Highgate Senior Living

The main thing about this place, besides the good medical supervision and the helpful caregivers, is that their activities department rocks. My dad was well cared for in another place but was bored and depressed most of the time. My god... I'm so glad I found Highgate for my mom. She doesn't just sit in her room or she doesn't end up stuck at a table with the TV on and a pile of dominoes in front of her. There are interesting , engaging people who work in a department that calls itself Life Enhancement. They talk to mom and get to play word games. They dance with her to ""her"" old music. One guy...he teaches her mime. They have ice cream socials, bands,van trips to go sight seeing. It dosen't matter whether she remembers things. They do it again without an attitude. It's great... I recommend this place highly if you want your loved one to be amused and experience lots of moments of joy as they live out their last time on earth. Man They even make me laugh sometimes. Send them to Highgate...it's worth it!! I wish I knew about it for my dad. He's probably up in heaven or wherever looking at mom saying. ""Hey so was I ...chopped liver...or what?"" Pros: Caring /Attentive Activities People Cons: My Dad is dead and couldn't come to this place more

I was just reading through this site and read the previous negative comment. I just had to comment on it as I know a gal whose mother lived at Highgate. Well first all you have to remember that this is the internet so take all that you read with a grain of salt, it’s not all the truth.\r The times I visited her mom with her I soon came to the understanding that everyday is different and every resident living there is different and it is constantly changing. That being said you will find good days and bad days with both the residents and caregiver staff.\r Most of the residents have various levels of Dementia, are older, frail and often have other afflictions like Parkinson’s I agree the food stains on clothing after a meal is common and the floor has a great selection. I kept thinking my dog would have a great time cleaning the carpet.\r Speaking of the carpet it has seen better days but I understand that is soon to change as well as fresh paint in the hallways. The place is well kept and smells fresh the times I have visited unlike some of the other care facilities both in this state and in Nevada. Trust me I’ve seen worse. It’s nice to see the management putting money back into the community and doing the upgrades to keep the place looking fresh.\r The caregivers do a great job with all of there many duties. THAT has to be the most unglamorous, under rated jobs. Mike Rowe, check this one out. I was told that they take specialized computer courses during work time to enrich their caregiver skills. Wow. The management have used the phrase “ Experts in senior living” because of the enhanced skills that the caregivers acquire. I certainly hope that they are receiving a good living wage with good benefits for both them and their families. Remember that the caregivers are treating your parent like their parent.\r I must also give credit to all the young staff that are really caring. The younger generation that work there, most are bettering themselves , going to higher levels of education and improving their lives but at the same enriching the lives of the residents. It seems, to them, that it is not “ just a job “\r The residents are busy all day with the activities that are available. Michael the activity Director is quite a hoot. He gives it a lot of energy, day in and day out. His staff are equally good in their camaraderie with the residents at Highgate.\r To sum it up , I think Highgate is above average, perhaps a 4 out of 5. You know there is always room for improvement, but from what I saw on my visits, the staff at Highgate are working on it.\r \r \r Pros: its all good, meals activities, cleanliness and moral Cons: it has it's up and down days, don't we all? more

When I moved my Mother into Highgate, I struggled with guilt. I wanted her to remain at home as long as possible, but she could not be alone and I did not have the time or energy to provide care or screen caregivers. I tried to keep her in the house, but she would fire the caregivers or chase them off. Then I found Highgate, the food and staff the use of activity and aroma therapy, it was perfect, she is as happy as she can be with Dementia, and I know that they will try to to the best for her with out giving her a pill first! Pros: Non medical model Cons: NA more

Care givers are often rude to and neglectful of residents, especially in the cottage. I went to visit my aunt and she had food stains all down her shirt,an unwashed face, and quite honestly, she smelled of urine. There doesn't seem to be enough care givers to take care of all the old folks. Maybe that is why the staff is a little rude. When I complained to the nurse she didn't appear to be concerned. I even went to one of the supervisors to let her know too, and she said she would talk to the care givers about it. Even then, I popped in a week or two later to see her and she was in bed during a meal. I was a bit disappointed. I do realize that there is probably a lot of work to do, but that is why the staff is there. They are there to assist with reminders and the other important functions, such as going to the bathroom and getting them out of bed each day. I think they need more people there to help.\r \r To end with a happy note, I will say that there are some very kind care givers working at the Bellingham Highgate. These few individuals really care about the people they take care of and communicate with them like the residents are their own grandparents. I will never forget that, and will always be grateful for at least that one courtesy. If you are seriously considering Highgate, schedule an appointment with them and ask for a meal time appointment. At least you will get to see them at their worst, and also their best. Pros: some great hard working care givers more