Emerson House in Portland, OR

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Emerson House

Emerson House in Portland, OR

3577 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

3.7 from 40 reviews
5 stars
12
4 stars
14
3 stars
9
2 stars
0
1 stars
5

Memory Care

Emerson House Costs & Pricing

Emerson House stands out in its pricing structure compared to both Multnomah County and the broader state of Oregon. For a semi-private room, Emerson House charges $6,185 per month, significantly higher than the county average of $4,011 and the state average of $4,457. Similarly, its one-bedroom option is priced at $6,450, which again exceeds the local and state averages of $3,402 and $3,904, respectively. While these costs may initially seem steep relative to surrounding options, they often reflect the quality of care, amenities, and personalized services that residents at Emerson House receive. As families consider their choices for senior living accommodations in this region, these factors are essential in determining value beyond mere numbers.

Floor plansEmerson HouseMultnomah CountyOregon
Semi-Private$6,185$4,011$4,457
1 Bedroom$6,450$3,402$3,904

What level of care are you interested in?

Assisted Living

Memory Care

Independent Living

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Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)CCRC

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    Overall Review of Emerson House

    Pros

    • pro The staff are thoughtful and caring.
    • pro The facility is clean and well set up.
    • pro The staff provide great personal care.
    • pro The life enrichment program is amazing and engaging.
    • pro The dining room is nice and homey.
    • pro The RN and administrator were awarded best in Oregon, reflecting high-quality leadership.
    • pro The building is organized into stages that match residents' care needs, promoting companionship and safe movement.
    • pro Families feel welcomed and treated like family by the staff.

    Cons

    • pro The facility is understaffed and cannot adequately care for residents.
    • pro Jordan is described as lousy at communicating, lies, and is unreachable.
    • pro There are no private rooms; most rooms are shared two-to-a-room.
    • pro Some caregivers appear uncaring, including an incident where a resident was naked and a med tech blamed her; condolences were not offered after the death.
    • pro The director acts like she's too good to help anyone, and the life enrichment director is lazy.
    • pro The staff turnover is high, with frequent management changes leading to inconsistent care.
    • pro Parking is scarce and the location is difficult to access.

    Review

    Emerson House in Portland is best suited for families seeking a dementia-focused community with a clearly defined care ladder, strong life-enrichment programming, and a genuinely caring staff. The building is purpose-built for memory care, with a multi-level layout that keeps residents grouped by care needs while preserving opportunities to walk, socialize, and participate in activities. This is a place where family involvement is welcomed and encouraged, where daily programming - sing-alongs, exercise demonstrated on TV, crafts, and outings - helps sustain mood and engagement. For families prioritizing a humane, resident-centered environment over hospital-like privacy, Emerson House offers reliable value through its culture of care and structured routines.

    Those who may want to consider alternatives include families who require or strongly prefer private rooms, more modern decor, or a facility with exceptionally consistent staffing and flawless communication across shifts. Several reviews note shared rooms and compact private spaces, which can feel confining for residents and families who prize privacy. Others stress variability in staffing, with concerns about turnover, shift stability, and communication gaps. For a family navigating a significant medical or behavioral crisis, or one that demands unwavering, daily proactive reporting and rapid responsiveness, Emerson House may feel uneven unless due diligence is done to verify current practices and staff consistency.

    The strongest positives - an active, well-integrated life-enrichment program, attentive caregivers, and a setting designed to minimize confusion - do a lot of heavy lifting against the main drawbacks. The campus presents a welcoming, home-like dining room, purposeful common areas, and three distinct floors that align with increasing levels of need. Regular activities - music with scrolling lyrics, group exercises, holiday crafts, and supervised outings - help residents stay connected and stave off boredom. The staff's warmth and the leadership team's visibility stand out, with families appreciating the opportunity to visit freely, and the option for around-the-clock family presence. In a memory-care context, these elements often correlate with steadier mood and better daily satisfaction.

    Still, certain recurring concerns deserve serious attention for anyone weighing a move to Emerson House. Staffing stability emerges as a top worry, with reports of turnover and uneven experiences between day and swing shifts. Some families describe occasions where care gaps were perceived or personal interactions felt lacking, and a few reviews recounted troubling incidents that underscore the need for specific, clarified expectations around oversight and accountability. Private-room scarcity and smaller, less private sleeping arrangements can matter a lot to couples or individuals who prize seclusion. Parking and access issues, plus occasional questions about administrative responsiveness, add practical friction that ought to be explored before committing.

