Above the Valley AFH

Above the Valley AFH is a small adult family home in Nehalem, Oregon, sitting at 36195 Highway 53, and folks there get a quiet, home-like setting instead of a big, busy facility, so there's a calm and friendly feel to the place, and that really helps people settle down when they're getting older or dealing with memory loss like Alzheimer's or dementia, and residents live in a supervised and safe space with staff around day and night, always ready to help with daily needs like bathing, getting dressed, or taking medicine, and there are memory care programs and activities that help residents keep their minds active, and for those who want to bring pets, they allow both dogs and cats, though there's a weight limit for dogs at about 41-50 pounds, and smoking's allowed but only outdoors. Folks can get different care depending on what they need, whether that's full-time help with health issues, shorter stays for respite, or some help while still living pretty independently, and there's a focus on helping residents stay as independent as possible, giving a hand only where it's needed. The place doesn't have the fancy look of a big retirement home, but it's got important things like a gated entrance, accessible showers, rooms you can get to with a wheelchair, a secured courtyard for safely walking outside, as well as walking paths, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, and raised beds for anyone who likes to garden. Staff help out with health issues like diabetes or incontinence, and they manage medicine too, and if someone's got high health needs, there's extra care on offer. Residents eat together in dining rooms or can get their meals in their own rooms if that's more comfortable, and while there's a good variety, some people mention the food can be a bit old style and overcooked, and there might not be a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits, but there are vegetarian options. Folks can enjoy activities all around the home, like arts and crafts, games, billiards, movies in the theater room, and there's a piano or organ, a library, a beauty shop, and places to use the internet, and if someone wants to pray or join in devotional activities, they can do that right there or at local places. Community guests can use parking spots, and the home helps get residents out and about with transportation, though sometimes it costs extra. Residents come from all backgrounds, and the staff speak several languages, including English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, and more, which makes it easier for everyone to feel at home. Above the Valley AFH works to make people feel comfortable, supported, and able to keep their dignity, especially for those with memory loss, and the environment is kept secure with specialized safety features for those who might wander, aiming for the best mix of freedom and safety in a smaller, homelike neighborhood.