Highgate at Billings

CBarton

Our Grandfather lived at TenderNest for two years. We always felt his care was outstanding. The staff were all so sweet and caring as he aged. We loved the smaller cottage, home-like setting. We will forever be grateful for the love and compassion that was provided to our Grandpa.

Arthur J. -Jim- Movius

My spouse Phyllis has resided in the Memory Care Cottage since Feb. 2018. I cannot say enough good about the Care Partners--they treat their jobs as "callings," not just jobs. As a frequent visitor, I see supervisory and support staff backing up Care Partners without hesitation, pitching in at every opportunity, on weekends and during evenings in addition to during regular work hours. Numerous activities, entertainment, van trips, etc., keep residents engaged. As residents with dementia decline, I observe Care Partners regularly and skillfully making adjustments, dealing with increasing resident needs with kindness and caring. I look forward to concluding interactions with senior management at the home office. Two proposals, made then followed up with the home office, have been waiting for a response for several months: 1. Improve efficiency by adopting tablets such as i Pads for record keeping. Care Partners, many of whom are experienced at typing / electronic record keeping, would welcome the opportunity to spend more time with residents and less time hand writing reports and notes, move beyond "19th century" record keeping. 2. Install a button operated electric door opener on one of the doors leading to a small enclosed Cottage courtyard. I often observe residents with limited mobility on foot and in wheel chairs struggle with the door when assistance, sometimes me, is not available. Ding marks on one door illustrate the problem. Lack of a door opener like those installed on Manor doors, is both an inconvenience and a safety issue.

Janet

I personally liked Highgate at Billings. The gal that we met with was extremely caring about the residents. The rooms were nice, and they had the same amenities as all the others. They had activities posted every day in several places, whether it's playing cards or going on excursions. I didn't get to meet with the staff except for the gal who showed us around, and I really liked her a lot.

Minivera

I don't feel John is getting the care. They don't see to it that his CPAP Machine is cared for, they won't check to see if the soclean machine has turned on if not turn it on.Why do they take a shirt out of the closet to change him, then leave it on a chair, leave and don't return to finish what they were doing, is there not enough help or what. Why should it take 2 hours to get a lemonade or drink. His eyes are so mattered up and no one gives him a wash cloth to clean them out. I don't like that they took a part out of the CPAP machine because they thought you don't need it, it has a purpose or it wouldn't be there. I was also told that John would get a room when he first come in, I was told he was in the respite care room, well that wasn't honored.

mtgrown

The staff at Highgate are very friendly and genuinely care about you and your loved one residing there. They talk and laugh and make you feel at home. The rooms are nice, fairly large but lacking a little in closet space and storage. There are numerous activities both in and out of Highgate. Daily exercising and stretching, live music at least once a week, bingo, brain games, daily movies, craft projects, etc. There is a weekly lunch bunch where you ride the Highgate bus and enjoy lunch outside of the community if you desire to do so. They also have special outings from time to time, including looking at Christmas lights, going to parades, and weekly shopping. The bus is also available to take residents to appointments. There are several social gatherings throughout the year where friends and family are welcome to come and enjoy along with their loved ones. The courtyard has lots of table and chairs available to enjoy the sunshine. The gardens are beautiful and they allow residents to plant there own flower pots. There is also a garden that the residents can help take care of. Overall, Highgate is a wonderful, caring community for seniors.

Provider Response

JodieT

Our Mom has just started her journey with a memory care facility. The staff is making this transition for all of us so much easier for us because of their thoughtfulness and understanding.

Provider Response

Vintage77

Staff shows genuine caring and concern. Good information flow between staff and family of residents. When problems are surfaced, they are resolved quickly. Great place to have my parents.

Christine3415

I love Highgate and feel forever grateful to this community for helping my dad when he needed it. My dad needed help immediately, and I was out of the state. Thankfully, someone at the hospital suggested we try Highgate, and I'm so glad we did. My dad was independent and free-spirited, but he needed a lot of care. Wendy, the director, is amazing. She took the time to really understand our situation and to make sure my dad got exactly what he needed. The staff clearly takes a lot of pride in their work and were great at touching base, providing ideas, and helping in every way. When I was able to fly into Billings, I immediately knew that my dad was in the right place! Each day they provide structured activities that both the residents and the staff enjoy together. Some residents brought their pets which cheered up the whole group. My dad had friends and family visit almost daily, and they were kindly welcomed into the community and even fed if they were hungry. The atmosphere was calm, warm, and welcoming. When it was time for my dad to go on hospice, Wendy and staff were tremendously helpful in the process. Highgate is worth every penny. It is so important to know your loved one is in such an excellent place.

shayroch

Highgate is the perfect place for my grandmother. She receives exceptional care from the staff. Everyone there is welcoming and willing to help out in any way. I'm so thankful that we chose Highgate for her to call home.

VonnieHerbst

Finding a place for mom was a daunting task. Not only were we adjusting to the idea of Mom needing daily care, we also didn't have the luxury of taking a few months to make a decision. Even tho I felt relatively good about my decision from the start, I was reassured the moment my Mom was greeted the day she moved in. And now, six months later, not only am I very happy with Highgate, my Mom is happy too. I honestly don't have a single concern about my Mom's safety or well-being.

CCritelli

Our mother is thriving at Highgate. She used to just sit at home and watch tv. Now she is playing Bingo and going to other activities that are provided to the Highgate residents. The staff is so polite and helpful. Moving mom into Highgate has been so good for her. We wish we would have made the move sooner.

Tess's daughter

My mom has been a resident for approximately 1 1/2 years. She has made many friends there and is looking and feeling better. The staff has been wonderful to her. I'm really glad we chose Highgate. It's the perfect place for Mom.

