I moved my mother here and I'm very pleased. The staff-from nursing to dining, housekeeping and maintenance-are compassionate, professional, and go above and beyond (special thanks to Lisa and Director Sherry Summerville). Apartments are bright, modern with high ceilings, clean and home-like. Meals are varied and tasty, activities and outings keep residents engaged, and the neighborhood feels safe. Management listens and responds, and residents genuinely seem happy. Overall a very good, welcoming community that eased our transition.
Loved one of resident
Jul 2026
Pricing
Prices shown are estimates and subject to change. Contact your senior living advisor for current pricing.
Affordable pricing and move-in discounts available
Good parking and convenient urban location
Spacious studio and multi-bedroom options with modern furnishings
Cons
Inconsistent staffing levels and heavy reliance on agency personnel
Gaps in caregiver training and clinical competency
Delays in responding to resident assistance calls
Inconsistent in-room personal-care and laundry practices
Variable meal quality and dining service speed
Reduced or uneven activity scheduling since COVID
Leadership turnover and uneven management responsiveness
Facility layout constraints for resident mobility and large gatherings
Sanitation and in-room cleanliness concerns in isolated cases
Allegations of theft and weaknesses in property/financial controls
Inconsistent front-desk and phone communication responsiveness
Summary of reviews
Sellwood Senior Living presents as a bright, modern assisted‑living community with many physical strengths: high ceilings, abundant natural light, contemporary finishes, and a variety of amenity spaces (library, theater, hobby rooms, patio). Apartments are described as roomy with up-to-date furnishings and sensible apartment configurations. The facility offers scheduled transportation and off-site outings, a broad activities calendar, and generally positive first impressions at move-in and on tours (concierge-style greeting, resident ambassadors, cookies). Several reviewers named directors and staff who were especially responsive and effective in coordinating care.
Care and staffing are the area of greatest variation across reviews. Many families praised individual caregivers and nursing staff as warm, compassionate, and attentive; however, there is a recurring pattern of staffing instability and reliance on agency personnel that reviewers linked to long wait times for assistance, inconsistent assignment of caregivers, and gaps in clinical competence. Reviewers also raised concerns about inconsistent delivery of in-room personal care and laundry, and a small number of isolated sanitation and property-control incidents prompted questions about internal accountability. These operational weaknesses were sometimes described as more pronounced after an ownership change; reviewers cited leadership turnover and uneven management responsiveness as factors that affect follow-through on family concerns.
Dining and activities offer mixed but actionable information. Numerous reviewers complimented the kitchen staff and cited flavorful, flexible dining options and a cook who engages with residents; others found the food inconsistent or institutional on some days and noted slow dining-room service at times. The activities program is broad on paper (classes, bingo, garden club, painting, exercise), though some families observed reduced or uneven scheduling since COVID and limited formal exercise offerings. Facility layout and scale also matter practically: the building’s urban siting, multi-story floorplan, and limited large gathering spaces were described as potentially confusing or constraining for residents with higher supervision or mobility needs.
For prospective residents and families, the pattern suggests a facility with strong physical attributes and many staff who provide person-centered support, coupled with operational vulnerabilities tied to staffing, training, and managerial consistency. Recommended pre-move questions include current staff-to-resident ratios and use of agency staff, caregiver training and supervision practices, protocols for in-room care and laundry, incident/property-control procedures, examples of recent management improvements, sample menus and dining schedules, and a clear activities calendar. Asking to meet the director(s) on duty, sample the dining service, and observe peak staffing times can help align expectations with the community’s current operational realities.
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Location
Sellwood Senior Living is located at 8517 SE 17th Ave, Portland, OR, 97202.
About Sellwood Senior Living
Sellwood Senior Living sits right in the heart of Sellwood in a historic part of Portland, and you'll find all sorts of friendly faces here, with a group of residents that includes many Veterans and people from different backgrounds, making it a lively, patriotic community. The building itself is well-kept, with new rooms and plenty of space to move around, and you'll notice that pets are welcome, which a lot of folks like since their animals mean a lot to them, and the place is decorated with art and cozy touches, with a warm, easygoing lobby, nice artwork, and lots of seating areas that help things feel home-like, and you get some good views from the rooftop patio that's lit with string lights.
