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Independent Living in Oregon
As a destination for seniors to retire, Oregon is an increasingly attractive option. Oregon offers numerous outdoor and indoor attractions of interest for seniors. It’s a state with many beautiful beaches and outdoor attractions like the Willamette National Forest. Seniors who prefer more indoor activities can enjoy Portland’s internationally known craft beer scene.
The cost of living in Oregon is 13 points above the national average, but the cost of health care is 12 points below. Oregon also enjoys a very respectable 7.2 out of 10 on the Best Places Comfort Index. The state exempts Social Security retirement benefits from the state income tax, and there’s no state sales tax.
Independent living is an option for seniors who want to downsize or simplify their lives but don’t want to move into assisted living or a nursing home. Independent living communities provide seniors with a lifestyle where they can remain independent and make their own choices. In Oregon, the average monthly cost of residing in an independent living community is $3,028 a month.
In this guide, we’ll look at the cost of independent living in Oregon and provide resources seniors can use to help maintain their independent lifestyle.
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The Cost of Independent Living in Oregon
When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in Oregon and its 26 cities.
Note: Neither the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey nor any other reliable source outlines cost data for independent living, but on average, this type of care costs 30-40% less than assisted living. The following independent living rates are calculated by reducing assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey by 35%.
Seniors in Oregon pay $3,279 per month on average for independent living. While this is a few hundred dollars higher than the national rate of $2,925, it’s fairly consistent with costs in the region. Idaho and Nevada have considerably lower rates of $2,495 and $2,438, respectively. In California, however, rates exceed Oregon’s average by over $100 at $3,413, and in Washington, care costs are even higher at $3,900.
The Cost of Independent Living in Oregon's Top Cities
Oregon averages $2,731 a month statewide for independent living, but individual cities in the state show a wide variation in costs. Beaverton is possibly the closest to the state level, at $2,727, or $4 a month less than the Oregon average figure. Salem's costs are significantly higher, at $3,089 a month, while Portland averages $2,302. Grant's Pass is one of the most affordable cities in Oregon, at just $1,809.
Oregon
$2,731
Beaverton
$2,727
Grant's Pass
$1,809
Salem
$3,089
Portland
$2,302
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Oregon
Inflation has driven up the cost of independent care in Oregon. From 2022 - 2024, prices are projected to rise from $2,566 to $2,936, a 14% increase by 2024. The national average cost is estimated to increase by 13% during the same period. Other states anticipate price increases: Alaska and Nevada project overall hikes around 5%, while analysts expect California's rates to rise by 10%, from $3,481 a month to 2024's projected $3,823. New Mexico expects one of the most dramatic increases during this period, from $1,962 to $3,154, a more than 60% rise.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $2,566 | $2,731 | $2,936 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Alaska | $4,509 | $4,485 | $4,724 |
| Nevada | $2,476 | $2,463 | $2,593 |
| California | $3,481 | $3,556 | $3,823 |
| New Mexico | $1,962 | $2,961 | $3,154 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Independent living is only one option seniors can choose for their living arrangement. At $2,731 a month, it's roughly half the price of assisted living's average of $5,580, and nearly $4,800 less than the $7,501 monthly cost for memory care.
Assisted Living
$5,580
Memory Care
$7,501
Independent Living
$2731
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Oregon?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Oregon.
Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.
Paying for Independent Living in Oregon
How to pay for the cost of independent living can be a constant concern for seniors, but there are numerous options available. Seniors can sell their existing properties or use proceeds from long-term investments. If seniors worry that selling their property won’t bring in the income they need, they can rent their property. If regular retirement income doesn’t cover food or housing costs, seniors can explore communities where these items are included in the overall cost.
