In the Northshore community, transportation is a basic need. Without access to safe, reliable, efficient, and affordable transportation, older adults and people with disabilities may be unable to access medical care, groceries, or activities at our senior centers, which isolates these individuals and diminishes their quality of life.

Northshore Senior Center Transportation partners with King County Metro, Community Transit, and other agencies to provide transportation options to our participants.   

Current services include:

• Door-to-door service in the Northshore Region for access to medical appointments and grocery/food services
• Service to the Northshore Adult Day/Health & Wellness Center for scheduled appointments only
• Individual trip planning for people using transit buses
• Free transit passes to qualified individuals
• Application forms for King County Metro Access and Community Transit DART
• Information and referrals to other transportation services as appropriate

 All Northshore Senior Center Transportation mini-buses are wheelchair lift equipped, and we hire, train and expect our drivers to live up to our transportation motto: Safety, Courtesy, Comfort.

To schedule a ride or to get additional information about transportation options that might meet your needs, contact our dispatch office.

425-286-1026

Nscdispatch@mynorthshore.org

Northshore Senior Center offers a team of social services professionals to support older adults and their families during these challenging times.  Staff has expertise in social work, nursing, mental health, and community resources.  Services currently offered include one-on-one telephonic support, online and/or telephone support groups, and emergency financial assistance (for Bothell Residents only).   If you are struggling with loneliness, anxiety, or other issues during this time, we encourage you to reach out.

For individualized confidential support from one of our expert staff members, please call us at 425-286-1035 and leave a message.

Conversation Café — Grab a cup of coffee and join others in this new weekly group.  It’s an opportunity to make social connections and to have some fun and enjoyable conversations. More information on how to join can be found here.  

Diabetes/Pre-Diabetes Support Group—Join this supportive group to learn the latest on diabetes management and to share ideas, strategies for coping, and other helpful tips. To register, contact Lydia Barnsley at lydiab@mynorthshore.org or at 425-286-1029. 

• Bothell, Room 205
  • 2nd Wednesday of the month, 10-11:30 am
  • Facilitator: Lydia Barnsley, LPN, Wellness Nurse
• Peterkirk Community Center
  • First Friday of the month, 11 am-noon
  • Facilitator: Lydia Barnsley, LPN, Wellness Nurse

Parkinson’s Support Group—Both caregivers and persons with Parkinson’s disease can gain from presentations by guest speakers and discussions with other members.  To register, contact Janet Zielasko at 425-286-1035 or at janetz@mynorthshore.org. 

From Heartache to An Open Heart Support Group — Everyone must deal with loss, whether it’s the loss of a loved one or close friend, a treasured relationship, loss of physical functioning, or previous status. Learn how one can move through the grief process and grow “from heartache to an open heart.”  To register, contact Cassidy Stout at cassidys@mynorthshore.org or 425-286-1072

Caregiver Support Group—Are you a spouse, partner, son, daughter, relative, or friend who cares for a loved one with dementia or other chronic illness or disability?  Come join other unpaid family caregivers for mutual support and assistance.  Contact Pam Jones, Facilitator, at 425-346-9856 for more information.

Sharing and Caring Support Group—Confiding in others and building social support are effective ways to promote our health.  Join this open-ended support group to share and care. To register, contact Janet Zielasko at 425-286-1035 or at janetz@mynorthshore.org. 

Information and Referral Services—Older adults in our region needing support may contact our Community Resource Specialist, Cassidy Stout, to be connected with resources in the community that might be able to meet their needs.  Support areas might include VA Benefits, property tax alleviation, and/or utility assistance amongst other resources.  For additional information, please contact Cassidy at 425-286-1072.

Employment and Community Connections

Do you have a pre-retirement career or ‘honey do’ skills that are getting a little rusty from disuse in your retirement years?  Maybe you’re looking for something else to do to keep busy?  How about signing up with our NSC Employment program and becoming one of our ‘Seniors Helping Seniors’. It’s truly a win/win situation.  You get to use your life skills to help seniors who need assistance while earning some extra money for yourself.  It’s easy. All potential workers are initially interviewed and checked through the Washington State Patrol system. Our volunteer NSC Employment Matching Programs gets calls daily asking for help.  We find one of our service providers who’s a good match for what the “client” is needing assistance with, then give you a call to see if you’re interested.  If you are, you then call the client, discuss the job, and negotiate a fee.  Another happy client and another happy service provider feel good about being able to help someone else out. If you think you’re interested, we’d love to have you stop in or call us.

We are presently looking for service providers in the following categories:

Handymen (yes, you can say “no ladders or roof work please”!)

• Yardwork
• Housework
• Home care (personal care assistance, companionship and/or meal prep, etc.)
• Driving
• Other (could be sewing/tailoring, in-home care, organizing, etc.)

If you are interested in more information, please call us or stop in.

at 425-286-1028.

