Memory Care in Washington

More than 1.25 million adults aged 65 and older live in Washington, and many of these seniors will need dementia care in the coming years. Statistics in Washington show that 4,928 people died with Alzheimer’s in 2020, a rise of 21.32% from 2016 numbers. The Alzheimer’s Association predicts that by 2025, roughly 140,000 elderly residents in the state will live with dementia.

During each stage of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, families can have some peace of mind by relying on memory care services. Specially trained staff in these communities understand the needs of residents and know how to maintain a safe and comfortable environment. Daily life in memory care includes fun and engaging activities, such as social clubs and music therapy, that may slow the rate of cognitive decline. This guide shares the average cost of memory care in Washington, compares costs between cities and nearby states and supplies links to resources families can use to make life with dementia easier.

The Cost of Memory Care in Washington

At $7,500 a month, the cost of memory care in Washington is significantly higher than in neighboring Idaho ($4,798), as well as in other nearby states, such as Oregon ($6,306) and California ($6,563). 

Memory care rates vary within Washington depending on location. At the low end, memory care in Walla Walla costs an average of $4,014 a month. Costs are higher but still under the state average in Bellingham and Kennewick, where memory care runs to $5,750 and $6,531 a month, respectively. Memory care costs an average of $6,006 in Olympia, while costs are at their highest in Bremerton and Seattle. Memory care costs $7,188 a month in the former and $8,438 in the latter.

Memory care is just one option seniors have for long-term residential care. For many seniors, other levels of care can be both more appropriate and more affordable. Adult day health care in Washington, for example, costs an average of $2,654 a month, while the cost of assisted living is $5,045. Home care and home health care are both less expensive than memory care in Washington, at average monthly costs of $6,006 and $6,101, respectively. Nursing home care in the state tends to be more expensive than residential memory care. The average cost for a semiprivate room in a skilled nursing facility in Washington is $10,342 a month, while private rooms average $11,113. 

Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Washington?

Seniors in Washington who need memory care services have a large number of statewide programs available to lend financial support and other assistance to meet their care needs. Many state programs have income and asset requirements that parallel the eligibility criteria for Apple Health, the Washington Medicaid program.

What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Washington?

In addition to the various waivers seniors who need memory care may be able to get through Apple Health, the program directly supports beneficiaries’ medical needs for as long as they’re enrolled in the program. These needs may be directly related to Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive issues, such as speech and occupational therapy, or they may be unrelated health issues, such as wound care and diabetes management. More information about covered Medicaid services in Washington is available through the Apple Health website.

Memory Care Waiver Programs in Washington

Community Options Program Entry System Waiver

COPES is a waiver program for Medicaid participants who need home and community-based services to look after their needs. The COPES program provides adult day health care, home-delivered meals and nursing services for seniors with medical issues, such as wound care and dementia management. Transportation assistance and durable medical equipment can also be obtained through a COPES waiver, which is available to seniors living at home or in a residential care facility. 

To qualify for a COPES waiver, seniors in Washington must meet the income and other eligibility criteria for participation in Apple Health. They must also have a medical need that would otherwise require placement in long-term care. Seniors and their families can learn more about the COPES waiver and apply online at the program’s web portal or by visiting an intake worker at a local Home & Community Services office.

Residential Support Waiver

The Residential Support Waiver provides support to seniors who need enhanced residential care in community-based settings licensed by the state. Services offered include personal care from a trained caregiver and supervision and support for behavioral issues such as wandering. The Residential Support Waiver is open to applicants who meet Apple Health eligibility guidelines and need assistance due to Alzheimer’s disease, other cognitive impairments and traumatic brain injuries, which can also include stroke. Applications may be submitted online or at a local HCS office.

Community First Choice

The CFC program provides personal care services, nursing and nurse-delegated services (such as blood draws and medication assistance), installation of assistive technology and community transition services. Eligible participants must meet Apple Health intake guidelines and have a level of functional impairment that justifies placement in a skilled nursing facility. 

