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Garden Terrace Healthcare Center of Federal Way

Strong Medicare quality ratings; families often praise clean, modern, and well-maintained facility. Still worth an in-person visit.

491 South 338th Street, Federal Way, WA 9800370 bedsLicensed & Active
5/5
Medicare
Inspection
Quality
Staffing
Google rating
4.6/5

based on 377 Google reviews

Garden Terrace Healthcare Center of Federal Way Nursing Home in Federal Way, WA — Street View
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What this means for your family

Garden Terrace offers a clean, hotel-like environment with strong therapy services that are excellent for post-surgery recovery. However, families should be aware of reports regarding inconsistent staffing and administrative disorganization; we strongly recommend being present daily to advocate for your loved one's hygiene and medication needs.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews

377 reviews on Google
Garden Terrace Healthcare Center of Federal Way is widely praised for its clean, modern, and hotel-like environment, with many families highlighting the friendly and professional nursing and therapy staff. However, several critical reviews raise serious concerns regarding inconsistent staffing levels, neglectful hygiene care, and poor administrative communication, particularly regarding discharge planning and medication management.

Quality Themes

Tap a score for details
Food8.0Staff7.0Clean9.0Activities6.0Meds3.0MemoryN/AComms3.0ValueN/A

Strengths

  • Clean, modern, and well-maintained facility
  • Friendly and professional front-line nursing staff
  • Effective physical and occupational therapy programs
  • Welcoming and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere

Concerns

  • Inconsistent staffing levels leading to slow response times (mentioned by 4 reviewers)
  • Poor hygiene and neglect of basic patient care (e.g., bedsores, soiled diapers) (mentioned by 3 reviewers)
  • Disorganized administration and poor communication regarding care plans/medications (mentioned by 3 reviewers)

Rating Trends

Tap a year to see what changed

2344.82024(70)4.52025(195)4.82026(49)

Distribution · 314 analyzed

5
264
4
22
3
4
2
6
1
18
14 reviews posted between Mar 23, 2025Mar 29, 2025 · average 4.1
10 reviews posted between Oct 22, 2025Oct 25, 2025 · 8 were 5-star
10 reviews posted between Apr 28, 2025May 3, 2025 · 8 were 5-star

How They Respond to Reviews

97%response rate

This facility actively engages with reviewer feedback.

Questions for Your Tour

  • 1It is wonderful to see how well-maintained and clean the facility looks; how do you ensure this high standard of cleanliness is maintained for every resident's room?
  • 2We noticed the nursing staff is very friendly at the front desk; how do you ensure that same level of attentive, hands-on care is consistent during the night shifts?
  • 3Can you walk us through your specific process for medication management and how you communicate any changes in a resident's care plan to the family?
  • 4What specific protocols do you have in place to ensure skin integrity and prevent issues like bedsores for residents with limited mobility?
  • 5How does the facility handle medical emergencies or sudden changes in health status after regular business hours?
  • 6What kind of daily activities or social programs do you offer to help residents stay engaged and connected with one another?

Personalized based on this facility's data


Key Review Excerpts

The difference from last night to lunchtime today is like night and day! Mom was in the dining room having a yummy lunch when we arrived, dressed in clean pj's, hair combed, nails trimmed, and was talkative, smiling, laughing and happy.

Long-term resident's family · 2024★★★★★

In the past, she felt like the staff were just “dealing with her,” but at Garden Terrace the staff truly make her feel heard, cared for, and valued.

Rehab patient's family · 2026★★★★★

The administrative portion of the this facility is disorganized and does not live up to its commitments. Most of the CNAs and front desk receptionists are very friendly and helpful. However, the administrators do not hire enough help and I often had to change and bath my mother while she was a client at this facility.

Long-term resident's family · 2025☆☆☆☆
Source: 377 Google reviews

Staffing

Staffing Hours

per resident/day · Medicare 2026
RN Hours
1.54hrs
OK
Registered nurses for medical care
Total Nursing
5.52hrs
OK
All nurses + aides combined
Staff Turnover
30%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)
RN Turnover
19%
Lower is better (< 30% = good)

This facility meets the national staffing benchmarks. Higher staffing is linked to fewer falls and better day-to-day care.

