Mary's Woods at Marylhurst

This opened about 10 years ago. It is a big retirement community on 19 acres of land, on the campus of Marylhurst University, so there is a vibe of being open to all stages of life. Also, it is open to people of all religions, but is Catholic and nonprofit. Their vision is to honor aging and celebrate life. For the most part I would say that they accomplish their goal. The facility, provides several levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, long term intermediate care and short term rehabilitation care, but residents must come in through independent living, by buying their own housing. (Their investment is returned when they die or leave.)

The facility is just beautiful, with much attention to detail. Not a nouveau riche kind of feeling, but one of understated elegance, with wide halls, beautiful appointments. Each season, there are displays of flowers that come into bloom—with lots of care to change the flowers inside every week. The seasons as well as all holidays are honored with the greenery and general décor.

The food is excellent—nicely arranged and well cooked. There is one dining room for independent living, with a good buffet on Sunday. There is also a bistro — a nice café - and dining rooms.

Lots of varied activities are offered: eight or ten daily in independent living; at least two or three in assisted living. The only weakness in activities is Saturday: Communion is offered, but nothing else. Still, the weekends tend to be family visiting days.

There are several nurses on duty 24 hours—RN’s, LVNs and CNAs. They keep track of residents’ weights and diets in assisted living—and take a thorough look at the care plan every three months. There are also aides, who give good care without much turnover. All the staff members seem to have a genuine sense of being part of a team of helping people. There are also a full time social worker, chaplain, and activity directors and assistants.

Importantly, there is a continuity of staff on the weekends now—an improvement from the past. Also, staff members always seem to know about residents’ whereabouts and states of mind, even though it’s big place. They really take care of people, a level of care that is unusual in assisted living.

Mary’s Woods is nonprofit, but it is also expensive. It takes substantial money, but there is great value. The money is invested in the care and staff and spacious facility and environment that make people feel uplifted; unfortunately, many can’t afford it. But they have a waiting list. It would be my wish that all aged people would someday have access to the principles of care provided here.