    Despite these caveats, the pros can materially offset the cons for families who value a memory-care ecosystem that prioritizes relationship-building and meaningful activity. Emerson House's segmented floor plan supports both independence and appropriate supervision, enabling residents to move among levels of care without relocating to an entirely different facility. The presence of a dedicated life-enrichment director, an active activity calendar, and strong engagement from nursing leadership create a sense of continuity that is hard to replicate in non-specialized settings. When the goal is to maximize daily engagement, preserve routines, and cultivate a supportive, almost family-like atmosphere, Emerson House delivers more than most comparable options.

    For families considering Emerson House, a practical, intentional verification process is essential. During tours, request to meet the life-enrichment team and the director to gauge real-time responsiveness and staff morale. Probe the daily caregiver-to-resident ratios on evenings and weekends, and ask for a current floor-by-floor breakdown of who provides direct care for your loved one's level. Confirm whether private rooms are ever available, what the waitlist looks like, and whether there are alternative layouts closer to a private setting. Finally, ask for a clear, written assessment of health- and behavior-related escalation protocols, the way health changes are communicated, and how leadership follows up on any incident or concern. For the right family, Emerson House can be a steady, compassionate home that honors memory care through cadence, care, and community; for others, the decision may hinge on private space, staffing consistency, and the imperative for airtight communication.

    Features

    Types of Care

    • Memory Care Memory CareMemory care is crucial for seniors as it provides specialized support and services for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. These programs offer a safe and secure environment where residents receive personalized care, cognitive stimulation, and help with daily activities. Memory care helps seniors maintain their independence, quality of life, and dignity while also providing peace of mind for their families.

    Pets

    • Cats allowed Cats allowed"Pet friendly" senior living communities are important for seniors because pets provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, promote physical activity and mental stimulation, and offer a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors in many ways.

    Amenities

    • Activities off-site Activities off-siteEngaging in off-site activities is crucial for seniors to maintain social connections, stay active, and stimulate their minds. It promotes overall well-being and helps combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.
    • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
    • Beautician on-site Beautician on-siteHaving a beautician on-site at a senior living community is important for seniors as it allows them to easily access grooming and personal care services, boosting their self-esteem and overall well-being. It also provides convenience and helps seniors maintain their sense of independence and personal style.
    • Devotional services on-site Devotional services on-siteDevotional services on-site provide seniors with spiritual support and a sense of community, as well as an opportunity for reflection and guidance during their senior living experience. This can promote emotional well-being and connection to others, leading to a more fulfilling and enriching lifestyle in their later years.
    • Dining room Dining roomDining rooms are important for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, connection, and nutritious meals. They offer opportunities for residents to bond over shared meals, foster a sense of community, and promote healthy eating habits. Dining rooms also ensure that seniors have access to well-balanced meals tailored to their dietary needs and preferences.
    • Garden GardenGardens are important for seniors as they provide a peaceful and therapeutic environment for relaxation, physical activity, and socialization. Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being. Gardens also offer opportunities for seniors to engage in gardening activities, which can improve mobility, flexibility, and cognitive function. Additionally, gardens create a sense of community and connection with others who share a passion for plants and outdoor spaces.
    • Guasts at mealtime Guasts at mealtime"Guests at mealtime" offer seniors the opportunity for social interaction, companionship, and a sense of community during meals, which can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation commonly experienced in senior living environments. It can also enhance their overall dining experience and improve their mental and emotional well-being.
    • Housekeeping services Housekeeping servicesHousekeeping services are important for seniors because they help maintain a clean and safe living environment, promote independence, and reduce the risk of accidents or illnesses. Additionally, having assistance with household chores can alleviate physical strain and allow seniors to focus on other aspects of their well-being.
    • Indoor common areas Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
    • Laundry LaundryLaundry services are important for seniors as they may have difficulty with physical tasks such as bending, lifting, or carrying heavy loads. Having access to laundry services can help seniors maintain personal hygiene, cleanliness, and independence in their daily lives.
    • Outdoor common areas Outdoor common areasOutdoor common areas are important for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, physical activity, and relaxation. Being outside in nature can improve mood and overall well-being, while also encouraging movement and engagement with others. These spaces can help combat feelings of isolation and promote a sense of community among residents.
    • Respite or short term stays offered Respite or short term stays offeredRespite or short term stays provide seniors with a temporary solution when their regular caregiver is unavailable, offering them the opportunity to receive additional care and support during times of need, while also giving caregivers a chance to rest and recharge.
    • TV room TV roomTV rooms are important for seniors in senior living communities because they provide a space for social interaction, entertainment, and relaxation. Watching TV can help reduce feelings of loneliness and boredom, and create a sense of community among residents. Additionally, TV rooms offer a break from daily routines and can be a source of comfort and familiarity for seniors.
    • Wheelchair accessible showers Wheelchair accessible showersWheelchair accessible showers are crucial for seniors as they provide a safe and independent bathing option for those with mobility challenges. These showers help prevent falls and allow seniors to maintain their dignity and autonomy while ensuring they can bathe comfortably.

