North Star

Pros

• The staff at North Star Retirement Community consistently demonstrates exceptional friendliness and care, fostering a positive atmosphere among residents.
• Residents enjoy a wide variety of delicious meals and appreciate the cleanliness and upkeep of the facilities.
• Many families have observed that their loved ones are happier and thriving in the community, feeling more at home than in traditional institutions.
• The facility offers numerous activities and social events, providing ample opportunities for residents to engage with one another and form friendships.
• Overall, families highly recommend North Star as an excellent choice for assisted or independent living due to its caring environment and range of amenities.
• Visitors noted the impressive tours showcasing clean, well-kept apartments and communal areas filled with natural light.
• Families have expressed gratitude for the accommodating staff who support residents during their transition into the community.
• The presence of on-site medical services is appreciated by families, adding extra peace of mind regarding their loved ones' health needs.

Cons

• The cleaning person left, and there were some cleanliness issues affecting the loved one's room.
• The younger staff members serving meals were sometimes slow and inattentive.
• The overall cost of living at North Star was considered high, especially with additional expenses for items like diapers, medication, and food delivered to the room.
• One individual felt that the facility's price exceeded affordability despite its quality.
• Although the community offered a variety of activities, one resident chose not to participate, indicating potential disengagement from available social options.
• Some residents found it difficult to navigate the costs associated with living at North Star compared to their overall retirement budget.

Review

North Star Retirement Community has emerged as a highly regarded option for families seeking supportive living arrangements for their loved ones. Many reviewers have shared their positive experiences, highlighting the community’s cleanliness, attentiveness of the staff, and the vibrant atmosphere that fosters connections among residents. Most importantly, many families expressed a deep sense of gratitude and relief in finding a place where their loved ones are not just cared for but are also happy and thriving.

One common theme throughout the reviews is the exceptional level of care provided by the staff at North Star. Families appreciate the friendly demeanor of caregivers who actively engage with residents, fostering an environment that feels warm and welcoming rather than institutional. One reviewer specifically noted how interactions between staff and residents were filled with smiles, laughter, and genuine camaraderie. Such positivity creates a nurturing space where residents can feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Additionally, many family members observed that their loved ones have formed friendships quickly, which has made their transition even smoother.

Another point of praise revolves around the quality and variety of food offered at North Star. Reviewers consistently mentioned that meals are delicious and well-prepared, contributing positively to the dining experience. The community provides three meals daily with a diverse menu that caters to different tastes. This attention to nutritional needs is coupled with an appreciation for aesthetics; many remarked on how pleasant the dining areas are, likening them to restaurant settings rather than traditional dining halls often seen in retirement communities.

Activities play an essential role in maintaining resident engagement at North Star. The facility offers an extensive roster of events designed to cater to various interests—ranging from exercise classes and movie screenings to bingo nights and outings to local restaurants—and highlights why so many families feel confident about their choice. Although some residents may choose not to participate actively in activities—the decision being entirely personal—it remains evident from family accounts that there is no shortage of options available should they wish to join.

While North Star is viewed as offering competitive pricing compared to other facilities in the area—with several reviewers noting it falls on the lower end—they acknowledge concerns regarding additional costs like incidentals or personal care items such as diapers or medications. Nonetheless, most families noted that despite these extra expenses, they still felt justified considering the high standard of around-the-clock care available for their loved ones.

Accessibility is another important factor highlighted by potential residents during tours; they appreciated amenities such as gyms, recreational spaces including courtyards, entertainment rooms equipped with pianos or televisions, and transportation services for excursions outside the facility's walls. These offerings contribute significantly not just to physical wellness but also enriching social interactions among residents—encouraging active lifestyles while helping maintain connections within the wider community.

In conclusion, North Star Retirement Community stands out as a commendable choice for individuals seeking assisted living options coupled with independence for aging relatives or friends. Reviews reflect heartfelt satisfaction from both current residents enjoying fulfilling lives as well as family members who appreciate hands-on involvement by attentive staff members dedicated to making each day special for every resident under their care. With consistent communication between staff and families regarding any questions or concerns raised further strengthens this thriving community’s reputation as more than just a residence; it emphasizes its importance as home—a sentiment echoed throughout these testimonials from satisfied families experiencing everything North Star has to offer firsthand.

This part of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities for seniors looking for a comfortable living environment. With several healthcare facilities nearby, including primary care physicians, dermatologists, orthopedic specialists, and heart clinics, residents have easy access to quality medical care. In terms of dining options, there is a variety of restaurants ranging from fast food to sit-down establishments serving different cuisines. The proximity to parks like Atlas Waterfront Park provides opportunities for outdoor activities and leisurely strolls. Additionally, several pharmacies are located within a short distance, making it convenient for seniors to fill prescriptions. For those seeking spiritual fulfillment, there are places of worship in the vicinity as well. Overall, this area offers a blend of healthcare services, dining choices, recreational areas, and community resources that cater to the needs of seniors considering Coeur d'Alene for their retirement years.

Physicians

• Coeur d'Alene Primary Care (0.1 miles)
• Venia (0.2 miles)
• Advanced Dermatology & Skin Surgery (0.2 miles)
• The Lyman Knee Clinic (0.3 miles)
• Stowell Richard Dr Orthopedic Specialty Institute Coeur D Alene (0.3 miles)
• Orthopedic Specialty Institute (0.4 miles)
• North Idaho Heart Clinic (0.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Cracker Barrel (0.3 miles)
• Jack In The Box (0.3 miles)
• Sweeto Burrito (0.4 miles)
• Le Peep (0.4 miles)
• McDonald's (0.4 miles)
• Pepe Caldo Pizzeria (0.4 miles)
• Mulligan's Bar and Grille (0.8 miles)

Parks

• Atlas Waterfront Park (0.4 miles)
• City Park (1.9 miles)
• Independence Point (2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Medicine Man Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Interlake Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.1 miles)
• Fred Meyer Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Medicine Man North Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Safeway Food & Drug (1.7 miles)

Cafes

• Dutch Bros Coffee (0.7 miles)
• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• CK Coffee (1.2 miles)
• Awaken Coffee (2 miles)
• Calypsos Coffee & Creamery (2 miles)
• Woops! (2.2 miles)
• Coeur D'Alene Coffee C (2.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Emergency Room, Kootenai Medical Center (0.7 miles)
• Kootenai Health (0.8 miles)
• Kootenai Occupational Medicine (0.9 miles)
• Long Beach Memorial Med Center (2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Thirst - College Age - Young Adults (2 miles)
• Coeur D'alene Bible Church (2.2 miles)