Cottage I (The Cottages At Swansboro)

101 Pelican Circle, Swansboro, NC 28584

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

3.8 from 30 reviews
5 stars
20
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 stars
8

Assisted Living

Overall Review of Cottage I (The Cottages At Swansboro)

Pros

  • pro The Cottages of Swansboro is regarded as one of the best places for families to send their loved ones.
  • pro The cottages offer a family/home vibe with private rooms and bathrooms, and residents have the freedom to walk outside, socialize, and join activities.
  • pro The staff are warm, knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely committed to ensuring residents have a great experience.
  • pro Residents form amazing connections with staff, including Nurse Nicki, Jessica K., Jennifer, Tameka, Savannah, and Samantha, who are described as outstanding.
  • pro The on-site RN and aides take care of residents like family and show real care up to the end of life.
  • pro The facility is clean, spacious, and well-appointed, with rooms customizable to the resident's needs.
  • pro The food is nutritious and well prepared, with options to eat in the dining room or in private rooms.
  • pro Staff communicate proactively, answering questions and providing updates about health and medications.
  • pro Dr. Amy, the contracted physician, is described as great and attentive to residents' needs.
  • pro The property offers outdoor spaces such as ponds and porches, enabling residents to enjoy a home-like environment.

Cons

  • pro The owner allegedly promised rent would never increase during the tour, but later refused to include that promise in the contract.
  • pro The mother-in-law's clothing, including four AirTags, went missing with no explanation or attempt to rectify the situation.
  • pro Emails to the owner and office manager requesting the mother's medication regimen and other documents went unanswered for almost two months.
  • pro After the mother-in-law's departure, the owners did not reach out to check on her, suggesting the focus was about money.
  • pro Invoices were inconsistent, leading to disputes about what was owed, including a recent short charge of $48.
  • pro Rent had been raised several times, with a perception of paying more for what seemed like the bare minimum.
  • pro There were reports of heated staff arguments and visible drama among management and staff.
  • pro Med techs were described as unprofessional, with instances of loud, negative commentary about staff and residents.
  • pro Specific staff members were criticized for negative conversations about residents.
  • pro The overall atmosphere was described as deteriorating, with low morale, high turnover, and once-clean facilities showing signs of neglect (e.g., ducks gone, water looking murky).
  • pro Nurse Nicki, an onsite RN, reportedly left the Cottages, described as a tremendous loss.
  • pro Several reviews warned that the facility should be watched closely and not trusted to care for a family member.

Review

The Cottages of Swansboro presents itself as more than an assisted living facility - it aims to be a warm, family-owned home where independence remains a core value. The property is organized into cottage-style living spaces, with each resident enjoying their own room and bathroom, private walks around the grounds, and access to common areas for socializing, activities, or quiet time. Several reviewers highlight a true home vibe rather than a hospital atmosphere, emphasizing the freedom to stroll outside, participate in house activities, or join outings. It's the kind of setting families describe as comforting and approachable, a place that feels personally cared for by the owners and staff alike.

Visitors repeatedly note the welcoming, considerate atmosphere from the moment they walk through the door. They describe the staff as knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely committed to making the experience positive. In particular, several caregivers and nurses - Nurse Nicki among them - are praised for going above and beyond, with memories of attentive, personable care that offered reassurance to families. The sense that the facility's leadership is involved and invested translates into a feeling of trust for those who visit a friend or loved one: a place where people remember names, routines, and specific needs, and where staff members seem to take pride in their work and in building connections with residents.

There is also a long-running personal narrative from a family who kept a loved one at The Cottages for many years. The reviewer recalls a MIL who joined in 2018 and remained until 2025, noting both high points and inevitable challenges along the way. While there were good times and warm memories - the resident formed meaningful bonds with staff and other residents, enjoyed the privacy and comfort of her cottage, and benefited from a caring nursing team and a contracted physician - this account also lays bare a pattern of financial and logistical concerns. The family details several red flags: promises about rent that didn't hold steady in the contract, missing clothing and AirTags after the resident departed, and communications gaps that left them feeling unheard when medication regimens or departure documents were requested. Invoices were described as inconsistent, with sudden changes that were difficult to reconcile, and a final surprise of a small rent shortfall after years of payments added to a perception that the operation could be more transparent and proactive in communications.

Despite these financial and administrative notes, the same review lays out notable positives in the care experience. When inflation necessitated a rent increase, the owners responded with understanding and maintained the prior rate for a period, adding that sitters would be provided. The staff, especially Nurse Nicki and several other named caregivers, were singled out for recognizing and supporting the resident's routine and needs, and the on-site doctor, Dr. Amy, was praised for listening and staying informed about the resident's health. The overall impression from this account is that when nursing staff and care teams are aligned with a resident's well-being, the experience can be deeply supportive, with many families feeling confident in the medical oversight and daily care provided.

