Koelsch Sterling in Olympia, WA

Pros

• Jeanne Devitt and her staff at Canterbury Park are wonderful and welcoming.
• The mother feels comfortable and forms new friendships at Canterbury Park.
• Koelsch Communities is a terrific company that puts residents and staff first and does the right thing.
• Julie L. is tremendous.
• Koelsch is one in a million, with staff who show a passion for serving others.
• They focus on dignity and respect for all people.

Cons

• Finding a home for aging loved ones is difficult.
• The mother was not overly pleased that she had reached the age where assisted living was the best option.
• Koelsch is the worst company anyone could work for, and its culture is horrendous.
• The company claims to care about the residents, but its main goal is to collect money from new residents.
• Once residents are their captive audience, they drop the customer service that is promised.

Review

Koelsch Sterling in Olympia, Washington is best suited for seniors who want a warm, resident-centered setting where dignity, respect, and hands-on staff engagement shape daily life. It appeals to families seeking a community with a visibly people-first ethos, where caregivers are approachable, conversations feel genuine, and activities are designed to foster real connection. The tone from the community and its leadership suggests a practical commitment to creating a home-like atmosphere rather than a sterile, clinical environment. For families balancing multiple care needs with a preference for a welcoming, social culture, Koelsch Sterling stands out as a strong fit.

What makes Koelsch Sterling compelling is the consistently credited dedication of staff and the emphasis on doing the right thing for residents. Reviewers repeatedly highlight a culture that prioritizes resident and family satisfaction, with leadership and front-line caregivers described as genuinely invested in care and daily happiness. The environment is portrayed as lively and engaging, with residents appearing to thrive in a setting that values dignity, respect, and meaningful interactions. The experiential proof, comments about a beautiful campus, happy faces, and a focus on person-centered care, gives families a practical sense of what daily life could feel like there.

Yet, the path is not without warning signs. One extended critique from a former employee questions the corporate culture and the balance between care and revenue, describing the organization as prioritizing money over service and implying a decline in customer service after enrollment. That perspective injects a cautionary note: corporate dynamics can influence consistency in day-to-day care and resident experiences. Families who are especially sensitive to corporate branding, pricing strategies, or shifts in service levels should weigh these concerns carefully and corroborate with current staff and multiple family experiences during visits.

Despite the caveat, the persuasive strengths often outweigh the potential drawbacks for most prospective residents. The high volume of enthusiastic five-star voices suggests that many lived experiences at Koelsch Sterling feel authentic and reliable, caregivers who are available, a responsive administration, and a community that truly values social engagement and dignity. When care moments matter, helpfulness on daily routines, respectful interactions, and opportunities for residents to participate in meaningful activities, the positives align with practical expectations for an assisted living residence.

For families evaluating this option, several diligence steps can translate the impressions into a confident decision. Ask direct questions about staff turnover and training, and request a tour that observes how caregivers interact with residents across different times of day. Inquire about transparency around monthly fees, any potential price increases, and what services are included versus add-ons. Review how care plans are developed and updated, how family communication is handled, and what happens when staffing levels fluctuate. The goal is to verify that the “resident-first” philosophy translates into consistent, reliable care every day, not just in standout moments.

In the end, Koelsch Sterling offers a practical, well-regarded choice for families who prize a welcoming, dignity-centered community with genuinely engaged staff. It is especially suitable for those who value a social, home-like atmosphere and are comfortable navigating occasional concerns about corporate culture. For families where cost predictability, corporate governance, or a guarantee of uniform day-to-day care without variation is non-negotiable, alternatives should be explored in parallel. The decision should hinge on how strongly the resident-first experience resonates with the specific care needs, financial realities, and long-term expectations of the loved one.

Parks

• Frye Cove County Park (1.4 miles)
• Yauger Park (4.4 miles)
• Burfoot Park (4.5 miles)
• Priest Point Park (4.8 miles)
• Decatur Woods Park (5.1 miles)
• Heritage Park (5.4 miles)
• Percival Landing Park (5.4 miles)

Cafes

• Steamboat Island Coffee Shop (2.3 miles)
• Urraco Coffee Company (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. (4.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation (3.5 miles)
• Westwood Baptist Church (3.8 miles)
• Woodard Lane Cohousing (4.1 miles)
• Light And Life Bible Church (6.5 miles)

Physicians

• Cooper Point Medical (3.5 miles)
• Alliance Pain Center (3.5 miles)
• Richard Faiola, MD (4 miles)
• Heritage Family Medicine (4 miles)
• Vista Oncology (4 miles)
• Olympia Multi-Specialty Clinic (4.1 miles)
• Capital Diabetes and Weight Loss Center (4.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Tugboat Annies (4 miles)
• Emperor's Palace (4.3 miles)
• Burger King (4.4 miles)
• Arby's (4.4 miles)
• McDonald's (4.5 miles)
• Taco Bell (4.8 miles)
• Olive Garden (4.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• West Olympia Pharmacy (4.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (4.2 miles)
• Safeway Food & Drug (4.2 miles)
• Walgreens (5.1 miles)
• Urban Medicinals (5.5 miles)
• National Assn-Chain Drug Store (6.1 miles)
• Randy's Compounding Pharmacy (6.3 miles)

Hospitals

• MultiCare Capital Medical Center (4.3 miles)
• South Sound Surgery Center (7.1 miles)

Transportation

• Olympia Transit Center (5.4 miles)