The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Seattle, WA for 2024
Seattle’s downtown area is dense and busy, but the city is surrounded by beautiful Pacific Northwest neighborhoods. For seniors who enjoy outdoor scenery, the Emerald City’s diverse landscape offers easy access to beautiful ocean shores and views of snow-capped mountains. The City of Seattle is home to 737,015 residents, with 17% age 60 and over. However, the Seattle Metro area includes a population of 4,069,180 residents.
Assisted living facilities provide personal care assistance in a homelike community for seniors who can no longer reside at home alone. Staff members help residents with daily living needs, and housekeeping and transportation are included. The average cost per month for assisted living in Seattle is $6,750, higher than Washington state at $6,000 and much higher than the national average of $4,500.
This informative guide provides information about assisted living in Seattle and the costs. Also provided are the pros and cons of retiring in the city and a list of free resources for seniors living in the Seattle area.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Seattle, WA
Northgate Plaza
11030 5th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98125
Northgate Plaza is a senior living community located in the Northgate retail area of a Seattle neighborhood and close to Kindred Hospital, Group Health Clinic, UW Medicine and Pacific Medical Center.
… (read more)
Northgate Plaza is a senior living community located in the Northgate retail area of a Seattle neighborhood and close to Kindred Hospital, Group Health Clinic, UW Medicine and Pacific Medical Center. The close proximity to the Northgate Mall, restaurants, parks and library allows residents easy access to shopping. Visitors praise the standards of cleanliness, maintenance and the levels of care offered. Residents with special dietary requirements are welcome. The community features resident parking and transportation. Residents are encouraged to lead an active and social lifestyle with a fitness room for exercise classes, arts and crafts activities, music and offsite excursions.
(read less)
Northgate Plaza is a senior living community located in the Northgate retail area of a Seattle neighborhood and close to Kindred Hospital, Group Health Clinic, UW Medicine and Pacific Medical Center.
… (read more)
Northgate Plaza is a senior living community located in the Northgate retail area of a Seattle neighborhood and close to Kindred Hospital, Group Health Clinic, UW Medicine and Pacific Medical Center. The close proximity to the Northgate Mall, restaurants, parks and library allows residents easy access to shopping. Visitors praise the standards of cleanliness, maintenance and the levels of care offered. Residents with special dietary requirements are welcome. The community features resident parking and transportation. Residents are encouraged to lead an active and social lifestyle with a fitness room for exercise classes, arts and crafts activities, music and offsite excursions.
(read less)
Ballard Landmark
5433 Leary Avenue NW, Seattle, WA, 98107
We toured Ballard Landmark. The community seems nice. We were treated pretty well. The person giving the tour was pleasant. They have a swimming pool, a fitness center, and planned activities. Their d
… (read more)
We toured Ballard Landmark. The community seems nice. We were treated pretty well. The person giving the tour was pleasant. They have a swimming pool, a fitness center, and planned activities. Their dining option is open all day from 7:00 to 6:00 p.m. The physical appearance was good.
(read less)
We toured Ballard Landmark. The community seems nice. We were treated pretty well. The person giving the tour was pleasant. They have a swimming pool, a fitness center, and planned activities. Their d
… (read more)
We toured Ballard Landmark. The community seems nice. We were treated pretty well. The person giving the tour was pleasant. They have a swimming pool, a fitness center, and planned activities. Their dining option is open all day from 7:00 to 6:00 p.m. The physical appearance was good.
(read less)
Cogir of Queen Anne
805 4th Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109
We toured Cogir of Queen Anne. I like the common areas and the courtyard. It was very bright and very welcoming. The one-bedroom apartments are nice. They’re good. The staff who toured us was very fri
… (read more)
We toured Cogir of Queen Anne. I like the common areas and the courtyard. It was very bright and very welcoming. The one-bedroom apartments are nice. They’re good. The staff who toured us was very friendly, very welcoming and very sincere. Food was good. We had lunch there. The dining room was open and spacious, and service was good. The food was decent, too. There’s an activities room and there’s lots of scheduled activities throughout the week every day. They go on different outings. They have socials. They offer all that.
