Columbia Elder Care

Pros

• The facility provided meals for the residents.
• The staff ensured that the resident was wheeled back to his room after meals.
• The loved one had their own private room during their stay.
• The location allowed for a peaceful and quiet environment.
• The loved one had ample time for personal solitude and reflection in their room.

Cons

• The service received at this facility was highly unimpressive and lacking.
• The interior of the place is excessively dark, creating a gloomy and depressing atmosphere.
• Dad rarely left his room during his brief stay here, except for meals, indicating a lack of engagement or activities provided.
• The staff would simply wheel him back to his room after mealtime, suggesting minimal social interaction or encouragement for socialization.
• Dad spent an overwhelming amount of time alone in his room, estimated at approximately 90% of his total time there.
• Unfortunately, the location of this facility proved to be inconveniently far from family members, hindering frequent visits and support.

Review

A Disappointing Stay at a Dreary Assisted Living Facility

In this article, we delve into a heartfelt review of an assisted living facility that left much to be desired. It is evident from the experiences shared by the loved ones of a resident that the establishment failed to provide adequate service, resulting in feelings of isolation and disappointment. We explore how the facility's dark and dreary atmosphere, limited social interaction opportunities, and inconvenient location impacted the resident's well-being and family visits.

Upon entering the assisted living facility, it became apparent that its interior lacked brightness and cheerfulness. The reviewer describes an overall sense of dreariness and depression, which undoubtedly affected their loved one's emotional state. Being surrounded by gloominess for extended periods can lead to decreased motivation and joy, exacerbating any preexisting feelings of loneliness or sadness.

The limited amount of time spent outside the resident's room highlights a concerning aspect of this assisted living facility. According to the reviewer, their father rarely ventured beyond his quarters except during meal times when staff members would wheel him back promptly afterward. This suggests a lack of engagement and activities available within the facility to stimulate residents socially or mentally. As a result, many residents likely found themselves spending a significant portion of their days feeling isolated.

Perhaps one of the most troubling aspects mentioned in this review is how distant the facility was from family members. A considerable distance between an assisted living facility and a resident's loved ones can significantly impact visitation frequency. In this case, due to geographical constraints, family visits were infrequent and challenging to coordinate regularly—causing additional distress for both the resident and their concerned family members who wished to play an active role in their loved one's life.

It is important not only for elderly individuals' physical health but also for their overall well-being to maintain strong connections with loved ones. The limited opportunities for social interaction and infrequent family visits mentioned in the review suggest that the facility failed to adequately foster a sense of community among its residents. Socializing with peers and engaging in activities are crucial components of a fulfilling assisted living experience, as they can contribute to improved mental health and overall quality of life.

Loneliness has been linked to negative health outcomes in seniors, including depression, cognitive decline, and even an increased risk of mortality. Keeping this in mind, it is evident that the lack of socialization described by the reviewer was a significant cause for concern. Assisted living facilities should prioritize creating environments where meaningful connections can be formed among residents through organized activities, outings, and communal spaces.

This poignant review sheds light on an assisted living facility that fell short of meeting expectations. The dark and gloomy environment coupled with minimal social engagement opportunities contributed to feelings of isolation for residents like the reviewer's father. Additionally, the inconvenient location further hindered frequent family visits, hindering any potential support system for their loved one. This review underscores the importance of carefully considering all aspects when choosing an assisted living facility to ensure optimal care, well-being, and happiness for our beloved seniors.

This part of Portland, Oregon is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with a variety of amenities and services to offer. With multiple pharmacies such as Walgreens and Rite Aid within close proximity, accessing medication and healthcare services is convenient. In terms of medical care, there are reputable physicians like Eye Health Northwest and The Oregon Clinic nearby for any health needs. Additionally, there are several cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread for socializing or relaxing, as well as restaurants ranging from casual to upscale dining options. The area also boasts beautiful parks such as Mt. Tabor Park and Laurelhurst Park for leisurely walks or outdoor activities. For transportation, there are public transit options at the TriMet Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center and easy access to Portland International Airport for any travel needs. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for senior living with ample resources and easy access to essential services.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• Herbalist Farmer (0.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Fred Meyer Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.1 miles)

Physicians

• Eye Health Northwest (0.8 miles)
• The Oregon Clinic (1.1 miles)
• Adventist Medical Pavilion (1.3 miles)
• Rockwood Medical Offices (3.9 miles)
• ZoomCare (4 miles)
• Richmond Family Health Center (4.2 miles)
• Family Medical Group, PC (4.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.9 miles)
• Common Grounds Coffee House (3.9 miles)
• Dutch Bros. Coffee (3.9 miles)
• Keeper Coffee Co. (4.6 miles)
• Peet's Coffee and Tea (5.3 miles)
• Portland Cà Phê (5.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Adventist Medical Center (1.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Roscoe's (2 miles)
• Taqueria Queretaro (2 miles)
• Bipartisan Cafe (2.1 miles)
• Jim Dandy Drive-In (2.3 miles)
• Escape Bar and Grill (2.4 miles)
• Park City Pub (2.5 miles)
• Element Lounge (3 miles)

Parks

• Mt. Tabor Park - Off Leash Area (2.7 miles)
• Mt. Tabor Park (3 miles)
• Normandale Park (3.1 miles)
• Lents Park (3.2 miles)
• Laurelhurst Park (4 miles)
• Oregon Park (4.5 miles)
• Colonel Summers Park (5.2 miles)

Theaters

• Century 16 Eastport Plaza (2.9 miles)
• Hollywood Theatre (3.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Rose Catholic Church (3.4 miles)
• St Henry Catholic Church (5.5 miles)
• East Hill Kid City (5.6 miles)

Transportation

• TriMet Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center (3.8 miles)
• Portland Airport Rental Car Center (4.8 miles)
• Concourse E (4.9 miles)
• Portland International Airport (PDX) (4.9 miles)
• Alaska Airlines Lounge - PDX (4.9 miles)
• Concourse C (4.9 miles)
• TSA Checkpoint A/B/C - Portland International Airport (4.9 miles)