staff, a woodworking shop and craft room. As a gardener, hiker and birdwatcher, I love being next door to Point Defiance Park where I can go for daily walks. I thought I would miss my house and my garden, but I am very glad I made the switch to a retirement community. I am free to come and go and live my life as I see fit, but when the time comes that I need assistance, I can move to other buildings with meals and assistance. read more

Unless you have deep pockets, BEWARE. Everything started out great, but within 10 months the health care for my father-in-law increased 700%, as a outside CNA was required to come in 12 hours a day. It seemed that one nurse had it our for our family, and was driving the situation. We requested to have a different nurse, to no avail. We had several conferences, suggestions and offers were made, with no follow through on promised and committed actions. Due to the huge increase in price we were forced to move them, as this "non profit institution" does not accept medicaid assistance should their clients run out of money. A beautiful place on the outside..... but not much when you get down to the details. read more

Mom started out in skilled nursing in November 2017 as she really needed the attention from Drs. and nurses. They did an amazing job of taking care of her and getting her in right away after Shirley gave us a tour of the entire campus. My sister and I chose a room for Mom that was cozy and bright. After Mom got better my sister and brothers with the help of staff chose a room for Mom in assisted living as Mom was ready to live independently with the help of nurses and aids to dispense meds etc. and dine with new friends in the beautiful dining room. We shared meals with Mom in the dining room and met new friends ourselves. Mom enjoyed watching her new home being built from her great window view in Assisted Living as she is now in the new Memory Care building. Once again we helped find her a beautiful place in the new building with a private bathroom and window view of the landscaping. She has been in her 3rd stage on campus for almost a year and with Covid we have done virtual visits and window visits. Staff has done as amazing job with Mom and we consider FTJ employees FAMILY . Mom could not have gotten better without their professional, skilled, loving employees. I cant say enough good about FTJ. THANKYOU for taking care of our precious Mom read more

My mother has lived in this facility since 2008. Had you asked me even six months ago how I felt about it I would have given it four or five stars. It's well maintained and the grounds are lovely. I understand that budget is an issue being a not for profit but with the latest round of management decisions I can only say that I believe the level of care to be suffering. My mother resides in the Memory Care unit and effective immediately there is no nurse on site and just to CNAs who while very nice are not nurses. It's a closed ward. I was also told that there would be activities every day to keep the people stimulated and most days I go up there the residents are sitting in front of the television. You cannot expect two aids to monitor 9-11 individuals and still conduct activities and apparently they don't have sufficient activities personnel to do this. I was also there one day at lunch when both aids were taking ill residents to their rooms, leaving no one but me watching those eating. The food has gone downhill, especially since my mother is on a diet that no one can figure out who ordered and had I not stepped in she'd still be having the same thing every day. The monthly bill is not inexpensive and at this point I don't believe she's getting what she's paying for. It's a constant and uphill battle dealing with management who are more interested in the budget than the welfare of the residents. read more

I know that we'd all like to stay in familiar places like home. But there are repairs, expenses, and solitude. Moving to Franke Tobey Jones was the best decision I've made in years because it gives me a home (albeit smaller than my house), and good company. Plus my dog loves woods walk in Point Defiance Park. The lifetime learning opportunities are many and varied (even during COVID), the food tasty and healthy, and trips to grocery and pharmacy are made easy. Yes, the COVID isolation has been hard, but we continue to have ZERO COVID cases among residents, which is a blessing. I feel safe, cared for, and st and a gift.aff tells me honestly what is going on. Tobey Jones is a bargain read more

I recently toured Franke Tobey Jones with a friend who lives there. I didn't know such a place existed. My favorite part was calling her earlier in the day and there was a young woman who knew my friend and said, "Well, I think she is in the parlor." I love that! The activities are head and shoulders above many others I looked at, for another friend. FTJ is state of the art in wellness activities, nutrition, even a Senior University where the very best brain fitness is available in the form of incredible speakers, brain games, Toastmasters and foreign languages. I could go on, but I will be looking forward to this later point in my life now. Save me an apartment! read more