(read less)
We toured Cogir of Queen Anne. I like the common areas and the courtyard. It was very bright and very welcoming. The one-bedroom apartments are nice. They’re good. The staff who toured us was very fri
… (read more)
We toured Cogir of Queen Anne. I like the common areas and the courtyard. It was very bright and very welcoming. The one-bedroom apartments are nice. They’re good. The staff who toured us was very friendly, very welcoming and very sincere. Food was good. We had lunch there. The dining room was open and spacious, and service was good. The food was decent, too. There’s an activities room and there’s lots of scheduled activities throughout the week every day. They go on different outings. They have socials. They offer all that.
(read less)
Brookdale West Seattle
4611 35th Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98126
Brookdale West Seattle was clean and modern, and the people were very nice. I looked at the rooms and they were all very nice. They have outings, movies, and they have games they do in their library.
… (read more)
Brookdale West Seattle was clean and modern, and the people were very nice. I looked at the rooms and they were all very nice. They have outings, movies, and they have games they do in their library. So they have quite a bit of activity for the residents. The staff was very nice and the facilities were well-maintained.
(read less)
Brookdale West Seattle was clean and modern, and the people were very nice. I looked at the rooms and they were all very nice. They have outings, movies, and they have games they do in their library.
… (read more)
Brookdale West Seattle was clean and modern, and the people were very nice. I looked at the rooms and they were all very nice. They have outings, movies, and they have games they do in their library. So they have quite a bit of activity for the residents. The staff was very nice and the facilities were well-maintained.
(read less)
Emerald City Senior Living
9001 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98115
I went to Emerald City Senior Living. The tour is fine. It’s really nice. It’s all been refurbished lately. It had a nice big lobby. However, they don’t have the level of care I need. The staff was ve
… (read more)
I went to Emerald City Senior Living. The tour is fine. It’s really nice. It’s all been refurbished lately. It had a nice big lobby. However, they don’t have the level of care I need. The staff was very knowledgeable. Essentially, we saw a studio apartment and a one bedroom apartment. The brochure we got says they have a library and quite a few things, but I didn’t pay much attention because they won’t work for me.
(read less)
I went to Emerald City Senior Living. The tour is fine. It’s really nice. It’s all been refurbished lately. It had a nice big lobby. However, they don’t have the level of care I need. The staff was ve
… (read more)
I went to Emerald City Senior Living. The tour is fine. It’s really nice. It’s all been refurbished lately. It had a nice big lobby. However, they don’t have the level of care I need. The staff was very knowledgeable. Essentially, we saw a studio apartment and a one bedroom apartment. The brochure we got says they have a library and quite a few things, but I didn’t pay much attention because they won’t work for me.
(read less)
Village Green Senior Living West Seattle
2615 SW Barton Street, Seattle, WA, 98126
I visited Daystar Retirement Village and it’s the place we have in mind that we think we’ll go with. They have the best move-in incentive and the facilities weren’t too big. My mom is a private person
… (read more)
I visited Daystar Retirement Village and it’s the place we have in mind that we think we’ll go with. They have the best move-in incentive and the facilities weren’t too big. My mom is a private person and has mobility issues, so it was great that the dining area was a short distance from her room. It also seemed a little more intimate and small, rather than huge and social. The staff is really nice too. It’s an older facility, so they just need to continue to update and improve on that, but they’re able to keep their prices reasonable compared to other places.
(read less)
I visited Daystar Retirement Village and it’s the place we have in mind that we think we’ll go with. They have the best move-in incentive and the facilities weren’t too big. My mom is a private person
… (read more)
I visited Daystar Retirement Village and it’s the place we have in mind that we think we’ll go with. They have the best move-in incentive and the facilities weren’t too big. My mom is a private person and has mobility issues, so it was great that the dining area was a short distance from her room. It also seemed a little more intimate and small, rather than huge and social. The staff is really nice too. It’s an older facility, so they just need to continue to update and improve on that, but they’re able to keep their prices reasonable compared to other places.
