FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LOHO

Q: What is LOHO?
A: Loho is a community based 501©(3) non-profit organization formed to address housing needs of seniors on Lopez lsland. The organization began informally in 2002 and incorporated and formed a 13-member board in 2004.

Q: What is the Senior Hamlet in the Village?
A: LOHO's first project is the Senior Hamlet in the Village. The Hamlet consists of a licensed Adult Family Home that provides 24-hour supervision for six residents, fourteen Cottage living units, (seven 1BR and seven 2BR) for independent living, two affordable apartment living units for staff and a common building (The Gathering Place) for socialization and wellness related activities.

Q: How did LOHO determine that there was a need for a Senior Hamlet?
A: Before initiating the Hamlet project, LOHO studied the demographic statistics. This research indicated that:

1. 25% of our current population was over 65 (twice the national average)
2. The total population would grow by 9% by 2010, and the 65+ by more than twice that rate (19%)
3. The 85+ age segment would grow by 36% (primary AFH resident age group)
4. Lopez Island had no dedicated facility for senior living and care

LOHO then conducted research with 150 senior residents to determine need and interest. The results indicated strong support for this project.

Q: What is an Adult Family Home (AFH)?

A: An AFH is a licensed home that is limited to care for a maximum of 6 residents.  It provides services to assist residents with their activities of daily living and 24-hour supervised care in a homelike setting.  It is not a skilled nursing facility.

Q: What is the Lopez AFH (Hamlet House)?

A: The Hamlet House is a new 4500 square foot structure that includes on the main floor 6 private rooms each with ½ bath, a common living room, parlor, dining room, kitchen and a shared full bath.  The 2nd floor houses the apartment for the resident manager.  Two of the six units will be affordable for lower income levels.  Our goal is to provide a loving home environment where care is delivered in a manner similar to the way a family member would give assistance in their home.

Q: What Services are Provided by the Hamlet House?

A: The Hamlet House values the opportunity to serve residents of varying needs.  It is our desire to give each resident the opportunity to age in place with the best possible services we can provide, as long as we can meet their needs.  The Hamlet House provides three meals per day with snacks, housekeeping and laundry service, assistance with activities of daily living and medications, as well as local transportation.  There is on-site supervision 24 hours per day.

Q: Who is Eligible to Live at Hamlet House?

A: Admission criteria will follow WA State and Lopez AFH Guidelines.  These include a pre-admission assessment team comprised of medical and social services professionals.  As each individual is unique, the pre-admission assessment team will conduct an individual review of each applicant to determine the level of services needed and whether the AFH can provide the customized care needed by that person.  Generally, Hamlet House will be able to provide services to those who will benefit from personal assistance in a group home environment.

For more specific information, click here: AFH Admission Information

Q: Where is the Senior Hamlet ?

A: The Hamlet is centrally located on the land fronted by Weeks and Village Roads between the Community Center and the Post Office.  This location is easily accessible to necessary services.

Q: Who Owns and Operates The Senior Hamlet?

A: The Hamlet is owned and administered by LOHO (Lopez Housing Options), a community based 501©(3) non-profit organization.