2^nd Floor

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays

1-4 pm

Directly across the street from NSC Bothell, our Health and Wellness building houses a wide variety of programs and services exclusive to the building, including:

• Adult Day Health: Our state-approved Adult Day Health Program serving adults experiencing physical, mental, or social challenges associated with arthritis, diabetes, stroke, isolation, confusion, developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other conditions.  Adult Day Health services provide expert clinical care to individuals, while offering much-deserved respite for family caregivers. This program is currently being offered Monday- Friday from 10:00 am-2:30 pm at the Northshore Health & Wellness Center. If you have a family member you’d like to enroll in our Adult Day Health Program, or for more information, please contact us at 425-488-4821
• Northshore Wranglers Inclusion: Promoting “Fun For All”, this program provides inclusion, fun, and friendships for special needs individuals of all ages and abilities, in partnership with the community,  through year-round recreation, sports, life skills and social opportunities, as well as advocacy and family support. Programming is currently happening virtually and in person.  Classes vary each quarter but have included cooking classes, show & tell, theater, martial arts, yoga, and much more. To register and pay for upcoming classes, please visit this link. If you need assistance, please contact Judi Pirone at 425-286-1037 or judip@mynorthshore.org or inclusion@mynorthshore.org. For more information, please contact us at 425-488-4821. 
• Fitness Center: This welcoming space is designed to make exercise enjoyable and accessible, with cardio machines, weight-lifting equipment, and free weights. Orientation is required, during which an Exercise Specialist can create a personalized exercise program for you.
• Tootsie’s Parlor: Tootsie’s Parlor provides individuals with a variety of personal care services.  We are now offering both hair care and medical foot care on an appointment-only basis in our Northshore Adult Day Health/Health & Wellness facility.  (10212 E. Riverside Drive, Bothell).  All guests will be required to follow strict COVID protocol, including screening at the entrance to the facility and wearing a mask. To schedule an appointment for services, please call us at 425-488-4821.  No unscheduled guests will be allowed into the facility.
  • Hair Care:  A variety of hair care and hair styling services are offered.  Fees vary based on the services provided.
  • Medical Foot Care:  $45 per appointment
• Medical Equipment Checkout: Manual wheelchairs, canes, bedside commodes, walkers, and other assistive equipment are available for free
  on a temporary basis. Please call 425-488-4821 for more information.
• And so much more! Learn more about everything Health and Wellness has to offer in our QUARTERLY CATALOG

At Northshore Senior Center, we are committed to promoting healthy living and well-being for all members of our community. To ensure everyone has access to our programs, services, and resources, we offer financial assistance to those in need to avoid cost being a barrier for participation.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
The scholarship program includes membership for a single year and a 10-class fitness punch card for participants to attend 10 eligible fitness classes. Fitness programs include Line Dancing, Enhance Fitness, Cardio Drumming, Pilates, Circuit Training, Aerobics, Spin Class, S.T.A.R.T., Strength & Balance, Tone Up, Yoga (Mill Creek ONLY), Zumba and access to Health & Wellness Fitness Center. SHAPE UP Fitness Coupons, located in NSC catalogs, also offers special discounts on some fitness programs for King County residents. See coupon for details

 

POLICY GUIDELINES & INCOME INFORMATION

• To qualify for financial assistance, you must meet Income Guidelines.*
  *NSC uses income eligibility guidelines set by the United States Department of Health & Human
  Services Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia.
  More info at: https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines
• Applicants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, based on current
  funding availability.
• TO APPLY
• Fill out and complete application with all requested information. LINK TO APPLICATION
• Return application to at ANY NORTHSHORE LOCATION or mailed to:
  NORTHSHORE SENIOR CENTER
  ATTN: Member Services
  10201 E. Riverside Drive
  Bothell, WA 98011

Applications can also be emailed to membership@mynorthshore.org and contact (425) 224-4694 with questions.

Social isolation is more than just being alone—it’s the absence of meaningful social connections, and it can have serious effects on physical and mental health. At Northshore Senior Center, we recognize the importance of fostering community and connection, especially for older adults who may be at greater risk.

Why It Matters

Studies show that social isolation and loneliness can lead to:

• Increased risk of heart disease, dementia, and depression
• Weakened immune system
• Higher rates of hospitalization and mortality

Older adults may face isolation due to:

• Loss of loved ones
• Mobility or health challenges
• Living alone
• Limited access to transportation or technology

Local and National Resources to Help

Here are some trusted organizations and tools that offer support, connection, and practical help:

Washington State & Local Programs

• DSHS: Addressing Social Isolation in Washington State – A comprehensive resource paper and initiatives from the Department of Social and Health Services. [dshs.wa.gov]
• Friend to Friend America – A volunteer-based program that matches community members with isolated seniors in long-term care settings across Washington. [friendtofr…merica.org]
• Aging & Disability Services – Seattle & King County – Offers adult day services, caregiver support, and community living connections. [agingkingcounty.org]

 

Online Tools and Helplines

• Connect2Affect by AARP Foundation – Includes assessments, tips, and a directory of local services to help seniors stay connected. [connect2affect.org]
• National Institute on Aging Toolkit – Outreach materials and health information for older adults and caregivers. [nia.nih.gov]
• Friendship Line by Institute on Aging – A 24/7 toll-free emotional support line for older adults and caregivers: 1-888-670-1360. [ioaging.org]
• Online Therapy Guide for Seniors – Tips and programs for accessing mental health support virtually. [ncoa.org]

How You Can Help

• Volunteer with local organizations like Northshore Senior Center.
• Check in regularly with older neighbors or relatives.
• Encourage participation in community events, virtual meetups, or senior center activities.
• Share this article to raise awareness and connect others with support.