Mirabella is a continuing care retirement community in Southwest Portland
Mirabella is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located in the Multnomah Village neighborhood of Southwest Portland. It offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care on one campus, which means residents can stay in the same community as their care needs change over time. The community is operated by a nonprofit organization and serves older adults who want to remain in Portland while having access to different levels of care.
Mirabella is one of several continuing care communities in the Portland area. Unlike a traditional nursing home that provides only skilled care, a CCRC like Mirabella is designed for people who are still independent but want the security of knowing care is available if they need it later. Residents typically move in while they are still active and able to live on their own, then transition to assisted living or nursing care within the same community if their health changes.
Key Takeaways
- Mirabella is a continuing care retirement community in Southwest Portland that offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing on one campus.
- Residents sign a contract that usually includes an entrance fee and monthly fees, with the understanding that care will be available as needs change.
- Independent living residents have their own apartments or cottages and can participate in activities, dining, and community programs.
- To learn about current availability, floor plans, and costs, you can contact Mirabella directly or visit their website for tours and information sessions.
What independent living at Mirabella includes
Independent living residents at Mirabella live in their own private apartments or cottages on the campus. These units typically include a kitchen, bathroom, and living space. Residents manage their own daily activities and are responsible for their own meals, though dining options are usually available in community restaurants or cafeterias if they choose to use them.
The community offers activities, fitness classes, cultural events, and social programs designed to keep residents engaged. Common areas include libraries, fitness centers, arts and crafts studios, and outdoor spaces. Many residents participate in volunteer work, classes, or clubs within the community. The goal of independent living is to provide a maintenance-free lifestyle while keeping residents connected to others and active in their daily lives.
How the continuing care contract works
When someone moves into Mirabella as an independent living resident, they typically sign a continuing care contract. This contract usually requires an entrance fee (also called an admission fee or founder's fee) paid upfront, plus monthly fees that cover housing, utilities, dining, activities, and access to healthcare services. The entrance fee amount varies depending on the size and location of the unit.
The contract guarantees that if a resident's health changes and they need assisted living or skilled nursing care, they can move to that level of care within the same community without having to leave or move elsewhere. Monthly fees may increase when a resident transitions to assisted living or nursing care, since those services cost more to provide. It is important to review the contract carefully and understand what is and is not covered before signing, and to ask questions about how fees work if care needs change.
Assisted living and skilled nursing at Mirabella
If an independent living resident needs help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or medication management, they can move to Mirabella's assisted living section. Assisted living staff provide personal care support while residents maintain as much independence as possible. Residents in assisted living typically have their own rooms or small apartments and eat meals in a common dining room.
Mirabella also operates a skilled nursing unit for residents who need medical care, wound care, rehabilitation after hospitalization, or round-the-clock nursing support. Skilled nursing is appropriate for people who need help managing complex medical conditions or who are recovering from surgery or illness. The availability of all three levels of care on one campus means that a resident's social connections and familiar surroundings do not have to change as their care needs do.
How to learn more about Mirabella
The best way to understand whether Mirabella is a good fit is to contact them directly. You can call their main number, visit their website, or request a tour of the community. Many continuing care communities offer group information sessions where staff explain how the community works, walk through the different living options, and answer questions about costs and contracts.
When you contact Mirabella, ask about current availability in independent living, the range of floor plans and unit sizes, current entrance and monthly fees, what is included in those fees, and how the contract works if care needs change. You can also ask about financial information or payment plans if cost is a concern. Visiting in person gives you a chance to see the community, meet staff, and get a sense of whether the environment and activities match what you are looking for.
Questions to ask when considering a CCRC
Before moving to any continuing care retirement community, it helps to understand how the financial and care structure works. Ask whether the entrance fee is refundable if you move out or pass away, and what happens to it. Find out whether monthly fees are fixed or can increase, and what triggers an increase. Ask what happens if you need care sooner than expected, and whether there is a waiting list for assisted living or nursing care.
It is also worth asking about the community's financial stability, how long it has been operating, and whether it is accredited or licensed. Ask about staffing levels in nursing care, what medical services are available on-site, and what happens if you need care that the community cannot provide. Understanding these details before you move in helps you make a decision that fits your needs and your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to move to assisted living or nursing care if my health changes?
No. The continuing care contract guarantees that care is available if you want it, but you are not required to move. Some residents choose to stay in independent living and bring in outside caregivers or home health services instead. The contract straightforward means the option is there if you decide you need it.
What if I run out of money to pay the monthly fees?
This varies by community. Some continuing care communities have financial information programs or endowments that help residents who face financial hardship. Ask Mirabella directly whether they have programs to help, and discuss your situation with their admissions or business office staff. It is important to have this conversation before you move in so you understand what options exist.
Can I leave Mirabella and get my entrance fee back?
The refund policy depends on the contract you sign. Some contracts are fully refundable, some are partially refundable, and some are non-refundable. The refund may also depend on how long you have lived there. Read the contract carefully and ask the admissions staff to explain the refund terms before you sign.
What if I need care that Mirabella does not provide?
If you need specialized care — such as dialysis, hospice, or psychiatric care — that Mirabella does not offer on-site, the community can help arrange it through outside providers. Ask what partnerships or relationships Mirabella has with hospitals, specialists, and other care providers in the Portland area.
How do I know if a continuing care community is financially stable?
Ask Mirabella for their most recent financial statements and accreditation information. You can also contact the Oregon Department of Human Services or the Better Business Bureau to check whether there are complaints or concerns on file. Speaking with current residents and their families can also give you insight into how the community operates and whether people feel find there.