(read less)
Empress Senior Living at Laurelhurst Assisted Living and Memory Care
4020 NE 55th St., Seattle, WA, 98105
Empress Senior Living was a brand-new facility. It was very, very nice inside. I thought the layout was very good. It had a nice rooftop garden, a nice dining facility, and nice staff. It was also ver
… (read more)
Empress Senior Living was a brand-new facility. It was very, very nice inside. I thought the layout was very good. It had a nice rooftop garden, a nice dining facility, and nice staff. It was also very clean. They had a very nice coffee bar and a nice library with a fireplace. It’s just a tough area to get to for parking. They have street-side parking and it’s in the university area, so there’s a little bit of traffic to get from the freeway over to it, but the people were very friendly and very hospitable.
(read less)
Empress Senior Living was a brand-new facility. It was very, very nice inside. I thought the layout was very good. It had a nice rooftop garden, a nice dining facility, and nice staff. It was also ver
… (read more)
Empress Senior Living was a brand-new facility. It was very, very nice inside. I thought the layout was very good. It had a nice rooftop garden, a nice dining facility, and nice staff. It was also very clean. They had a very nice coffee bar and a nice library with a fireplace. It’s just a tough area to get to for parking. They have street-side parking and it’s in the university area, so there’s a little bit of traffic to get from the freeway over to it, but the people were very friendly and very hospitable.
(read less)
Brookdale Admiral Heights
2326 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98116
Brookdale Admiral Heights is located in Seattle, Washington, a few minutes from West Seattle Golf Course, Puget Park and Westwood Village. Visitors give high marks to the dining room for its cleanline
… (read more)
Brookdale Admiral Heights is located in Seattle, Washington, a few minutes from West Seattle Golf Course, Puget Park and Westwood Village. Visitors give high marks to the dining room for its cleanliness and say that the food is delicious. The facility offers a variety of scheduled activities, such as musical performances, Wii games and off-site trips to the casino. Visitors describe the facility as clean and well maintained and say the rooms and apartments are beautiful and spacious. Visitors are impressed by the pleasant and caring staff members who know all the residents by name.
(read less)
Brookdale Admiral Heights is located in Seattle, Washington, a few minutes from West Seattle Golf Course, Puget Park and Westwood Village. Visitors give high marks to the dining room for its cleanline
… (read more)
Brookdale Admiral Heights is located in Seattle, Washington, a few minutes from West Seattle Golf Course, Puget Park and Westwood Village. Visitors give high marks to the dining room for its cleanliness and say that the food is delicious. The facility offers a variety of scheduled activities, such as musical performances, Wii games and off-site trips to the casino. Visitors describe the facility as clean and well maintained and say the rooms and apartments are beautiful and spacious. Visitors are impressed by the pleasant and caring staff members who know all the residents by name.
(read less)
The Lakeshore
11448 Rainier Avenue S, Seattle, WA, 98178
The Lakeshore is an assisted living and independent living facility located on Lake Washington in Seattle. Visitors praise the community’s thoughtful layout, friendly staff and stunning view of the
… (read more)
The Lakeshore is an assisted living and independent living facility located on Lake Washington in Seattle. Visitors praise the community’s thoughtful layout, friendly staff and stunning view of the waterfront. Residents and visitors also frequently recognize The Lakeshore’s range of amenities, which include outdoor areas such as a rose garden and pea patch, a book club, a cache of puzzles and card games, movie nights, group exercise classes and a rotating slate of off-site activities. Meals in the dining room are said to be delicious, and residents also appreciate the ability to prepare food in their own kitchenettes.
(read less)
The Lakeshore is an assisted living and independent living facility located on Lake Washington in Seattle. Visitors praise the community’s thoughtful layout, friendly staff and stunning view of the
… (read more)
The Lakeshore is an assisted living and independent living facility located on Lake Washington in Seattle. Visitors praise the community’s thoughtful layout, friendly staff and stunning view of the waterfront. Residents and visitors also frequently recognize The Lakeshore’s range of amenities, which include outdoor areas such as a rose garden and pea patch, a book club, a cache of puzzles and card games, movie nights, group exercise classes and a rotating slate of off-site activities. Meals in the dining room are said to be delicious, and residents also appreciate the ability to prepare food in their own kitchenettes.