    Transportation

    • Portland International (6 miles away) Portland International (6 miles away)

    Care Services

    • Ambulatory care Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
    • Diabetic care Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.
    • Incontinence care Incontinence careIncontinence care is essential for seniors to maintain their dignity, hygiene, and overall quality of life. By addressing incontinence issues promptly and effectively, seniors can enjoy a sense of independence and comfort in their daily activities.
    • Medication management Medication managementMedication management is crucial for seniors to ensure they are taking the right medications at the correct dosages and times. This helps prevent adverse drug interactions, reduces the risk of medication errors, and promotes overall health and well-being. Proactive management also allows for adjustments as needed based on changing health conditions or new prescriptions.

    Dining

    • Meals provided Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities.

    Activities

    • Activities off-site Activities off-siteEngaging in off-site activities is crucial for seniors to maintain social connections, stay active, and stimulate their minds. It promotes overall well-being and helps combat feelings of isolation and loneliness.
    • Activities on-site Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
    • Devotional activities on-site Devotional activities on-siteDevotional activities on-site provide seniors with a sense of community, spiritual fulfillment, and emotional support, promoting overall well-being and a positive sense of purpose in their lives.

    Description

    Emerson House in Portland, OR is a vibrant assisted living community that offers a range of amenities and care services to cater to the needs of its residents. The community takes pride in providing a comfortable and enjoyable living environment for seniors.

    Residents at Emerson House can engage in various activities right on-site, ensuring they have plenty of opportunities for socialization and recreation. In addition, there is a beautician available on-site to help residents look and feel their best. Devotional services are also provided on-site for those who wish to maintain their spiritual well-being.

    The dining room at Emerson House offers nutritious meals that are prepared with attention to individual dietary needs and preferences. Residents can enjoy their meals while surrounded by a beautiful garden, providing a serene backdrop for their dining experience. For those who prefer some company during mealtime, guests are welcome to join.

    Housekeeping services are included to ensure that residents' living spaces remain clean and tidy at all times. Indoor common areas provide spaces for relaxation and social gatherings, while the outdoor common areas allow residents to enjoy fresh air and take in the natural surroundings.

    Emerson House also offers respite or short-term stays, allowing individuals to experience the community temporarily before committing to long-term residency. The TV room provides entertainment options for residents when they want some downtime.

    The assisted living community is committed to ensuring accessibility for all residents, with wheelchair accessible showers available.

    In terms of care services, Emerson House provides diabetic care and assistance with managing incontinence. Medication management is also offered to ensure that residents receive the correct medications at the right time.

    Emerson House boasts an excellent location with numerous amenities nearby. With 10 cafes, 13 parks, 20 pharmacies, 8 physicians' offices, 36 restaurants, 2 transportation options, 1 place of worship nearby, 3 theaters nearby, and 7 hospitals within close proximity of the community, residents have easy access to various services and entertainment options.

    Overall, Emerson House in Portland, OR offers a welcoming and vibrant community for seniors, with a wide range of amenities and care services to support their well-being.

