The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Bremerton, WA for 2023

The city of Bremerton, WA, has a population of approximately 44,000 people, 12.8% of whom are seniors ages 65 and older. This group is at special risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Fortunately, Alzheimer’s-related deaths in Bremerton are rising very slowly, according to the CDC. In 2016, 160 people died from this condition while 166 people died in 2020. This is an increase of 3.75%.

Quality dementia care is critically important to the residents of Bremerton. Memory care focuses on security, support and stimulation. Security is especially significant because seniors with memory loss tend to wander. Most communities feature high-tech security to keep residents safe. Memory care support includes guidance, help with daily living activities and nutritious meals. Stimulation happens in the form of structured activities, creative environments and personal interactions.

Seniors and their families can use this guide to learn more about memory care in Bremerton. It covers cost comparisons, advice on how to pay for memory care, more information about the city itself and a list of helpful resources.

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services regulates and licenses memory care facilities to make sure they are providing the highest quality care. Regulations include everything from staff training to care services, and frequent inspections help the department keep track of facilities’ compliance. Seniors and their families can search for particular communities in an online directory.

• Bremerton’s overall cost of living runs high compared to the national average, coming in at 110.6 on a 100-point scale (with 100 as the national average). Seniors can, however, access assistance programs through the city, county and various nonprofit organizations, including Lutheran Community Services Northwest, to help them balance their budgets.
• Bremerton residents’ health care costs fall below the U.S. average. The city rates 83.4 on a 100-point index, meaning that people in Bremerton pay 16.6% less for health care than residents of many other cities. The city also boasts a number of physicians per capita that falls just below the national average.
• The climate in Bremerton varies significantly by season. Winters in the city can be chilly with January lows coming in at about 36 degrees Fahrenheit. The city averages only about 3 inches of snow per year, however. Summers earn a 9.3 on the 10-point comfort index. July highs average 76, and while there are many cloudy days, many seniors find the temperatures to be comfortable.
• Bremerton’s economy is relatively strong. Although incomes fall below the national average, the city has a diverse employment range. Health care and social assistance job numbers are higher than average, which may prove beneficial to seniors. Washington state also does not collect income tax.
• Bremerton’s residents are served by the St. Michael Medical Center in nearby Silverdale. This hospital offers emergency services, primary care, several specialties and many classes and events. As part of the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health network, patients can access several services, including wound care, imaging and medical appointments, right in Bremerton.

Note: Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care rates tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care costs in the United States, so we’ve estimated the monthly memory care costs listed below by adding 25% to the rates listed in Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

Bremerton’s memory care communities charge about $7,188 per month based on the services that seniors require.

Memory care in Bremerton is expensive compared to the national average of $5,625, but it does come in under the Washington state average of $7,500. Washington cities vary widely in their memory care prices. Walla Walla’s costs are lowest at $4,014. Kennewick’s rates are lower than those of Bremerton by $657. Spokane’s prices stand at $6,110. On the high end of the spectrum is Seattle with a monthly price of $8,438.

Bremerton seniors can choose from a variety of care options. Nursing home care is the most expensive, coming in at almost $3,300 more per month than memory care. Home health care and in-home care offer the option for many seniors to remain at home and still receive the assistance they need. The monthly rates for these services are $7,007 and $6,673 respectively. Assisted living provides services in a community setting and costs $1,438 less per month than memory care.

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 Washington page.