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Empress Senior Living

4020 NE 55th St

3.8(32 ratings)

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Quick Facts

Year opened
1985
Nursing oversight
Full-time RN and LPN lead the care team
Rooftop amenity
4,400 sq ft rooftop garden for memory care residents
Hospice care setup
Dedicated apartment for end-of-life hospice care

What Families Think

Reviews for Empress Senior Living are sharply divided: many families and visitors praise the staff, food, activities, and rooftop garden, describing a warm, boutique-style community in Laurelhurst. However, a notable cluster of one-star reviews raise serious concerns about staffing responsiveness, missing belongings in memory care, and management practices under the Leisure Care corporate umbrella.

The Good

  • Prime location near Metropolitan Market and Burke-Gilman Trail
  • Rooftop garden and terrace frequently praised by visitors
  • Staff often described as warm, attentive, and family-like
  • Full-time RN and LPN overseeing assisted living care
  • Wide variety of activities like bingo, mini golf, outings

The Bad

  • Several reports of unanswered call-pendant requests and slow help
  • One serious report of missing belongings in memory care unit
  • Multiple complaints about management and corporate priorities under new ownership
  • One report of poor food quality (burned items)

AI-generated from reviews and community data.

About Empress Senior Living

Welcome to Empress Senior Living

Imagine an elegant new community for seniors situated in a European-Style neighborhood, with quaint shopping, beautiful tree lined streets, and established family residences. Welcome to Empress Senior Living! We offer a boutique senior living residence with the features and service of a fine hotel.

Independent Living

For seniors who are still able to live easily on their own, Empress Senior Living's Independent Living program is the best option available. You'll enjoy our luxury resort-like accommodations without having to worry about mowing the lawn or fixing a leaky pipe. Enjoy a life without the inconveniences that come with home ownership or traditional apartment renting.

Best of all, our independent living offer classes, restaurant-style dining, activity programs and outings designed to keep an active lifestyle. Whether you'd like to learn pottery, stay fit through a structured exercise program, or simply enjoy an occasional outing with your friends, you'll enjoy an enriched lifestyle at Empress Senior Living.

Services

This is our entry level program and is accessed by all residents. The following are some of the Independent Living services that we provide at Empress Senior Living:

•    3 Delicious Meals Daily Ordered Off the Menu
•    All Day Snacks and Coffee or Tea Service in The Bistro
•    Full Activity Program
•    Scheduled Transportation
•    Weekly Housekeeping and Flat Linens
•    Weekly Load of Personal Laundry
•    Concierge Service
•    24-Hour Staff Safety Net
•    All Utilities (except phone and cable)
•    Full Use of All Facilities

Assisted Living

Seattle Assisted Living communities can vary greatly in their abilities to provide comprehensive care with skill and frequency. Empress Senior Living's wellness program is designed to offer more value to our residents throughout the entire aging process. With a full time Registered Nurse and full time Licensed Practical Nurse overseeing our round the clock team of nursing assistants and medication technicians, Empress Senior Living is equipped to provide more health care solutions than other Assisted Living communities in Seattle. Our capabilities allow our residents to age in place and stay in their home longer and more often, avoiding a hospital setting.

Services

The following are some of the Assisted Living services that we provide at Empress Senior Living:

•    Medication Assistance
•    Bathing, Dressing, & Grooming
•    Continence Support
•    Escorts and Transfers
•    Safety Checks
•    Limited Diabetic Services
•    Cueing and Event Reminders
•    Registered Nurse Led Health Care Coordination
•    Escorts and Transfers
•    Experience Dealing with Alzheimer’s, and Other Dementia Challenges within the Assisted Living setting

Memory Care

Audrey's Garden is Empress Senior Living's memory care community that specializes in caring for seniors with Alzheimer's and other Dementia-related challenges. Our communities' thoughtful designs, care philosophy, and unique programming combine to create Seattle's most comprehensive memory care solutions.

Audrey's Garden is divided into two separate communities. Audrey's Garden Transitions, our community for active seniors with mild-to-moderately severe memory loss  and Audrey's Garden Reflections, our secured community for moderate-to-severe memory loss and/or demanding physical care needs. By separating residents between two communities by acuity level we have an enhanced ability to meet the physical, social, and emotional needs of residents.

Services

The following are some of the Memory Support services that we provide at Empress Senior Living:

•    A community designed around a central "hearth" great room, with easy connections to nature on the dedicated open air outdoor deck and entertainment lounge
•    RN led staff with an LPN, Certified Nursing Assistants with Dementia specialty training, and on-duty staff 24 hours per day
•    Walking Path and 4,400 square foot roof garden terrace for exercise and access to outdoor spaces
•    Structured Activity Calendar with exercise classes, walking groups, and other daily events

Hospice Care

Empress Senior Living is proud to have formed a partnership with local Hospice providers to serve the families of Seattle and beyond. Our partnership has allowed us to meet the needs of seniors and their families who are in need of Hospice services.

The truth is that hospice is not about how you die. It is about how you live. Hospice care helps patients and their families make informed choices, provides companionship to patients and respite to caregivers, provides grief support, and identifies key community services that can be of assistance.

Services

The following are some of the Hospice services that we provide at Empress Senior Living:

•    24 hour staffing to ensure your loved one's needs are being met.
•    A dedicated apartment specially designed for comfort and convenience for your loved one and your family.
•    Sensitivity and commitment to assisting your family in any way we can.
•    Coordination of all care needs so you can rest easy knowing your loved one is being taken care of.
•    Convenient family friendly location in Laurelhurst.

