The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Tacoma, WA for 2024

In the city of Tacoma, WA, about 14% of the 219,000 residents are aged 65 and over. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a significant increase in the number of deaths in the region linked to Alzheimer’s. Between 2016 and 2020, the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths went up by 21%. By comparison, the number of deaths across all causes went up by less than 14%.

Residential dementia care offers peace of mind for families by providing housing, meals and engaging recreational activities for seniors with dementia. These facilities have secure indoor and outdoor common areas to prevent wandering and are staffed with highly trained caregivers who provide companionship, compassionate care and 24-hour monitoring. They also oversee dementia-friendly social and recreational activities such as gardening, picnics and scrapbooking to keep residents engaged. This guide provides an overview of monthly care costs in memory care facilities in Tacoma and highlights community resources that may be useful to seniors and families affected by dementia.

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ Aging and Long-Term Support Administration licenses, monitors and regulates memory care facilities in Tacoma and across the state of Washington. It performs background checks on owners and key staff members. To ensure compliance, the department conducts inspections on a regular basis.

• The largest hospital in Tacoma is Multicare Tacoma General Hospital, known for its Cardiac ICU, bariatric services, medical ICU and on-site emergency department services. There are two additional hospitals in the area: Multicare Allenmore Hospital and St. Joseph Medical Center, which both offer a wide range of medical services. These three hospitals ensure that seniors have access to all the medical care they may require.
• Tacoma has a high rate of crime in comparison to the average U.S. city. However, seniors who live in memory care facilities can rest assured they are safe, as most of these communities have restricted access, video surveillance, 24/7 staff and security systems.
• The typical health cost index for Tacoma is 80, which means that health care in Tacoma is less expensive than in most cities across the United States. However, the cost of living in Tacoma is higher overall than the U.S. average. Seniors living in memory care or other assisted living facilities have fixed monthly costs, however, making it easier for them to work out a budget. 
• The summers are short and dry in Tacoma, with a long, wet and cold winter. The city receives rain an average of 154 days each year, with only 141 days of sunshine, which is much lower than the countrywide average of 205 sunny days. This climate may suit seniors who don’t like hot days and enjoy the rain.
• Pierce County offers reduced fares for seniors using the public bus system in Tacoma. Seniors are required to apply for a Senior Regional Reduced Fare Permit (SRRFP) in order to qualify for the reduced fees. Single one-way rides are $1, and a full-day pass is $2.50 using the SRRFP. 

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 Tacoma and 30 other cities in Washington.

Tacoma is one of the most expensive cities for memory care in the state, with only Seattle having a higher cost at $8,438 per month. Walla Walla is the most affordable option in the state at $4,014 each month. In Olympia, the typical senior pays around $6,006 for memory care, while those in nearby Mount Vernon pay $6,875 on a monthly basis.

The costs of senior living vary considerably depending on care type. Tacoma memory care in 2023 costs $8,525, significantly more than most senior living options. Assisted living currently costs $5,228, while independent living costs $2,628. Factors such as amenities and specialized services affect the cost of care, and seniors should consider their budget, medical needs and personal preferences when choosing a care type.

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 Washington page.