The campus has several levels and features things like a theater, a billiards room, a cozy library, and a game room, and there's a mini-mart right nearby, plus four restaurants less than two blocks from the main doors so folks can walk out for a meal if they want. You'll find indoor parking and plenty of outdoor space, including a courtyard and patios with comfortable chairs, and the layout makes it easy for people to visit neighbors or join in an organized activity. Apartments come in several sizes including studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts, and all include kitchenettes, private bathrooms, and nice touches in the living areas, while communal spaces like the private dining room with its live-edge wooden table are good for family gatherings and activities like puzzles or arts and crafts.
Dining is restaurant-style, with chef-prepared meals and room for special diets, and the large dining area is also where you'll see social events and classes happening, everything from balance and exercise classes to painting sessions and a regular social calendar with outings, games, and art projects. Housekeeping and laundry are included, and the facility has elevators and emergency call systems for peace of mind.
Care is available all day and night, with caregivers, medication aides, and licensed nurses always on the property, including support for diabetes and more complex medical needs, plus memory care and skilled nursing for those who need higher levels of support, all managed with individualized care plans. The memory care section is designed for comfort and independence, and staff use approaches that fit each person, especially those with dementia or Alzheimer's, and respite care is available for shorter stays or to help people transition from hospital to home life. Community life feels welcoming, with both staff and residents who are friendly and seem to genuinely care about each other, and the management team works to keep family members in the loop, helping new residents settle in, and offering various ways for everyone to feel comfortable and included, so whether someone lives independently or needs help with daily tasks, they're treated with respect and kindness here, and the atmosphere encourages everyone to stay active, grow, and just enjoy each day as part of a thoughtful, well-run community.
Pacifica Senior Living, a division of Pacifica Companies (family-owned since 1978), was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Operating over 90 communities across 13-14 states with concentrations in California, Florida, and Arizona, Pacifica has grown to become the 13th largest overall senior care provider in the United States. The company ranks as the 5th largest memory care provider, 10th largest assisted living provider, and 21st largest independent living provider nationally, serving thousands of residents from coast to coast through their comprehensive care offerings.
Pacifica's mission centers on creating a lifestyle of independence, security, and peace of mind for each individual and their family. The company provides personalized, compassionate care services through their signature Heartland™ Assisted Living and Legacies™ Memory Care programs, which focus on the individual while offering customized care plans that respect each resident's needs, preferences, and privacy. Their philosophy emphasizes striking a balance between assistance and independence, providing dignified and compassionate retirement experiences in environments that feel like home. Each community is managed individually, allowing for tailored support of unique resident profiles and communal character, with everything from scheduling to dining menus designed around residents' preferences.
The company's specialized memory care programs demonstrate their expertise in dementia care. Their Legacies™ Memory Care program helps patients with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory loss feel safe and secure while providing memory-boosting activities. The innovative Amara Memory Support program creates welcoming and empowering environments that celebrate the essence of people rather than focusing on their diagnosis. Programming encompasses nine Focus Elements of Life: Recreation, Service, Spirituality, Movement, Sensory, Household Connection, Community, Exploration, and Creative Arts, delivered through stimulating activities including gardening, culinary adventures, musical experiences, creative artistic outlets, and mindfulness practices.
Pacifica offers a comprehensive continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite care, skilled nursing, and adult day care services. All communities focus on promoting well-being by meeting care needs while facilitating social interactions, activities, and wellness programs. Despite recent financial challenges leading to the bankruptcy of one management entity affecting approximately 20 California facilities, the majority of Pacifica's nearly 100 communities continue operating, maintaining their commitment to advancing senior living and providing peace of mind to residents and families through warm, family-like communities where each resident receives individualized attention while maintaining dignity and independence.
People often ask...
Sellwood Senior Living offers competitive pricing, with rates starting at a cost of $3,485 per month.
Sellwood Senior Living offers assisted living.
There are 64 photos of Sellwood Senior Living on Mirador.
The full address for this community is 8517 SE 17th Ave, Portland, OR 97202.
No, Sellwood Senior Living does not offer respite care.
Respite care in assisted living communities provides temporary, short-term relief for primary caregivers by offering professional care for their loved ones. It allows individuals to stay in an assisted living community for a limited time, giving caregivers a break while ensuring residents receive necessary support and assistance with daily activities.
