Nearly 97,000 people call the central Washington city of Yakima home, and 15% of the city’s residents are seniors aged 65 and older. In Central Washington, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s and dementia is increasing. Demographic data from the state government shows that the number of seniors in the region living with Alzheimer’s has grown steadily since 2018, and it’s predicted to continue increasing through 2030. While the number of Alzheimer’s deaths in Yakima decreased by 11.81% between 2016 and 2020, this trend is likely to reverse as more seniors develop the disease.
With the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, dementia care is a critical asset to Yakima’s senior population. Memory care communities offer a safe, attentive environment for seniors in the later stages of memory-loss disorders, with trained staff available 24/7 for hands-on care. This guide provides an overview of memory care in and around Yakima, including average costs and other considerations for families exploring memory care for a loved one.