The Watermark at Bellevue
121 112th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004
"Life at Holden of Bellevue starts with spacious, elegantly appointed, amenity-rich surroundings. Assisted Living and Memory care offers e..."
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121 112th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA, 98004
"Life at Holden of Bellevue starts with spacious, elegantly appointed, amenity-rich surroundings. Assisted Living and Memory care offers e..."
READ MORECaring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.
Many seniors love how independent living communities reduce unwanted stress, hazards, and fatigue in their lives. Independent living communities take care of housekeeping, yard work and meals while still allowing residents personal space and the dignity of making their own choices. These communities usually provide seniors with an apartment that has a small kitchen, bathroom, living room, and one or more bedrooms. Those who want a small space may even find that some independent living communities offer studio-style apartments. Seniors can invite guests over and enjoy their rooms however they see fit.
Independent living communities often also include the following:
For a more detailed look at common amenities, check out our guide to independent living communities.Â
What Couples Should Know About Independent Living in Seattle, WA
Seattle is a large city surrounded by blue and green, with the Puget Sound and Lake Washington surrounding it along with many parks, both big and small, as well as thousands of acres of mountains and nature reserves for active seniors to enjoy. It’s also a cultured city with a great history in the arts and a wide variety of museums, theaters and art exhibits.
The weather in Seattle is pleasant for much of the year, and even in January it’s rare to have more than a couple of days of snow, which is great for seniors who want to get out and see the sights.
Healthcare is relatively affordable in Seattle, with costs 18% below the national average, and utilities are also cheaper by 31%. There is a higher than average number of physicians in the area — roughly 50% more per capita compared to the U.S as a whole.
Paying for Independent Living in Seattle, WA
Independent living communities in Seattle are generally 10% more expensive compared to the United States as a whole. The average monthly cost is $2,850 and the national average is $2,550. The nearby area of Burien is cheaper when compared to both the Seattle and national averages at $2,325.
The annual cost of living in an independent living community can range anywhere from $12,000-$42,000, depending mostly on the amenities, room type and cost of living in the area. In addition to using personal retirement income, annuities, long-term care insurance, or cashing out an existing life insurance policy, some seniors can use Social Security funds, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments granted due to disability or low-income or HUD-provided housing assistance such as vouchers. Another route many seniors choose to fund their independent living stay is renting out or selling their homes that they won’t need once they move or taking advantage of a reverse mortgage.Â
Our guide provides a more in-depth look at independent living costs and solutions for those who want to learn more.Â
How to Choose an Independent Living Community
When choosing an independent living community, it’s best to consider many factors, including the community’s proximity to loved ones and medical care, the state of repair that the facility appears to be in, the attitude and efficiency of the staff, the cost of both rent and services, the facility’s pet policy and more.Â
Comparing multiple communities can help seniors and their families figure out what they value most in an independent living community. During tours of these communities, staff members should be available to answer questions. To help with the touring and comparison process, we’ve included a checklist full of pertinent questions that anyone can download and print for themselves.
Transitioning to Independent Living
Independent living communities, rather than memory care or nursing homes, are often the first place seniors move to when they realize they need a lifestyle change. The necessity of letting some possessions go and the reality of leaving a home and neighborhood after possibly decades of residence there can make transitioning to an independent living community difficult. These communities are often friendly places, but being in a new environment still initially triggers feelings of loneliness in many seniors.Â
Having a strategy for dealing with the challenges of moving can make the transition to an independent living community a positive experience. We’ve created a downloadable step-by-step guide for tips to making this transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
There are many other resources and activities for seniors in Seattle. Use the table below to learn about the options available for older adults in the area.
Resource | Phone number | Description |
---|---|---|
Central Area Senior Center | (206) 726-4926 | Seniors can learn how to use smartphones and computers, listen to music performances, and take part in other activities, such as knitting, quilting and dancing, or just socialize with other locals. An interesting menu of hot, nutritious lunches is also available every weekday for a small donation. Transportation can also be arranged, which is generally used for group trips to eat at a nearby restaurant or go shopping. |
Greenwood Senior Center | (206) 783-2244 | The senior center on Phinney Avenue is another place for seniors to get together to chat, have fun and take part in group outings to local events and activities. Many services for the senior community are also provided by the knowledgeable staff, including health, medical insurance and financial services, legal assistance and support groups on various issues. |
Retired Senior Volunteer Program | (206) 694-6785 | Residents aged 55 or over can become volunteers to help serve the community through many projects that are organized by the local government and nonprofits. Projects include bringing food to local seniors, helping non-English speakers learn the language, tutoring and mentoring, as well as other activities to improve the community. |
Free Access to Computers and Internet | (206) 684-0600 | There are dozens of locations around Seattle for seniors to get access to computers and get on the internet to chat with friends and family, pay bills or simply for entertainment. Visit the website and check the map to find the closest spot. Digital skills training is also available in some locations. This can be a great opportunity for older adults to stay connected. |
Independent Living
Dexter
3
Review of Murano Senior Living
Murano Senior Living is unlike most senior living in Seattle. It is a 24-story tower. It's new. I thought it was very well-appointed. The representatives we met were very pleasant and welcoming....
Provider response
Hi Dexter, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this review! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything.
Independent Living
Vicky
5
Review of Ida Culver House Broadview
I have moved into Ida Culver House Broadview. One of the reasons I chose them is that it was closest to my daughter and her family. It has the apartment configuration that was most pleasing to me...
Provider response
Thank you for providing such a beautiful description of your new home, Vicky. We understand the importance of creating a welcoming environment for our residents and we're so pleased to know that...
Independent Living
Dexter
5
Review of Ballard Landmark
We're in Ballard Landmark. We looked at probably six similar locations. Of the other six we looked at, this is the one that was the most appealing. We liked the fact that it had a lot of organized...