The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Bend, OR for 2024

 

According to the 2021 Census, there are 16,431 seniors aged 65 and over in Bend. These older residents are at significant risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, and it's a growing problem for the city. Alzheimer's-related deaths increased by 14.8% between 2016 and 2020, as reported by the CDC, which is more than twice the rate of increase in deaths attributed to all sources. As it stands, the disease is now responsible for almost 10% of all fatalities in Bend. Oregon's chapter of the Alzheimer's Association estimates the number of state residents affected by the disease at over 69,000.

Due to the serious and progressive nature of Alzheimer's disease, seniors affected by it often need full-time dementia care. This is generally provided in assisted living and memory care facilities with specially trained staff, as well as activities and wellness programs focused on minimizing the effects of Alzheimer's. This guide helps seniors and families compare the cost of care in Bend and the wider region, and provides details on potential sources of financial assistance and local senior resources.

In communities across Oregon, including Bend, the Oregon Department of Human Services is responsible for overseeing the licensing and management of all community-based care settings, including memory care facilities. The Office of Safety, Oversight and Quality conducts inspections at least once every two years to ensure facilities are maintained and operated in accordance with state and federal regulations.

• Bend is considered one of the safest cities in Oregon. Ranked on a scale from 1 to 100, the city receives a crime index rating of 12.2 in terms of violent crime, which is lower than both the state average of 17.7 and the national median of 22.7. Property-related offenses are a bit more prevalent, though their rate of 37.2 still falls below the Oregon average of 43.4.
• The cost of living in Bend is quite high compared to other cities in Oregon. Based on the U.S. average of 100, the city receives an index rating of 131.3, which is higher than the state median of 114.3. This is largely due to the area’s high housing costs, which are more than double the national average. Fortunately, transportation costs are low and health care costs are moderate.
• Oregon is considered to be relatively tax-friendly toward retirees. While income from retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s, is fully taxed, Social Security retirement benefits are exempt from state income tax. There is also no sales tax in Oregon, which can help seniors make the most of their income.
• Bend offers a pleasant, year-round climate with four distinct seasons. While the area does receive about 21 inches of snowfall per year, winters are typically quite dry, with temperatures remaining above the mid-20s. In the summertime, temperatures reach highs around 82 degrees with low levels of humidity, which is ideal for outdoor activity.
• Seniors can easily navigate the city using Cascades East Transit’s fixed-route bus service. Additionally, CET operates a Ride Assist program known as Bend Dial-A-Ride, which is a curb-to-curb paratransit service.
• St. Charles Hospital is the only health care facility available to residents of Bend in the event of an emergency. The nearest major hospital is located in Portland.
• Bend is committed to supporting its senior population through initiatives such as the Making Oregon Vital for Elders (MOVE) program. The program provides training, education and advocacy to improve the state’s ability to support the health and long-term care needs of older adults.

Note: Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care rates tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care costs in the United States, so we’ve estimated the monthly memory care costs listed below by adding 25% to the rates listed in Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

Memory care in Bend costs an average of $6,044 per month, though costs can vary based on a facility’s location, services and amenities.

While care costs in Bend are over $400 higher than the national average, they’re about $260 lower than the state median. Compared to other cities in Oregon, these costs are quite moderate. Care in Portland is $175 more expensive than in Bend, and costs in Eugene are nearly $1,000 higher per month. However, seniors are likely to find more affordable memory care in cities such as Albany and Medford, where the average monthly rates are $5,663 and $5,800, respectively.

At $1,842 per month, adult day care is an inexpensive option for seniors who only require part-time assistance. Assisted living is about $1,200 less expensive than memory care, though the services aren’t dementia-focused. For about $400 more than memory care, seniors can opt to live at home with the support of in-home care or home health care services. Individuals who require 24-hour care and supervision may find a nursing home to be the most suitable option. Rates for semiprivate rooms start at $10,038, which is nearly $4,000 higher than memory care.

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.