
Assisted Living in Washington
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Families looking for assisted living in Washington (WA) have a wide array of communities to choose from, since estimated that there are more than 30,000 assisted living communities serving seniors across the U.S., and over 520 statewide. The state is also home to a rapidly growing number of senior citizens, with adults over 65 making up an estimated 15.1 percent of the population. A resident in an assisted living community in Washington will pay $5,135 per month on average.
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What You Should Know About Assisted Living in Washington
Assisted living facilities in Washington are licensed through the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Licenses are granted to communities that provide room and board to seven or more residents and offer assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs).
Licensed assisted living facilities that contract with Medicaid provide three levels of services:
- Enhanced adult residential care
- Assisted living services
- Adult residential care services
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Washington
Seniors who fall into lower income brackets may need financial assistance to cover the cost of assisted living care. Washington offers several subsidy programs to ease the financial burden by providing necessary services for little to no cost.
Medicaid Personal Care (MPC) Program
The Medicaid Personal Care (MPC) program operates as part of the Washington state Medicaid plan. Although the MPC program does not pay for room and board, it does provide personal care assistance to eligible participants, including services such as eating, bathing, grooming, personal hygiene and other services that fall under activities of daily living. The program can also provide nursing services to conduct assessments, coordinate care and offer skilled treatment. The MPC program is classed as an entitlement, so qualification guarantees services with no waiting list.
Who Is Eligible?
Washington seniors must qualify financially and functionally to be eligible for the MPC program. To gain functional eligibility, candidates must require assistance to perform at least three of the following activities of daily living:
- Eating
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Personal hygiene
- Mobility around and outside the home
- Bed mobility
- Medication management
- Transferring (standing from a bed or chair)
- Toileting
Seniors will qualify financially if they meet eligibility requirements for the Non-institutional, Categorically Needy Medicaid program. These requirements are stricter than those of classic Medicaid, and the income limit changes each year. Health insurance premiums can be deducted from the monthly income total. The value of countable resources are also considered and must be below $2,000 for individual applicants or below $3,000 for married couples applying. The applicant's primary home is exempt as long as it is valued under $572,000, along with a primary vehicle, household items, personal effects and pre-arranged burial plans.
How to Apply
Applicants for the MPC program must be enrolled in Medicaid. Those who already are can speak with their case manager, fill out a paper application and submit it to the address on the form or fill out and submit an application online.
Washington's Community First Choice Option (CFCO) is a Medicaid program developed to provide services to residents who qualify for nursing home care levels. These services include attendant care and non-care assistance. The personal care provided by the program is self-directed and allows participants to choose their care providers, including family members. Services provided include:
- Activities of daily living
- Nursing tasks
- Respite care
- Personal emergency response services
- Medication assistance
- Training to aid in caregiver selection
- Community transition services
- Housework
- Assistive technology
Participants of the CFCO program can also participate in the MPC program but the same services can not be covered by both programs.
Who is Eligible?
Seniors must be at least 65 years old and demonstrate a need for a nursing home level of care to be eligible for the CFCO program. Applicants must have a gross monthly income that is under three times the Federal Benefit Rate, which is updated annually. Those with income above $750 per month are also subject to asset limits. The calculated assets do not include the applicant's primary home as long as that home's value is under $572,000.
How to Apply
Seniors who wish to apply for the CFCO program need to contact their nearest Area Agency on Aging.
Washington Medicaid also offers the Community Options Program Entry System (COPES) waiver to allow those who need a nursing home level of care to live at home or enter an assisted living facility instead. The program offers care, home modifications, personal emergency response services and transportation assistance for medical appointments. The COPES waiver is not an entitlement program, so there is a limited number of slots available. New applicants will be placed on a waiting list until spots open up.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible candidates for the COPES program must be at least 65 years old or have a qualifying disability. Applicants must also demonstrate a need for assistance with at least two activities of daily living and meet the financial qualifications for Medicaid. Seniors who don't meet the financial qualifications may still be eligible for the COPES waiver if they qualify as "medically needy" with high monthly medical expenses.