    Nearby Places of Interest

    This part of Portland, Oregon offers a mix of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for a vibrant community. With a variety of restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, physicians, parks, transportation options, theaters, places of worship, and hospitals within close proximity, residents have easy access to everything they may need. The neighborhood boasts popular dining spots like Salt & Straw and Hopworks Urban Brewery for socializing with friends or family. Additionally, there are several healthcare facilities nearby including Legacy Emanuel Children's Hospital and Portland VA Medical Center for any medical needs. The abundance of parks such as Laurelhurst Park and Mt. Tabor Park provide peaceful outdoor spaces for relaxation and recreation. Overall, this area offers convenience and accessibility for seniors looking to enjoy their golden years in a lively and supportive community.

    Restaurants

    • Salt & Straw (0.2 miles)
    • Hopworks Urban Brewery (0.7 miles)
    • Super Deluxe (0.9 miles)
    • Bluto's (0.9 miles)
    • Baby Doll Pizza (1.1 miles)
    • Belmont Station (1.1 miles)
    • Thunderbird (1.2 miles)

    Pharmacies

    • Rite Aid (0.2 miles)
    • Fred Meyer Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
    • Walgreens (0.8 miles)
    • Walgreens (1 miles)
    • Brooklyn Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
    • Safeway Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
    • Fred Meyer Pharmacy (2 miles)

    Physicians

    • Richmond Family Health Center (0.2 miles)
    • Legacy Medical Group (2.3 miles)
    • Family Medical Group, PC (2.6 miles)
    • ZoomCare (3 miles)
    • Sellwood Medical Clinic (3.2 miles)
    • Legacy Medical Group-Emanuel (3.3 miles)
    • Adventist Medical Pavilion (3.3 miles)

    Cafes

    • Common Grounds Coffee House (0.7 miles)
    • Keeper Coffee Co. (1.1 miles)
    • Portland Cà Phê (1.1 miles)
    • Dutch Bros Coffee (1.2 miles)
    • Coava Coffee Roasters (1.7 miles)
    • Dutch Bros Coffee (2.2 miles)
    • Peet's Coffee and Tea (2.4 miles)

    Parks

    • Laurelhurst Park (1 miles)
    • Colonel Summers Park (1.2 miles)
    • Mt. Tabor Park (1.5 miles)
    • Oregon Park (1.6 miles)
    • Mt. Tabor Park - Off Leash Area (1.8 miles)
    • Normandale Park (2.2 miles)
    • Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park (2.4 miles)

    Transportation

    • TriMet Hollywood/NE 42nd Ave Transit Center (2 miles)
    • Amtrak (2.9 miles)

    Theaters

    • Hollywood Theatre (2.1 miles)
    • Regal Pioneer Place (2.6 miles)
    • Century 16 Eastport Plaza (2.6 miles)

    Places of Worship

    • St Rose Catholic Church (2.7 miles)

    Hospitals

    • Portland VA Medical Center (2.8 miles)
    • Doernbecher Children's Hospital (2.9 miles)
    • Shriners Hospitals For Children (3 miles)
    • Adventist Medical Center (3.3 miles)
    • Legacy Emanuel Childrens Hospital (3.4 miles)
    • Randall Children's Hospital (3.4 miles)
    • Legacy Emanuel Burn Center (3.5 miles)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does it cost to live at Emerson House in Portland, OR?
    Where is Emerson House?
    Does Emerson House provide care for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease?

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    Related Resources

    • dementia behaviorsUnderstanding Dementia Behaviors: Practical Insights and Strategies for Caregivers

      Dementia affects memory and cognitive function in older adults, presenting challenges for caregivers due to behavioral changes such as confusion and mood swings. Compassionate, person-centered care that considers individual history and preferences, along with effective communication and environmental modifications, is essential for supporting both patients and their caregivers.

    • dementia and angerWhen Dementia Sparks Anger and Aggression: Understanding the Connection and Ways to Cope

      Dementia leads to cognitive impairment and can cause emotional and behavioral changes, including aggression that arises from frustration, confusion, or fear. Effective coping strategies for caregivers include understanding dementia's nature, recognizing triggers, using empathetic communication, and employing non-pharmacological interventions like music and art therapy.

    • dementia behaviorsDementia Behaviors: In-Depth Understanding and Effective Coping Strategies

      Dementia causes cognitive decline and challenging behaviors that caregivers must manage, necessitating an understanding of the neurological basis of these issues. Effective strategies and self-care for caregivers can enhance support for those with dementia and improve their daily lives.


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