These are just a few of the options for financing available to seniors who want to transition into independent living communities. There are several others.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Oregon
There are many resources in Oregon that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Area Agencies on Aging | Area Agencies on Aging in Oregon provide services for older adults that help them stay independent. With 16 agencies supporting older adults, seniors have access to assistance for community-based, home-based and caregiver support. These services include short-term nursing, personal care, such as help with personal grooming needs, home meal delivery and nonemergency medical transportation. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Oregon provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Lifeline | 800-848-4442 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Oregon seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Meals on Wheels | Oregon Meals on Wheels operates independently-run food assistance programs throughout the state. To be eligible, seniors must be aged 60 or over or unable to shop for and prepare their own meals. These nutritious and balanced food choices are served in a congregate setting or delivered to seniors' doors with safety checks to monitor their well-being. Meals are available on a sliding-fee scale and may be free, depending on individual circumstances. Some locations offer meals that meet ethnic and cultural preferences. | |
| Oregon Food Bank | 800-777-7427 | For those facing hunger, Oregon Food Bank aims to provide access to food across the state by creating food banks and helping to eliminate the root causes of food shortages. The organization lists food banks throughout Oregon, where seniors can pick up food essentials on a regular basis. In addition, it runs a Meals on Wheels service for seniors who are unable to leave their homes or prepare meals for themselves. |
| Oregon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 503-945-5600 | Oregon's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, operated by the Department of Human Services, offers a monthly benefit to help reduce the cost of healthy food. Seniors in the program receive Electronic Benefits Transfer cards that are reloaded with funds each month. SNAP participants can use their EBT cards at grocery stores and farmers' markets to buy food. Eligibility is restricted to Oregon residents with incomes below $29,160 for individuals. This figure increases for larger households. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Oregon seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Prescription Drug Program | 800-913-4284 | The Oregon Prescription Drug Program transitioned to the ArrayRx Discount Card Program on January 1, 2022. Anyone previously enrolled must re-enroll with ArrayRx.However, it's still state-sponsored and authorized by the Oregon Health Authority. The program can save participants up to 80% on generic drugs and 20% on name-brand prescriptions at most pharmacies. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Oregon have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Section 504 Home Repair Program | 866-923-5626 | Seniors may apply for a home repair grant yearly through their local RD office. If they qualify, they receive a grant that they must use to make home repairs to remove health and safety hazards. Applicants may only receive a total of $10,000 in housing repair grants during their lifetime. |
| OregonCommunity Builders Program | 503-501-5719 | REACH Community Development is dedicated to helping older adults and disabled individuals age safely in their homes by providing free home repairs. A licensed, bonded and insured general contractor handles home repair projects of qualifying applicants. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Oregon seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Law Center (OLC) | Oregon Law Center is a statewide organization that can provide legal advice and information to seniors and low-income residents in all 36 counties in the state. OLC's volunteer attorneys assist with civil cases involving landlord-tenant disputes, government housing, financial exploitation and Social Security benefits, among others. | |
| Oregon Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | 800-522-2602 | Oregon's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is dedicated to ensuring that seniors in assisted living facilities receive quality care. Residents or their family members can contact the program's office with concerns about the care being received in a facility. The ombudsman then investigates the issue and works as an advocate for the resident to get it resolved. Seniors and their caregivers can also contact the ombudsman to schedule a free consultation about their long-term care options in the McMinnville area. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in Oregon bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Catholic Charities | 503-231-4866 | This nonprofit provides a variety of specialized senior services, including case management and care placement. Mental health counseling services and financial wellness education is available here, as are opportunities for volunteering and community engagement. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Oregon help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Alzheimer's Disease and Aging | 503-494-7772 | The center consists of a significant number of researchers whose aim is to seek new ways to prevent, cure or improve care for cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's. People with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia can benefit from the expert knowledge of experienced neurologists working at the OSHU Brain Institute, including the renowned doctor and scientist Doctor Jeffrey Kaye, M.D. A team of specialists meets daily to assess cases, and patients with Alzheimer's and dementia may be eligible to participate in clinical trials that are conducted occasionally. In addition, there's also a wide range of support services for patients and families. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Oregon help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Oregon resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Senior and Disabled Property Tax Deferral Program | 800-356-4222 | Senior and disabled homeowners can borrow from the State of Oregon to pay their county property taxes through the Oregon Property Tax Deferral for Disabled and Senior Citizens program. If qualified, the Oregon Department of Revenue pays the homeowner's taxes on November 15 each year and places a lien on the home. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Oregon retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) | 800-453-5111 | OEAP is a low-income electric bill payment assistance program for low-income customers of Pacific Power and Portland General Electric. The goal is to reduce service disconnections for vulnerable customers. The program prioritizes customers in danger of having their service disconnected. |
Veteran's Services
Oregon retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon VA Benefits and Health Care | Oregon VA Benefits and Health Care connects qualified senior veterans to the services they earned through their time in the military. This may include health care coverage, income and long-term care help, depending on the veteran's unique needs and time spent in the service. The VA Medical Center is located in Portland, and the VA has clinics and satellite offices throughout the state. |
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