(read less)
Ida Culver House Broadview
12505 Greenwood Avenue N, Seattle, WA, 98133
Ida Culver House Broadview, located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, is known for its cheerful environment designed to cultivate body wellness. This facility’s campus offers spe
… (read more)
Ida Culver House Broadview, located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, is known for its cheerful environment designed to cultivate body wellness. This facility’s campus offers specialized care for residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Residents specifically note the high-quality physical and occupational therapy available from knowledgeable employees. In addition to therapy services, residents are impressed by the freedom they experience in setting and maintaining their own personal schedules, and the eclectic choices of events and activities available. Relatives love the deck and stunning views and residents appreciate the convenience of a washer and dryer included with each room.
(read less)
Ida Culver House Broadview, located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, is known for its cheerful environment designed to cultivate body wellness. This facility’s campus offers spe
… (read more)
Ida Culver House Broadview, located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, is known for its cheerful environment designed to cultivate body wellness. This facility’s campus offers specialized care for residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Residents specifically note the high-quality physical and occupational therapy available from knowledgeable employees. In addition to therapy services, residents are impressed by the freedom they experience in setting and maintaining their own personal schedules, and the eclectic choices of events and activities available. Relatives love the deck and stunning views and residents appreciate the convenience of a washer and dryer included with each room.
(read less)
University House Wallingford
4400 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA, 98103
Situated northwest of Seattle, University House Wallingford provides assisted living and independent living close to a variety of unique dining options, including Rocking Wok Taiwanese Cuisine and Tut
… (read more)
Situated northwest of Seattle, University House Wallingford provides assisted living and independent living close to a variety of unique dining options, including Rocking Wok Taiwanese Cuisine and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria. The nearby Woodland Park and Woodland Park Zoo offer lots of green space and recreational opportunities. Visitors tout this facility for offering outings that that keep seniors engaged with the community, including visits to the Seattle Opera and Bellvue Arts Museum. Residents and their loved ones appreciate the polite, helpful staff, excellent food, well-planned layout and nice accommodations. Fitness classes that include stretching, Tai Chi and yoga promote wellness.
(read less)
Situated northwest of Seattle, University House Wallingford provides assisted living and independent living close to a variety of unique dining options, including Rocking Wok Taiwanese Cuisine and Tut
… (read more)
Situated northwest of Seattle, University House Wallingford provides assisted living and independent living close to a variety of unique dining options, including Rocking Wok Taiwanese Cuisine and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria. The nearby Woodland Park and Woodland Park Zoo offer lots of green space and recreational opportunities. Visitors tout this facility for offering outings that that keep seniors engaged with the community, including visits to the Seattle Opera and Bellvue Arts Museum. Residents and their loved ones appreciate the polite, helpful staff, excellent food, well-planned layout and nice accommodations. Fitness classes that include stretching, Tai Chi and yoga promote wellness.
(read less)
Aljoya Thornton Place
450 Ne 100th Street, Seattle, WA, 98125
Alijoya Thornton Place is comfortably situated in Washington’s largest city, Seattle, where residents can enjoy an urban setting in its northwest district. An upscale ambiance with modern charm and pl
… (read more)
Alijoya Thornton Place is comfortably situated in Washington’s largest city, Seattle, where residents can enjoy an urban setting in its northwest district. An upscale ambiance with modern charm and plenty of amenities earn the approval from the facility’s residents and their equally eager visitors. Alijoya Thornton Place residents enjoy having access to their own movie theater, library and gym, in addition to over 200 community enrichment programs and events, plus a full-service salon and spa with massage therapy. Residents have high praise for the expertly skilled team of nurses and management for their warmth and kindness.
(read less)
Alijoya Thornton Place is comfortably situated in Washington’s largest city, Seattle, where residents can enjoy an urban setting in its northwest district. An upscale ambiance with modern charm and pl
… (read more)
Alijoya Thornton Place is comfortably situated in Washington’s largest city, Seattle, where residents can enjoy an urban setting in its northwest district. An upscale ambiance with modern charm and plenty of amenities earn the approval from the facility’s residents and their equally eager visitors. Alijoya Thornton Place residents enjoy having access to their own movie theater, library and gym, in addition to over 200 community enrichment programs and events, plus a full-service salon and spa with massage therapy. Residents have high praise for the expertly skilled team of nurses and management for their warmth and kindness.
