Seniors living at the new El Dorado West assisted living center in Burien were visited May 28th by Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon and Robin Dale from the Washington Healthcare Association.

Both men were present to talk about how seniors are impacted by cuts in Medicaid and to listen to their concerns about transportation issues. Dale said rates are 10 years old and fall short by $10 a resident day.

A study has shown that every other sector of home and community-based care has seen an increase in rates while assisted living Medicaid rates have been reduced by more than 16 percent since 2009.

The pair also discussed the "Complete Streets" program. Complete Streets is a transportation policy and design approach that requires streets to be planned, designed, operated, and maintained to enable safe, convenient and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. Complete Streets allow for safe travel by those walking, bicycling, driving automobiles, riding public transportation, or delivering goods.

Tracy Willis, El Dorado West Director of Corporate Development calls the
residents there "Cyber-Seniors" because they have access to Skype, Facebook and political advocacy through the internet.

"We didn't want seniors to be left out of the digital generation, especially social media," she said.

About fifty residents live at the facility, which is expanding to make room for a larger number of seniors.

The company has been in Burien for more than 35 years and is part of Village Concepts group of centers.