The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Yakima, WA for 2024

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.

Licensing for memory care in Yakima, Washington, is provided by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. It’s responsible for implementing the Community First Choice Program and other beneficial memory care initiatives for seniors in the state. 

• Yakima offers several top-notch health care facilities such as Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital, Westcare Medical Clinic and Astria Health Center for medical emergencies or illness. 
• Low-income seniors in the state can benefit from Washington’s Medicaid program, Apple Health, which covers prescription medication, long-term care and more. 
• In 2019, Washington state implemented the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Act to support eligible seniors. They can claim $100 a day for up to 365 days, allowing seniors to live more comfortably. 
• Washington offers support for seniors to help them understand their health care options through the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisor (SHIBA). Seniors can use an online tool to locate a volunteer near them. 
• The state of Washington doesn’t tax Social Security or pensions, making it a tax-friendly location for seniors. 
• Seniors looking for memory care in Yakima can benefit from support through the Washington State Association of Senior Centers (WSASC). This organization works to help seniors find services they need to stay happy and healthy as they age. 
• It’s easy for seniors in Yakima to get to and from their medical appointments with assistance from the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Making transportation accessible and affordable to those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia makes Yakima a friendly city for the aging population. 
• Washington sees an average of 73 inches of rain per year due to its location on the Pacific Coast, significantly higher than the national average of 38 inches. It receives 161 days of sunshine annually, less than the U.S. national average of 205. However, it boasts beautiful parks and beaches for outdoor activity, which can be beneficial to people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 
• Senior Information & Assistance (A&I) is a free referral service that helps you find and get care for seniors ages 60 and older. 
• Various other programs are available through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services to protect and support vulnerable seniors in Yakima. These include the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and Adult Protective Services. 
• While the overall cost of living in Washington state is above the national index of 100, sitting at 118.7, Yakima city offers seniors a more affordable place to seek memory care. The overall cost of living is well below the national average within the city at an index of 93.  

Since the average cost of memory care is 20%-30% more than assisted living, we calculate the cost of memory care in Yakima based on the cost of assisted living plus 25%. Therefore, the monthly cost of memory care in Yakima is $6,219, based on data from the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2021. 

Memory care in Yakima, Washington, offers seniors with dementia a lower monthly fee than the state average by $1,281 but above the national average by $594. While Yakima offers one of the lowest monthly memory care rates in Washington compared to cities like Seattle, Wenatchee and Longview, it’s more expensive than care across the state line in Lewiston, Idaho, by $695. 

Memory care in Yakima is more expensive than some in-home care and assisted living services in the city but more affordable than traditional nursing home facilities. The median monthly cost of memory care in Yakima ($6,219) is $261 more than the monthly expense of both in-home homemaker services and hiring an in-home health aide. Compared to the median monthly cost of assisted living, memory care is $1244 more. However, it’s a more affordable alternative to nursing facilities. A semi-private room in Yakima costs $2298 more per month than memory care services, while a private room runs a median price of $2906 more per month. 

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.