Pioneers in Oregon: Caring Places Management Edition
In response to new federal laws for senior living, in 1988 the State of Oregon launched a major new statewide initiative to support the development of assisted living. At that time, assisted living was defined as “a group residential setting not licensed as a nursing facility that provides or arranges personal care to meet functional requirements and routine nursing services.” This initiative allowed for the caring of seniors utilizing a less restrictive and more social model of care rather than the more traditional of the time, medical model of care. The Forest Grove Beehive, which opened in 1991, was one of the first facilities approved for this type of care and remains a staple within the company and the greater community of our Home Office location in Forest Grove, Oregon.
pi·o·neer (noun): a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area.
Our Vision for the Future
The Corona Virus pandemic of 2020 has taught us how technology can be used to improve healthcare delivery, even in a heavily “hands on” service industry like assisted living and memory care. Virtual tours, virtual interviews, virtual care conferencing, digital communications with physicians and pharmacies, and even our CPM music program use aspects of technology to facilitate our connections with our residents and their families. In order to be truly Caring Places, we will need to continue to innovate in our use of technology. Our proprietary resident information system will allow us to keep at the cutting edge of this innovation.
That said, being a Caring Place in a “hands on” industry still requires that loving, thoughtful communication and personal touch with our residents. It will always be in those private, intimate moments, when a loving caregiver is helping a resident, where true Caring occurs.
Caring Places is committed to realizing the full potential of its current communities while always looking for new opportunities to improve and move forward. Regulations, information, and times will continue to change, but the loving care that defines our mission will remain constant.
As pioneers in this industry, we are dedicated to taking what we’ve learned in the past 30 years and continue to forge ahead and blaze our trail.
Testimonials
I give Hearthside Manor a FIVE STAR rating! Since my mother moved into Hearthside Manor in March of 2019, they have treated her with kindness, top rate care, and made her feel “at home” as much as possible. I have been able to communicate with all of the staff, all the way to the top administrator. They are receptive to any concerns, and willing to work with me on every issue. I applaud Saporia Williams and Shannon Matson, especially, as they constantly and consistently do their best to make sure my mother is very well cared for. I would recommend this facility to anyone with a loved one who needs memory care, live-in assistance.
Bruce Clark
I am so fortunate to have found River Terrace to care for my partner during her last 8 months of life. The staff are wonderful. The facility is clean, safe and functional with lots of natural light and a beautiful inner courtyard for residents to enjoy. There are a wide variety of activities available for residents and the meals I shared there were always delicious. I can not say thank you enough to the staff for their care.
Rennie Squier
I am a Project Manager for a construction company that regularly works in Senior Care and Memory Care facilities on renovation and other facility improvement projects. While working on a renovation project at River Terrace, I was impressed by Jeffrey and the staff. For one thing, Jeffrey cared about creating a warm, safe and comfortable home for the residents. He expected quality in both workmanship and materials, with the recognition that the residents deserve to live in a dignified environment where they and their families can be comfortable and cared for. Which brings me to the the staffing. While working in the facility, I could observe the staff’s care of the residents. I felt that the kindness and compassion shown to the residents as individuals, as well as the quality of activities throughout the day was heartwarming. In addition, I would usually find Jeffrey himself sitting with residents, warmly chatting and interacting with them. I would highly recommend that anyone looking for a memory care facility for a loved one to consider River Terrace.
Rick B
Project Manager for Construction Company
River Terrace is a beautiful home for my mom. Every staff member is caring, loving, experienced, and patient. There are plenty of activities for residents, even in the midst of COVID-19. We have had Zoom calls, window visits and will soon have patio visits. Mom loves her new home and I am so pleased that we found River Terrace Memory Care in Oregon City.
Dayle Askey
My Dad had to be moved to River Terrace after going to look for his car and getting lost at dark. Prior to moving to the River Terrace Memory Care Facility I became mentally, physically and emotionally drained worrying about my Dad 24/7. He needed to be around other people most all the time and have activities to keep him busy. This facility is beautiful with so much natural light and out door places that the residence can enjoy. It’s a facility that he can’t accidentally wander off. The Employee’s are awesome! They not only do their jobs, they go above and beyond to take measures so that everyone there stays healthy. They have activities all through the day, every day and a Movie after dinner every night. They have made it so that I can sleep better each night and not worry each day that my Dad is ok. They employees and the facility has been nothing but a Blessing to myself and my Dad. I thank God for this Facility and their Employees.
Valerie Guillory-Nolan
My friend Gloria, 94 yrs old who had been my neighbor for over 30 years decided she wanted to go into assisted living and moved into South Beach Manor. Soon after, when she was all settled in I went to visit her. Gloria was so excited that “Cher” worked there too and introduced me to her, also known as Cori, a delightful involved employee who I’m sure has many other hats besides director of activities. After the first visit, because of Coronavirus, there were no more visitors allowed. I especially appreciate Cori for offering an option of video chatting with Gloria. I had asked her to let me know when it was convenient for her so Gloria and I could video chat. Because of Cori I was able to see my best friend and have good conversations at least two times or more a week. I also encountered some of the other employees on video and they were absolutely upbeat and wonderful with Gloria. They would stop by and ask if she needed anything, and sometimes give her a loving hug. I would give this facility a A+ rating for family settings. Gloria has recently went home to be with The Lord, and I am so glad she was being cared for by the very best! I have loving thoughts for each one of you who cared for Gloria. Thank you all!
Doris
As a “retired” marketing and directing business person to a “newer” RN (8 years as a ACU/Med Surg/Labor and Delivery nurse). I first want to say Bravo with regards to your organization.
My mother had an aneurism a year and a half ago, we had to move her from the beaches of Hawaii to the Pacific Northwest. She has been under the care of San Juan Villa in Port Townsend, Washington since 2019. Every staff member has gone above and beyond to make “Beverly” happy. So much so that once I “retire” from Jefferson Healthcare Family Birth Center, I hope to join San Juan Villa’s team in some capacity. You have a wonderful team out here at the end of nowhere.
Rosalyn Fettig
The new “Home @ Heritage House” Memory Care facility is nothing short of fabulous. Our family cannot say enough about the quality and care that our loved one received. His stay was short due to his advanced health situation, but this staff not only cared for him, but also for his family. Their care and respect is such a shining example of what an assisted living or memory care facility should encourage. Special kudo’s to Peggy, administrator and to the owners who also encourage this level of caring. We waited for this facility to open and it exceeded our expectations.
Heritage House was close to where I work. I work up in Buckley and I wanted to be able to see my Mom everyday. We’re quite impressed with the whole staff. They really pay attention to the residents.The people are very nice. They care about my mother like I care about her and that’s the way my brother and I felt about it. They are so caring, kind and they make sure that Mom has everything she wants or needs. The place always smells good and clean. I have no worries whatsoever because I know she’s been taken care of.
RoseAnna