101 Pelican Circle, Swansboro, NC 28584
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
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.
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.
Cottage I (The Cottages At Swansboro) is located at 101 Pelican Circle, Swansboro, NC 28584 in Onslow County, North Carolina
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