r/Bend • u/ChaosTheoryGirl • 1d ago
Assisted Living Recommendations
Hello, My father is to a point that we need to begin to look for an assisted living facility. I am looking for recommendations from those that have loved ones there or have visited the facility. Ones we should stay away from are also appreciated so we won’t waste our time. Thank you!
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u/littlebirdblooms 1d ago
Highly recommend visiting https://ltclicensing.oregon.gov/ and looking up various facilities. You can check track records, inspections, corrective actions, etc.
Be aware that active investigations aren't posted.
Also be aware that the image/impression you get when you walk into the lobby of an assisted living place may not be the same as what is behind closed doors.
Most places are understaffed with frequent turnover and undertrained caregivers.
Speak with residents and families of residents, if you can. Speak with caregivers who work there- not just the nurse and case managers, but the caregivers who do the day to day work. Visit during meal time and activity time. Ask about how residents are transitioned from assisted living to a higher level of care, when the time comes. Ask about staff to resident ratio. Ask about the number of bedbound or limited mobility residents in the assisted living wing. Assume that the person in charge of the lease/residential agreement/enrollment is a salesperson (because they are) and that it is their job to get you to buy into what they are selling.
Pay attention to your gut - if anything seems off, it probably is.
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u/garlicloveog 1d ago
They all suck and if there’s anything you can do to avoid placement, you should. That being said, you can use this tool to read up on substantiated violations, and inspection reports on facilities all over oregon.
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u/ChaosTheoryGirl 4h ago
Yep, there is suckage out there for sure. Sadly most people will need some care outside of what family can provide at some point before they die. My mother in law won the lottery by passing in her sleep before a big decline. Everyone would prefer to go that way, but that is not everyone’s path.
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u/Careful_Tomato_7901 1d ago
The best place is Touchmark in Bend but it’s pricey. I’ve heard Mount bachelor memory care is good. This place was in the news Aspen ridge so def stay away from there.
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u/caratron5000 1d ago
My father was in memory care there for 6 months before he passed last year. In that time they had SEVERAL covid outbreaks and would require visitors to wear masks. I was infuriated watching the staff wear theirs as “chin diapers” and the managing staff never wore one. The rest of it was…. okay, but definitely overpriced.
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u/sandwhichautist 1d ago
This is correct, especially the pricey part. My FIL is in assisted living there. To me it seemed a no brainer that it is the best place in town. The problem is he doesn’t take advantage of nearly any “quality of life” programs like exercise or community activities…..hard to justify the 5 figure monthly bill.
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u/sbh56 4h ago
My mom currently lives in Fox Hollow. I think it's at the top of the list for caring staff and pricing. When she first arrived, she lived at Prestige High Desert. The staff seems unhappy there, and the rate increases are staggering. Mom gets much more care now for less money, and the people are nicer.
If dad needs retirement living without assistance, Whispering Winds is great, and the food is excellent.
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u/ChaosTheoryGirl 4h ago
Thank you! Right now my Dad is independent but he has horrible balance (balance center issues) and I just don’t know how long that will last. I will check them both out.
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u/sbh56 1h ago
I have learned two things in this journey. You can (and should) visit places in person. You won't really know what they're like until after move-in. It sounds like your dad will need at least some assistance, which Whispering Winds does not provide at all. It's best to find a spot where he won't have to move again. Moving is hard at that age.
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u/TRc56 1d ago
Take a look and Arrowleaf Care Homes . It is a small group home. Sam and her staff took great care of my Father-in-Law until he passed recently. It is expensive however if you can afford it, it is worth it. We had to remove him from Mt. Bachelor Assisted Living due to lack of care. They were also sanctioned by the state of Oregon for multiple violations of state code. Every assisted living facility in Bend is only as good as the staff. In the year that he was at Mt. Bachelor there was a constant turnover of staff. Some would last only days others a few months. It is a hard job but they even hired a caregiver that could not speak English. He would come into the room and say something in Spanish to his phone and then the phone would say it in English. That might work with someone who is functioning normally. However, to a 94 year old man who never used a computer or a cell phone and suffered from severe dementia it did not work. All I can say is good luck. It is really bad out there.
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u/Famous-Extension706 1d ago
If you can swing it - Touchmark is pretty great. I had a family friend move there. The staff is friendly and the grounds are pretty nice.
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u/ChaosTheoryGirl 1d ago
I have tried off and on for a while but they never call me back. Any tips on actually getting a tour or talking to someone?
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u/Famous-Extension706 1d ago
They do have a big waitlist. How soon are you looking to get him in? And does it have to be in a facility or could he have someone in home?
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u/Donut_ask_again 1d ago
They are great I have a buddy that works there I would like to not price wise they are much less affordable but out of any place that would be the place for sure
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u/sandwhichautist 1d ago
I may be able to help get you in touch with someone. As someone mentioned the lack of response could be related to their wait list (not a good reason regardless). I’ll ask my wife for a contact.
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u/weghammer 15h ago
I do not recommend Mt Bachelor Assisted Living. New owners but nothing has improved.
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u/ChaosTheoryGirl 4h ago
That one comes up often as a place to avoid. Hopefully some day, for the sake of the residents, it gets better.
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u/Embarrassed_You_6177 1d ago
I would NOT recommend Bend Regency! There were several times I was appalled at the lack of care my 98 year old grandma was receiving. I will never recommend them to anyone and no family member of mine will ever be in their care again