Over time, however, other reviewers report a shift in the facility's atmosphere and morale. There are observations of heated staff arguments and a sense that morale has dipped. Some visitors have noticed aides and staff appearing distracted, with anecdotes about staff spending time on their phones rather than engaging with residents. Concerns about leadership and management surface in several places, including mentions of disputed dynamics among owners and administration. In recent years, several physical and operational signs of strain are described: ducks that once brightened porches disappeared, water features became murky, and turnover among staff appeared to accelerate. The departure of a trusted on-site RN - Nurse Nicki - was noted as a significant loss by multiple family members, casting a shadow over the continuity of care and daily routines.

Amid these tensions, some families recount deeply positive personal experiences that reinforce why The Cottages remains a preferred choice for many. One account celebrates a mother who spent the final three years of her life at the cottages, where she enjoyed individual living spaces, the freedom to walk the grounds, and the opportunity to visit other houses for card games, dominos, and group activities. The nursing staff and aides are remembered as treating her like family, ensuring she was clean, dry, and well cared for, culminating in a sentiment that the facility was the best option in the area for that family at that time. This portrayal underscores the importance of the resident-staff relationship, the home-like environment, and the value families place on consistent, compassionate care during challenging times.

On the flip side, other reviewers offer stark warnings based on direct experiences. A few describe The Cottages as a place where staff talk among themselves in front of visitors and where professional conduct can feel inconsistent. Some med techs and managers are criticized for unprofessional behavior and for creating an atmosphere of drama rather than teamwork. These voices emphasize the need for potential residents and families to look closely at the day-to-day culture, communication practices, and consistency of care before making decisions. Taken together, the reviews reveal a facility that can be profoundly nurturing when leadership is attentive, staff are engaged, and residents' routines are well managed; yet that same facility can raise concerns about cost, communication, and morale when expectations around management and consistency aren't met.

In sum, The Cottages of Swansboro offers a distinctive, home-forward experience that many families value deeply. The environment can provide independence, personalized spaces, and meaningful social interactions in a setting that feels family-owned and personally invested. The care teams, especially those who maintain close relationships with residents and families, have the potential to create genuinely positive, even life-affirming experiences. At the same time, the collection of reviews signals important cautions: financial transparency and consistency, proactive and clear communication, and stable, coordinated leadership matter as much as the warmth of the staff and the comfort of the living spaces. For families evaluating this community, the choice hinges on weighing the undeniable warmth, personalized care, and home-like feel against the pressures of cost, communication gaps, and internal morale.

Features

Housing

  • 6 resident community capacity 6 resident community capacity

Types of Care

  • Assisted Living Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.

Amenities

  • Cable or satellite TV Cable or satellite TVCable or satellite TV is important for seniors because it provides entertainment, news, and companionship, helping to combat loneliness and boredom. It also offers a wide range of programming options tailored to different interests and preferences.
  • Dining room Dining roomDining rooms are important for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, connection, and nutritious meals. They offer opportunities for residents to bond over shared meals, foster a sense of community, and promote healthy eating habits. Dining rooms also ensure that seniors have access to well-balanced meals tailored to their dietary needs and preferences.
  • Fully furnished Fully furnishedFully furnished senior living communities are important for seniors because they provide convenience, comfort, and a hassle-free moving experience. Seniors can easily settle into their new living space without the stress of having to buy and move furniture. This allows them to focus on enjoying their new home and community.
  • Garden GardenGardens are important for seniors as they provide a peaceful and therapeutic environment for relaxation, physical activity, and socialization. Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. Gardens also offer opportunities for seniors to engage in gardening activities, which can improve mobility, flexibility, and cognitive function. Additionally, gardens create a sense of community and connection with others who share a passion for plants and outdoor spaces.
  • Housekeeping services Housekeeping servicesHousekeeping services are important for seniors because they help maintain a clean and safe living environment, promote independence, and reduce the risk of accidents or illnesses. Additionally, having assistance with household chores can alleviate physical strain and allow seniors to focus on other aspects of their well-being.
  • Move-in coordination Move-in coordinationMove-in coordination is important for seniors because it helps ease the transition into their new living environment. It ensures that all logistics, such as packing, organizing movers, and setting up utilities are taken care of, allowing seniors to focus on settling in and adjusting to their new home. Having a smooth move-in process can alleviate stress and anxiety, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable for seniors.
  • Outdoor space Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaces are important for seniors as they provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, exposure to natural light and fresh air, and a sense of connection to nature. Having access to outdoor spaces can improve overall well-being and quality of life for older adults living in senior communities.
  • Telephone TelephoneTelephones are important for seniors as they provide a lifeline for communication with loved ones, emergency services, and healthcare providers. They offer a sense of security and independence, enabling seniors to stay connected and access assistance when needed.
  • Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available Wi-Fi/high-speed internet availableWi-Fi/high-speed internet is important for seniors to stay connected with loved ones, access online resources, and participate in virtual activities to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. It also allows them to easily manage healthcare needs, access entertainment, and engage in lifelong learning opportunities.