Safety & Compliance
In Oregon, the Department of Human Services' Aging & People with Disabilities program licenses assisted living and residential care facilities, conducting inspections, complaint investigations, and renewals.
Identified multiple deficiencies in medication management, staffing, and fire safety. Found failures to document signed orders, maintain accurate MARs with PRN parameters, ensure overnight staffing, and properly document fire drills and resident safety training.
Deficiency—Systems: Treatment Orders
Deficiency—Systems: Medication Administration
Deficiency—Staffing Requirements and Training: Staffing
Deficiency—Fire and Life Safety: Safety
Deficiency—Fire and Life Safety: Training for Residents
12 Feb 2026Inspection
12 Feb 2026Inspection
Identified a deficiency for failing to implement and maintain an acuity-based staffing tool.
Licensing—Failed to use an ABST
08 Feb 2026Inspection
08 Feb 2026Inspection
Found failure to implement and maintain an acuity-based staffing tool.
Licensing—Failed to update staffing plan based on ABST
21 Nov 2025Inspection
21 Nov 2025Inspection
Found that an acuity-based staffing tool was not developed, maintained, or implemented, violating Oregon Administrative Rule.
Licensing—Failed to use an ABST
24 Oct 2025Inspection
24 Oct 2025Inspection
Identified an allegation of failing to cooperate with an investigation. Found that records were not provided upon request, violating Oregon Administrative Rules.
Licensing—Failed to cooperate with an investigation
14 Oct 2025Inspection
14 Oct 2025Inspection
Investigated and found a deficiency in developing, maintaining, and implementing an Acuity Based Staffing Tool.
Licensing—Failed to use an ABST
13 Jun 2025Inspection
13 Jun 2025Inspection
Found that records were not provided on request, violating Oregon Administrative Rules.
Licensing—Failed to make facility or resident records accessible
11 Jun 2025Inspection
11 Jun 2025Inspection
Identified failure to develop, maintain, and implement an acuity-based staffing tool.
Licensing—Failed to use an ABST
03 Feb 2025Complaint
03 Feb 2025Complaint
Investigated found deficiencies in updating and aligning the acuity-based staffing tool with service plans, causing mismatches and gaps in staffing tasks.
Deficiency—Licensing Complaint Investigation
Deficiency—Acuity Based Staffing Tool - Updates & Plan
21 Jan 2025Inspection
21 Jan 2025Inspection
Found that records were not provided upon request.
Licensing—Failed to make facility or resident records accessible
10 Oct 2024Inspection
10 Oct 2024Inspection
Found that nursing delegation requirements were not provided or documented by an RN.
Licensing—Failed to comply with nursing delegation requirement
24 Jul 2024Inspection
24 Jul 2024Inspection
Investigated and found that a resident's personal property went missing due to theft and was not protected. This constitutes financial exploitation.
Licensing—Failed to protect resident from financial exploitation
30 May 2024License Condition
30 May 2024License Condition
Found a failure to provide a safe environment. The finding cited safety rule violations.
Regulatory Action—Failed to provide safe environment
25 Apr 2024Licensure
25 Apr 2024Licensure
Observed deficiencies in kitchen food safety practices during the initial visit. A follow-up visit found substantial compliance with the required rules.
Found a violation of safe medication administration that caused a resident to experience discomfort and withdrawal symptoms, and assessed a $375 fine.
Abuse—Failed to provide a safe medication administration system
16 Nov 2023Abuse: Neglect
16 Nov 2023Abuse: Neglect
Investigated found a safe medication administration system was not provided, leading to discomfort and emotional harm. The allegation was substantiated and a fine was assessed.
Abuse—Failed to provide a safe medication administration system
18 Sept 2023License Condition
18 Sept 2023License Condition
Found that an acuity-based staffing tool was not implemented.
Regulatory Action—Failed to use an ABST
28 Aug 2023Validation
28 Aug 2023Validation
Concluded substantial compliance after identifying multiple deficiencies across care planning, medication management, staffing, safety, and facility maintenance.
