Whispering Pines Senior Village sits at 525 NW 6th Ave in Estacada, Oregon, right in a quiet rural spot where you can see ducks and geese on the grounds, and folks walk to the library or the park when they want a change of scenery, and it's been serving senior residents since 2003 under the Estacada Volunteers of America Elderly Housing, Inc., which is part of Volunteers of America Oregon. The community has 62 affordable one-bedroom, one-bath apartments, each about 514 or 525 square feet, with full electric kitchens, big bedrooms, and large baths, and all the units are ready for phone and cable, while utilities like water, sewer, trash, and electric are paid by the property so you only need to cover phone and cable. Rent's set at about 30 percent of your income if you qualify and meet the income limits for people 62 and older, and there's no application fee, but you might end up on a waiting list.
You'll notice Whispering Pines has a community room with a fireplace and kitchen for potlucks and get-togethers, and the place has its own elevator, laundry, secured entry, and personal mailboxes, with grounds that are landscaped, patios and barbecue spaces for fresh air, and even some garden plots if you like to put your hands in the dirt. Small pets like cats and dogs are welcome, so you don't have to say goodbye to your buddy to move in. The staff are friendly, and activities are planned often like bingo, yoga, movie afternoons, game clubs, guest speakers, field trips, a Bible study, and an annual fireworks show that folks from all over town come out to see, which helps everyone feel like they're part of the Estacada community. The Senior Center Bus, Tri-Met #31, and TRP are available for rides around town or to appointments, and there are programs for senior meals and home care right on site.
Besides independent living, Whispering Pines offers a wide range of care options, including assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care for people with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia, and respite services if you need short-term stays. The memory care area is built to help reduce confusion and prevent wandering, and the care staff-plus a team for counseling, including help for recovery, substance use, and domestic violence-are available if you need extra support. There's a beauty salon to help you feel good, devotional services if you want them, and guest meals are offered, so family and friends can share a meal together. The place runs like a small town, where neighbors know each other's names, and the goal's always been to create a safe, caring place with chances to connect, relax, build new skills, or just enjoy daily life in peace.
