The 5 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Chehalis, WA for 2024

Chehalis is a small community of 7,600 people in scenic Chehalis Valley, close to major roadways and medical facilities. The city offers a low violent crime rate, and its relative affordability combined with the lack of state income taxes make it a financially viable option for many retirees. It has a large senior community that makes up about 17% of its population, which it supports through access to county-sponsored services and high-quality assisted living facilities. 

Assisted living facilities feature daily care and assistance for those who don’t need nursing home placement but want the low-maintenance lifestyle residential care provides. Residents in these facilities have access to daily meals, social and recreational activities and time-saving services such as housekeeping and linen care. Highly trained caregivers administer personal care services according to individualized care plans, and many assisted living facilities have on-site wellness services to promote residents’ health and comfort. In Chehalis, assisted living costs $4,805 per month. This is higher than the national norm of $4,500 but significantly lower than Washington’s average of $6,000.

This guide includes more details on the benefits of moving to Chehalis for long-term care. It also outlines common ways local seniors pay for assisted living.

Assisted living facilities in Chehalis are licensed through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration and comply with minimum standards for building requirements, care planning, staffing and nutrition services. This department promotes a high standard of care for residents through a strict licensing process and regular inspections.

 

• Washington’s lack of state income tax means seniors only pay federal income taxes on their retirement income, regardless of its source. This can help many seniors afford assisted living in Chehalis, especially if they’re moving to this city from outside the state.
• Seniors who need local transportation may be able to get services through the Lewis County Senior Services program. Seniors can learn more about this county-sponsored program by calling the main office at (360) 748-0061.
• There are no hospitals in Chehalis proper, but assisted living residents have access to numerous major medical facilities in the region, including Providence Centralia Hospital and Providence St. Peter Hospital in nearby Olympia. While the number of doctors per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national norm at 104, many local assisted living facilities have on-call physicians who provide care.
• On a 10-point comfort index, Chehalis rates 9.1 versus the national score of 7.8, indicating that it’s one of the more pleasant places to live in the country. The July high is around 78 degrees and humidity is low most days, making the city an attractive option for active seniors. Winters are mild with daytime temperatures in the mid-40s and just 2 inches of snowfall. Assisted living facilities typically plan indoor and outdoor activities throughout the year to accommodate a variety of interests and preferences.
• Property crime is very prevalent in Chehalis, which may make assisted living a practical alternative to living alone for vulnerable individuals. On a 100-point crime index, the city rates 94.9 for this type of care, versus the national norm of 35.4. However, violent crime is rare, rating 12.3 compared to 22.7 nationally, providing peace of mind to many seniors moving to this city for long-term care.
• The cost of living in Chehalis is in line with the national norm and well below the state average, which may make the city a budget-friendly option for those seeking long-term care with limited financial resources. On an index set to a national norm of 100, the city rates 100.1 compared to the state score of 121.9.

 

Seniors in Chehalis pay approximately $4,805 per month on average for assisted living.

In Chehalis, assisted living costs $4805 per month on average, making this city a favorable option for those seeking budget-friendly care. While local rates exceed the national norm by about $300, they come in 20% below the state median, and they're lower than care costs in nearby cities. For example, in Yakima, rates are a little higher than in Chehalis at $4,975, and in Longview, care costs exceed Chehalis’s average by about $500. Similarly, seniors in Bremerton pay comparatively high monthly fees of $5,750 for the same level of care, and in Seattle, monthly care costs are almost $2,000 higher than in Chehalis.

With monthly fees at $4,805 per month, assisted living is one of the most affordable senior care options in Chehalis. While seniors typically spend 66% less per month for adult day health care, those who choose to obtain in-home care or home health care pay higher rates of $6,673 per month. Nursing home care, which includes medical support and around-the-clock supervision, costs more than double the rate of assisted living at $9,764.

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. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Washington page.