(read less)
Ida Culver House Ravenna
2315 NE 65th Street, Seattle, WA, 98115
Ida Culver House Ravenna is a smaller facility in Seattle, Washington offering residents a homey feel and friendly staff. Even though it is located within the city itself, it is surrounded by well-kep
… (read more)
Ida Culver House Ravenna is a smaller facility in Seattle, Washington offering residents a homey feel and friendly staff. Even though it is located within the city itself, it is surrounded by well-kept gardens, which offer residents and visitors a beautiful and tranquil area to spend some time. Visitors compliment the on-site amenities, such as a library where residents can read and a craft room for social art programs. The chef prepares a variety of food, including vegetarian and pescatarian dishes. There are on-site lectures and activities that residents say they enjoy.
(read less)
Ida Culver House Ravenna is a smaller facility in Seattle, Washington offering residents a homey feel and friendly staff. Even though it is located within the city itself, it is surrounded by well-kep
… (read more)
Ida Culver House Ravenna is a smaller facility in Seattle, Washington offering residents a homey feel and friendly staff. Even though it is located within the city itself, it is surrounded by well-kept gardens, which offer residents and visitors a beautiful and tranquil area to spend some time. Visitors compliment the on-site amenities, such as a library where residents can read and a craft room for social art programs. The chef prepares a variety of food, including vegetarian and pescatarian dishes. There are on-site lectures and activities that residents say they enjoy.
(read less)
Providence Mount St. Vincent
4831 35Th Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98126
I toured Mount St. Vincent, there’s a beautiful view, and there’s a great feeling of love and care that goes along with expertise. It’s an older building, but it’s very well-kept and managed t
… (read more)
I toured Mount St. Vincent, there’s a beautiful view, and there’s a great feeling of love and care that goes along with expertise. It’s an older building, but it’s very well-kept and managed that it felt very comfortable and very cozy. The staff was very attentive. The food was quite good; it’s not gourmet, but of good selection. It was always available round the clock, in addition to the 3 meals. They have an in-house day care center in addition to the excellent inter-generational activities.
(read less)
I toured Mount St. Vincent, there’s a beautiful view, and there’s a great feeling of love and care that goes along with expertise. It’s an older building, but it’s very well-kept and managed t
… (read more)
I toured Mount St. Vincent, there’s a beautiful view, and there’s a great feeling of love and care that goes along with expertise. It’s an older building, but it’s very well-kept and managed that it felt very comfortable and very cozy. The staff was very attentive. The food was quite good; it’s not gourmet, but of good selection. It was always available round the clock, in addition to the 3 meals. They have an in-house day care center in addition to the excellent inter-generational activities.
(read less)
Murano Senior Living
620 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA, 98104
Murano Senior Living is a brand-new place. It’s a great facility with awfully nice staff people. I would give them high ratings. I have a good friend who’s there in the memory care that I was able to
… (read more)
Murano Senior Living is a brand-new place. It’s a great facility with awfully nice staff people. I would give them high ratings. I have a good friend who’s there in the memory care that I was able to visit, and I was also able to go to assisted living. It’s excellent. It looks like The Ritz-Carlton hotel and everyone from the receptionist, to the salespeople, and the caregivers were all exceptional. They really care about their residents. One of them said, "We don’t work here for the money. We really like to help people," and I could see that. I went on a boat tour of the waterways around Seattle, sponsored by Murano Senior Living, got acquainted with a number of their people and residents, and everybody was very, very positive. I sat in an exercise class that was excellent too. They were doing light workouts, stretching, lightweights, and what have you. The gentleman, Luke, was superb. Rita was my contact in the sales side and she was very knowledgeable, very gracious, and very accommodating.
I was actually invited for lunch but couldn’t make it, however, everybody that I’ve talked to has raved about the food. The chef is an outstanding fellow, so I would feel very comfortable eating there. They have all kinds of activities. So, it’s a pretty varied and extensive program. I’ve been there maybe three times and there’s always something going on.
