The Best Memory Care Communities in Whatcom County, WA

"My husband is at Highgate at Bellingham. It's way too far out expensive. Right now, it has been really rough because of Covid isolation. My husband is pretty sad that he can't even see anybody, but that's not their fault. The problem I have with some of it is that he gets a lot of missing items. When I send about 20 pairs of pants, he is down to 2, and that's not appropriate. Other than that, there has been no issue except for the cost. It was all virtual tour, so I didn't get to even go in his room. They don't have a whole lot of activities because of Covid. My husband said the meals are fine. He said the breakfast is not good, but lunch and dinner are fine. The price is terrible because they're charging way more than other facilities, and I'm not getting anything out of it. The part that bothered me even more was when I went to put him in there, they charged me an extra $3000 to $4000 just to get him set up in there. I thought that was totally inappropriate. I was not happy about that and that bothered me. I just don't think they're upfront on everything. The people were very nice though."

"I was there for congestive heart failure rehab and while there I got a respiratory infection, a yeast/fungal infection, I became dehydrated, they lied about filing important paperwork, I never saw a doctor, they allowed patients with cognitive disfunction to park their wheelchairs in the halls next to other patient's doors all day long into the evening, I was left on a bedpan for over an hour, it was constantly noisy, day and night, and it always took many days to get anything approved, such as something as simple getting more water or changing an over the counter drug like ibuprofen to acetaminophen. I will say that most of the staff that directly took care of me were kind and friendly, but powerless to have any control over the things mentioned above. The rooms are a good size, but the only communication, when one pushes the nurse call button, is to turn on a light above the door (it's quite an old facility) and they are very understaffed, especially at night."

"My mother passed away from Alzheimer's last October. Highland staff were so amazing. Mom dodn't want to be there, where ever there was. The staff cared for her, looked after her, cherished her in all her stubborn ways. They were wonderful. After she passed, we couldn't find a knitted blankie she was using, that was her granddaughter's favorite blankie. Almost a year later, I received a package in the mail. It was the missing blanket- this shows the caring character of the staff at this facility. Bless them"

Maple Park Adult Family Home is located in Lynden, WA, just across the road from Lynden City Park and close to Lynden Municipal Airport. Residents can enjoy regular walks and hikes at the nearby Jim Kaemingk Sr Trail or along the Nooksack River. Several churches, golf courses and cultural centers are also in the neighborhood. Maple Park Adult Family Home offers assisted living and a fun-filled lifestyle for seniors' enjoyment. The caring staff is available around the clock to help residents with any level of service required, from assistance with daily living activities to scheduling medication reminders, designing exercise programs and planning entertainment events. They also assist seniors with meal preparation, housekeeping and laundry. Therapy services are available to aid residents in exercise and healing. Every unit features individual climate control, spacious closets and private bathrooms. The community has a huge offering of amenities favorable to seniors, including landscaped grounds and common areas where seniors can gather for fun activities or entertain visiting family and friends. Other perks include convenience to public transportation, three delicious meals daily with special diets accommodated, transportation appointments and personal errands and wander guard systems. Cats are permitted into the community, and residents can find devotional services on-site or off-site.To learn more about this providers license and review other available state reports, please visit: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Long-Term Care Residential Options

"My dad's girlfriend was a resident of Vineyard Park of Lynden Manor. It seemed to be very clean. She had her own private room. It was small, but it was definitely clean. It had a nice sense of community. There always seemed to be a group of people around in the lounge or in the eating area together, or outside sitting in the gazebo in the sun. It seemed like they were really close, like the people took care of each other, and I like that. It seemed like a really lovely place. I just really like the place. The place was gorgeous. My dad's girlfriend's room had a countertop with a microwave and a little cook oven, and then there's a very small refrigerator. There's a sitting room. The bedroom was separate from the sitting room with a bathroom in the bedroom. It's very small. It was small but it was hers."

"Our mother is at Lighthouse. She has been there for about six months, and we are very pleased with the care and concern she is shown. She can be a handful, and the staff is patient and knowledgeable about how to handle their residents. The facility is very clean, the food is good and there are plenty of activities that almost anyone can participate in. Recently we were treated to a beautiful piano recital by a very accomplished classical pianist high-school student. There is an enclosed outdoor courtyard, and the circular design allows residents to walk (or wheel) around safely and get some exercise. "

"We have chosen Creekside Continuing Care Community and the big selling point was two things. I have a 94-year-old brother that's close by to that. The other thing is they have cottages, which is a good transition for us. Creekside has 29 cottages that surround the main big building, and I'm still independent, but my wife needs more care. We both love the idea of being in the cottage yet still being able to walk up a few steps and have all of the advantages of the food, programs, and exercise. Everyone was nice. The food was quite good. They have a big dining room with white tablecloths and then they have two other little restaurants there that you can go to if you don't want to go to the main dining room and you can do that for 10 to 12 hours a day. The facility was nice. It has a small-town atmosphere and there are a lot of restaurants and stores nearby, not that you would need them because everything's furnished. The cottage is large enough that I can take my baby grand piano with me. I was very impressed with the wide hallways and decent-sized rooms and banisters all along when you walk down and clean, with no smells. The staff was friendly."

"My dad moved into Birchview, it's definitely setup for memory care, and it's kind of depressing. However, the facility is beautiful, and they have beautiful grounds. The workers were lovely and caring people. There's an upstairs dining room which is small. I didn't really like it, the food is not very good. The meals are the biggest complaint of the people there. The girl who runs the activity is really sweet, amazing, and has great energy. They take them out for trips, and they have singing. The activities are great."

"I have seen how well cared for the residents are at Ashely Gardens of Mount Vernon. Kind, treated like family. Their dining is in a homey type atmosphere and they have 24 hour nurses on staff. Music therapy and interactive daily activities. Rooms are nice and families are encouraged to personalize their rooms for even more comfort and familiarity for the resident. Beautiful community, incredible, attentive care."

"While researching memory care homes for a respite stay for my mom, Whispering Willow was one of a long list of places in western Washington that I was called. When I called I spoke with the marketing director, Kristie. Not only was she friendly and helpful with all of my questions, but she really went 'over-and-beyond'. Why do I say this? As it turns out, her facility wasn't a fit for my mom. However, that didn't prevent her from spending quality time with me and helping with a related challenge I was facing. I took action on her suggestion and got such a positive result that I reached back out to her to thank her. She genuinely asked to stay in touch. Wow! In today's healthcare arena, it is (unfortunately) rare to find such kindness, caring, and genuine desire help - regardless if my mom becomes a resident or not. I was so impressed that I offered to write this review. While I cannot say anything about the facility (since I never toured it), I can say that if Kristie is symbolic of the caring and attention available at Whispering Willows, then this is a place for you to check out."