Seniors currently enrolled in Apple Health can apply for a CFC waiver through a social service intake at their local HCS office. Adults who aren’t enrolled in Medicaid must undergo an eligibility screening through the HCS office or online.

Specialized Dementia Care Program

The Specialized Dementia Care Program offers a set of services tailored to the needs of seniors with dementia who reside in a licensed long-term care facility. Financial support delivered through the program can go toward hiring personal care attendants, paying for supervision and intermittent nursing support. Periodic caregiver training is also provided for dementia-specific issues.

Seniors may be eligible for the Specialized Dementia Care Program if they have a diagnosis of dementia from a physician and otherwise meet Apple Health enrollment criteria. Benefits are delivered through licensed assisted living facilities, which are where seniors and families can request an application. For seniors who aren’t enrolled in Medicaid, applications can be made either online or through a local HCS office.

How To Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Washington

In order to sign up for Apple Health, seniors in Washington must meet the enrollment criteria set by state law. Nonfinancial requirements include:

• U.S. citizenship (or other legal status in the United States, such as permanent residency) and residency in the state of Washington
• Being an adult aged 65 or over, legally blind or having another qualifying disability
• Having a family member in the household who meets the enrollment criteria

In addition to the general eligibility guidelines, Apple Health also has financial limits. At the time of application, an intake worker evaluates the applicant’s income and assets over the previous 60 months to establish the financial need for Medicaid coverage. Income and asset limits must not exceed program maximums.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Washington

*Per year

Washington seniors who meet the over-65 requirement for enrollment but have an income higher than the program maximum may still be able to apply for Apple Health. In this case, the beneficiary may qualify for more limited coverage with an annual spend-down amount. Once the annual out-of-pocket limit is reached, Apple Health benefits are able to pick up the remaining share of cost. 

How To Apply for Medicaid in Washington

Seniors can apply for Medicaid in several ways. Applications may be submitted directly through the Apple Health website, by phone or in person at a local HCS office. Seniors and their families can also call the statewide Medicaid helpline at (800) 200-1004.

Information You Will Need

New applicants for Apple Health must establish that they meet the financial and other eligibility standards to participate in the program. To do this, it may be necessary to engage in a telephone interview with a program worker and submit documents relating to financial transactions over the preceding 60 months. Documents you may be asked for include:

• Government ID that verifies the applicant’s citizenship and residency status
• Copies of the title to the applicant’s home and any vehicles owned
• Copies of any burial arrangements or title deeds for prepaid burial plots
• Professional appraisals to verify the current market value of the applicant’s home
• Income tax returns for the past five years
• Copies of the applicant’s will, power of attorney documents and any other records related to real estate, financial assets or care arrangements

How To Get Help Applying for Medicaid

In Florida, seniors who need assistance applying for Medicaid can contact the ACCESS Customer Call Center. Application assistance is also available through local senior service agencies, which can be located by calling Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs Elder Helpline. Some senior centers may offer free Medicaid counseling and workshops for seniors who need help completing their Medicaid application. 

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Washington?

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Washington. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Washington.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Washington

Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Memory Care affordable.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Washington

Seniors with dementia frequently need help finding and applying for the assistance they need to take care of themselves. Caregivers and families might also need free and low-cost options when finding and arranging care for their senior loved one. Washington government and nongovernment organizations provide many resources that can help with everything from information and referrals to placement assistance, transportation matters and even home-delivered meals. 

COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Washington

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including dshs.wa.gov and cdc.gov. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 5/4/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Outings & Social Activities

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Washington

There are licensed assisted living facilities and adult family homes in Washington with specialty care designations for dementia as well as facilities that are solely dedicated to memory care. The Department of Social and Health Services governs these facilities through the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration’s Residential Care Services division. In addition, those that accept Medicaid are contracted by the DSHS through the Enhanced Adult Residential Care – Specialized Dementia Care program.

Frequently Asked Questions