Overall sentiment across the reviews for Maplewood Gardens is mixed but leans toward positive with notable and recurring negative issues. Many reviewers repeatedly praise the staff as caring, compassionate, friendly and resident-focused; phrases such as "family-like" and "residents treated like family" appear frequently. Multiple accounts describe staff who go above and beyond, provide efficient support, help with appointments and paperwork, and maintain long-term relationships with residents. Several reviewers emphasize staff stability and steady management tenure, and many note improvements since new ownership or a new general manager took over.
Care quality and staffing are recurring, complex themes. On the positive side, numerous reviewers report attentive care, helpful nursing and administrative support, onsite medical and dental services, and an environment where residents form friendships and participate in daily life. However, there are significant counterpoints: some reviews claim infrequent visibility of nurses or NACs, instances of medication errors, untrained young staff, and accusations of gossip or insubordination among employees. A small but serious set of reviews alleges mismanagement resulting in unsafe treatment, eviction after payment, discarded belongings, and hospitalization or problematic rehab transfers. These serious allegations are less common than praise for staff but important because they reflect potential safety and management risks that prospective residents and families should investigate further.
Facility condition and housekeeping show wide variance in reviewer experience. Many residents and families describe a well-kept campus with attractive grounds, new outdoor seating, updated patio areas, gardening opportunities, and generally pleasant landscaping. Several reviewers specifically commend recent renovations and investment by new ownership. Conversely, a substantial group of reviews call out dirty apartments, dingy paint and carpets, unpleasant odors in stairwells and hallways, dark and narrow corridors, and an overall "institutional" or "nursing home" vibe in parts of the large building. Housekeeping is reported as stable and effective by some (including claims of no turnover for over two years), yet other reviewers say housekeeping is essentially non-existent. Pest issues are particularly notable: bed bugs and mice are mentioned multiple times; at least one reviewer said an earlier pest problem has been resolved, but pest infestations remain a major concern raised by several families.
Dining and activities are strong selling points for many residents, though not universally. Multiple reviewers praise high-quality meals, Thanksgiving dining, varied menus with alternatives, and even small favorites like chicken nuggets and decent coffee. Others, however, describe the food as "horrible." Activities are frequently cited as a major strength — bingo, bunco, movie night, karaoke, Wii bowling, painting classes, bus trips, shopping outings and joy rides are all named. High participation rates and a busy activity calendar contribute to a vibrant community feel for many residents, though reviewers who choose not to engage note the building is large and can feel isolating if activities are not attended.
Location, apartment options and cost are relatively consistent positives. The campus receives repeated praise for its walk-friendly setting near the Spokane River, Centennial Trail, Mission Park and downtown amenities including Gonzaga. Apartments range from private studios to single units with kitchenettes and walk-in showers; Medicaid acceptance from day one is explicitly noted by several reviewers. Affordability is highlighted as a benefit by many, while a subset finds the building overpriced for its condition or considers it a no-frills, low-value option. Prospective residents should compare unit sizes and pricing closely against condition and services provided.
Management, communication and transparency show mixed reports. Some reviewers note responsive management, friendly receptionists, improvements under new ownership and clear communication. Others report poor communication, an unresponsive office, difficulty scheduling appointments, rude or demeaning front desk interactions, tip disputes and alleged dishonesty. COVID-related visitation restrictions and family isolation were painful themes for a few families, especially those who live far away and rely on facility updates.
In summary, Maplewood Gardens appears to be a large assisted-living community with many strengths: a caring and often stable staff, abundant activities, a desirable riverside location, some recent facility investments and a social, family-like atmosphere for many residents. At the same time, reviewers repeatedly raise concerns that prospective residents and families should evaluate closely: inconsistent cleanliness and housekeeping, pest reports (including bed bugs), variable dining quality, occasional staffing and clinical supervision issues, and a handful of very serious allegations about mismanagement and mistreatment. The presence of both strongly positive and strongly negative reviews suggests experiences vary considerably by unit, staff shift, and timeframe. Before deciding, an in-person tour, conversations with current residents and families, review of inspection or state reports, and specific questions about pest control, nursing coverage, incident reporting, and recent ownership changes are advisable.