They’ve got lounges, libraries, sitting rooms, TV rooms, and just open spaces. The dining areas were beautiful. It looked out over the city and over the mountains. Since it’s new, it’s only maybe about half full, so there’s a lot of space. There were chandeliers, artwork, and sculptures. The amenities were very, very nice.
(read less)
Murano Senior Living is a brand-new place. It’s a great facility with awfully nice staff people. I would give them high ratings. I have a good friend who’s there in the memory care that I was able to
… (read more)
Murano Senior Living is a brand-new place. It’s a great facility with awfully nice staff people. I would give them high ratings. I have a good friend who’s there in the memory care that I was able to visit, and I was also able to go to assisted living. It’s excellent. It looks like The Ritz-Carlton hotel and everyone from the receptionist, to the salespeople, and the caregivers were all exceptional. They really care about their residents. One of them said, "We don’t work here for the money. We really like to help people," and I could see that. I went on a boat tour of the waterways around Seattle, sponsored by Murano Senior Living, got acquainted with a number of their people and residents, and everybody was very, very positive. I sat in an exercise class that was excellent too. They were doing light workouts, stretching, lightweights, and what have you. The gentleman, Luke, was superb. Rita was my contact in the sales side and she was very knowledgeable, very gracious, and very accommodating.
I was actually invited for lunch but couldn’t make it, however, everybody that I’ve talked to has raved about the food. The chef is an outstanding fellow, so I would feel very comfortable eating there. They have all kinds of activities. So, it’s a pretty varied and extensive program. I’ve been there maybe three times and there’s always something going on.
They’ve got lounges, libraries, sitting rooms, TV rooms, and just open spaces. The dining areas were beautiful. It looked out over the city and over the mountains. Since it’s new, it’s only maybe about half full, so there’s a lot of space. There were chandeliers, artwork, and sculptures. The amenities were very, very nice.
(read less)
Nikkei Manor Assisted Living
700 6th Avenue South, Seattle, WA, 98104
English and Japanese are spoken here mainly. They are attentive and always kind. You can tell the care takers are professional in every way and respect is always shown.There are games played at all le
… (read more)
English and Japanese are spoken here mainly. They are attentive and always kind. You can tell the care takers are professional in every way and respect is always shown.There are games played at all levels, so everyone can enjoy it. There is light exercise depending on the individual’s capabilities (chair or standing). Also there is entertainment depending on the theme of the day which could mean group sing-a-long or arts and crafts. The lunches are always delicious. I take my mother here as often as I can and she is always looking forward to it.
(read less)
English and Japanese are spoken here mainly. They are attentive and always kind. You can tell the care takers are professional in every way and respect is always shown.There are games played at all le
… (read more)
English and Japanese are spoken here mainly. They are attentive and always kind. You can tell the care takers are professional in every way and respect is always shown.There are games played at all levels, so everyone can enjoy it. There is light exercise depending on the individual’s capabilities (chair or standing). Also there is entertainment depending on the theme of the day which could mean group sing-a-long or arts and crafts. The lunches are always delicious. I take my mother here as often as I can and she is always looking forward to it.
(read less)
Heritage House At the Market
1533 Western Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101
My husband is currently at the Providence Heritage House at the Market. I think it’s a really caring place, and he seems to be really adjusting well and making new friends. I like the way the staff is
… (read more)
My husband is currently at the Providence Heritage House at the Market. I think it’s a really caring place, and he seems to be really adjusting well and making new friends. I like the way the staff is a little more casual compared to the last facility he’d been to. They are friendlier and aren’t quiet as rigid. We are both happy as we can be. The sanitation is very good. He enjoys the food. He can go anytime to the dining room to have a meal.
(read less)
My husband is currently at the Providence Heritage House at the Market. I think it’s a really caring place, and he seems to be really adjusting well and making new friends. I like the way the staff is
… (read more)
My husband is currently at the Providence Heritage House at the Market. I think it’s a really caring place, and he seems to be really adjusting well and making new friends. I like the way the staff is a little more casual compared to the last facility he’d been to. They are friendlier and aren’t quiet as rigid. We are both happy as we can be. The sanitation is very good. He enjoys the food. He can go anytime to the dining room to have a meal.
