Assisted Living in Oregon

Single Applicant 

$10,092

$2,000 

Two-Person Household, both applying 

$15,132

$3,000 

Two-Person Household, one applicant 

$15,132

$3,000 

Oregon Health Authority Ombudsman Program 

(877) 642-0450 

The Oregon Health Authority Ombudsman Program supports Medicaid beneficiaries by advocating on their behalf to ensure they have high access to health care. Individuals can contact the ombudsman if they have questions about their coverage, need help finding a provider or have a complaint regarding denied claims or canceled coverage.

Oregon Health Plan Customer Service 

(800) 699-9075 

The OHP Customer Service hotline provides free information and assistance with applying for Medicaid. Through this service, seniors can learn more about Medicaid benefits and the application process.

Oregon Health PlanCare Coordination 

(800) 562-4620 

Seniors can call OHP Care Coordination for nurse advice and help with finding health care providers. The website also publishes information regarding the legislation that affects benefits and fields beneficiary feedback through member satisfaction surveys.

Aid and Attendance

Learn more and apply online at va.gov.

Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Assisted Living.

Reverse Mortgages

Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov

If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Assisted Living. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.

Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance

Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov.

Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Assisted Living. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Assisted Living will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy.

Oregon Area Agencies on Aging 

(503) 945-5600 

16 Area Agencies on Aging provide community-based services and support for those aged 60 and over in Oregon. Through these local nonprofit agencies, older adults can obtain services such as transportation, congregate meals and social and recreational activities. The agencies have legal and financial advisors who help older adults find ways to pay for Assisted Living and navigate issues such as assigning powers or attorneys and managing assets.

Aging and Disability Resource Connection 

(855) 673-2372 

The ADRC provides free information on long-term support options in Oregon. The website has a suite of user-friendly tools that help older adults assess and plan for their current and future care needs and find resources in their communities. Seniors can also speak with an ADRC representative for one-on-one help with finding local services and programs.

Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman 

(800) 522-2602 

The statewide Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for those in Assisted Living and other long-term residential facilities, ensuring they understand their rights, receive a high standard of care and have the information they need to make decisions regarding their care plans. The ombudsman can mediate disagreements between families, residents and care staff and find solutions for gaps in care plans. They can also field and investigate reports of abuse or neglect and involve the proper authorities.

Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs 

(800) 692-9666 

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs provides information on state and federal benefits available to qualifying veterans in the state, including disability compensation, emergency assistance, burial funds, veterans’ and survivors’ pensions, transportation, tax exemptions and long-term care via the state’s two veterans’ homes. It can also help individuals apply for Aid and Attendance, which may help cover residential long-term care costs. 

Social Security Administration 

(800) 772-1213 

The Social Security Administration operates field offices throughout Oregon. At these locations, older adults can apply for benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income and Medicare. The office can also replace Social Security cards and provide proof of income, which older adults may need when applying for Medicaid. 

Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program 

(800) 722-4134 

SHIBA is a statewide program that provides free health insurance options counseling to those aged 65 and over. Seniors can talk with a SHIBA counselor to learn more about their Medicare benefits and obtain unbiased information on available Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans, which can help reduce out-of-pocket medical and long-term care costs. The program can also help seniors learn how to protect themselves from health insurance fraud, determine eligibility for Medicaid and file appeals for denied health insurance claims.

Are loved ones allowed to visit to provide emotional support?

Are relatives allowed to visit for end-of-life care?

Are residents required to quarantine after visiting with a loved one?

Are visitors required to wear PPE (including masks) in order to visit residents?

Are non-medical contractors (such as hairdressers and entertainers) allowed in senior living facilities?

Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?

Are visitors required to answer questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?

Are residents allowed to leave (errands, visiting family, etc.) for non-medical reasons?

Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they return?

Are senior living communities required to cancel all group outings?

Are residents allowed to eat meals together in a common area?

Are residents allowed to gather in common areas for group activites?

Are staff members regularly required to do a temperature check?

Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?

Are staff members members regularly required to do a health and safety screening, including questions about travel, contact with positive cases, etc?

Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms?

Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures?

Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?

Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements

To determine a resident’s service plan, the facility must conduct an evaluation within the first 30 days of residency that establishes a baseline of the resident’s physical and mental health. This includes: 

• Interests, hobbies and leisure activities
• Current medical diagnosis
• Current medications
  
  
• Mental health issues, including depression and behavioral disorders
  
  
• Memory
• Communication and sensory abilities
• Ability to manage medications and use a call system
• Tobacco, alcohol and drug use 

The service plan must outline the services provided and by whom, where and how often. It must be reviewed quarterly or whenever the resident’s needs change.

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Before a new resident moves in, the facility must ensure that it can adequately meet their needs. It must conduct an initial screening to determine their service needs, preferences, strengths and relationships.

Assisted Living Scope of Care

At a minimum, assisted living facilities in Oregon provide: 

• Three nutritious, appetizing meals daily, plus snacks, with modifications for special diets; menus must be prepared at least a week in advance, and meal substitutions must be available
• Personal and laundry services 
• Daily social and recreational programming
• Space, equipment and supplies for group activities
• Assistance with daily living activities including mobility assistance, dressing, bathing and eating
• Medication administration
• Housekeeping services 

Facilities must also arrange for transportation services for medical and recreational outings, and it must contract with third parties for ancillary services such as barber and beauty services, therapy and hospice. 

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Oregon’s Medicaid program covers some Assisted Living services under the K Plan, which pays for attendant care in any setting, including Adult Foster Care, Independent Living or Assisted Living communities. The state's Medicaid program also covers assisted living services under the Aged and Physically Disabled Waiver. For residents paying for assisted living with Medicaid, the person-centered service plan coordinator completes their service plan. This waiver doesn’t cover room and board.

Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Assisted Living facilities have to comply with local building regulations and take measures to prevent pest infestations. They must have accessible, well-lit outdoor recreation areas. All indoor pathways and floors must be in good repair and made from hard, smooth materials while minimizing resistance for those using wheelchairs and mobility aids. Walls and ceilings must be cleanable, and facilities with more than one level must have elevators. Resident units may be limited to a bedroom with up to two residents, and there must be a minimum of 80 square feet per resident. Centralized bathrooms are permitted.

Medication Management Regulations

Assisted living facilities must have safe medication and treatment administration systems approved by a licensed nurse, pharmacist consultant or physician, and facilities must maintain medication records for each resident. All medication obtained through a pharmacy or over the counter must be clearly labeled in the original container. 

Residents who self-administer their medications must be evaluated upon move-in and at least quarterly to ensure they can continue to safely do so, and they must have a physician’s written order of approval for self-administration of prescription medications. They're permitted to keep their medications in their unit unless doing so could be unsafe.

Direct care staff members may administer medication if certified staff members have observed and evaluated their ability to safely do so. Only a physician or other legally recognized practitioner can make changes to residents' medication regimens. Residents or their legally authorized persons may refuse medications or treatments. 

Staffing Requirements

Facilities must have full-time administrators to oversee day-to-day operations and ensure compliance with regulations, as well as caregivers and universal workers. Facilities must hire or have a contract with licensed nurses. There must be enough qualified staff members to maintain awake schedules at all times. 

Staff Training Requirements

All employees must complete orientation within 30 days of their hire date. This must cover residents’ rights, reporting abuse, infection control and emergency procedures. Caregivers must complete 12 hours of on-the-job training. All staff members must be certified first aiders and CPR certification is recommended. Administrators must complete 20 hours of continuing education every year. 

Background Checks for Assisted Living

All staff members are subject to criminal background checks, which must be conducted every two years and submitted to the Department of Human Services and Aging. Disqualifying crimes include criminally negligent homicide, assault, human trafficking, sexual misconduct, theft or burglary, animal abuse and illicit drug possession.

Requirements for Reporting Abuse

All employees are required to immediately report abuse to the local department office, the local Area Agency on Aging and to the facility administrator. If the abuse is believed to be a crime, local law enforcement must be contacted first. Residents, visitors and family members can report abuse to the Department of Human Services by calling the toll-free number at (855) 503-7233.