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Independent Living in Washington
Home to stunning volcanoes, expansive deserts, evergreen forests and pristine lakes, rivers, and coastline, the state of Washington combines natural beauty with luxurious cities and world-class arts and culture. These are just a few of the reasons why the state’s 1.2 million seniors enjoy a high quality of life. USA Today ranked Washington as one of the ten best states for older Americans.
Independent living communities provide housing for seniors who require very little or no help with daily activities. In most cases, they are 55+ or older locations with a variety of amenities designed to make life easier and more pleasurable for older adults. Pools, gardens, courtyards and activity centers are all common in independent living, and many also include luxury features such as libraries, movie theaters, spas and gyms. The average cost of independent living in Washington state is $3,738 per month.
This guide provides more detailed information about the costs of independent living in Washington as well as programs that can help pay for it. We also link to helpful resources related to independent living.
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The Cost of Independent Living in Washington
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 Washington and its 28 cities.
Note: There’s no clear pricing information for Independent Living communities in Washington, however, this type of senior living is 30-40% less expensive than Assisted Living. An estimate for Independent Living can be calculated by subtracting 35% from the Assisted Living cost information from Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey for 2021.
In Washington, seniors and families pay about $1,000 more monthly for Independent Living than the national average of $2,925 per month. This makes Washington one of the more expensive states for this type of senior community. The only nearby state that has higher costs is Alaska, where the median monthly price is $4,440. Idaho seniors pay an average of $2,495 per month for Independent Living while Oregon seniors, Washington’s southern neighbor, pay about $3,279 per month. The monthly average in Montana is $2,893, which is similar to the national average.
The Cost of Independent Living in Washington's Top Cities
Independent living in Washington may average $3,552 a month, but there's significant variation among the state's urban areas. Costs in Seattle, for instance, run to an average of $3,939 a month, while Spokane averages $4,365. Closer to the state average, Port Angeles seniors pay $3,450 a month for independent living care, while older adults in Kennewick pay an average of $3,213 a month for similar senior care services.
Washington
$3,552
Kennewick
$3,213
Port Angeles
$3,450
Spokane
$4,365
Seattle
$3,939
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Washington
Washington seniors are expected to pay more for independent living, partly due to inflation. From 2022 - 2024, the projected cost of care in the state shows an increase from $2,292 to $3,783 monthly, a hefty 68% increase. New Mexico expects a similar uptick in prices of 60.7% from 2022 to 2024's estimated costs. Other states have been more modest. California estimates an increase of about 9.8% during the same period, Alaska projects a 4.7% increase, and Nevada expects a rise of around 2.5%. This is against a projected 12.5% projected hike in the American national average.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $2,292 | $3,552 | $3,783 |
| 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
Seniors pay an average of $3,552 a month for independent living in Washington, but there are other options. Assisted living in the state averages $4,743 a month, while the monitoring and therapy services of memory care average $6,893.
Assisted Living
$4,743
Memory Care
$6,893
Independent Living
$3,552
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Washington?
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 Washington.
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 Washington
Seniors in Washington have quite a few ways to pay for independent living. For property owners with a lot of equity, selling a home can provide more than enough cash long term. Seniors who don’t want to sell can use a reverse mortgage to receive monthly payments based on the value of their property. Home equity loans or renting are also popular funding options. Long-term care insurance may fund certain aspects of independent living depending on the policy. Investments made during working years, as well as pensions from public institutions or private companies, can pay for significant portions of independent living. In some cases, cashing out a whole life policy may be the right choice.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Washington
There are many resources in Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Area Agencies on Aging | Area Agencies on Aging in Washington work with state, federal and local agencies to support the needs of older adults and their caregivers. Seniors can receive short-term and long-term in-home care for medical and nonmedical needs, such as hygiene, memory support, meal delivery, light housekeeping and mobility assistance. Other services include nonemergency medical and nonmedical transportation, adult day service programs, medication monitoring and community involvement options. These programs are designed to help older adults maintain their independence. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Washington seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) | 800-562-6028 | ALTSA is a statewide education and training organization devoted to providing support for caregivers and seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The program hosts an annual the Taking Care, Giving Care conference to provide technical training for caregivers, and enrolled care providers can receive news and updates through the member website and printed information packets. |
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 Washington seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) | 360-902-1800 | The Washington Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides healthy food to qualifying state residents aged 60 and older. CSFP ensures Washingtonians receive supplemental nutrition via shelf-stable goods and fresh produce, including vegetables, cereal, potatoes and fruits. The program, which encourages a healthier lifestyle, is currently available in 27 out of the 39 counties in the state. Residents can use the CSFP locator to find the providers closest to them. |
| Washington Meals on Wheels | Washington Meals on Wheels has independently run programs statewide that provide seniors with free or low-cost meals and extra supports. Pricing is on a sliding scale and ranges from no cost to 100% cost based on individual circumstances. The majority of services are open to seniors aged 60877-501-2233. Meals are served in a congregate setting or delivered to seniors based on their mobility needs. Additional services vary, but they may include emergency meal delivery, pet food delivery and transportation. | |
| Washington Second Harvest Inland Northwest | The Washington Second Harvest Inland Northwest food bank supports nutritionally insecure seniors in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. This organization sets up mobile markets that allow low-income seniors and families to shop for nutritious groceries at no cost. The organization also has 250 food pantries and meal sites in the region, offering ongoing access to food for those in need. It also offers nutrition education and hands-on cooking classes to support seniors with healthy, well-balanced meals. | |
