There are several housing resources in Seattle which focus their efforts on the medical patient community, especially the cancer community. These are Pete Gross House, SCCA House, and 3G Properties, an alternative to Pete Gross House and SCCA House.

Just because a provider advertises that they provide short term housing, does not necessarily mean they are a fit for your particular situation. As a provider, we at 3G Properties spend time with each and every call to help them assess their requirements.

We have put together a list of things medical patients, their families and caregivers should consider when looking for a short term rental.

Prior to your call, give some thought to the following:

1. Number of expected occupants, which includes immediate family, caregivers, and other visitors; Just because you understand the unit may sleep up to 2, 4, or 6 persons does not mean you will be comfortable and have the privacy you expect.
2. Length of stay. Prices may vary depending upon length of stay;
3. How close do you need to be to your medical center;
4. Is secure, private parking available vs street parking, and what is the cost;
5. How close am I from parking to my front door;
6. Are their stairs? If so, how many? Or is an elevator involved;
7. Is the building a non-smoking building outside as well as inside. In other words, is it a completely smoke-free building. Some units may be non-smoking, but may have a smoking area on the grounds. There is a difference.
8. If your medical professional has suggested a no pet policy, no plants, and private washer and dryer, ask about these. 3G Properties follows the SCCA guidelines in this respect. What are my kitchen requirements, such as full and complete appliances, efficiency, microwave or hotplate;
9. Ask the question of yourself, is this a place where I can relax and heal;
10. Does the owner/operator have experience with situations similar to mine;
11. Does the owner/operator manage this property according to City of Seattle guidelines;
12. Is the owner/operator a member of the Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound? This is for the protection of both the tenant and landlord.
13. Will my caregiver be able to have their private space and be able to recharge;
14. Is my housing provider able to bill through credit card, or bill insurance.

Do not be timid in asking these questions.

As you read this, maybe for the first time or from past experience, we would be delighted to get your feedback. We have been providing cancer patient housing for over 10 years. You can reach us through our contact page on our Short Term Housing Seattle web site, www.shorttermhousingseattle.com, or call us directly at (206) 279-3357. Thank you.

Oftentimes the caregiver must be: on call 24/7; chief cook and bottle washer; transportation coordinator, including driving and arranging of driving; scheduler of medical appointments and dispenser of medications; shopper for anything under the sun; entertainment coordinator; therapist, dealing with your mood swings and anything else which might come to your mind; travel and house coordinator of extended family visits as well as attending to their comfort; financial bookkeeper and manager of bills, insurance matters, and payment thereof.

When you come to a 3G Property location, we recognize the importance of the caregiver.

We provide the following:

• Private bedroom and space. Although initially it may seem like a workable solution to share a communal living arrangement, we have found that our customers – and especially the caregiver – truly appreciate the ability to get away and be on their own in the comfort of their own room. This time is needed to recharge. It’s often difficult to do so in a shared living space.
• Very complete kitchen and house wares package. Although it may seem feasible to order out or get food that requires little preparation, we have found that our customers like to be able to stay in when they want to and prepare food as needed. The cost savings can be considerable. And it allows everyone involved more time for recuperation and relaxation. Going out for food can be time-consuming and ordering out can be expensive.
• Private patio and garden escape, for time to reflect and recharge one’s battery;
• Dedicated parking close to the unit entrance, for ease of unloading the car, with no elevator;
• Netflix, unlimited movies instantly streamed to your TV, no waiting for the mail;
• Yoga mat and Yoga CD from First Ray Yoga, for the yoga practitioner;
• Assistance from 3G Property staff on where to go and what to see, or visit us online and direct your attention to About Seattle.

We would appreciate your feedback about the importance of the caregiver. You can reach us through our contact page on our Short Term Housing Seattle web site, www.shorttermhousingseattle.com, or call us directly at (206) 279-3357. Thank you.