What to Consider About Memory Care in Portland

As the largest city in Oregon, where it’s estimated that 65,000 people have Alzheimer’s disease, Portland offers an array of resources for friends and family members whose loved one has dementia. There are also numerous care options with 29 memory care facilities in the area, 15 in Portland and 14 in nearby cities. These communities emphasize staff training, person-directed care, resident rights and facility requirements. In Portland, and elsewhere in Oregon, memory care facilities are licensed by the Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight.    

• Portland’s overall cost of living is 24 percent higher than the state average and 48 percent higher than the nationwide average, primarily due to the high cost of housing in the area. Healthcare expenses are slightly less than the state’s median costs and 16 percent less than the nation’s average, which may help families afford memory care.   
• Portland’s climate is comfortable, with July highs around 80 degrees and January lows in the mid-30s. The weather here affords seniors many opportunities for supervised time outdoors. The area receives slightly more rainfall than the average U.S. city but only 3 inches of snow annually, making local travel convenient for families visiting loved ones in memory care.  
• Multnomah County’s air quality is fair, receiving Bs for ozone and short-term particle pollution from the American Lung Association. Seniors with COPD, asthma and diabetes may benefit from Portland’s relatively clean air.   
• While Portland seniors do not pay income tax on Social Security income, all other forms of retirement income are subject to full state income tax rates. However, this may be offset by the absence of a state sales tax.