Ponderosa Retirement Center
Ponderosa Retirement Center is an assisted living and independent living community in Yakima, Washington, providing 24-hour on-site staffing to support older adults who require consistent access to care, as well as those who live more independently. Licensed in Yakima County with 85 beds, the center maintains an occupancy rate of approximately 84%, which is above the Washington state average of 72.5%. This reflects steady demand and limited availability, so interested families are encouraged to inquire early for vacancy and possible waitlist options.
The community’s inspection history includes 10 visits, higher than the Washington average, with recurring themes on deficiencies about fire safety code compliance and billing practice violations. Past complaint investigations substantiated issues related to the reporting of resident injuries, medication administration, nurse delegation, and verbal abuse, with enforcement fines issued in 2023 regarding medication and delegation errors. However, the most recent inspection on July 9, 2025, resulted in zero deficiencies, suggesting that previously cited issues have been successfully addressed. This outcome confirms that the community currently meets all licensing requirements and has achieved its cleanest regulatory report yet.
A variety of amenities, including a dining room with a rotating monthly menu, social gathering rooms, a salon and spa, and well-maintained patio grounds, are offered, along with resident laundry facilities, parking, and transportation services. The lifestyle is pet-friendly and has a diverse program schedule with musical entertainment, religious services, exercise classes, and organized shopping trips. Office hours are held Monday through Friday, while an appointment is suggested on weekends.
Ponderosa Retirement Center is a practical option for older adults in Yakima looking for a residential community that combines the flexibility of independent living with the security of assisted living support. With its large capacity and broad calendar of activities, the community is well-suited for residents who value daily variety while receiving professional care without the need to transfer.
About this community
Occupancy
Inspection History
In Washington, the Department of Social and Health Services, Residential Care Services conducts unannounced inspections and issues reports on the quality of care in all licensed settings.
Inspection Scorecard
This scorecard compares key inspection, deficiency, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Washington state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.
Since 2022 vs. Washington state average• Total deficiencies (65% above)
• Deficiencies per year (64% above) 0 Better No metrics in this bucket.
Deficiencies
| This Facility | WA Average | vs. WA Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total deficiencies
| 51 | 31 | This facility has 65% more total deficiencies than a typical Washington assisted living residence (51 vs. WA avg 31).↑ 65% worse |
|
Deficiencies per year
| 12.8 | 7.8 | This facility has 64% more deficiencies per year than a typical Washington assisted living residence (12.8 vs. WA avg 7.8).↑ 64% worse |
Inspection Reports Summary
An editor-reviewed summary of the themes and findings across this facility's recent inspection reports.
- The July 9, 2025 follow-up inspection found no deficiencies and confirmed full compliance with assisted living licensing requirements.
- Fire safety violations were substantiated in April and May 2025, including failed fire alarm maintenance documentation and multiple physical fire code breaches placing residents at risk.
- Multiple substantiated complaint investigations from 2023 to 2025 found billing beyond daily rates, medication errors, failure to delegate nursing tasks, injury reporting failures, and verbal abuse reporting lapses.
Places of interest near Ponderosa Retirement Center
1.6 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Yakima's city center to Ponderosa Retirement Center's address, calculated via Google Maps.
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Compare Assisted Living around Yakima
The information below is reported by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Residential Care Services.
| Cascades of Chesterley | AL IL MC RC | Yakima (Fruitvale) | 96
Facility
96
WA AVG
82
Rank
#117 / 366 | Yes |
50
Facility
50
WA AVG
51
Rank
#329 / 628 | Studio / 1 Bed |
57.3%
Facility
57.3%
WA AVG
74.4%
Rank
#249 / 285 | - | 3 | 0
Facility
0
WA AVG
8
Rank
#1 / 285 | 37
Facility
37
WA AVG
31
Rank
#189 / 285 | 12.3
Facility
12.3
WA AVG
3.4
Rank
#283 / 285 |
| Avamere at Englewood Heights | AL MC RC | Yakima | 88
Facility
88
WA AVG
82
Rank
#144 / 366 | Yes |
35
Facility
35
WA AVG
51
Rank
#444 / 628 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
75.0%
Facility
75.0%
WA AVG
74.4%
Rank
#150 / 285 | - | 9 | 4
Facility
4
WA AVG
8
Rank
#231 / 285 | 48
Facility
48
WA AVG
31
Rank
#227 / 285 | 5.3
Facility
5.3
WA AVG
3.4
Rank
#203 / 285 |
| Ponderosa Retirement Center | AL IL | Yakima | 85
Facility
85
WA AVG
82
Rank
#148 / 366 | No |
61
Facility
61
WA AVG
51
Rank
#238 / 628 | - |
83.5%
Facility
83.5%
WA AVG
74.4%
Rank
#88 / 285 | - | 10 | 6
Facility
6
WA AVG
8
Rank
#254 / 285 | 51
Facility
51
WA AVG
31
Rank
#233 / 285 | 5.1
Facility
5.1
WA AVG
3.4
Rank
#196 / 285 |
| Brookdale Yakima | AL | Yakima | 82
Facility
82
WA AVG
82
Rank
#168 / 366 | No |
48
Facility
48
WA AVG
51
Rank
#345 / 628 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed |
82.9%
Facility
82.9%
WA AVG
74.4%
Rank
#94 / 285 | A+ | 18 | 11
Facility
11
WA AVG
8
Rank
#280 / 285 | 113
Facility
113
WA AVG
31
Rank
#283 / 285 | 6.3
Facility
6.3
WA AVG
3.4
Rank
#231 / 285 |
Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in Washington
Ponderosa Retirement Center is located in YAKIMA, Washington.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ponderosa Retirement Center
Is Ponderosa Retirement Center in a walkable area?
Ponderosa Retirement Center has a walk score of 61. Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.
What is the license number of Ponderosa Retirement Center?
According to WA state health department records, Ponderosa Retirement Center's license number is 804.
When does Ponderosa Retirement Center's license expire?
According to WA state health department records, Ponderosa Retirement Center's license expires on February 28, 2026.
What is the occupancy rate at Ponderosa Retirement Center?
Ponderosa Retirement Center's occupancy is 84%.
How many beds does Ponderosa Retirement Center have?
Ponderosa Retirement Center has 85 beds.
Are there photos of Ponderosa Retirement Center?
Yes — there are 9 photos of Ponderosa Retirement Center in the photo gallery on this page.
What is the address of Ponderosa Retirement Center?
Ponderosa Retirement Center is located at 3300 Englewood Ave, Yakima, WA 98902.
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