Mirabella Portland

The Mirabella is a uniquely one of a kind facility. It provides a wonderful community for people who seek to simplify their lives and free themselves from the responsibilities of home owning.
The residents and staff are welcoming to people who move to Portland from out of state and it is easy to connect and make new friendships.
I love the fact that there are athletic classes in the building that are easily accessible, so that people have the opportunity to stay fit if they choose. Each unit has a lovely kitchen, so residents can choose to cook for themselves or dine in either the Bistro, which is open to the public, or the very elegant dining room on the 24^th floor.
This isn’t a nursing home, so there isn’t an activities director, but there are many organized activities, like mah jongg and bridge, movie nights and shuttles to shopping and cultural events. There is even a wood shop and an art studio.
The second floor is a different situation. It is mainly filled with people who are transitioning from hospital care until they are ready to return home again. For them, it is a classy but temporary situation that is independent so it isn’t practical to compare it to the full time Mirabella system.
In praise of the staff, I am so moved by the devotion of some of the people who work at Mirabella. Many of the maintenance people and food servers are so kind and respectful to the residents, some who navigate through their lives with health challenges.
In my opinion, this is the perfect living situation for this population and I am so grateful that my parents chose to make their home here.

Mirabella is a beautiful building in a great location. However, there are problems that are unfortunate. First, there is no activity director. All activities are organized by volunteer residents who have found that job too big for a volunteer. Second, the food in the Bistro is very, very mediocre. Unfortunately, that’s where most residents eat most meals. I have eaten there 40 or 50 times because I visit my mother often. And, I’m sad by the low quality of food and boring, redundant menu. Oh, there’s a special every day. But, it’s ham or shrimp in the omelet, not a different entrée. Once my sister-​in-​law ordered a beet salad. When it arrived at the table, it was sans beats. When asked, the server said, «yes, we ran out of beets.» The people working in the restaurant are kind and energetic but clearly the quality of meals is not a priority. Residents are also NOT ALLOWED to take their leftovers back upstairs to their rooms. Only outside guests can leave with their leftovers. Upstairs dining is fair, but not delicious, and portions are tiny. I recommend eating outside of the building whenever possible. At least the restaurant choices nearby are growing. But, the meal plan does not allow for outside meals, of course. Third, and perhaps most importantly, there is not an employed RN (or CNA) available for residents, should they have a question or concern. Yes, OHSU is very close. But, other continuing care facilities employ a resident nurse. Every time my mother needs a little help with something extra, like a shelf adjusted, there is a charge. I have heard complaints at the desk when ordering transportation and they are too busy to provide a ride to everyone who needs one. Lastly, recently their card (bridge) groups were told they would not be supplied with water anymore. In summary, there are no organized group social activities unless organized by residents. There are exercise classes, but each exercise teacher is an independent contractor. So, they come and go, as Mirabella does not pay them well. Move in but expect to pay for everything you need beyond the room, don’t look for activities supplied by the corporation, and do not expect to eat well. It’s too bad, as this is an expensive place to live. I suggest carefully examining all of your options and do not be too wowed by appearances.

Beautiful building with amazing views. Well thought out layout. I’ve eaten in two of the restaurants. The food done perfectly if not extra ordinary. What great place to live and a great neighborhood. The people here are over the top helpful, kind and pleasant to interact with. Love it.