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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Tacoma, WA for 2023

Tacoma sits on the Puget Sound approximately 30 miles southwest of Seattle and boasts a wide selection of activities indoors and out. From beachcombing to theater performances and its world-renowned glass art community, Tacoma offers many options for seniors who enjoy an active lifestyle. The city’s population of 219,346 includes 13% of residents aged 60 and older and offers plenty of senior-friendly living.

When elders can no longer care for themselves at home, assisted living communities provide personal care, housekeeping and companionship in a homelike setting. Staff members at these communities help with daily living needs and provide social activities and wellness options, such as exercise and medication management. Assisted living is a less expensive alternative to nursing home care, which includes a higher level of medical care and around-the-clock supervision. Seniors in Tacoma who opt to live in an assisted living facility pay an average monthly cost of $5,750, which is lower than the state average of $6,000.

This guide provides information and costs for assisted living in Tacoma and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city. It also includes costs for additional long-term care options and a list of free resources for seniors.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Tacoma, Washington

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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Tacoma

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services provides guidelines and licensing for assisted living facilities through its Aging and Long-Term Support Administration page. The agency ensures all rules and regulations are being adhered to by performing regularly scheduled facility inspections and unannounced visits.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Tacoma

  • As part of the Seattle metropolitan area, Tacoma ranks #1 in the Top 10 America’s Best Cities for a Healthy (and More Affordable) Retirement. The rating is based on access to health care, social and emotional support, outdoor and cultural activities and an overall satisfaction with life.
  • Tacoma’s cost of living is 113.3, which is higher than the national average of 100. However, health care is 83.8 out of 100, which is good news for seniors, as the Seattle metropolitan area is home to many world-renowned hospitals.
  • To offset the higher cost of living, Washington is tax-friendly for retirees and seniors. Social Security benefits are not taxed, and state income taxes do not apply. Other forms of retirement income, such as withdrawals from retirement accounts and public and private pensions, are also not taxed.
  • The climate in Tacoma is pleasant, earning 7.4 out of 10, with summers ranking a 9.3. July’s average high temperature is 77 degrees, while January’s average low is 36.5 degrees. Seniors who battle skin cancer can appreciate Tacoma’s UV index of only 2.6. The UV index measures the intensity of ultraviolet rays from the sun, with levels under 3 being the safest.
  • Tacoma is home to several hospitals, including the St. Joseph Medical Center. However, as part of the Seattle metropolitan area, seniors can access world-class health care at UW Medicine-University of Washington Medical Center and the Swedish Medical Center-First Hill.
  • The AARP overall livability score for Tacoma is 56 out of 100. The city earned a 63 for environmental quality. Water and air quality indicate a community’s health for all residents, especially seniors. According to the ranking, residents in Tacoma are exposed to poor air quality for only 3.3 days per year, and its water is in good standing. 

Paying for Assisted Living in Tacoma

The Genworth Cost of Care Survey reports an average monthly cost of $5,750 for assisted living in Tacoma compared to the Washington average of $6,000. When compared to the national average of $4,500, assisted living prices in Tacoma and Washington are much higher.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

While Tacoma averages $5,750 monthly for assisted living, Seattle is $1,000 more expensive, averaging $6,750. Just south of Tacoma, the state capital of Olympia costs much less, averaging $4,805 a month. Further south on the Oregon border, Longview gets a bit more expensive at $5,300. Traveling north of Tacoma near the Canadian border, Mount Vernon averages $5,500 per month.

Tacoma

$5,750

Washington

$6,000

The United States

$4,500

Seattle

$6,750

Olympia

$4,805

Longview

$5,300

Mount Vernon

$5,500

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Seniors who don’t need the 24/7 care of an assisted living residence and want to remain at home have options, including adult day health care that provides weekday help for seniors, including activities, wellness care and medication management. There’s no cost average reported for adult day health care in Bremerton, but the Washington average is $2,600. Homemaker services average $6,673 monthly, and home health aide care, which includes some medical care, averages $7,007. Seniors who require more advanced medical care may need the services of a nursing home, averaging $10,479 for a semiprivate room and $12,243 for a private room.

Homemaker Services

$6,673

Home Health Aide

$7,007

Assisted Living Facility

$5,750

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$10,479

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

$12,243

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Tacoma

Seniors residing in Washington can apply for financial assistance for assisted living through a few Medicaid programs.  The Medicaid Personal Care (MPC) program and the Community First Choice Option (CFCO) provide financial support for personal care assistance and costs other than room and board. Washington also offers seniors Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers including the Washington Medical COPES (Community Options Program Entry System) Waiver for additional funding for assisted living. 

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Washington page.

Financial Assistance in Washington

More Ways to Pay for 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. 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.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Tacoma

Tacoma provides free resources for seniors considering or living at an assisted living facility. Local government agencies and nonprofit groups provide support and services for seniors. Resources commonly include food and transportation support, activities and benefits counseling.

ResourceContactService
Pierce County Long-Term Care Ombudsman(253) 798-3789The Pierce County Long-Term Care Ombudsman program enlists volunteers who advocate for residents' rights in long-term care facilities. These trained volunteers investigate complaints and mediate between residents and the facility to come to a resolution. Families, residents and employees at these facilities receive instruction about long-term care and resident rights from ombudsmen.
Senior Activity Centers(253) 535-4202The City of Tacoma has contracted with the Korean Women’s Association to run both their senior centers. The Beacon Senior Activity Center and the Lighthouse Senior Activity Center provide Tacoma seniors with activities that include bingo, arts and crafts, wood carving and quilting classes. Additional classes are offered on subjects such as financial planning, benefits enrollment and nutrition. Free transportation is available for seniors in the Tacoma area to both centers.
Area Agency on Aging for Pierce County(253) 798-4600The Area Agency on Aging for Pierce County plans and facilitates long-term services and support for older adults in Pierce County. The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is one of the agency's programs that provides information, education and care planning for seniors and people living with disabilities and their caregivers.
Beyond the Borders Transportation Services(253) 476-4657Beyond the Borders Transportation provides eligible passengers with free rides when they live outside of the Pierce Transit service area. Seniors have transportation access for medical services, shopping and errands. The service is available for those who are aged 65 and older, disabled or low-income residents.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Tacoma

Tacoma Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Washington are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Washington page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Washington

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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