Deficiency—Comment
Deficiency—Service Plan: General
Deficiency—Change of Condition and Monitoring
Deficiency—Systems: Tracking Control Substances
Deficiency—Systems: Treatment Orders
Deficiency—Systems: Resident Right to Refuse
Deficiency—Systems: Medication Administration
Deficiency—Systems: Self-Administration of Meds
Deficiency—Acuity-Based Staffing Tool
Deficiency—Staffing Requirements and Training – Pre-Serv
Deficiency—Training Within 30 Days: Direct Care Staff
Deficiency—Annual and Biennial Inservice For All Staff
Deficiency—Fire and Life Safety: Safety
Deficiency—Inspections and Investigation: Insp Interval
Investigated a case of financial exploitation of a resident by a staff member and found that protections against exploitation were deficient.
Licensing—Failed to protect resident from financial exploitation
24 Feb 2023Inspection
24 Feb 2023Inspection
Identified violations involving cannabis administration to a resident without approval and failure to protect the resident from inappropriate staff behavior, resulting in harm.
Licensing—Failed to provide safe environment
26 Jan 2023Licensure
26 Jan 2023Licensure
Determined substantial compliance with food sanitation rules after addressing significant cleanliness and labeling deficiencies observed during earlier visits.
Deficiency—Inspections and Investigation: Insp Interval
02 Nov 2022Abuse: Neglect
02 Nov 2022Abuse: Neglect
Found a failure to provide a safe medication administration system, resulting in approximately two months without anti-coagulation medication and risk of serious harm. Cited violations related to medication safety and resident rights.
Abuse—Failed to provide a safe medication administration system
20 Oct 2022Abuse: Neglect
20 Oct 2022Abuse: Neglect
Found neglect and abuse due to failure to properly plan ambulation care, which led to a resident fall and injuries.
Abuse—Failed to properly plan care
11 Apr 2022Inspection
11 Apr 2022Inspection
Found that a staff member used inappropriate language and threats toward a resident, and that protection from inappropriate verbal comments by staff was not provided.
Licensing—Failed to protect resident from verbal abuse
09 Mar 2021Inspection
09 Mar 2021Inspection
Investigated a complaint and found a violation involving verbal abuse toward a resident and a failure to protect the resident from verbal abuse.
Licensing—Failed to protect resident from verbal abuse
07 Nov 2020Abuse: Neglect
07 Nov 2020Abuse: Neglect
Investigated an allegation of neglect and abuse related to medication administration, finding an unsafe system and policy gaps that allowed a resident to receive medication by mistake.
Abuse—Failed to provide a safe medication administration system
20 Mar 2020Inspection
20 Mar 2020Inspection
Found that a resident received a double dose of medication on two occasions and medications were not administered as ordered.
Licensing—Failed to administer medication as ordered
24 Aug 2019Abuse: Neglect
24 Aug 2019Abuse: Neglect
Found neglect of basic care and services resulting in emotional and physical harm to a resident.
Abuse—Failed to provide safe environment
24 Aug 2019Inspection
24 Aug 2019Inspection
Found a failure to report suspected abuse. Assessed a $1,000 fine.
Licensing—Failed to report potential or suspected abuse
20 Jul 2019Abuse: Neglect
20 Jul 2019Abuse: Neglect
Found neglect due to failing to provide a safe medication administration system, which resulted in harm. A 375 fine was assessed.
Abuse—Failed to provide a safe medication administration system
17 May 2019Inspection
17 May 2019Inspection
Found a failure to administer ordered medication that resulted in physical harm and a risk of ongoing harm to a resident.
Licensing—Failed to administer ordered medication
16 May 2019Abuse: Neglect
16 May 2019Abuse: Neglect
Investigated a neglect allegation and found inadequate skin care caused unreasonable discomfort; a fine was assessed.
Abuse—Failed to provide appropriate skin care
16 May 2019Inspection
16 May 2019Inspection
Investigated a failure to report suspected abuse. Concluded the allegation was substantiated and a $1,000 fine was assessed.
Licensing—Failed to report potential or suspected abuse
12 Feb 2019Abuse: Neglect
12 Feb 2019Abuse: Neglect
Found neglect that resulted in physical harm and prolonged discomfort due to failure to provide basic care and safety; a $1,500 fine was assessed.
Abuse—Failed to provide safe environment
12 Feb 2019Inspection
12 Feb 2019Inspection
Found that the licensee failed to report suspected abuse. A $1000 fine was assessed.