Care Services

  • 24-hour supervision 24-hour supervision24-hour supervision is important for seniors to ensure their safety, well-being, and access to immediate assistance in case of emergencies or health issues. This constant support provides peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones, allowing them to age in place with dignity and security.
  • Activities of daily living assistance Activities of daily living assistanceActivities of daily living assistance are important for seniors because they provide essential support with tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, and mobility. This assistance helps seniors maintain their independence, dignity, and overall quality of life as they age.
  • Assistance with bathing Assistance with bathingAssistance with bathing is crucial for seniors as it helps maintain personal hygiene, prevents infections, and ensures their overall well-being and comfort. It also provides a sense of dignity and independence for seniors who may struggle with this task on their own.
  • Assistance with dressing Assistance with dressingAssistance with dressing is important for seniors because it helps maintain their independence, promotes personal hygiene, prevents accidents and injuries, and improves overall quality of life. This service ensures that seniors can continue to dress comfortably and confidently, despite any physical limitations they may have.
  • Assistance with transfers Assistance with transfersAssistance with transfers is crucial for seniors as it helps prevent falls and injuries, maintains their independence, and ensures they can safely navigate their living environment. It also provides peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones.
  • Coordination with health care providers Coordination with health care providersCoordination with health care providers is crucial for seniors to ensure proper medical care, medication management, and overall well-being. This collaboration helps prevent overlapping treatments, track progress more effectively, and provide comprehensive support tailored to individual needs.
  • Diabetes diet Diabetes dietA diabetes diet is crucial for seniors as it helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce risks of complications, and improve overall health and well-being. By following a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can better control their diabetes and enhance their quality of life.
  • Meal preparation and service Meal preparation and serviceMeal preparation and service are crucial for seniors as they may have limited mobility or energy to cook nutritious meals. Having access to healthy and convenient food options can ensure they are getting the proper nutrition needed to maintain their overall health and well-being.
  • Medication management Medication managementMedication management is crucial for seniors to ensure they are taking the right medications at the correct dosages and times. This helps prevent adverse drug interactions, reduces the risk of medication errors, and promotes overall health and well-being. Proactive management also allows for adjustments as needed based on changing health conditions or new prescriptions.
  • Special dietary restrictions Special dietary restrictionsSpecial dietary restrictions are important for seniors because age-related changes in metabolism and health conditions can make it difficult for their bodies to process certain foods. By following a diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can maintain their overall health and well-being, manage chronic conditions, and reduce the risk of complications such as malnutrition or food interactions with medications.
  • Transportation arrangement (medical) Transportation arrangement (medical)Transportation arrangements for medical purposes are essential for seniors as they may have difficulty driving themselves to appointments or accessing public transportation. Having reliable and safe transportation options ensures that seniors can receive timely medical care and maintain their health and well-being.
  • Transportation to doctors appointments Transportation to doctors appointmentsTransportation to doctors' appointments is crucial for seniors as it ensures they have access to necessary medical care and support for their health needs. Without reliable transportation, seniors may struggle to attend important appointments, leading to potential delays in treatment and health complications. Providing transportation services helps seniors maintain their overall well-being and quality of life.

Dining

  • Diabetes diet Diabetes dietA diabetes diet is crucial for seniors as it helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce risks of complications, and improve overall health and well-being. By following a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can better control their diabetes and enhance their quality of life.
  • Special dietary restrictions Special dietary restrictionsSpecial dietary restrictions are important for seniors because age-related changes in metabolism and health conditions can make it difficult for their bodies to process certain foods. By following a diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can maintain their overall health and well-being, manage chronic conditions, and reduce the risk of complications such as malnutrition or food interactions with medications.

Activities

  • Community-sponsored activities Community-sponsored activitiesCommunity-sponsored activities are important for seniors as they provide opportunities for social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical activity. These activities can help improve overall well-being, combat loneliness and isolation, and promote a sense of belonging and purpose among older adults.
  • Scheduled daily activities Scheduled daily activitiesScheduled daily activities are important for seniors because they provide structure, socialization, mental stimulation, and physical activity. Engaging in regular activities can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors living in a community setting.

Description

Cottage I at The Cottages at Swansboro is an assisted living community located in the charming town of Swansboro, NC. Our community offers a range of amenities and care services to ensure our residents enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.

Each cottage in our community is fully furnished, providing a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for our residents. The dining room offers delicious meals that cater to special dietary restrictions, ensuring that each resident receives nutritious and satisfying meals. Housekeeping services are provided to maintain cleanliness and organization within the cottages.

Residents can enjoy the beautiful outdoor space that surrounds our community, with gardens offering a peaceful setting for relaxation or socializing with fellow residents. Wi-Fi/high-speed internet and telephone services are available to keep residents connected with their loved ones.

Our care services are designed to meet the individual needs of each resident. Trained staff members provide assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and transfers. We also coordinate with health care providers to ensure that all medical needs are met. For those with diabetes, we offer specialized diet plans. Medication management is provided to ensure proper dosage and timing of medications.

Transportation arrangements are available for medical appointments, allowing residents to easily access necessary healthcare services. Scheduled daily activities provide opportunities for socialization and engagement within the community.

At Cottage I at The Cottages at Swansboro, we strive to create a supportive environment where our residents feel safe, cared for, and valued. We invite you to experience the warm and inviting atmosphere of our community firsthand.

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