Vicki's Care Cottage in Spokane, WA

Pros

• The team at The Cottages is absolutely wonderful.
• The staff are kind, attentive, and go above and beyond to make residents feel comfortable and cared for.
• The building is clean and welcoming, with a warm, family-like atmosphere.
• It is clear that everyone there cares about the residents and their families.
• The memory care cottages feature lovely floor plans in brand-new spaces.
• There is ample staffing, and the marketing team - Tracy, Jessica, and Jess - are lovely and knowledgeable.
• The staff's caring is very genuine.
• The Cottages and Horizon Hospice are awesome partners.
• Dementia care at The Cottages is delivered with kindness, professional skill, and genuine empathy.
• The executive director, director of nursing, and care staff are quick to respond and keep families up to date.
• Residents are engaged with meaningful activities and treated with dignity and respect.
• The courtyard provides a pleasant outdoor space that promotes walking and fresh air.
• The Cottages are highly recommended for memory care and residents needing more care than at home.

Cons

• They would give it a zero rating.
• Some staff need work.
• The med tech did not greet the resident or acknowledge her and walked ahead instead of assisting at the door.
• The nurse said she didn't have to share information because the caller wasn't the POA.
• The aide stays behind her cart and avoids engaging with the resident.
• Managers bully staff into coming in when they are sick.
• The executive director's remarks show a lack of understanding of dementia.

Review

Vicki's Care Cottage in Spokane is best suited for memory-care residents who thrive in an intimate, home-like setting where caregivers know names, routines, and preferences. The cottages are newly designed, with floor plans that promote safety and gentle movement, and a courtyard that invites fresh air and easy small-group activities. Families report a warm, familial atmosphere and a staff team that genuinely aims to comfort residents and ease the daily experience of dementia or other cognitive challenges. For residents who respond well to personal attention, predictable schedules, and meaningful engagement in a calm environment, this community delivers a compelling match.

That said, alternatives deserve careful consideration for families with different priorities. Those who require more expansive medical oversight, a larger campus, or highly regimented routines may find other options more suitable. Several reviews flag variability in day-to-day interactions - some staff are consistently kind and attentive, while others are more abrupt or slow to respond. Management and culture also surface in conversations, with whispers of bullying when staff are ill alongside strong endorsements of servant-leadership. Prospective residents should directly assess consistency of care, communication norms, and how leadership handles staffing pressures before committing.

The strongest pros in favor of Vicki's Care Cottage offset many of the potential drawbacks. Residents benefit from caregivers who often go beyond the basics, delivering warmth, dignity, and patient-centered attention. The clean, welcoming physical environment reinforces a sense of safety and belonging. Staffing levels appear adequate to sustain engagement and supervision, a crucial factor for memory-care settings. Observations about improved hygiene and daily functioning for some residents - sometimes in tandem with hospice partners - underscore a practical, outcomes-focused strength that matters to families navigating progressive conditions.

Additional positives include a clear emphasis on memory-care suitability, with staff who tailor activities and daily routines to cognitive needs. Families repeatedly highlight staff responsiveness, transparent communication, and a culture that honors residents' routines and histories. The community's small-to-medium scale facilitates closer family involvement and easier oversight by loved ones, which can translate into fewer dissatisfactions when questions arise about care plans, medication, or daily participation. This combination - intimate setting, engaged caregivers, and a focus on comfort - creates notable peace of mind for many families.

The nuanced downsides call for disciplined due diligence. A single negative interaction - where a med tech appeared disengaged or took a longer time to greet a resident - illustrates how a momentary lapse can leave a lasting impression. Other reviews raise questions about how sickness and staffing shortages are handled, and about a leadership tone that some residents' families interpret as either supportive or, at times, problematic. These undercurrents do not negate the core strengths, but they do mean that a visit, observations of shift changes, and conversations with the administrator are essential before choosing this community. Ask for the care director's philosophy on dementia behaviors, staff training, and how care plans are adjusted as cognition changes.

In the end, Vicki's Care Cottage stands out for families prioritizing a memory-care environment that blends warmth, individual attention, and a gentle, home-like cadence. It is an especially strong choice for residents who respond well to a small-community feel, consistent daily routines, and caregivers who treat residents with palpable respect and empathy. However, the decision should rest on confirming stable staffing, alignment with family expectations around leadership and communication, and whether the current culture matches the resident's personality and care needs. If those conditions hold, this community is a premier option in Spokane; if not, exploring other memory-care settings with different management styles or clinical emphases will be a prudent, well-reasoned alternative.

Located in Spokane, Washington, this area offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to senior living needs. With several pharmacies such as Albertsons, Walgreens, and Walmart within close proximity, accessing medication and healthcare products is convenient. There are also numerous dining options like De Leon's Taco & Bar and Maggie's South Hill Grill for seniors to enjoy meals out. For medical care, there are reputable physicians and clinics nearby such as South Hill Counseling and Providence Manito Pediatrics. Additionally, the area features peaceful parks like Duncan Gardens and Comstock Park for leisurely strolls or relaxation. Places of worship including Journey Church are also easily accessible for spiritual support. In terms of healthcare facilities, there are hospitals like St Luke's Rehabilitation Institute and Deaconess Medical Center nearby for any medical emergencies or ongoing care needs. Public transportation through the Spokane Transit Authority Sta ensures easy access to other parts of the city for errands or social outings. Overall, this part of Spokane offers a well-rounded environment with essential services and recreational opportunities for a comfortable senior living experience.

Pharmacies

• Albertsons Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Shopko Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Rosauers Supermarkets (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Fred Meyer Pharmacy (3.7 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (4.1 miles)
• Community, A Walgreens Pharmacy (4.6 miles)

Restaurants

• De Leon's Taco & Bar (0.6 miles)
• Poole's Public House South (0.7 miles)
• McDonald's (0.9 miles)
• Maggie's South Hill Grill (2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.1 miles)
• Republic Pi (2.8 miles)
• Fresh Soul (3.6 miles)

Physicians

• South Hill Counseling (0.8 miles)
• Denise Pounds, MD (1.3 miles)
• Wylie D Todd OD FCOVD (2.9 miles)
• Spokane Homeopathic Clinic (2.9 miles)
• Providence Manito Pediatrics (3.5 miles)
• Laurier, Lisanne Center for Life Style Medicine and Hormone Health (3.6 miles)
• Spokane Gastroenterology (3.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.5 miles)
• Chaps Coffee Co. (3.6 miles)
• The Scoop (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Rocket Bakery (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Higher Ground Espresso (4.7 miles)

Parks

• Duncan Gardens (3.5 miles)
• Comstock Park (3.6 miles)
• Nishomiya Japanese Garden (3.7 miles)
• Polly Judd Park (4.9 miles)
• Riverfront Park (5.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Journey Church (3.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Spokane Kidney Center (4.1 miles)
• St Luke's Rehabilitation Institute (4.2 miles)
• Sacred Heart Medical Center Helistop Heliport (4.3 miles)
• Deaconess Medical Center (4.7 miles)
• Shriners Hospitals for Children-Spokane (4.8 miles)
• Seattle Childrens Hospital (4.9 miles)

Transportation

• Spokane Transit Authority Sta (5 miles)