(read less)
See Pricing for
is a Caring Star Community
Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Seattle
Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in Washington. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What To Consider About Assisted Living in Seattle
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services regulates and licenses assisted living facilities, performing regularly scheduled and unannounced inspections to ensure all state rules are followed. The Washington State Assisted Living Licensing Rules outline standards of care and residents’ rights.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Seattle
- Seattle is part of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, a program developed by AARP with older adults in mind to create livable communities with safe, walkable streets, transportation options and access to services needed to live life well. The city’s action plan outlines strategies to address livability and promote the health of older adults.
- Although Seattle often receives criticism for the amount of rain the city gets, it averages 38 inches of rain each year, the same as the U.S. average. There’s a chance of a few inches of snow in the winter, but it typically doesn’t stay around very long, and the summer temperature average is a pleasant 76 degrees. The one drawback is 226 gray days per year, which make Seattle the cloudiest city in the United States. Still, the area’s natural beauty outshines the clouds.
- Seniors may find their hard-earned income goes further in Seattle, as Washington is a senior retiree tax-friendly state. Social Security income, withdrawals from retirement accounts and pension income aren’t taxed, and Washington doesn’t have a state income tax.
- The cost of living in Seattle may present a hardship to some seniors overall, being 172.3 out of a national average of 100. The highest costs driving this number are housing at 309 out of 100 and groceries at 108.7. The lower cost-of-living numbers are utilities at 68.8 and health care at 85.2.
- Seattle does have higher crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 32.3 versus the U.S. average of 22.7 and a much higher property crime rate of 76.9 compared to the U.S. average of 35.4. These rates are for the Seattle downtown city area. Other communities in the Seattle Metro area have lower crime rates.
Paying for Assisted Living in Seattle
The Genworth Cost of Care Survey reports an average monthly cost of $6,750 for assisted living in Seattle compared to the state average of $6,000. These amounts are both much higher than the national average of $4,500.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
The cost of assisted living in Seattle is one of the most expensive in Washington, at $6,750. Just across the bay from Seattle, Bremerton averages less at $5,750. South of Seattle, the state capital of Olympia averages $4,805 monthly, and further south, Longview’s monthly average is $5,300.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Seniors can choose from additional long-term care options in Seattle based on their needs. Adult day health care, for seniors who only need weekday supervision, averages $2,600 per month. Seniors who decide to remain at home can choose homemaker services or home health aide care, which provides some medical assistance at a monthly average of $6,769 for each. Seniors who may need a higher level of medical care from a nursing home will pay an average of $9,916 for a semiprivate room and $11,984 for a private room.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Seattle
There are Medicaid programs offered by the state of Washington to pay for the cost of ALF services in Mountlake Terrace. Eligible seniors may qualify for the Community First Choice (CFC) State Plan or one of the Home and Community-Based Service 1915(c) waivers which are the Community Options Program Entry System (COPES), New Freedom and Residential Support waivers.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Washington page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Washington page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Seattle
Seattle is committed to being age-friendly, and part of this commitment includes offering numerous free resources for seniors. Government and local agencies provide community and social recreation, benefits education and additional support services for seniors.
Resource
Contact
Service
1 (800) 562-6028
The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program assists seniors and their families with issues or complaints with long-term care facilities. It also protects the rights of the elderly and educates them about the benefits and programs offered through Medicaid and Medicare. Ombudsmen help find resolutions for situations involving quality of care, seniors' rights, elder abuse and other aspects of dignity and personal rights for residents in long-term care facilities.
(206) 932-4044
The Senior Center of West Seattle provides support, socialization and activities to promote the health and wellness of area seniors. Fitness classes include yoga, exercise, qigong and tai chi. Activities include cribbage, mah-jongg, live music and drumming workshops.
(206) 727.6262
The Hyde Shuttle program offers seniors van service to locations throughout King County. Rides are provided for meal programs, medical appointments, senior centers, grocery stores, medical appointments and other local destinations.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Seattle
Seattle-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Washington are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Washington page for more information about these laws.
