Columbia Sunset Care Home

Pros

• The owner, Michelle Simmons, is professional, understanding, and demonstrates genuine care and concern for residents.
• She organized a timely tour and answered all questions, introducing caregivers Violet, Rose, and Pua.
• The APTCH team at this location provides extraordinary, ongoing care as the resident's condition declined over the last 14 months.
• The reviewers encourage others to entrust their loved ones to these angels, noting compassionate and patient care.
• The care at this location is described as compassionate, high-quality, and prompt.

Review

The experience at 800 S Andresen, known as A Place To Call Home (APTCH), has stood out as a compassionate option for dementia care from the very beginning. After searching for a residential setting that could provide intimate, personal attention, the reviewer found exactly what they were hoping for in this location. The first impression was shaped by a professional and considerate owner, Michelle Simmons, whose approach signaled a genuine concern for residents and a clear commitment to quality care. The emphasis from the outset was on understanding the needs of those living with dementia and ensuring that their comfort and safety were prioritized.

A key part of the initial positive impression came from how the organization handled the tour. Michelle Simmons arranged a tour promptly, which demonstrated efficiency and respect for the family's timely decision-making process. During this visit, she answered a full spectrum of questions and introduced the family to the on-site caregivers, creating a sense of transparency and reassurance about who would be caring for their loved one. The introduction to the caregiving team - Violet, Rose, and Pua - left the reviewer with confidence in the people responsible for daily, hands-on support.

From the start, the APTCH team at this location has been described as extraordinary. Over the course of more than a year, as the loved one's medical condition gradually declined, the staff continued to deliver exceptional care. The reviewer highlights the consistency and steadfast dedication of the caregivers, noting that the level of support remained unwavering even as the loved one's health challenges progressed. This ongoing commitment became a defining feature of the experience at this residence, underscoring the team's ability to adapt to evolving needs without compromising quality.

The caregivers themselves are painted in especially glowing terms. The staff is described as compassionate, delivering care that is both high in quality and patient, attentive to the slow and sometimes difficult process of dementia. The reviewers repeatedly emphasize the grace and steadiness with which Violet, Rose, and Pua - along with the broader team - approach daily routines, medical concerns, and comfort measures. The use of words like "Angels" reflects a deep, heartfelt appreciation for the emotional and practical support the team provides, extending beyond routine caregiving to a more empathetic, soulful level of care.

Another important thread in the narrative is the peace of mind and trust that the care arrangement brought to family members. The reviewer speaks to a sense of confidence that their loved one is in good hands, with staff who are not only capable but genuinely invested in the resident's well-being. The combination of professional oversight from Michelle and the hands-on dedication of the caregiving team cultivated a reassuring environment where family members could feel secure, even as medical needs grew more complex over time.

The overall portrayal of the care at APTCH is one of consistent warmth and reliability. The team's ability to respond promptly and with genuine concern contributes to a sense of dignity and comfort for the resident. The narrative highlights a supportive, nurturing atmosphere where residents are treated with respect and kindness, and where caregivers remain patient and present through the ongoing challenges of dementia. The result is a living environment that feels both respectful and uplifting for those who need intimate, personal assistance.

In sum, the experience at 800 S Andresen stands out as a deeply positive example of dementia care within a residential setting. The owner's professionalism, the smooth and informative introduction to the caregiving team, and the extraordinary, compassionate work of Violet, Rose, Pua, and their colleagues collectively create a compelling case for considering APTCH for families seeking dedicated, heartfelt support. For anyone looking to place a loved one in a setting that emphasizes compassionate, high-quality, and patient-centered care, this location comes highly recommended. The message to others is clear: do not hesitate to entrust your loved one to these devoted caregivers and the remarkable team behind them.

This particular area of Vancouver, Washington offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing for senior living. There are multiple pharmacies within close proximity, as well as healthcare providers such as The Vancouver Clinic and Sea Mar Community Health Centers. Access to hospitals like Firstenburg Tower and PeaceHealth Southwest Family Birth Center is also convenient. For transportation, the Portland International Airport is nearby along with various dining options ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants like Henry's Tavern. Additionally, there are cafes like Dutch Bros Coffee and Black Rock Coffee Bar for a more relaxed atmosphere. Parks such as Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and Esther Short Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, while places of worship like St Rose Catholic Church offer spiritual support. Overall, this area offers a mix of convenience, healthcare access, dining options, and recreational opportunities suitable for senior living.

Pharmacies

• Safeway Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)

Physicians

• The Vancouver Clinic (1.2 miles)
• Sea Mar Community Health Centers (2.3 miles)
• Ideal Option (3.6 miles)
• Vancouver Eye Care (3.8 miles)
• Family medicine clinic (3.8 miles)
• ZoomCare (4.6 miles)
• Harpers Playground (5.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Firstenburg Tower (1.3 miles)
• PeaceHealth Southwest Family Birth Center (1.3 miles)
• Vancouver VA Medical Center (3.1 miles)
• Legacy Emanuel Burn Center (5.8 miles)
• Randall Children's Hospital (5.8 miles)
• Legacy Emanuel Childrens Hospital (5.9 miles)

Transportation

• Concourse D (1.7 miles)
• Concourse C (1.8 miles)
• TSA Checkpoint A/B/C - Portland International Airport (1.8 miles)
• Portland International Airport (PDX) (1.8 miles)
• Concourse E (1.8 miles)
• Alaska Airlines Lounge - PDX (1.9 miles)
• Portland Airport Rental Car Center (1.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Henry's Tavern - Portl (1.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1.9 miles)
• Beaches Restaurant & Bar (2.3 miles)
• Final Draft Taphouse (2.5 miles)
• Taco Bell (2.5 miles)
• Island Cafe (3 miles)
• Jim Dandy Drive-In (4.4 miles)

Cafes

• Dutch Bros Coffee (1.9 miles)
• Black Rock Coffee Bar (2.5 miles)
• Dutch Bros. Coffee (2.8 miles)
• Compass Coffee (3.4 miles)
• Relevant Coffee (3.5 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (3.8 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (4 miles)

Parks

• Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (2.5 miles)
• Douglas Carter Fisher Park (3.3 miles)
• Esther Short Park (3.5 miles)
• Woodlawn Park (3.7 miles)
• Vanport Park (4.4 miles)
• Luke Jensen Sports Park (4.7 miles)
• Peninsula Park and Rose Gardens (4.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Rose Catholic Church (5 miles)

Theaters

• Hollywood Theatre (5.5 miles)