My grandparents received loving care under difficult circumstances, and FTJ made every effort to let them live together during their last days, which was an extraordinary gift. My mother moved in 4 months ago, and again special consideration was given to meet her needs and communicate well with her family. The concierge, who makes it her business to smooth the way and solve problems, is a model of patience and people skills, and makes all sorts of things happen in an apparently effortless way. As residents find it more difficult to articulate the finer details of their experience, they are feeling the presence of such kind and effortlessly patient people throughout the facility. The chef and servers in the dining room, the room cleaners, and so many others are extraordinarily gracious, flexible, and personal, and it is a strong healing influence which helps the residents reset each day from the impatience they may feel from their families or even express with themselves regarding their disabilities. At times the residents may not really be able to tell these caring staff how much it means, or even be polite, but that is the supreme art of their accomplishment- to be beautiful lights of humanity who sincerely show everyone they are wonderful, important, and liked. All our business dealings are clearly handled, and the overriding atmosphere is that this is a family supporting enterprise. Everything is low key and oriented to helping the residents enjoy their time. The transportation support, fitness classes, and education and cultural program are far superior to anything we have found. My uncle and aunt are moving in soon, and when the time comes, I expect we will, too. read more

My parents lived independently for 12 years before my Mom was moved to the skilled nursing unit and my father to assisted living. When my folks bought into the facility (to the tune of $90,000) their skilled nursing unit was Medicare certified. It is now private pay and considering their response when my mother was experiencing an ischemic event and went unaddressed, I can understand why they are not Medicare certified. We made the decision to move my Mom to another facility and eventually moved my Dad to a assisted living apartment in the same complex as where my mother was located. While the grounds are beautiful, I question their care for folks in the skilled nursing area. read more

I agree entirely with all the negative comments said in other reviews. I am a compassionate nurse and loved caring for the elderly folk there, i treated them like they were my family. and also involved the care with their own family members. but I was told i was too nice, and to stop that!?? How can someone be too nice to these lovely elderly folk who could be my mother or your father?? very strange. The staff are very mean and unfriendly and that's why they can't keep any regular staff, it's almost always agency people who do not know the routines or any personal stuff about your relative. everyone is very eager to turn on you and stab u in the back, even management. i got given an ultimatum basically to stop spending time with the residents, this is not important. to only do my job and give out medications and walk away. that to me is not a caring nurse, that is not someone i want to be. there was a few other things, that i had to change and they were treating me like a child, i had to ask first before i did anything etc..i could see the writing on the wall, they gave me a week to change everything or I get fired. so I quit before they could fire me and hurt my reputation anymore i have never worked ever, in a place so blatantly mean, out to get you, management either won't talk to you or stab u in the back. if u love your family member check out other places where they really care about the individual, not the bottom line. PS- residents jewellery etc goes missing all the time, there are so many agency people and people nobody knows it could be anyone. i recommend not leaving anything valuable or money there in the first place. read more

I have very mixed emotions about this property. My mother lived in Independent as well as assisted living facility at FTJ. The grounds are beautiful, however the facilities are rather old but reasonably well maintained. The challenge for this facility is it is a not-for-profit organization. Being a NFP keeps the rates low and make it a good value, however they do not offer all of the services that a for-profit assisted living facility provides. Based on our experience, the facility is run like it is in the 1980's. The management and CEO are very inexperienced and seem very inept at handling people in the gap (those not quite ready for living in memory care building). The staff are very strict about the rules and lack creativity in resolving challenges with residents. The management is very reactive and not proactive at ALL! The FTJ management did a very poor job of communicating with the family and constantly threatened to kick my mother out of the facility if she broke any of the rules. This was a very big problem because my mother had dimentia and it would upset her very much and send her into a deep depression and it became constant crises that could have been avoided if the management had worked with us (the family) to resolve any issues. After my mother passed away, we went to move everything out of her unit and found that a special family ring was missing as was some cash my mother kept in her jewelery box. The facility has said they would investigate the incident, however they have failed to provide us with any feedback. I think this could be a great facility if they had an experienced management team that had extensive geriatric behavioral training that knew how to truly care for the elderly with compassion and understanding in all phases of aging. read more

Working at Franke Tobey Jones is like opening a Christmas stocking filled with wondrous treasures. There are many little things that make my job rewarding; the smiles our residents share with us, the little niceties staff members do for one another - most often without request, a rain or shine summer BBQ lunch for staff members, August concerts on the lawn, sharing a cup of coffee in the Bistro, a workplace that looks like a motion picture set. Mostly, it's the joy of being around our residents and the love, kindness and memories they share. My almost 13 years of working here have been ever-changing but have filled my soul. Life is good at Franke Tobey Jones. My life is blessed because I get to work here. read more

The recent upgrade of the top floor suite in the guest cottage is very nice. A most comfortable place to stay while visiting my parents.