414 South University Road, Spokane, WA 99206
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Across a wide range of accounts, the facility in question is portrayed as a place where care often falls short and residents can be left waiting for basic attention. Many reviewers describe pervasive neglect: calls and voicemails going unreturned, mail not given to residents, and a sense that staff are not prioritizing timely or attentive care. Several families recount moments when their loved ones were not treated with appropriate urgency, such as preventing an ER visit or failing to recognize a medical issue in a resident who needed urgent attention. In these narratives, what's most troubling is not just isolated mistakes but a pattern of disengagement and slow or absent response to residents and family members seeking help.
Food and nutrition emerge as another consistent area of complaint. Reviewers describe meals as unpredictable in timing and quality, with diabetic residents sometimes waiting long for dinner and receiving trays that are less than fresh. There are reports of half-eaten meals returned to the kitchen, cold food, and even dining experiences that include hair in meals. The overall impression is that food service is unreliable, contributing to a broader sense of neglect and dissatisfaction with daily life at the facility.
Cleanliness and living conditions are repeatedly called into question. Several reviews depict rooms that are dirty or poorly maintained, with the building described as having a strong or unpleasant odor. Supplies left in hallways or around residents' rooms, dust and grime, and a lack of consistent housekeeping contribute to a perception of an environment that does not prioritize residents' comfort or safety. These physical conditions reinforce a broader worry about how well the facility can maintain a healthy, safe living space for vulnerable individuals.
Staffing levels and care delivery are central to the concerns raised. Commentators describe aides and nurses stretched thin, working long shifts with limited time to attend to each resident. Understaffing is linked to slow call-light responses, inadequate assistance with personal care, and delays in routine tasks like showers or linen changes. Some reviewers acknowledge dedicated and compassionate staff who go above and beyond, but their efforts are framed as occurring in spite of systemic shortages rather than because of adequate resources. A few specific staff interactions are highlighted as positive, while others recount rude or unprofessional behavior from certain individuals.
The emotional tone of the feedback is often intense, with some families reporting devastating consequences tied to the level of care provided. There are alarming statements about preventable harm, including one family asserting their loved one died after what they describe as neglect and poor communication, and another recounting a hospitalization caused by complications from inadequate care. Allegations range from bedsores and dehydration to severe infections and a lack of appropriate monitoring. While these are individual accounts, together they create a picture of a facility where quality and safety may be inconsistent, and where families feel powerless when problems arise.
Not all feedback is negative, though. A number of reviews offer praise for the care environment and acknowledge moments of genuine kindness. Some families report finding staff who are friendly, patient, and comforting, able to provide warmth and reassurance during visits. A few reviewers describe the facility as "homey" and highlight positive interactions where staff demonstrated knowledge, skill, and compassionate care. There are also mentions of residents engaging in activities, feeling supported by attentive caregivers, and expressing relief at the ability to visit and feel a sense of normalcy and peace of mind, even amid broader concerns.
In the midst of praise for certain staff members, several entries raise concerns about communication and customer service. Several reviewers note difficulties with reaching a live person, getting timely responses, or navigating the administrative side of care. Front desk interactions are criticized for abruptness or lack of empathy, and some families report feeling that administrative questions were met with resistance or insufficient cooperation. The inconsistency in communication - between frontline caregivers and management, and between the facility and families - appears to amplify the stress families experience when trying to secure appropriate care for their loved ones.
A recurring theme is the tension between necessity and perception: families who absolutely require reliable, attentive care for someone who is vulnerable describe a facility that can be good in some moments and dangerously poor in others. Several reviewers advise others to "fight your insurance" and explore alternatives, suggesting that the perceived quality of care does not meet expectations or needs. Yet amid the cautionary tales, there are glimpses of hope - encounters with individualized attention, moments of genuine kindness, and families who feel grateful when a resident can experience relief, safety, and respect during a difficult time.
Taken together, these varied experiences paint a complex portrait of the facility. For many families, the most pressing concerns center on responsiveness, safety, cleanliness, and the consistency of daily routines - meals, hygiene, and personal care - that significantly affect a resident's quality of life. The strongest warnings come from those with the gravest outcomes: delayed medical attention, compromised feeding and hydration, and significant gaps in monitoring. At the same time, there are episodes of positive interaction, appreciation for staff who do manage to connect with residents, and recognition of efforts by caregivers to provide compassionate care under challenging conditions. Prospective families are left weighing those mixed experiences carefully as they search for a place that can reliably meet the needs of their loved ones.