| Washington State Food Assistance Program | 877-501-2233 | The Washington State Food Assistance Program provides grocery funds to immigrant seniors who do not qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program due to their immigrant status. To qualify, immigrant seniors must legally be in the U.S. and fulfill SNAP income requirements. Benefits are tied to income levels and the number of residents in a given household. Households that include a senior immigrant and a U.S. citizen may be eligible for a combination of the two programs' benefits. |
| Washington Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) | 800-422-3263 | The Washington Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program supports both state farmers and lower-income seniors by providing vouchers for the purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey from participating farmers' markets and roadside produce stands. Benefits are provided through a debit card and must be used between June 1 and October 31. In addition to providing funds for direct purchases, the SFMNP helps ensure that congregate meal sites and senior food delivery services can offer fresh produce. |
| Washington Food Lifeline | 877-404-7543 | Washington Food Lifeline manages senior food assistance programs from its Seattle-based Hunger Solutions Center. It stocks local food banks and supplies food for seniors meal programs, aiming to alleviate hunger and correct nutritional and dietary deficits experienced by many older adults. The organization has established connections with a wide variety of partner agencies, including senior housing providers and rural mobile food pantries. Seniors can locate their nearest food bank online or by calling the toll-free hotline. |
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 Washington have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Habitat for Humanity Aging in Place Program | Seniors choosing to reside in their own homes can apply for support and assistance from the Washington Habitat for Humanity Aging in Place program. Habitat works with human service organizations to assess residents' individual needs before making essential repairs and modifications to ensure that homes are safe and more accessible. Modifications include installing ramps, raised toilets, lever door handles and railings. It also connects older adults to community resources that can help them maintain their independence. | |
| Washington Home Repair and Modification Assistance | 877-894-4663 | The Washington Home Repair and Modification Assistance program, administered by the Washington Homeownership Resource Center, helps seniors stay safe in their homes by adding safety features, such as grab bars and wheelchair ramps. The program can also help with preventive maintenance and fixing some simple home issues, such as blocked drains and malfunctioning appliances. |
| Washington Weatherization Program | Washington's Weatherization Assistance Program relies on state and federal funding, as well as matching payments from utility companies. It helps with energyefficient upgrades that can lower your utility bills and improve your health and safety, such as installing insulation and sealing air leaks. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | 888-562-6028 | The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the rights of seniors living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. It helps residents and their families when they have concerns about the standard of care at a facility and can address issues such as neglect or elder abuse. |
| Washington State Bar Association Moderate Means Program | 855-741-6930 | Washington State Bar Association runs a Moderate Means program that provides reduced-fee legal support to those who cannot afford legal assistance. The program covers civil legal issues including family law, housing and benefits. The association can also recommend sources for pro bono support. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State Association of Senior Centers (WSASC) | 253-288-7442 | WSASC connects seniors with the resources they need to stay healthy and live as independently as possible at any level of care. Services are delivered through the state's senior centers and include caregiver training and referrals, information services, social events and case manager services to help locate programs and other support networks seniors may need. All seniors aged 60 and over are welcome to participate in WSASC activities, though full membership in Washington costs a nominal annual fee |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Dementia Action Collaborative Information and Resources (DAC) | 360-725-2300 | DAC offers a large number of free resources for seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, as well as for their families. Care planning, caregiver training and referrals are available statewide, as are awareness training resources and workshops for memory care providers. The organization also provides a free online tool for seniors and families to better understand memory impairment with an online Dementia Road Map. |
Medicaid Resources
Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Washington resources help older adults by providing advice on Medicaid options, waiver programs and eligibility criteria to help seniors receive the right health care benefits.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Community Options Program Entry System Waiver | The state's primary waiver for home- and community-based services is the Community Options Program Entry System (COPES). This waiver has provisions for self-directed residential care and agency-based services that are coordinated by a professional care manager |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Washington 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 Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Property Tax Exemptions | 360-534-1400 | The Washington State Department of Revenue offers a property tax exemption, as well as a deferment program, to seniors and disabled adults. This program can reduce your school taxes and freeze your property's assessed value starting the first year that you qualify |
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. Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Energy Assistance Program (EAP) | 360-725-2857 | The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to eligible Washingtonians in every county. Depending on the need, assistance ranges from energy-efficient home improvements and utility payment grants to replacing or repairing air conditioners, air purifiers and heating systems. Eligibility requirements include income restrictions, utility costs, household size and whether an applicant has recently received a grant. Applicants must provide documentation. Each county has a respective LIHEAP provider through which interested residents must apply. |
| Washington Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) | Households that are eligible for LIHEAP also qualify for help with their water bills. Payments are made directly to your utility provider to prevent disconnection or restore your water and sewer service. |
Veteran's Services
Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Washington VA Benefits and Health Care | The Washington VA Benefits and Health Care program serves the state's veterans as well as their dependents. Seniors who served in the armed forces can receive medical care, mental health services and specialized treatments at VA medical centers and statewide clinics. Seniors can also receive assistance accessing the VA benefits they're entitled to, such as retirement pensions, Aid and Attendance payments, disability compensation and property tax exemptions. Additional VA programs offer help with housing, prescription drugs and obtaining medical devices. |
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