"To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors."
A Generational Legacy
Tia Walker, Author of The Inspired Caregiver
Since the early 90's, we've been a multigenerational family residing within the Monroe community. Melonie (Adkinson) Claybrook retired from the Monroe School District at the age of 49 after being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2009; she had an Astrocytoma tumor removed, beating the odds by undergoing extensive treatment and choosing to practice her belief in the power of having a positive mindset.
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Late in 2018, Melonie experienced a traumatic seizure which resulted in her using a wheelchair fulltime and utilizing in-home care services to assist with her daily care needs. Based on Melonie's increased amount of care - as well as the safety oversight for both Melonie and her mother, Gerri - they decided to make the move into an assisted living facility where meals, housekeeping, entertainment and access to 24/7 safety would be provided.
Things went well for a short period of time; however, like many families (...especially during a global pandemic!) We experienced the frustration of overpromised services, excessively long response times, and shared empathy for the staff, which comprised largely of burned-out caregivers, all tasked with too many unrealistic expectations and often presenting emotionally drained.
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After many discussions (...and several games of Yahtzee!) between the three generations, it was a unanimous agreement that Jessica would pursue creating an AFH in support of Melonie's need for personalized care and bring a premier care option to her hometown of Monroe.
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SBCW '09
In August of 2020, as a family, it was decided that Melonie and Gerri would temporarily reside in Monroe at Jessica and Scott's home, with the goal of helping Melonie receive the one-on-one care and therapy attention she needed and construct the adult family home. Jessica left the corporate assisted living &
memory care industry to pursue the administrator training through Washington State Department of Social & Health Services and a Certification in Gerontology
through the University of Washington - go Dawgs!
We found a 1925 style farmhouse in a neighborhood next to Monroe High School - the location felt serendipitous, as Melonie's last position prior to retiring was at MHS (...way to go Bearcats!) She enjoyed a fulfilling career serving the counseling department as their Lead Secretary and is proud to be a part of the founding staff ambassador team to advocate for the Monore High School Gay/Straight Alliance Student Club.
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In 2021, Monroe Equity Community held their first
Pride Celebration; Adkinson Estates is proud to be
an annual sponsor and have Melonie's contribution
to the local youth community honored.
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https://komonews.com/news/local/monroe-holds-first-pride-event-amid-triple-digit-temperatures
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Thankful for 15 years of clear MRI's
First Sponsored Easter Dinner at MCSC in '21
We did it mama! #bossbabes
GSA Ambassador circa '06
Monroe High School
1st Pride in '21
Many special memories - DEMO DAY!
Forever thankful for this opportunity & each day that follows
"When we stand together, it's our finest hour,
We can do anything, anything.
Keep believin' in the power of love."
~ The Judds, Love Can Build a Bridge
A legacy built on the foundation of love
We were officially licensed on October 10th, 2022 (Happy birthday to Scott - DSHS doesn't factor in holidays!)
It's been a whirlwind of the first few years - we are incredibly honored to have built something that retains true professionals in our line of "work".
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A Note to Our A-Team:
For Sabrina, Melissa and Katie: ​Thank you for walking alongside us from the beginning of this journey, and as for Olivia, I thank my lucky stars that we reconnected with each other not too shortly afterwards! When we keep our own cups full and surround ourselves with others who share values of love, balance and respect, they are received not only for ourselves but shown through our service as an extension within our residents' quality of life.
From one daughter/granddaughter to another, my deepest appreciation to each of you for helping me regain my
peace of mind when, honestly at times, I was uncertain it would ever be found again. The ability to breathe
again, knowing my mother and grandmother are
being well cared for when I cannot be there is a blessing that I simply cannot put into words.
I know I like to joke by way of saying "if I'm the least favorite caregiver, then I've done my job well."
Well... each of you make my job look easy and it is an honor to be here now, with you, together making a big difference in the quality of lives for our Golden Girls.
I am BEYOND thankful that you continue to choose us.
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xoxo,
Jessica