How to Apply
More information on the COPES waiver can be found on the Washington Connection website along with an application that can be submitted online.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Remember that not all assisted living properties accept all subsidy programs. When applying for a subsidy program, make sure it is accepted by the assisted living facility of your choice.
More Ways to Finance Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Visit our 9 Ways to Pay for Assisted Living page for more information.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Washington
Washington seniors can also take advantage of the free resources offered by the state to residents of assisted living communities. These resources can be obtained through nonprofit or government funded programs.
Washington Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
The Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in Washington are overseen by the Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging. The state is home to 13 AAA offices that are available to resident seniors. AAA representatives offer information about resources available to seniors, eligibility requirements for programs within the state, application assistance and explanation of benefits from various organizations.
Seniors who wish to contact a representative should look up their local AAA office on this interactive map to obtain contact information.
Aging & Adult Care of Central Washington
50 Simon Street SE, East Wenatchee, WA 98802
(509) 886-0700
Aging and Disability Services, Seattle-King County
700 5th Avenue, 51st Floor, Seattle WA 98104
(206) 684-0104
Aging & Long-Term Care of Eastern Washington
1222 North Post, Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 458-2509
Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington
201 NE 73rd Street, Suite 201, Vancouver, WA 98665
(360) 735-5720
Colville Confederated Tribe Area Agency on Aging
21 Colville Street, Nespelem, WA 99155
(509) 634-2759
Kitsap County Division of Aging & Long-Term Care
1026 Sidney Avenue, Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 337-7068
Lewis/Mason/Thurston Area Agency on Aging
2404 Heritage Court SW, Suite A, Olympia, WA 98502
(360) 664-2168
Northwest Regional Council
600 Lakeway Drive, Suite 100, Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 676-6749
Olympic Area Agency on Aging
11700 Rhody Drive, Port Hadlock, WA 98339
(360) 379-5064
Pierce County Community Connections Aging and Disability Resources
1305 Tacoma Avenue, Suite 104, Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 798-4500
Snohomish County Aging & Disability Services Division
3000 Rockefeller Avenue, M/S 305, Everett, WA 98201
(425) 388-7200
Southeast WA Aging and Long-Term Care
7200 W Nob Hill Blvd, Yakima, WA 98908-0349
(509) 965-0105
Yakama Nation Area Agency on Aging
91 Wishpoosh Rd, Toppenish, WA 98948
(509) 865-7164 or (509) 865-5121
Elderly residents in Washington who have served their country can receive assistance from one of the local Veterans Administration (VA) Centers. VA representatives are available to explain benefits, determine eligibility and coordinate supportive services to Washington veterans and their families.
Seniors can contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by calling 1-800-273-8255 or they can stop by one of the local offices listed below:
Bellingham Vet Center
3800 Byron Avenue Suite 124, Bellingham, WA 98229
(360) 733-9226
Everett Vet Center
1010 SE Everett Mall Way Suite 101, Everett, WA 98208
(206) 240-7769
Federal Way Vet Center
32020 32nd Avenue South, Suite 110, Federal Way, WA 98001
(253) 838-3090
Lacey Outstation
4232 6th Ave SE Lacey, Lacey, WA 98503
(253) 226-7073
Seattle Vet Center
4735 East Marginal Way South, Room 1102, Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 658-4225
Spokane Vet Center
13109 East Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane, WA 99216
(509) 444-8387
Tacoma Vet Center
4916 Center Street Suite E, Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 565-7038
Walla Walla Vet Center
1104 West Poplar Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 526-8387
Yakima Valley Vet Center
2119 West Lincoln Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 457-2736
Social Security offices have representatives available to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits, assist with benefit applications and explain the benefits seniors receive. Seniors who qualify for Social Security benefits can coordinate with the Social Security office to discover other government programs they may be eligible for.
