The 3 Best Memory Care Facilities in Ashland, OR for 2024

Located in southern Oregon just north of the California border, the city of Ashland is home to more than 21,300 residents, with seniors age 65 and older accounting for 23.6% of the population. Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia affect a growing number of Americans each year, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, these diseases are having a growing impact on the aging population in Ashland. Rates of Alzheimer’s-related deaths have increased 10.61% in recent years, climbing from 132 in 2014 to 146 in 2018.

With these numbers on the rise, it’s important for communities like Ashland to have resources and services in place to help seniors cope with memory loss. Transitioning to a memory care community may be a great option for many seniors. In these secure settings, seniors are surrounded by highly trained professionals who can provide 24-hour supervision, personalized care and dementia-specific programming. This guide serves to provide information about memory care in Ashland, including what these and other types of care typically cost, how to access financial assistance and a list of several community-based organizations that offer dementia-related resources.

The Oregon Department of Human Services oversees the licensing and regulation of all community-based care settings in Ashland and across the state of Oregon, including assisted living facilities (ALFs), residential care facilities (RCFs) and memory care communities. The Office of Safety, Oversight and Quality is responsible for conducting inspections and ensuring these communities are compliant with state and federal regulations.

• Located at the base of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges, seniors in Ashland are surrounded by picturesque scenery and vibrant culture. Active seniors have access to numerous lakes, parks and hiking trails for year-round outdoor recreation. The city is also home to numerous theaters, art galleries and museums, as well as several award-winning wineries.
• Compared to the average city in Oregon, the cost of living in Ashland is slightly higher. It’s also 25.5% higher than the U.S. national average largely due to housing and grocery costs. Seniors may need to budget accordingly when deciding where to allocate their retirement funds.
• Rates of violent crime are low in Ashland, which may offer seniors and their families peace of mind. On a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 representing high crime, the city scores a 10.1, which is significantly lower than the U.S. national average of 22.7. However, rates of property crime are above, so it’s worthwhile to inquire about a facility’s safety features and policies.
• Overall, seniors can enjoy a relatively temperate climate in Ashland. Summertime is characterized by plenty of sunshine and temperatures climbing as high as 89 degrees. Winters are relatively mild, with temperatures expected to remain above 30 degrees and very little snowfall.
• According to the American Lung Association, the air quality in Ashland is below average. The region receives an F grade in terms of high ozone days and a failing grade in regards to its 24-hour and annual particle pollution. This may be something to consider for seniors with respiratory issues.
• Oregon is considered to be relatively tax-friendly towards retirees. Social Security retirement benefits are exempt from taxation and the state has no sales tax. However, retirement accounts like a 401(k) or an IRA are subject to regular income tax rates.

Memory care in Ashland costs an average of $5,800 per month. Memory care typically costs between 20-30% more than traditional assisted living as it includes a greater degree of care and programming. Using the data provided in Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2021, the following rates have been calculated based on assisted living costs plus an additional 25%.

Around $500 cheaper than the statewide average, memory care rates in Ashland are some of the least expensive in Oregon. Bend is the next most affordable area at $6,044 per month, followed by the Portland area at $6,219 per month. The state’s most expensive cities are Salem and Grants Pass, which cost an average of $6,875 and $6,963 per month, respectively.

Seniors in Ashland have a range of care options to choose from. The least expensive option is adult day health care at $1,408 per month. Slightly more expensive than memory care, homemaker and home health aide services can be ideal for seniors looking to age in place at home, both costing $6,101 per month. The greatest scope of care is offered in nursing home facilities. Semiprivate rooms at these communities cost $10,190, while private accommodations are around $10,889.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

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

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Oregon page.