Avamere At St. Helens

Pros

• Avamere at St. Helens is praised for its beautiful and spacious apartments, which have been recently updated and offer lovely views of the surrounding gardens.
• Residents appreciate the friendly and caring staff, who are described as phenomenal and eager to assist with any questions or concerns.
• The facility offers a variety of enjoyable activities, including crafting, exercise classes, and field trips, catering to the interests of the residents.
• Many individuals commend the dining experience at Avamere, noting that the food is excellent and that meals are served in a pleasant dining area with great ambiance.
• The community is commended for its cleanliness and cheerful atmosphere, creating a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
• Families value the convenient location of Avamere at St. Helens, making it easily accessible for visits from friends and family members.
• Several reviews highlight the flexibility of care options available within the facility, allowing residents to transition between independent living, assisted living, and memory care as needed.

Cons

• One reviewer expressed dissatisfaction with the memory care unit, stating that the rooms were small, dark, and in need of updating, comparing it unfavorably to other facilities.
• Another individual highlighted issues with the stability and quality of care at Avamere, mentioning improperly separated medications and unmet service expectations.
• A resident noted that despite the good food options, there was a consistent complaint about the greasy and pre-packaged nature of the meals served.
• Concerns were raised about inadequate garbage collection service and staff promotions that did not align with employee capabilities.
• A visitor mentioned that although staff appeared nice, the overall atmosphere in the memory care cafeteria felt bleak and uninviting.
• One review depicted a bad experience in which a family member suffered from bed sores and frequent ER visits while under Avamere's care.
• Another resident criticized the overall value for money at Avamere, indicating that it was expensive without providing satisfactory levels of care.

Review

Avamere at St. Helens has received mixed feedback from residents and visitors, reflecting a wide range of experiences related to the quality of care, facilities, and overall atmosphere. On one end of the spectrum, some individuals have expressed significant dissatisfaction with the memory care unit, citing severe issues such as inadequate training among staff, leading to neglectful practices like bedsores and unmonitored health emergencies. One particularly alarming account described frequent trips to the ER while a family member was under their care. This reviewer emphasized that the promises of reasonable rates masked additional fees for required care services that should have been included upfront.

In contrast, many other reviews highlight positive experiences at Avamere at St. Helens. Residents appreciate the friendly nature and attentiveness of the staff, often describing them as wonderful and caring individuals who go above and beyond in their roles. A recent resident noted that despite only being there for a few weeks, they found great enjoyment in their accommodations, which were spacious and beautifully appointed with recent renovations including new paint and carpeting. They also praised the quality of food served in the dining area, recognizing it as quite delicious.

The general layout and aesthetics of Avamere stood out positively for many visitors as well. Many praised the independent living cottages for their spaciousness and pleasant decor that resembles more of a home than an institutional setting. One visitor highlighted how bright and cheerful everything appeared during their tour; they were pleasantly surprised by how personal each room felt compared to a hospital environment. The availability of numerous activities—ranging from crafting projects to exercise classes—further adds to the community's appeal for those seeking an engaging lifestyle.

However, opinions diverge significantly when it comes to perceptions of memory care within this facility. Some reviewers characterized memory care accommodations negatively by pointing out dark, cramped rooms lacking sufficient natural light—a stark contrast to other parts of Avamere which featured brighter spaces with access to views over gardens or patios. The communal dining areas were described as uninspiring with low-ceilinged rooms that felt outdated rather than welcoming or comforting for residents needing dedicated support.

Despite criticisms regarding memory care conditions specifically, other aspects like scheduling activities have garnered praise across several reviews. Residents noted regular outings to local attractions such as Tulip Town or themed events crafted around various holidays help foster interaction among residents while maintaining engagement with external communities. There's even mention of supportive initiatives aimed at fostering independence through skill development in daily tasks such as dressing or bathing.

In terms of administrative oversight within Avamere at St. Helens, opinions remain divided concerning organizational stability and efficiency in addressing needs adequately—alluding to past frustrations linked with ineffective management practices alongside glimpses toward hopeful improvements under new leadership. Many residents share desires for better meal options while actively participating in discussions during food forums aiming towards healthier choices—a clear call reflecting collective aspirations towards quality enhancement across dining offerings.

Overall, while individual experiences vary considerably—from deep concerns regarding memory care provisions contrasted sharply against glowing endorsements praising independent living conditions—it is clear that Avamere at St. Helens serves diverse resident needs along varying levels throughout its multifaceted service offerings within assisted living environments.

Located in St. Helens, Oregon, this area offers a variety of amenities suitable for senior living. With pharmacies such as Rite Aid and Safeway Food & Drug within close proximity, access to medication and healthcare services is convenient. Nearby restaurants like Dockside Steak & Pasta provide dining options for residents looking to enjoy a meal out. The presence of parks like Davis Park and Paradise Point State Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, hospitals like Salmon Legacy Creek Hospital and healthcare facilities such as Family Health Center are easily accessible. For those seeking spiritual fulfillment, places of worship like Battle Ground United Methodist Church are nearby. Overall, this part of St. Helens provides a well-rounded community with essential services and recreational opportunities for seniors looking to settle in the area.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.1 miles)
• Safeway Food & Drug (0.2 miles)
• Semlings Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Columbia River Natural Medicine (1.8 miles)
• The Healing Connection (5.1 miles)
• Hi-School Pharmacy (6 miles)
• Hi-School Pharmacy (7.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Dockside Steak & Pasta (1.9 miles)
• Warren Country Inn (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (5.9 miles)
• Gouger Cellars Winery (8.6 miles)
• Three Brothers Vineyard and Winery (9.7 miles)
• Local Asian Bistro (12.2 miles)
• Grapes 'n Growlers (12.2 miles)

Parks

• Davis Park (4.8 miles)
• Paradise Point State Park (6.1 miles)
• Fairgrounds Community Park (10.8 miles)
• Felida Park (11.3 miles)
• Daybreak Park (12.1 miles)
• Vista Meadows Neighborhood Park (12.6 miles)
• Trojan Park (12.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Stacie Crochet, LICSW, BCD, SAP (5.3 miles)
• Salmon Legacy Creek Hospital (12.7 miles)
• HCR ManorCare (12.9 miles)
• Vancouver VA Medical Center (16.9 miles)

Physicians

• Family Health Center (6 miles)
• Magic Smiles: Philbert C. Doleac, Jr DDS Pc (6.8 miles)
• Vancouver Clinic | Heron Gate (7.3 miles)
• Family Vision of Oregon (7.6 miles)
• Ridgefield Family Medicine (8.7 miles)
• Salmon Creek Plastic Surgery (12.3 miles)
• Navin S Arora DO | Kaiser Permanente (12.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (7.3 miles)
• Island Cove Cafe & Market (7.6 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (12.1 miles)
• Blackrock Coffee (12.7 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (13.5 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (14.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (14.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Battle Ground United Methodist Church (14 miles)
• Word of Grace Bible Church (14.3 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (16.9 miles)