In-Home Care in Washington

Beautiful scenery, mild weather, world-class health care and friendly tax policies are just some of the reasons seniors are drawn to the state of Washington. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, more than 1.23 million people in Washington are aged 65 and older, which is double the number from 1980. This number is expected to grow to 1.86 million seniors by 2040. As the population ages, the need for great health care, such as the University of Washington Medical Center, and quality home care options will also increase.

In Washington, the average cost is $6,547 for in-home care and $6,578 per month for home health care. The light medical services provided by home health care explain the small price difference. These rates account for 40 hours of service per week.

This guide compares the cost of home care in Washington with nearby states, between cities within the state and against other types of senior care available. It also covers the resources that are available to seniors who want to age in place.

The Genworth Cost of Care Survey for 2021 shows that the average cost of home care in Washington is $6,547, which is about $1,600 more per month than the national average of $4,957. Idaho at $5,434 and Montana at $5,339 per month are both more than $1,000 less expensive per month. At $6,006 per month, Oregon has the closest average to Washington, but it is still about $500 less per month.

Among the major cities in Washington, there is a range of home care costs from $5,911 per month in Wenatchee to $7,245 per month in Mount Vernon. Olympia, the state capital, which costs $6,673 per month, is closest to the state average. Seattle at $6,769 per month is just slightly more expensive. Spokane in the eastern part of the state has a median price of $6,387. Longview in the south has an average rate of $6,054 per month. Finally, Yakima costs $5,958 per month, which is below the state average.

The median price for in-home care in Washington is $6,547 per month. The average rate for home health care is $6,578. The only more expensive type of senior care is a nursing home, which has an average price of $9,249 per month. Adult Day Health Care is the most affordable option for seniors who just need some supervision and care during daytime hours. Assisted living communities in Washington have an average price of $6,000 per month.

Washington’s Medicaid system, known as Apple Health, can pay for home care services within its managed care program and through a waiver program. If you are covered under Washington Apple Health Classic Medicaid coverage, you may be eligible for Health Home, which provides comprehensive care management, transition planning, individual and family support services, community referrals and health education. A coordinator will create a Health Action Plan that accounts for your health care and long-term support needs. To qualify, you’ll need to be eligible for Medicaid and have a qualifying chronic condition, such as cancer, respiratory disease, dementia and other physical and mental conditions.

Long-term services and supports coordinated by Health Home are delivered within guidelines for the Medicaid Personal Care (MPC) program and Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA) program. Services include everything from homemaking and personal errand running to skilled nursing and therapy.

The quickest way to apply for Medicaid in Washington is to use the online application system at washingtonconnection.org or the WAPlanfinder app. Apply over the phone by calling the Washington Healthplanfinder Customer Support Center at 855-923-4633. You can also print and fill out an application then mail it to DSHS or fax it to 888-338-7410. You can also take your filled-out application to your local Community Services Office (CSO).

What Information You Will Need

To complete an application for Washington Medicaid, you will need to provide:

• Social security numbers
• Immigration status
• Birthdates
• Income information
• Asset information, such as bank statements, trusts, deeds and retirement accounts

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

• Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
• Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
• Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
• Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.