Gardens On University in Spokane, WA is a premier assisted living community that offers a wide range of amenities and care services to meet the needs and preferences of its residents. The community provides a comfortable and inviting living environment with fully furnished apartments, private bathrooms, and housekeeping services. Residents can enjoy the beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces available on the property.
Various amenities are offered to promote an active and engaging lifestyle for all residents. These amenities include a beauty salon, gaming room, fitness room, small library, computer center, and a wellness center. Wi-Fi/high-speed internet is also available throughout the community.
Care services at Gardens On University are designed to provide comprehensive support for daily activities and overall well-being. This includes 24-hour call system and supervision, assistance with bathing, dressing, transfers, medication management, diabetes diet support, meal preparation and service, as well as special dietary restrictions.
Residents can benefit from a variety of dining options with special dietary restrictions taken into consideration. The community also offers transportation arrangement for non-medical purposes such as shopping or social outings.
To enhance social interaction and engagement among residents, Gardens On University organizes various activities on a regular basis. These include fitness programs, planned day trips, resident-run activities, scheduled daily activities, as well as concierge services.
The community's convenient location provides easy access to several amenities nearby such as cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, places of worship , theaters ,and hospitals.
Gardens On University strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment where residents can maintain their independence while receiving personalized care services tailored to their unique needs.
This part of Spokane, Washington, offers convenient access to transportation options such as the Pence-Cole Valley Transit Center and Mirabeau Park & Ride, making it easy for seniors to get around. There are plenty of dining options nearby, including fast food restaurants like McDonald's and Taco Bell, as well as sit-down establishments like Senor Froggy Mexican Foods and Denny's. Pharmacies such as Halpin's Pharmacy & Treasure Room and Rite Aid are close by for any medical needs. In terms of healthcare, there are several physician offices in the area, including Restylyne and Providence Physicians Services Co. The neighborhood also boasts several places of worship for spiritual fulfillment and nearby parks like Brown's Park and Mirabeau Park for outdoor recreation. Overall, this area offers a range of amenities that can cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment in Spokane.
Gardens On University is located at 414 South University Road, Spokane, WA 99206 in Spokane County, Washington
Safari Adult Family Home
Spokane Valley, WA
Specialized memory care with high-acuity support and on-site amenities (private rooms, bath tubs, beautician, devotional services) plus on-site and off-site activities.
Safari Adult Family Home costs
Safari Adult Family Home reviews
Safari Adult Family Home images
Sunshine Health & Rehab
Spokane, WA
Warm, welcoming environment with 24/7 care and comprehensive amenities.
Sunshine Health & Rehab reviews
Sunshine Health & Rehab images
Sherwood Forest AFH
Spokane Valley, WA
Welcoming, woman-focused environment with attentive staff and good dining options.
Sherwood Forest AFH costs
Sherwood Forest AFH reviews
Sherwood Forest AFH images
Colonial Court
Spokane, WA
Caring, dedicated staff with personalized attention in a clean, home-like setting.
Colonial Court costs
Colonial Court reviews
Colonial Court images
Orchard Crest Retirement Community
Spokane, WA
Spacious, well-maintained apartments with friendly staff.
Orchard Crest Retirement Community costs
Orchard Crest Retirement Community reviews
Orchard Crest Retirement Community images
Broadway Court Estates
Spokane Valley, WA
Friendly, caring staff with an active, social community and well-maintained facilities.
Broadway Court Estates costs
Broadway Court Estates reviews
Broadway Court Estates images
Home Health Care Aides: Understanding Their Role and Supporting Your Family
Home health care aides provide vital medical and non-medical support to individuals at home, assisting with daily living activities and promoting emotional well-being, while the demand for these services increases due to an aging population. Families benefit from in-home care's flexibility and cost-effectiveness but face challenges like scheduling consistency and caregiver turnover.
Older adults with urinary tract infections (UTIs) often present atypical symptoms, complicating diagnosis due to factors like incomplete bladder emptying and chronic health conditions that increase their susceptibility. Effective management involves prompt treatment with antibiotics, hydration, and preventive strategies while minimizing antibiotic resistance and focusing on holistic care approaches.
California's Form 602A: An In-Depth Examination of Senior Care Assessment
California's Form 602A is a vital tool for evaluating the health needs of seniors seeking residential care, detailing their medical conditions and daily living requirements to ensure proper service alignment. This standardized form enhances communication among physicians, families, and facilities, serving as a regulatory measure for admissions and ongoing care while adapting to changing healthcare practices.