Highgate at Bellingham

Pros

• The staff at the facility are very nice and approachable.
• The meals, particularly lunch and dinner, are generally considered satisfactory by the husband.
• The virtual tour provided an opportunity to learn about the facility, despite not being able to see his room in person.
• The husband appreciates the efforts made by the facility during challenging times like Covid.
• The husband is receiving care and support during his stay, which is valuable during isolation.

Cons

• The husband is experiencing feelings of sadness and isolation due to the lack of social interaction at the facility.
• A significant number of items sent to the husband are reported as missing, causing frustration for his spouse.
• The facility's virtual tour prevented an in-person assessment of the living conditions.
• There are limited activities available for residents because of Covid, leading to a lack of engagement.
• The breakfast quality is deemed unsatisfactory by the husband, despite lunch and dinner being acceptable.
• The costs associated with the facility are excessively high compared to other options, leading to dissatisfaction.
• An additional charge of $3000 to $4000 for setup fees is viewed as inappropriate and lacking transparency.
• Overall, there is a feeling that the facility is not providing value for the price being charged.

Review

The experience of placing a loved one in a care facility can be fraught with challenges, particularly during unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent review of Highgate at Bellingham reflects some of these complexities faced by families. The reviewer expresses concern over the distance and expenses associated with the facility, highlighting that it feels too far out and costly for what they receive in return. This sentiment is not uncommon among families seeking quality care for their relatives while grappling with financial implications.

The emotional toll on both the resident and their family members is palpable, as isolating conditions imposed by the pandemic have exacerbated feelings of loneliness. The reviewer notes that their husband is experiencing sadness due to the inability to see anyone, an unfortunate reality many residents in similar facilities are facing due to health protocols designed to keep them safe. While this situation is beyond anyone's control, it adds strain on relationships and overall well-being—both critical considerations when evaluating long-term care options.

Another significant issue raised in the review concerns missing personal items. The reviewer points out that despite sending a substantial number of clothing items, including around 20 pairs of pants, their husband has only managed to retain two pairs. This discrepancy raises serious questions about inventory management within the facility and could reflect underlying challenges related to staffing or procedural adherence concerning residents' belongings. For families entrusting their loved ones into such facilities, these concerns can lead to distress and frustration.

Moreover, while there appear to be no substantial complaints regarding food quality beyond breakfast—which was described as lacking—the overarching feeling about activities available for residents feels quite sparse due to ongoing restrictions caused by COVID-19. The reviewer suggests that the activities offered are limited and do not provide much engagement for their husband or other residents. In settings where social interaction plays such an important role in mental health and general happiness, this lack of variety can be disheartening.

Financial transparency appears to be another issues highlighted by this review. The exorbitant fees charged for care were concerning enough for the reviewer to consider them inappropriate given what they perceive as a lack of adequate services provided in return. They disclose having been charged an additional $3,000 to $4,000 simply for setup when transitioning their husband into Highgate at Bellingham—a practice which they found unsettling and not clearly communicated prior to admission. Families often feel vulnerable during such transitions; thus clear communication regarding costs is essential.

While acknowledging that staff interactions were positive—highlighting kindness from those working at Highgate—the overall impression remains clouded by financial stressors and inadequate service provision compared with expectations set before admission. The review encapsulates a blend of both frustrations regarding operational practices within assisted living environments amidst challenging times while also revealing how crucial it is for families searching for care options to weigh both emotional needs alongside financial commitments effectively. As many continue navigating these waters filled with uncertainties, transparent policies coupled with compassionate support will remain vital components in addressing similar concerns across various facilities battling through these ever-evolving circumstances.

Restaurants

• Olive Garden (0.1 miles)
• The Birch Door Cafe (0.1 miles)
• Zen Sushi & Bar (0.3 miles)
• Wendy's (0.4 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.4 miles)
• IHOP (0.7 miles)
• Mi Mexico (0.7 miles)

Physicians

• Northwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (0.3 miles)
• Bellingham Retina Specialists (0.3 miles)
• ClearView Eyecare (0.6 miles)
• Dr. Daniel C. Best & Associates (0.7 miles)
• Sea Mar Community Health Center (0.8 miles)
• Horizon Oral Surgery (0.8 miles)
• Bellingham Eye Physicians (0.9 miles)

Transportation

• WTA Cordata Station (0.4 miles)
• U-Haul Moving & Storage (0.8 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2.2 miles)
• Bellingham International Airport (BLI) (2.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Cost Cutter Pharmacy Meridian (0.4 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.7 miles)
• Infusion Solutions (1 miles)
• Fred Meyer Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Option Care (1 miles)
• Mount Baker Imaging (1.2 miles)
• Mount Baker Kidney Center (1.2 miles)
• Peacehealth St Joseph Child Birth Center (1.5 miles)
• PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center (1.5 miles)
• Bellingham Surgery Center (1.6 miles)
• St Joseph Cancer Center (1.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.5 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)

Parks

• Broadway Park (2 miles)
• Elizabeth Park (2.4 miles)
• Zuanich Park (2.9 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Barkley Village IMAX & RPX (2.3 miles)