Bernardita F. Sarasaud Adult Family Home

Pros

• Carmen and Valentin are amazing people with loving, caring hearts.
• They went above and beyond expectations.
• Carmen and her staff do an outstanding job caring for their clients.
• Bella Vita is a truly wonderful place.
• Carmen and her staff are amazing and take excellent care of residents.
• The warmth and professionalism of the owners make residents feel at home.
• The care at Bella Vita has been professional and caring at all times.
• The home is spotlessly clean and cheerfully decorated.
• Residents receive personalized long-term care in this small facility.
• There is very little staff turnover.

Cons

• The reviewer cautions not to send loved ones to this place, especially for high-care or end-of-life needs.
• The reviewer states that medicine is not dispensed as doctors' orders, and often the only staff present are the owners' children and an elderly grandmother who doesn't speak English.
• The reviewer claims there is no medical staff on duty.
• The reviewer notes that a CNA-in-training present sometimes cannot dispense meds or turn patients.
• The reviewer had to call hospice to administer medications because no one else would.
• The reviewer feels hospice patients were kept uncomfortable and in pain.

Review

There is a strong sense of warmth and dedication that runs through the experiences shared about Bella Vita Adult Family Home (AFH). Across multiple voices, Carmen and Valentin are described as remarkable people who bring a generous, caring energy to the home. Reviewers emphasize comfort and peace of mind for families, underscoring that knowing loved ones are in their care provides genuine reassurance. The sentiment is not merely about basic daily life but about a compassionate approach that makes families feel their relatives are truly cherished and protected.

Several accounts detail meaningful, hands-on efforts to help residents regain mobility and maintain independence. One person stayed for nine months and highlights how Carmen and Valentin did everything possible to help their loved one get up and walking, repeatedly going above and beyond expectations. The feedback consistently praises the staff's proactive, attentive care and the positive impact that a supportive, upbeat environment has on residents. Reviewers mention five-star-quality care, suggesting not only kindness but effectiveness in daily routines, physical support, and encouraging engagement with activities and rehabilitation.

Families consistently present Bella Vita as a place where their loved ones feel seen and safe. Statements about the sister who resides there describe a truly wonderful place with caretakers who are amazing and whose primary concern is safety and well-being. The care is characterized as professional and deeply attentive, with families noting that staff adapt to changing needs and that safety and loving care are priorities. The environment is described as small and intimate, with personalized, long-term care that minimizes neglect and maximizes the sense of home and belonging.

A recurring theme is the professionalism and warmth of the owners, framed as a steady, reliable presence in the daily life of residents. Reviewers highlight the home-like atmosphere, conformance to high standards, and the cheerful, clean decor. The facility is portrayed as well maintained, safe, and properly staffed, with little staff turnover relative to other settings. Families emphasize that residents receive personalized long-term care rather than being treated as anonymous occupants, reinforcing the sense that Bella Vita is a close-knit community where individual needs are seen and addressed over time.

The role of hospice, physicians, and medical oversight features prominently in several positive experiences. In one account, a brother-in-law's anxiety eased as he felt safe under the care of people who know how to handle a variety of conditions. The presence of a nurse practitioner supervising treatment and the coordination with hospice teams are described as crucial elements that ensure appropriate care, timely hospitalizations when necessary, and clear communication with families. These narratives portray a model where medical support is integrated thoughtfully into the home setting, reinforcing trust and collaboration among caregivers, clinicians, and families.

Yet a contrasting perspective appears in one strongly worded review that cautions potential families. The reviewer urges not to send loved ones to Bella Vita if high-level or end-of-life medical care is required. They raise concerns about the lack of on-site medical staff, noting that medicine is not dispensed according to doctors' orders and that the only regular caregivers present may be the owners' children or elderly relatives who may not speak English. The reviewer claims that hospice had to step in to administer medications and that the facility may be insufficient for ongoing or intensive medical needs. They describe firsthand experiences of deterioration and express disappointment with care when more specialized or licensed medical support would likely be necessary. This perspective emphasizes the importance of matching the facility's capabilities to the specific medical requirements of a resident, especially for those with complex or high-care needs.

