Memory Care Communities in Portland, Oregon

At $6,219 per month, memory care in Portland is slightly lower than the average costs across Oregon, which is $6,306, but moderately higher than the national average of $5,625. Compared to some other cities in Oregon, such as Salem, at $6,875, and Eugene and Springfield, at $7,029, Portland could be seen as offering good value financially. The only nearby town to offer slightly lower rates is Bend, where seniors pay $6,044.

When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of more than 75,000 senior living providers to provide insight into the average cost of memory care in Portland and 19 other cities in Oregon.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Oregon page.

In Portland, senior living costs fluctuate based on the type of care, support and available amenities, so it's essential to choose based on needs, preferences and budget. Independent living doesn't provide much support but is the most affordable option, averaging $2,302 in Portland. Assisted living provides personal care and support with daily tasks, averaging $5,806 monthly. Memory care offers more intensive, dementia-friendly care, making it more expensive and averaging $7,193 per month.

The Oregon Department of Human Services oversees Portland’s memory care facilities. It conducts regular inspections and deals with complaint investigations, application procedures and other necessary activities. The office is responsible for licensing all care facilities throughout the state. 

• Portland is home to 13 hospitals, including the Oregon Health Sciences University, which offers hope for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia through its leading-edge treatment and research. Oregon is ranked 17th out of all the U.S. states for meeting its citizens’ health care needs.
• Portland’s cost of living is 29% higher than the national average. This is offset somewhat with lower utility bills. Also, it doesn’t mean living in the city has to be a struggle financially, as there are several ways seniors can obtain financial assistance through the Oregon Department of Human Services.
• Seniors have access to several low-cost transportation options in Portland, including door-to-door shuttles for medical appointments and shopping. There’s also a shared-ride service for seniors who are unable to use regular buses or trains.
• The city enjoys around 144 sunny days per year, with temperatures during the warmer months from June to September averaging 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures rarely go below freezing with averages of 36 degrees. Although the city receives 43 inches of rain per year, the three inches of snow it receives is significantly less than the national average.
• Seniors who withdraw from retirement accounts or an IRA are taxed at the full rate, while both public and private pensions are partially taxed. On the plus side, Portland’s senior residents are exempt from state income tax on their Social Security retirement benefits. Furthermore, zero sales tax and lower than average property taxes are why Oregon is considered a moderately tax-friendly state towards seniors.
• Portland has a crime rate of 55 per 1,000 residents, one of the highest in the United States. In particular, property and violent crime combined is higher than the national average. However, residents can rest easy as many memory care facilities in the city offer excellent security measures, such as 24-hour staffing and video surveillance.