Solstice Senior Living at Point Defiance

Solstice Senior Living at Point Defiance sits on 28 lush acres in Tacoma, Washington, surrounded by Pacific Northwest trees, wildlife, a pond, and wooden footbridges, so you're likely to see birds and squirrels outside while enjoying the paved walking paths or sitting on the porch swing. The community serves adults 55 and older and offers independent living, assisted living, memory care for those with Alzheimer's or other dementias, and skilled nursing, so residents can find layered support as needed, whether it's help with daily living or more advanced care. There are private cottages, apartments and studio units with several floor plans, some with kitchenettes and natural light from patio doors, where the smallest starts at 431 square feet for a studio, and the largest cottages offer up to 1,388 square feet of space, and the rents range from $2,683 to over $4,600, depending on the size and unit type.

The grounds include gardens, a pond, walking paths, and seating to take in mountain views, and the inside follows with well-lit apartments with basic furniture, patterned bedding, and access to wifi or cable TV. Residents eat three meals fresh each day in an elegant community dining room, with menus that support health needs, such as diabetic, kosher, vegetarian, renal, low-fat, or low-salt diets, and meals are prepared by kitchen staff and served with the option for guest meals. A regular calendar brings activities like balloon volleyball, karaoke, game nights, bridge, arts and crafts, music programs, tai chi, yoga, and group outings. The facility offers a fitness center with treadmills and stationary bikes, a salon for hair care, game and activity rooms, a library with a fireplace, computer room, a cozy TV lounge, and shared sitting areas throughout the building. Residents don't have to worry about chores, as staff handle housekeeping, laundry, linen changes, and general maintenance, and overnight guests can stay with arrangements.

Solstice Senior Living at Point Defiance runs a shuttle for appointments or group trips, and sits minutes from Tacoma shops, restaurants, and local hospitals, while staying less than an hour from Seattle's attractions. Staff are on site around the clock, and residents can get assistance with managing medications, personal care, and support for activities of daily living. Outside medical support and telehealth access are available, and the community partners with home care and rehabilitation agencies. Residents with advanced needs have access to nursing services and therapies like occupational or physical therapy. There are religious services offered on site, and pets are welcome if residents want to bring a cat or dog along. Veterans Affairs Aid Assistance and a Veterans Program are available for those eligible.

The atmosphere inside has been called warm and joyous, with staff noted for helpfulness, and the management has earned some awards. Solstice Senior Living at Point Defiance is part of the Holiday Retirement family, which has served seniors for decades, so the community aims to balance peaceful surroundings with amenities that support both independence and care as needs change.

Solstice Senior Living at Point Defiance is managed by Integral Senior Living.

Integral Senior Living (ISL), founded in 2002 and headquartered in Carlsbad, California, has emerged as a leading third-party management company specializing in senior independent living, assisted living, memory care, and new development properties. Managing 58 communities across 15 states including California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama, Michigan, Missouri, and Florida, ISL ranks as the 20th largest senior living provider in the United States with annual revenues reaching $750 million.

In 2023, ISL entered a transformative partnership with Discovery Senior Living through an investment by Lee Equity Partners and Coastwood Senior Housing Partners, creating the nation's fifth-largest senior housing operator. This strategic alliance positioned ISL as Discovery's largest vertically integrated senior living operator, managing over 113 communities within the Discovery family of companies. Together, Discovery Senior Living has become the largest privately held operator in the U.S., with a portfolio of nearly 35,000 units across 350 communities in almost 40 states, supported by more than 17,000 employees.

ISL's care philosophy centers on fostering dignity and respect for residents while promoting their independence and individuality. Their person-centric approach is exemplified in programs like Generations Memory Care, where individuals are viewed as whole persons first rather than being defined by their conditions. The company delivers meaningful and vibrant life experiences through exceptional amenities, award-winning programs, chef-prepared meals, and expert care. This commitment extends to creating fulfilling work environments for associates, recognizing that employee satisfaction directly impacts resident care quality.

The company's excellence has earned significant recognition, including 19 communities being named among the Best Senior Living Communities for 2024. Under the leadership of President and CEO Collette Gray, who received the 2025 McKnight's Senior Living Women of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the McKnight's Women of Distinction Hall of Honor in 2023, ISL has maintained its position as an industry leader. The partnership with Discovery has proven transformative for operations, enhancing support services, improving employee retention through enhanced benefits, and allowing both companies to leverage best practices while maintaining their unique cultures and programs.