ElderPlace at The Marie Smith Health & Social Center

Pros

• The VOA and Providence staff are the most loving and caring people in the world.
• MSC is deeply appreciated and will be remembered and loved.
• The staff are awesome and the atmosphere is amazing.
• The culture is one of a kind.
• The mother-in-law received excellent supervision for memory-related needs.
• The Marie Smith Center employs an adequate amount of staff for the number of clients.
• They serve good, delicious food.
• They are on hand to help those who need it without demeaning or impatience.
• They provide a wide variety of activities, from trips to local dollar stores to gardening.
• The center works hard to make adult daycare affordable while maintaining quality.
• It is a very good concept for those with limited means to experience quality interactions.

Cons

• The reviewer expresses worry that they may not see the VOA staff and Providence staff together again after the pandemic shutdown, calling it a great loss.
• The reviewer notes that adult daycare is expensive, even though the center works to make it affordable.

Review

The stories shared paint a vivid portrait of a place that meant more than just a daily routine to the people who visited it. For over a year, many participants found a steady source of warmth and companionship at the Marie Smith Center (MSC), guided by the devoted care of staff who came from both VOA and Providence. The pandemic, with its shutdowns and interruptions, disrupted that sense of community, and the writer expresses a deep worry about not being able to see everyone together again. That fear sits alongside a strong thank-you and a pledge to remember the entire experience and the people who made it so meaningful. The tenderness in these memories speaks to the profound impact of a community that treated its members with genuine care.

What stands out across the notes is the palpable affection for the people who kept the center's spirit alive. The staff at MSC are described as loving and caring, and the two groups - VOA staff and Providence staff - are singled out as exceptionally compassionate. The overall tone is one of gratitude and admiration for people who showed up with patience, warmth, and a consistent willingness to go the extra mile. This isn't just about activities or meals; it's about being seen and valued by a group of people who made a real difference in daily life, even in a setting that could feel challenging or daunting without such support.

The strength of MSC's community is echoed in its popularity and the atmosphere it cultivated. One reviewer notes that the center has a waiting list, a testament to its demand and the positive experiences of those who attend. The staff are described as "awesome," and the environment as "amazing," with the culture characterized as one of a kind. Taken together, these remarks convey a sense that MSC wasn't merely a place to spend the day; it was a space where people could feel connected, energized, and cared for in a way that stood apart from typical senior-care environments.

Personal stories further illuminate MSC's impact. A mother-in-law attended the center for supervision because of memory issues, and the family's experience was highly favorable. They were "couldn't have been more pleased with everything about the center." That sentiment isn't limited to safety or supervision alone; it encompasses the overall quality of care and companionship that MSC provided. The narrative suggests that the center offered reassurance and comfort to families grappling with memory care needs, helping to foster a sense of trust during a challenging phase.

Another striking element in the reviews is the thoughtful balance MSC maintains between dignity and assistance. In contrast with hospital settings or even traditional skilled-nursing environments, MSC is praised for employing an adequate number of staff to match the number of clients. This careful staffing contributes to a supportive atmosphere where help is readily available without ever feeling demeaning or impatient. Reviewers highlight the center's attentiveness - the staff are on hand to assist as needed, and they do so with kindness. The menu and mealtime experiences matter here too: the food is described as good and delicious, complementing a broad spectrum of activities that keep participants engaged. From trips to local dollar stores to gardening and beyond, the center offers a diverse array of options that enrich daily life.

Affordability emerges as a practical concern woven into the praise. The reviewers acknowledge that adult day care, in general, can be expensive, yet MSC is noted for making an effort to keep costs manageable without sacrificing quality. The sentiment is that the center understands the financial realities many families face and strives to maintain a high standard of care while remaining accessible. The repeated emphasis on affordability paired with quality creates a picture of MSC as a thoughtful option for those seeking meaningful daytime engagement for themselves or loved ones.

Finally, the reviews close with a candid acknowledgment of what drew people to MSC in the first place. One commenter simply sought information about what the place was all about and discovered a very good concept for individuals who cannot afford more costly care but still want meaningful, quality interactions throughout their days. This takeaway encapsulates the broader value many find in MSC: a compassionate, well-staffed, activity-rich community that respects dignity and fosters connection. The gratitude expressed - alongside a promise to remember and love the center - feels like a lasting tribute to a place that offered not just care, but a sense of belonging.

This part of Portland, Oregon offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With multiple pharmacies within close proximity, accessing necessary medications and healthcare services is easily manageable. The area also boasts a variety of dining options, including local favorites like Eem and Por Que No, as well as well-known chains such as McDonald's. Nearby parks such as Overlook Park and Peninsula Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. In terms of healthcare, the presence of hospitals like Legacy Emanuel Burn Center and Randall Children's Hospital ensures quality medical care within a short distance. Additionally, cafes like Starbucks and Peet's Coffee provide cozy spots to socialize or enjoy a cup of coffee. Transportation options such as Amtrak and TriMet Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center offer easy access to other parts of the city. Overall, this area combines convenience, healthcare accessibility, dining options, outdoor spaces, and transportation choices that may appeal to seniors looking for a vibrant community in which to reside.

Pharmacies

• Nectar - Mississippi (0.2 miles)
• Kaiser Interstate East Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Safeway Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (2 miles)

Physicians

• To Summy Od Myoptic Optometry Dr Summy To Optometrist Portland (0.5 miles)
• Legacy Medical Group-Emanuel (1 miles)
• Harpers Playground (1.4 miles)
• Legacy Medical Group (2 miles)
• Good Samaritan Building 1 (2.1 miles)
• Family Medical Group, PC (2.3 miles)
• ZoomCare (2.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Eem (0.6 miles)
• Por Que No (0.6 miles)
• The Bye and Bye (1 miles)
• El Burrito Azteca (1.1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.7 miles)
• Blossoming Lotus (1.9 miles)
• Paymaster Lounge (1.9 miles)

Parks

• Overlook Park (0.7 miles)
• Peninsula Park and Rose Gardens (0.7 miles)
• Irving Park (1 miles)
• Arbor Lodge Park (1.5 miles)
• Woodlawn Park (1.6 miles)
• Gammans Park (1.6 miles)
• Alberta Park (2.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Legacy Emanuel Burn Center (0.8 miles)
• Randall Children's Hospital (0.9 miles)
• Legacy Emanuel Childrens Hospital (0.9 miles)
• Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center (2.1 miles)
• Shriners Hospitals For Children (3.8 miles)
• Doernbecher Children's Hospital (4.1 miles)
• Portland VA Medical Center (4.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.7 miles)
• Cyclemaster Coffee (1.7 miles)
• Peet's Coffee and Tea (1.9 miles)
• Posies Cafe (1.9 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (2.2 miles)
• King's Hookah Lounge (2.4 miles)
• Coava Coffee Roasters (3 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (1.9 miles)
• TriMet Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center (3.1 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Pioneer Place (2.6 miles)
• Hollywood Theatre (3 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Rose Catholic Church (3.4 miles)