Taken together, the reviews paint a nuanced portrait of Bella Vita AFH. On the one hand, there is abundant testimony to the loving, patient-centered culture fostered by Carmen and Valentin, with staff who are attentive, skilled, and deeply committed to residents' safety, comfort, and happiness. Families speak of genuine trust, improved well-being for their loved ones, strong communication, and a sense of belonging in a warmly kept house that feels like a home rather than a facility. The presence of coordinated hospice and medical oversight further reinforces confidence for those whose care extends into more specialized needs.

On the other hand, there is a candid warning about situations requiring higher levels of medical intervention. The negative review serves as a reminder that, for families evaluating Bella Vita, it is essential to assess the scope of medical services available on-site and to align expectations with the resident's care plan. While many experiences describe a strong, cohesive team and an environment that fosters dignity and safety, the concerns raised highlight that this setting may not be appropriate for residents needing intensive medical management or guaranteed 24/7 licensed medical on-site support.

Overall, Bella Vita AFH emerges as a place of noted warmth, personalized attention, and family-centered care, with many families expressing deep gratitude and high regard for the owners and staff. Prospective clients are encouraged to consider their loved one's specific medical needs, inventory the level of on-site clinical support, and discuss care goals in detail to determine whether the home aligns with those requirements. The stories collectively celebrate a community that values compassion and safety, while also underscoring the importance of clear communication and appropriate medical coverage for residents with complex health needs.

This part of Shoreline, Washington offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors considering the area for living. With multiple pharmacies within a few miles, access to healthcare and medication is easily accessible. Additionally, there are several parks nearby such as Lake Ballinger Park and Echo Lake Park, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. A variety of dining options including The Habit Burger Grill and Seaplane Kitchen & Bar are available for those looking to enjoy a meal out. For coffee enthusiasts, cafes like Woods Coffee and Starbucks are also in close proximity. In terms of healthcare, Swedish Medical Center is conveniently located within 3 miles. Public transportation options such as the Northgate Transit Center are easily accessible for those who do not drive. Overall, this area offers a mix of amenities that cater to the needs and interests of seniors looking to reside in Shoreline.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.7 miles)
• Ostroms Drug & Gifts (2.3 miles)
• Bartell Drugs (2.3 miles)
• Fred Meyer Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)

Parks

• Lake Ballinger Park (1.7 miles)
• Echo Lake Park (2 miles)
• Log Boom Park (2 miles)
• Saint Edward State Park (3.5 miles)
• Richmond Beach Saltwater Park (4 miles)
• Lynndale Park (4.4 miles)
• Blyth Park (4.5 miles)

Restaurants

• The Habit Burger Grill (2.1 miles)
• Dick's Drive-In (2.4 miles)
• Seaplane Kitchen & Bar (2.4 miles)
• Yeh Yeh's Sandwiches (3.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.3 miles)
• McDonald's (3.4 miles)
• The Guest House (3.4 miles)

Cafes

• Woods Coffee (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Crystal Creek Cafe (4 miles)
• Walnut Street Coffee (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)
• Tazza Di Vita Espresso Stand (4.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Swedish Medical Center (2.6 miles)
• Northwest Hospital (4.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Alderwood Mall 16 (3.8 miles)

Physicians

• Lakeshore Clinic (4.4 miles)
• Bellevue Vision Clinic (6.5 miles)
• Lakeshore Clinic (6.8 miles)
• Allegro Pediatrics - Totem Lake (6.8 miles)
• EvergreenHealth (6.9 miles)

Transportation

• Northgate Transit Center (5.2 miles)
• Northgate Station Seattle (5.2 miles)
• U-Haul Moving & Storage (6.4 miles)
• Roosevelt Station Seattle (6.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Hindu Temple & Cultural Center (5.8 miles)