In 1919, a group of Lutheran laymen organized the Evangelical Lutheran Deaconess & Hospital Association of Spokane, Washington. Property was purchased at South 312 Sprague and the Parkview Girls Club opened as a hospice for girls. Over the years the association changed their focus after assessing community needs. They sold the property in 1956, and with property donated by John R. Nolen, began construction at 1801 E. Upriver Drive, of a retirement home. The name was changed in 1957 to Riverview Lutheran Home of Spokane, Washington, and the focus changed to operating a home for the aged and infirm. They operate as a non-profit corporation consisting of participating congregations of Lutheran Churches of the Inland Northwest.

Riverview Terrace opened in 1959, being the first home in the United States built under the FHA Homes for the Aged Program. They are affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. In 1997 the first floor was remodeled to accommodate an Assisted Living Program. Services provided include Vespers, a weekly Bible study and a full time Chaplaincy program, providing all faiths the opportunity to enjoy retirement.

In 1967 the 75-bed Care Center was completed. It was remodeled and an addition added in 1989. A dementia wing was added in 1998 and the entire interior updated. The Care Center is a skilled nursing facility certified by both Medicare and Medicaid to serve residents of Riverview Terrace, Riverview Village and the Spokane community at large, providing high quality care for short-term or long-term residents.

Ground breaking for Riverview Village began in 1984 with the first home in this independent 60-unit development being occupied in 1985. Construction of Phase II began in the spring of 1993 with 36 new homes completed in December 1993. The Phase III gated community, completed in June 1997, provided 20 units, bringing the total number of homes in the Village to 116. Included on the Village campus is the Recreation Building with its swimming pool, Jacuzzi, exercise room and entertaining area. The Community Building was added in 1997. Residents have access to the services of the entire retirement campus.

Riverview Retirement Community has three separate corporations and three boards of directors. The Village is all private pay, the Care Center is about 55% Medicaid, 45% private pay, and 36 residents in the Terrace are low income. It is a Christian organization affiliated with the Lutheran Church, providing health care, housing and services in a Christ-centered environment. The caring staff, board and volunteers are dedicated to meet the spiritual, physical and social needs of their residents and members of the community at large, thus enhancing their quality of life. In 2003, Riverview gave over $1,000,000 in charitable care on their campus.

The history of Riverview is rich with innovation and service. They were the first to offer Assisted Living in the Spokane area. In 1996 they opened the Special Care Unit for Alzheimers, to enhance quality of life. Unlike traditional skilled nursing facilities, Riverview adopted the Eden Alternative in 1998, a groundbreaking program that integrates an abundance of living plants, animals, birds and children into the daily lives of the residents. Riverview partners with Spokane Community College in having an RN rotation at their Care Center as part of their curriculum.

A variety of programs and activities are available to residents at Riverview. The Massage Therapy Program is available for staff, residents and their families. Fifteen residents have been trained to work in the Scope Program designed to fingerprint kids. Many residents knit caps for the “Caps For Kids” and the Logan Grandma’s volunteer in the reading program in a local second grade class. They won the Chase for Youth and United Way Awards in 2003. The Riverview residents also won the local “Walking Challenge” traveling trophy for logging 4343 miles from June-August in 2003. Residents can also take part in the water aerobics classes, attend summer theatre, rafting excursions, Mariner’s games, and many more activities. They have four resident councils on campus, offering more opportunities for resident involvement.

When asked what it means to be a nonprofit organization, Patrick O’Neill, President/CEO, said, “There is a tremendous potential for more beneficial work with our residents, but it needs to be balanced with sound fiscal practices. The challenge is to realize that potential.”