Licensing—Failed to report potential or suspected abuse
02 Feb 2019Abuse: Neglect
02 Feb 2019Abuse: Neglect
Investigated found that a staff member did not perform daily blood glucose readings and falsified records, and the oversight of the medication administration system was inadequate, resulting in violations and a fine.
Abuse—Failed to provide a safe medication administration system
10 Aug 2018Abuse: Neglect
10 Aug 2018Abuse: Neglect
Found neglect due to failure to administer medications as ordered, resulting in risk of serious harm.
Abuse—Failed to administer medication as ordered
17 Jun 2018Inspection
17 Jun 2018Inspection
Investigated and found failure to report suspected abuse. A $750 fine was assessed.
Licensing—Failed to report potential or suspected abuse
17 Jun 2018Abuse: Neglect
17 Jun 2018Abuse: Neglect
Found substantiated abuse involving physical force that injured a resident and a failure to provide a safe environment. A fine was assessed.
Abuse—Failed to provide safe environment
28 May 2018Inspection
28 May 2018Inspection
Investigated and found that staff did not assist with a transfer and provided inappropriate care to a resident.
Licensing—Failed to assist with transfer
26 Dec 2016Abuse: Financial abuse
26 Dec 2016Abuse: Financial abuse
Determined a safe environment was not provided, resulting in theft of medications from residents.
Abuse—Failed to provide safe environment
05 Jan 2014Inspection
05 Jan 2014Inspection
Investigated an allegation of unsafe medication administration and found a deficiency in the medication system.
Licensing—Failed to provide a safe medication administration system
26 Aug 2013Abuse: Neglect
26 Aug 2013Abuse: Neglect
Investigated the neglect allegation and found care was not provided as required for a resident. A $250 fine was assessed.
Abuse—Failed to follow care plan
24 May 2013Abuse: Financial abuse
24 May 2013Abuse: Financial abuse
Investigated a financial abuse allegation and found that personal belongings were not protected from theft.
Abuse—Failed to provide safe environment
19 May 2013Abuse: Neglect
19 May 2013Abuse: Neglect
Investigated a neglect allegation and concluded a deficiency existed for failing to assess and intervene in a timely manner.
Abuse—Failed to provide safe environment
15 Oct 2012Abuse: Financial abuse
15 Oct 2012Abuse: Financial abuse
Investigated the complaint and found a deficiency for failing to maintain a secure environment.
Abuse—Failed to provide safe environment
07 Jul 2012Abuse: Financial abuse
07 Jul 2012Abuse: Financial abuse
Investigated a complaint and substantiated a failure to provide a safe environment for a resident, with a $200 fine assessed.
Abuse—Failed to provide safe environment
05 Jul 2012Inspection
05 Jul 2012Inspection
Found an inadequate medication system that could pose risks to residents.
Licensing—Failed to provide a safe medication administration system
16 Mar 2012Abuse: Financial abuse
16 Mar 2012Abuse: Financial abuse
Found a financial abuse allegation and a safety deficiency involving safeguarding a resident's personal belongings from theft.
Abuse—Failed to provide safe environment
23 Jan 2012Abuse: Financial abuse
23 Jan 2012Abuse: Financial abuse
Found a failure to provide a safe medication system.
Abuse—Failed to provide a safe medication administration system
14 Jul 2011Abuse: Financial abuse
14 Jul 2011Abuse: Financial abuse
Identified a deficiency in protecting RVs from theft.
Abuse—Failed to provide safe environment
21 Mar 2010Abuse: Neglect
21 Mar 2010Abuse: Neglect
Identified a failure to maintain a safe medication administration system. The allegation involved abuse/neglect with potential for moderate harm.
Abuse—Failed to provide a safe medication administration system
12 Jan 2010Abuse: Neglect
12 Jan 2010Abuse: Neglect
Found an inadequate medication administration system and assessed a $300 fine.
Abuse—Failed to provide a safe medication administration system
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Mirador Living is not affiliated with the owner or operator(s) of Sellwood Senior Living. The information above has not been verified or approved by the owner or operator. For exact information, please contact Sellwood Senior Living directly. There is no cost for this service. We are compensated by the community you select.
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