Quality Measures

Quality Measures

Resident outcomes compared with national, state, and local averages · 3 measures

Medicare Rating
5/ 5
Better Than Avg

3

measures

Short-Stay Residents (Rehab / Post-Acute)
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for pneumonia

↑ Higher is better
This Facility98.2%
Better than Avg
Here
98.2%
US
81.8%
WA
87.9%
King
87.6%
💉

Short-stay residents vaccinated for the flu

↑ Higher is better
This Facility89.1%
Better than Avg
Here
89.1%
US
79.7%
WA
82.0%
King
80.6%
💊

Short-stay residents newly given antipsychotics

↓ Lower is better
This Facility0.5%
Better than Avg
Here
0.5%
US
1.6%
WA
1.3%
King
1.4%
Source: Medicare quality measures

US average from Medicare published data

Inspection History

Medicare Inspection History

3-year lookback · Medicare 2026

16deficiencies
Near state avg (17.1)
8 complaint-triggered

Garden Terrace Healthcare Center shows concerning patterns with 85 deficiencies across seven surveys, including eight complaint-triggered violations where families reported issues. The facility has persistent problems with care planning, infection control, and fire safety systems that repeat across multiple inspections. Recent complaints involved wound care, pain management, and treatment quality, indicating ongoing care concerns that families should investigate thoroughly before placement.

Sep 12, 2025Complaint
1
0684Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

Jun 16, 2025Routine
31
0009Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Include a process for Emergency Preparedness collaboration.

0015Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.

0020Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Establish policies and procedures including evacuation.

0024Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Establish policies and procedures for volunteers.

0029Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Develop a communication plan.

0030Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

List the names and contact information of those in the facility.

0031Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Provide emergency officials' contact information.

0034Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Provide a means of sharing information on occupancy/needs.

0039Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Emergency Preparedness Deficiencies

Conduct testing and exercise requirements.

0324Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Provide properly protected cooking facilities.

0345Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.

0353Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.

0712Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Miscellaneous Deficiencies

Have simulated fire drills held at unexpected times.

0918Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.

0921Potential for harm · WidespreadCorrected

Gas, Vacuum, and Electrical Systems Deficiencies

Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.

0812Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Nutrition and Dietary Deficiencies

Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.

0684Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.

0374Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes.

0677Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.

0679Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide activities to meet all resident's needs.

0656Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.

0582Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Give residents notice of Medicaid/Medicare coverage and potential liability for services not covered.

0584Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.

0585Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Honor the resident's right to voice grievances without discrimination or reprisal and the facility must establish a grievance policy and make prompt efforts to resolve grievances.

0610Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.

0761Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Pharmacy Service Deficiencies

Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.

0825Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.

0740Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure each resident must receive and the facility must provide necessary behavioral health care and services.

0321Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.

0325Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Have properly installed hallway dispensers for alcohol-based hand rub.

0351Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Smoke Deficiencies

Install an approved automatic sprinkler system.

Jun 16, 2025Complaint
3
0880Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Infection Control Deficiencies

Provide and implement an infection prevention and control program.

0658Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Resident Assessment and Care Planning Deficiencies

Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.

0697Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.

Feb 7, 2025Complaint
1
0686Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.

Jan 16, 2025Complaint
1
0607Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Deficiencies

Develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse, neglect, and theft.

Dec 3, 2024Complaint
2
0623Potential for harm · PatternCorrected

Resident Rights Deficiencies

Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.

0689Potential for harm · IsolatedCorrected

Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies

Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.

Ownership & Operations

Who Operates This Facility

Owner / Operator

Garden Terrace Healthcare Center of Federal Way

Organization Type

for profit

Chain Affiliation

Chain Name

Life Care Centers of America

Chain Size

194 facilities nationwide

Chain avg rating: 3.5/5 · Rank 27 of 194 (Best)

Ownership & Management

Owners

Developers Investment Company INC

Owner · Organization

Preston, Forrest

Owner (parent company)

Key personnel

Butner, NancyManaging Control - Governing BodyGilbert, DennisManaging Control - Governing BodyViola, EddieManaging Control - Governing BodyCross, CindyOfficer / DirectorHenry, TerryOfficer / Director
Source: Medicare provider data

Contact

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References & Resources

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