Amenities

•    Spacious Studios and One Bedroom Apartments
•    Formal Dining Room with Piano
•    All Day Coffee Bistro
•    Artist Studio
•    Theatre
•    4,400 Square Foot Roof Garden with Outdoor Seating and Grill
•    Beauty Salon
•    Private Dining Room for Family Gatherings
•    Free Roaming Wireless Internet Service
•    Activity Bus & Driver
•    Exercise Classes & Programs
•    Multi-Purpose Entertainment Lounge- Go Mariners, Sounders, Seahawks, Kraken, Storm & Go Huskies!
•    Resident Vegetable Garden
•    Resident Laundry Room
•    Exam Room & Walk-In Tub Room
•    24 Hour Staff Support
•    Fitness Center
•    Free Guest Parking

Types of Care

Assisted LivingAt-Home CareHome Health and HospiceIndependent LivingMemory Care

Amenities

Room Amenities

  • Private Rooms
  • Wi-Fi / High-Speed Internet

Meals & Dining

  • Dietary Accommodations (Gluten-Free, Low / No Sodium, No Sugar, Vegan)

Community Amenities

  • 24-Hour Staff
  • Fitness Center
  • Gathering / Activity Spaces
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry Service
  • Medication Management
  • On-Site Medical Staff
  • Outdoor Patio
  • Salon / Barber
  • Security
  • Theater Room
  • Transportation Services
  • Walking Paths

Activities

  • Social Activities (Happy Hour, Wine Tasting, Dances, Karaoke)

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Reviews

3.8overall · 32 ratings combined

3.9★ on Google (30) · 3★ on Yelp (2) · Yelp page ↗

Jennifer B.

May 2026

via Yelp

My mother lived at The Empress Memory Care from September 2023 until her passing in May 2024. Within the first two weeks, her jewelry began disappearing, including a ruby ring she had worn daily for over ten years and never removed. Management offered no help or accountability, even suggesting she might have misplaced or traded items, which was not true. Over the next several months, more of her belongings went missing. 2 coats, sweaters and inexpensive earrings. During a later meeting with other residents' families, one man shared that his wife was terrified because staff were going through her things while she slept. This confirmed our fears. We paid roughly $20,000 to get her in this facility. We hoped it would be safe, compassionate care, but instead endured a deeply traumatic experience. I would never recommend this facility to anyone seeking trustworthy memory care for their loved one.

Jakie

May 2026

via Google ↗

Emma “Miss Energizer Bunny” prepared our food during my visit, and unfortunately several items came out burned. The overall food quality was disappointing.

Jennifer B

Mar 2026

via Google ↗

My mother lived at The Empress Memory Care from September 2023 until her passing in May 2024. Within the first two weeks, her jewelry began disappearing, including a ruby ring she had worn daily for over ten years and never removed. Management offered no help or accountability, even suggesting she might have misplaced or traded items, which was not true. Over the next several months, more of her belongings went missing. 2 coats, sweaters and inexpensive earrings.<br><br>During a later meeting with other residents’ families, one man shared that his wife was terrified because staff were going through her things while she slept. This confirmed our fears.<br><br>We paid roughly $20,000 to get her in this facility. We hoped it would be safe, compassionate care, but instead endured a deeply traumatic experience. I would never recommend this facility to anyone seeking trustworthy memory care for their loved one. Believe the bad reviews!

Henry Giang

Jan 2026

via Google ↗

As an mobile occupational therapist, I’ve been going into this facility regularly for several years, and I can confidently say the staff here are some of the kindest and most welcoming people I’ve ever worked with. I’ve worked in multiple facilities across the city, and it’s rare to find a team as consistently positive and welcoming as this one. One experience that really stood out to me involved a client with visual impairment who had difficulty independently feeding himself in the dining hall. I collaborated with Francis, the activities director, and the dining staff to develop a consistent place-setting layout along with structured verbal cueing to support successful self-feeding. The implementation was immediate and the concern was resolved. This level of teamwork and follow-through truly highlights their passion and commitment to their residents. Moreover, the location is ideal as it is situated right next to Metropolitan Market and the Burke-Gilman Trail, providing convenient access to everyday amenities (ie. the “cookie”) and community engagement. I highly recommend this place.

Kevin L.

Jan 2026

via Yelp

Empress Senior Living is a beautiful, boutique-style community in Laurelhurst that feels more like an upscale hotel than a traditional senior living community--while still being very reasonably priced. The location is outstanding, with a Metropolitan Market across the street and some of Seattle's best parks and walking trails nearby. The food is excellent as well--especially the breakfast burritos. The staff is consistently friendly and welcoming, and there is always something engaging happening for residents. I've been especially impressed with the Health and Wellness Director, Heather. She has a strong pulse on the building and a deep understanding of each resident's individual needs. I've seen firsthand the care and intention Heather and her team put into ensuring that care is personalized, thoughtful, and well-coordinated. She does an exceptional job guiding her care team and working closely with outside partners to make sure residents who need specialized support receive it. Just as importantly, she communicates clearly and compassionately with families. Empress is a special community, and it truly shows in the quality of care and attention given every day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of care does Empress Senior Living offer?

Empress Senior Living offers Assisted Living, At-Home Care, Independent Living and Memory Care.

Where is Empress Senior Living located?

Empress Senior Living is located at 4020 NE 55th St in Seattle, Washington.

What do families say about Empress Senior Living?

Reviews for Empress Senior Living are sharply divided: many families and visitors praise the staff, food, activities, and rooftop garden, describing a warm, boutique-style community in Laurelhurst. However, a notable cluster of one-star reviews raise serious concerns about staffing responsiveness, missing belongings in memory care, and management practices under the Leisure Care corporate umbrella.

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