Memory Care Communities in Seattle, Washington

Partly due to its high cost of living, Seattle is one of Washington’s most expensive cities for memory care. It’s $938 higher than the Washington average of $7,500 and $2,813 more than the nationwide average of $5,625. Prices remain fairly high in Mount Vernon at $6,875, and in Bremerton, seniors pay $7,188. Costs average $6,006 in Olympia and $6,625 in Longview.

When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, 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 assisted living in Seattle and 60 other cities in Washington.

State and federal benefits, Veterans’ Administration programs, retirement savings and monthly income offer multiple ways to cover memory care costs in Seattle. By determining what payment solutions they qualify for, prospective residents can ensure the financial sustainability of their care.

• Medicaid: Washington’s Medicaid provides direct coverage for memory care services through the Specialized Dementia Care Program waiver. This waiver pays for services such as care coordination, 24-hour care and supervision and dementia-informed activities and programs.
• Medicare: While Medicare doesn’t cover the nonmedical services that make up the bulk of memory care, it can reduce monthly care bills by paying for medically necessary services. These services may include rehabilitative therapies, medical monitoring and medication services.
• VA Benefits: Qualified veterans with dementia receive an increased monthly pension through the Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefit programs, which they can use to pay for memory care services. The VA’s Geriatrics and Extended Care program also pays for residential services.
• Private payments: Memory care residents cover some or all their monthly expenses through their own income and assets, including 401(k) accounts, Social Security income, pension benefits and long-term care insurance. These sources pay for room and board, personal care and recreational activities.  

Independent living in Seattle, WA, is the most affordable at $3,939. In contrast, seniors needing some help with activities of daily living will pay more at $4,711 for assisted living. Because memory care offers more specialized care and can include 24/7 medical or other aid, this price is the highest at $10,830.

In Seattle and the rest of Washington, memory care facilities are regulated by the State Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Care Support Administration. Visit its website to learn about facility regulations, staff training requirements and dispute resolution procedures for complaints.

Benefits

• Seattle contains some of the most respected hospitals in the state, including University of Washington Medical Center, Virginia Mason Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center – Cherry Hill. These hospitals promote access to cutting-edge care for older adults with memory loss.
• Seattle seniors only pay federal taxes on their retirement income, as Washington has no income tax. As a result, seniors may have an easier time affording local memory care expenses.
• Seattle's warm season lasts from late June through mid-September, with average daytime temperatures between 72 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold season spans mid-November through the end of February and has highs between 46 and 53 degrees Fahrenheit. To support residents' comfort, memory care communities often provide individual climate controls and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
• As a member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network, Seattle follows an action plan that promotes age-friendly transportation services, inclusivity for those with memory loss and community-based health services.

Drawbacks

• Seattle's cost of living, which tracks nearly 37% above the national benchmark, negatively impacts seniors with limited financial resources. However, many of the city's memory care communities accept payment through the state-funded Specialized Dementia Care Program waiver.
• Seattle's crime rate exceeds that of 99% of U.S. communities. Fortunately, local memory care residences keep seniors safe with security gates and alarm systems.