The Ponderosa Assisted Living Community

About the Ponderosa Assisted Living Community

We are so glad to have you here. Built in 1974, the Ponderosa is one of the most established assisted living and retirement centers in Yakima, Washington. As such, we feel that we have much to offer you! Our community is situated in a very quiet neighborhood setting yet is close to shopping, parks, and restaurants. We have lovely grounds on which to stroll, sit and visit with a friend, or have a barbecue. Our rooms are spacious and all have a lovely deck or patio, many with beautiful views of the city of Yakima.

The Ponderosa Assisted Living's personal care department is second to none with personal care being our personal promise. Having a care program specifically tailored to your particular needs, you are assured that the care you receive is of the highest quality. Our personnel in the activity department and dietary and housekeeping departments, work very hard to see to it that all your needs are met and you can live as independently as possible. Our resident council meetings, which are held regularly, insure that you have a voice in the happenings at the Ponderosa.

From the Crows Nest...

9/1/06

My dad says, “Growing old is not for wimps!” and I am inclined to agree. My residents are older. Their bodies have begun to betray them; their skin is as thin as tissue paper, a small bump against the wall can create a nasty bruise. Their legs buckle without warning, creating a great risk of falls and their stamina gives way to the need for lots of “rest periods”.

Yet, even with this seeming “body betrayal”, I know that they are still the same people that used to be able to dance until the wee hours of the morning. They worked in their orchards from sun-up to sundown, took care of their babies and worried about their teenagers. I know that they look in the mirror and shake their heads in wonder at the stranger who looks back at them. They tell me often, “I never knew I would live this long!” or “I can’t believe I am still around”, or the proverbial, “If I had known I was going to live this long, I would’ve taken better care of myself!”

But here they are, still around, some in better health than others but definitely still here! Would they really have done anything differently? Very few seem to have regrets. They all seem to agree that life is still good and attitude is everything. They know that change is constant and the ability to adapt to change is imperative, that thinking about others takes our mind off of ourselves, that laughter is still a universal language and five or six hugs a day are good for the soul!
Growing old may not be for wimps but laughter, hugs, and a great attitude are all ageless!
Until next time,
Lori Crow