D Larimer

The staff is very friendly. The facility is always clean.

Jacque's Daughter

My mom has been at Highgate for about a year and I am so happy with our decision for her to live there. The staff is so caring, friendly and nice. They often they go far out of their way to make her comfortable and safe. This allows me to feel at ease that she is well taken care of and know that they will notify me of anything that comes up but they will also help in that situation knowing I can't always be there. The staff is flexible and can make changes to her care plan depending on how she is doing at the time. There are interesting, fun and different activities for my mom to participate in if she chooses. I absolutely recommend Highgate!

Shawna124

Everyone I have talked to and interacted with at Highgate Senior Living has been very nice, caring, and understanding. They listened to my family's particular situation and worked to make the transition for my mom as stress-free as possible. They answered all of my questions, even when I asked them several times.

Ddodneal

We do not have a five star restaurant, but the food is getting better. Renee is special and treats everyone the same. The backyard needs attention. Otherwise, I really like this place.

Lawver and Brim

Our Mom went into Highgate with moderate Alzheimer's in November 2015. There was a lot of turmoil from family members that were trying to interfere in the process of the doctor's diagnosis. Highgate was well aware of the problems and communicated with us on a regular basis when her care was being interfered with. They kept her safe and secure and helped us take a huge load off our minds until our guardianship hearing was scheduled and decisions made in support of our petition. They are very professional, but also treat the residents like very well known acquaintances, knowing their likes and dislikes. We also like that the cottage section is so nicely decorated and the residents there seem happy as well, as eventually our mother will need to be moved at some time. Being assured that they are watching that she doesn't take off out the door, re-direct the things that she seems to obsess on and taking that care on for us makes all the difference.

cooney-hayes

We were very pleased with Highgate Senior Living Memory Care Cottages. There was always a caregiver close by who would assist with the issue at the moment. Our family member had a bright, cheerful room. Unfortunately, he suffered a severe stroke and was confined to his bed for most of his stay at Highgate, but the staff were diligent in caring for him at all times. We are very fortunate that he was able to get a room in the Memory Care unit after being in another facility for a few years. The service and food there in no way matches that of Highgate. We are appreciative of everything that was done.

Son of HIGHGATE resident

In Sept. 2015, we moved my mother into Highgate. She had been depressed, not eating well and sleeping about 24 hours/day. After 2 weeks at Highgate, she was back to eating well and socializing to some extent. Because of the staff, she became more active and sleeping less. She broke her hip in Dec. 2015, rehabed for 6 weeks with her motivation being to get back to Highgate. She is currently thriving and getting stronger everyday. Now she is smiling constantly, feeling well and very active. Her medications are administered correctly and she looks forward to each day. I attribute this to the well prepared meals, proper medication, a well planned activities program, and a smiling staff everywhere you look.

hdb39

My 90 year old parents have lived at Highgate for the past year after several years in an assisted living facility in another part of Montana and for the past 3 years in another facility in Billings. The memory loss of Mom requires more nursing attention, whereas my father's physical ailments, ie arthritis, continence, and other issues have also required increased attention. Highgate's staff has met the challenges. Biggest complaint is that the food is too institutional - more vairety and less pasta and fish would be appreciated.

1st daughter

Excellent staff who genuinely care about the residents. The food, however, could be better tasting and more varied. Too many meals are casserole type meals that rely too heavily on pasta & hamburger filled in with canned peas, green beans, & corn. It's sad when one has to use ketchup to add flavor to the dish. Recommend they vary the vegetables & entres more & use more herbs & spices to flavor the menu items.

Eleanor17

HIghgate was very nice. They had a swimming pool, and you could go and come as you please. There were very nice, brand-new rooms that have been there just a year or two, and they clean your room once a week. They're all on the ground level, so each apartment had a door to the outside for your dog or a cat or whatever because they allow pets.

Daughter Lottie

My dear mother moved into Highgate a year ago from another facility in Montana to be closer to family. The past year has been a wonderful and rewarding year for my mom. The staff at Highgate has treated her with so much compassion and care...words can not express what this means to us as a family. I know if I have any concerns or questions they will be dealt with quickly and with understanding. I enjoy going to Highgate to visit mom and have them share with me a personal observation they made while being involved with her and the activities at Highgate. Mom is always telling me...."this is a great place to live and everyone is so kind". To us, that says it all!

Great move

I moved my mom to Highgate Senior Living from another facility and I am so glad I did. I have peace of mind knowing that the staff genuinely care about Mom's well being. Rather than treat her as an inconvenience, which is what I felt at the first place, they show kindness, concern and compassion. I never hesitate to call with questions because I know they encourage open communication. That to me is so important. Very satisfied!!

Provider Response

FormerMTguy

The facilities are excellent. The outside is especially well kept with plenty of trees and a nice, fresh cut lawn. When I first walked in, I was wary of what to expect. I have been to other nursing homes and they are a very somber, depressing atmosphere. There was a noticeable difference at Highgate. I immediately noticed a game night activity of some sort going on with a lot of seniors participating. The gentleman I talked to about WWII said (off record) that he actually enjoyed the place sometimes. He is completely coherent but unable to talk full care of himself. He said the staff was helpful and friendly. I couldnt agree more as a passerby. The staff was excellent, the facilities looked great, and the atmosphere was upbeat. My great grandmother was also here for a period of time. She was not as coherent, but still seemed well taken care of. Every time I dropped by for a random visit she was in great condition as far as cleanliness and attitude. Thanks, Highgate. Keep up the great work.