The 3 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Ellensburg, WA for 2024

Assisted living facilities offer housing, meals, recreational activities and custodial services for seniors, making them a practical solution for those who don’t need medical support but are unable to live alone safely or comfortably. Residents often have multiple floor plans to choose from, some of which have private bathrooms and kitchens or kitchenettes, and many facilities accommodate pets and have amenities such as libraries and fitness centers. In general, seniors pay $4,975 per month for this level of care, compared to respective state and national norms of $6,000 and $4,500.

This guide provides more details on assisted living costs in Ellensburg and ways to pay for services. It also highlights supportive resources for current and prospective assisted living residents. 

All assisted living facilities in Ellensburg are required to obtain licensing from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. This department has a comprehensive set of rules related to medication services, daily care, staffing and pest control. It also publishes information on residents’ rights.

• Washington doesn’t have an income tax, making it a financially viable option for many seniors living on retirement income from multiple sources. The sales tax rate is comparatively high, but seniors may be able to control expenses by living in assisted living facilities.
• The overall cost of living in Ellensburg is a little higher than the national norm but well below the state average, which may make it a favorable option for retirees relocating from other cities in Washington. On a 100-point index based on national living costs, the city rates 102.9 compared to the Washington score of 121.9.
• The American Lung Association gives the Ellensburg region an F for particle pollution levels, indicating the city sees a relatively high number of high-ozone days on an annual basis. However, the region receives a passing score for annual particle pollution levels, which may help to protect the health of residents aged 65 and over.
• Property crime happens at a higher rate in Ellensburg than in a typical U.S. city, but there’s a comparatively low chance of being the victim of a violent crime here. On a 100-point crime scale, the city rates 47.5 for property-related offenses and 13.2 for violent crime, versus respective national scores of 35.4 and 22.7. This may appeal to seniors seeking a safe community for their retirement.
• Ellensburg has exceptionally pleasant weather, supporting an active lifestyle for retirees. The city has four distinct seasons, with daytime temperatures in the winter in the mid-30s, summer highs in the low- to mid-80s and mild spring and autumn months. On a 10-point comfort index, the city scores 9.2 for its moderate temperatures and low humidity levels.
• Health care costs are 20% lower in Ellensburg than in a typical U.S. city, but because the number of doctors per capita is roughly a third of the national norm at 79 physicians per 100,000 people, some seniors may have limited access to care. Even so, Medical Arts Center is located in the city proper, and many assisted living facilities have on-call physicians to help residents obtain necessary services.

Assisted living communities in Ellensburg typically charge $4,975 per month for housing and services.

In Ellensburg, seniors typically pay $4,975 per month for assisted living, which is higher than the national norm and about $1,000 below the statewide average. Care costs in nearby cities range considerably, with rates in Wenatchee coming in significantly higher than in Ellensburg at $5,750, but seniors in Walla Walla pay considerably lower monthly rates of $3,211. Similarly, in Olympia, assisted living rates are $170 less than in Ellensburg, and in Kennewick, care costs are a little higher than the local norm at $5,225.

Assisted living is the most economical recorded senior care option in Ellensburg, with seniors paying $4,975 per month for care. Those who live at home and hire private caregivers pay higher rates of $5,958 for nonmedical in-home care and skilled home health care. Nursing home rates are even higher, with those in semiprivate rooms paying $8,517 for services.

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.