The Social Security Administration can be reached by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or seniors can visit their local Social Security office listed below:
Bellevue Social Security Office 98005
636 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Bellingham Social Security Office 98225
710 Alabama St, Bellingham, WA 98225
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Burien Social Security Office 98166
151 SW 156 Street, Burien, WA 98166
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Centralia Social Security Office 98531
1821 Cooks Hill Rd, Centralia, WA 98531
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
College Place Social Security Office 99324
880 NE Rose St, College Place, WA 99324
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Everett Social Security Office 98201
3809 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hoquiam Social Security Office 98550
820 Simpson Ave, Hoquiam, WA 98550
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Kennewick Social Security Office 99336
8131 W Klamath Ct, Kennewick, WA 99336
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Kent Social Security Office 98032
321 Ramsay Way, Kent, WA 98032
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Longview Social Security Office 98632
840 Ocean Beach Hwy, Longview, WA 98632
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Lynnwood Social Security Office 98036
18905 33rd Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Mt Vernon Social Security Office 98273
710 E College Way, Mt Vernon, WA 98273
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Olympia Social Security Office 98502
402 Yauger Way SW, Olympia, WA 98502
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Port Angeles Social Security Office 98362
138 W First Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Puyallup Social Security Office 98373
811 South Hill Park Dr, Puyallup, WA 98373
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Seattle Social Security Office 98174
915 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98174
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Seattle Social Security Office 98133
13510 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Silverdale Social Security Office 98383
9594 Mickelberry Rd NW, Silversale, WA 98383
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Spokane Social Security Office 99202
714 N Iron Bridge Way, Spokane, WA 99202
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Tacoma Social Security Office 98409
2608 S 47th St, Tacoma, WA 98409
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Wenatchee Social Security Office 98801
301 Yakima Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Yakima Social Security Office 98902
801 Fruitvale Blvd, Yakima, WA 98902
1-800-772-1213 or TTY: 1-800-325-0778
The ombudsman office for Washington state is an advocacy group for elderly Washington residents who require long-term care. Complaints about infringement on the rights of residents at assisted living communities, abuse or neglect from community staff and improper community operations are given to the Washington Ombudsman office to investigate.
Complaints can be filed with the Ombudsman office by calling the DHS hotline at 1-800-562-6078 or filling out the online form on the Ombudsman website.
AAA & Disabilities of SW WA
201 NE 73rd St, Suite 201, Vancouver, WA 98665
(360) 694-9007
Aging & Adult Care of Central WA
50 Simon St, SE, Ste A, East Wenatchee, WA 98802
(509) 886-0700 x206
Blue Mountain Action Council
1520 Kelly Place, Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 520-5162
Kitsap County Area Agency on Aging
614 Division, M/S5, Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 337-5714
Lewis/Mason/Thurston LTCOP
3321 Cooks Hill Rd, Centralia, WA 98531
(360) 943-6018
Olympic Area AoA
2700 Simpson Ave, Suite 205, Aberdeen, WA 98520
(360) 986-0657
People for People
304 West Lincoln Ave, Yakima, WA 98902
(509) 453-0480
Pierce County Comm Connections, Aging & LTC
3602 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98418
(253) 798-3789
SNAP- EWLTC Ombudsman Program
3102 W. Ft. George Wright Dr, Spokane, WA 99224
(509) 456-7133
Snohomish-King Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
PO Box 23699, Federal Way, WA 98093-0699
(206) 623-0816
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
336 36th St, #813, Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 853-5146
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Washington
Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements
Before admittance, residents must submit to a thorough assessment of needs and preferences to create their service plan. Medications, medical history, any professional medical diagnosis, behaviors or symptoms that necessitate special care, mental illness, personal care needs, food and daily routines, and activity and service preferences must all be considered when developing the service plan. An initial assessment is conducted before admittance, and then a full assessment must be completed within 14 days of the resident moving in. Limited assessments are conducted if there is a change with the resident's condition or it appears the current service plan is not meeting the resident's needs.
Assisted Living Admission Requirements
Residents who require a nursing home level of care can only be admitted to assisted living facilities with a registered nurse on staff. Residents who require frequent evaluations by a registered nurse are also ineligible for an assisted living facility unless they are receiving hospice care or the evaluations are related to an illness that will resolve within 14 days.
Assisted living communities must consider their ability to serve the needs of residents when choosing who to admit and may not retain anyone who endangers other residents.
Assisted Living Scope of Care
Assisted living facilities are responsible for the residents in their care and must abide by the resident care plan to promote the safety and well-being of each resident. Assistance with ADLs, intermittent nursing services and health support services are not required but, if assisted living facilities choose to offer ADL assistance, they must meet minimum standards and provide assistance for mobility, personal hygiene, transferring, toileting, bathing, dressing and eating. Health services and intermittent nursing services that assisted living facilities may choose to provide include:
- Blood glucose testing
- Puree diets
- Calorie-controlled diabetic diets
- Dementia care
- Mental health care
- Medication administration
- Administration of health care treatments
- Diabetic management
- Non-routine ostomy care
- Tube feeding
- Nurse delegation
Intermittent nursing services must be provided by staff with the proper licensing and credentials. Assisted living facilities that provide these services must closely monitor residents for physical, mental or emotional changes and respond appropriately.
Third-party providers can be arranged by the resident to provide services onsite but the assisted living facility is not required to supervise the caregiver. Services provided by the assisted living facility must be coordinated with third party caregivers and the community is required to observe the resident for any changes in functioning.
Assisted Living Medicaid Policy
The Washington state Medicaid program has programs and waivers that can provide financial assistance to seniors in assisted living facilities. These include the Medicaid Personal Care (MPC) program, the Community First Choice Option (CFCO) and the Community Options Program Entry System waiver. Not all assisted living facilities accept payment for services from these programs, so it's important to speak with any prospective facility to understand what may be covered.
Assisted Living Facility Requirements
Washington law does not require private rooms or apartments but no more than two residents can occupy any unit and both must agree to the arrangement. Assisted living facilities who obtained their license before July 1, 1989, can house up to four residents in one unit. Each facility must provide at least one toilet and sink per eight residents and one bathing fixture per 12 residents. The bathroom must be placed on the same level as the sleeping room for the resident it is designated to serve.
Assisted living communities that wish to accept coverage for assisted living services by the Washington State DSHS Aging and Disability Services Administration must provide Medicaid-eligible residents with apartment-like units. Each unit should have a private bathroom with a sink, toilet and bathing facilities. The entry door must be lockable and the unit must include a kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave or stove top and a counter or table for preparing food. A living area must be provided with wiring for a telephone and television service where available.
Medication Management Regulations
Assisted living communities must offer medication administration options that include full administration, self-administration or assisted administration of medication. Some communities are licensed to allow a family member to administer medication provided the family member can produce a written medication or treatment plan.
Staffing Requirements
Every assisted living community must have an administrator and registered nurses are required for communities that offer nursing level care services. There are no staff-to-resident ratios, but there must always be one staff member onsite who is over the age of 18 and is certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Staff Training Requirements
Training requirements for administrators and long-term care workers include:
- First aid and CPR certification within 30 days of employment. Card must remain valid throughout employment.
- 2-hour orientation before providing care.
- 3 hours of safety training before providing care.
- 70 hours of basic training within 120 days of hire.
- 12 hours of continuing education each year.
- HIV/AIDS training within 30 days of employment. This is included in basic training.
- Nurse delegation and core diabetes training (must be a registered nurse assistant or certified home care aide) before accepting delegated tasks.
Employees who provide services to residents with special needs must undergo specialty training.
Background Checks for Assisted Living Staff in Washington
All staff within an assisted living facility must undergo a thorough background check. Fingerprint background check authorizations must be submitted for all employees who have unsupervised access to residents. Being convicted of a disqualifying crime, pending charges of a disqualifying crime and those found to have abused a vulnerable person are ineligible for hire at assisted living facilities.
Requirements for Reporting Abuse
The Aging and Long-Term Support Administration handles reports of abuse at residential facilities for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. You can reach their 24-hour hotline at 1-800-562-6078 or visit the Residential Care Services Online Incident Reporting page to file a report online.
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Top-Rated Caring Stars Winners in Washington
Caring.com’s Caring Stars award program recognizes the best assisted living facilities across the U.S. based on reviews from family caregivers and older adults. This award is meant to help older adults and their loved ones find the best assisted living or in-home care option in their area. The list below shows up to 10 listings that have won the most Caring Stars annual awards in their state, sorted by their current overall average rating. For a complete list of Caring Stars winners for each year, please visit our Caring Stars info center.
Highgate at Vancouver
Vancouver, WA Cost Levels
12 reviews