Olympia, Washington, is home to around 55,600 people, with approximately 17.5% of the population made up of seniors aged 65 or over. Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions that cause degenerative loss of cognitive function affect a growing number of seniors every year. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alzheimer’s-related deaths in Olympia increased from 145 in 2014 to 216 in 2018. This represents an increase of 48.97%. In contrast, the overall death rate increased by just 17.08%, suggesting that Alzheimer’s disease is a significant and growing issue in Olympia.
Fortunately, there are memory care communities in Olympia to provide specialist care and support for residents living with cognitive decline. Memory care communities provide constant supervision to safeguard residents, and specialist therapies and activities can assist in slowing the progression of memory loss. This guide provides details about memory care in Olympia, including the typical cost of memory care in local communities, a list of memory care communities around the city and useful dementia-related resources.
Memory Care Facilities in Olympia, WA
420 Yauger Way South West, Olympia, WA, 98502
My father moved into Brookdale Olympia West. They seem to be really accommodating, and everybody’s been nice. It’s a nice facility. It’s OK as far as facilities go. There’s been some miscommunication
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My father moved into Brookdale Olympia West. They seem to be really accommodating, and everybody’s been nice. It’s a nice facility. It’s OK as far as facilities go. There’s been some miscommunication over him getting his showers and laundry done, but that’s the only issue we’ve had. They seem to feed them well and they’re distributing his medication, and that has made a big difference in how he is. He seems a lot happier.
He’s settled in and more well-adjusted. In the beginning, I think the schedule got screwed up or something, but it took a couple of weeks to get him a shower, which would get me up the wall. I think we’ve got that worked out, and the laundry situation. But other than that, everything’s been pretty good. There’s people at all levels in there. You could have a conversation with him, so it was a little tough for him at first to adjust to the other people. He didn’t have anybody to really have a conversation with, only one other lady, and the rest of them were more advanced stages, and so you can’t really converse too much with them. That’s been hard for him, but he’s really happy with the staff, especially the younger staff. They’ve been really good to him. He’s in a studio. It’s got a bathroom with it, and a sink. It’s got a closet, we put his TV in there, and we pay for the cable. He’s got a window where he can look out to a little bit of a grassy yard, and we brought him his chair from home. You can bring in some personal furnishings and make them feel at home. They have a little bus and they do take them on outings. It’s a little bit on the pricey side.
I don’t think he is really excited about the meals. My mom was a gourmet cook, but I think they’re balanced nutritionally, and they have a couple of chefs. I think it’s good food. It’s just not the top of the line he’s used to.
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My father moved into Brookdale Olympia West. They seem to be really accommodating, and everybody’s been nice. It’s a nice facility. It’s OK as far as facilities go. There’s been some miscommunication
… (read more)
My father moved into Brookdale Olympia West. They seem to be really accommodating, and everybody’s been nice. It’s a nice facility. It’s OK as far as facilities go. There’s been some miscommunication over him getting his showers and laundry done, but that’s the only issue we’ve had. They seem to feed them well and they’re distributing his medication, and that has made a big difference in how he is. He seems a lot happier.
He’s settled in and more well-adjusted. In the beginning, I think the schedule got screwed up or something, but it took a couple of weeks to get him a shower, which would get me up the wall. I think we’ve got that worked out, and the laundry situation. But other than that, everything’s been pretty good. There’s people at all levels in there. You could have a conversation with him, so it was a little tough for him at first to adjust to the other people. He didn’t have anybody to really have a conversation with, only one other lady, and the rest of them were more advanced stages, and so you can’t really converse too much with them. That’s been hard for him, but he’s really happy with the staff, especially the younger staff. They’ve been really good to him. He’s in a studio. It’s got a bathroom with it, and a sink. It’s got a closet, we put his TV in there, and we pay for the cable. He’s got a window where he can look out to a little bit of a grassy yard, and we brought him his chair from home. You can bring in some personal furnishings and make them feel at home. They have a little bus and they do take them on outings. It’s a little bit on the pricey side.
I don’t think he is really excited about the meals. My mom was a gourmet cook, but I think they’re balanced nutritionally, and they have a couple of chefs. I think it’s good food. It’s just not the top of the line he’s used to.
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4711 17th Avenue Northwest, Olympia, WA, 98502
Bethany Adult Family Home is located in beautiful Olympia, Washington. Olympia is known for its beautiful scenery and natural setting. One thing that stands out to family members about this facility i
… (read more)
Bethany Adult Family Home is located in beautiful Olympia, Washington. Olympia is known for its beautiful scenery and natural setting. One thing that stands out to family members about this facility is that even those who need a high level of care are encouraged to participate in social activities as they’re able. The staff is caring and treats each of the residents as if they are their own family. The residents enjoy the meals and the ability to bring personal items from home and decorate their room to their individual tastes.
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Bethany Adult Family Home is located in beautiful Olympia, Washington. Olympia is known for its beautiful scenery and natural setting. One thing that stands out to family members about this facility i
… (read more)
Bethany Adult Family Home is located in beautiful Olympia, Washington. Olympia is known for its beautiful scenery and natural setting. One thing that stands out to family members about this facility is that even those who need a high level of care are encouraged to participate in social activities as they’re able. The staff is caring and treats each of the residents as if they are their own family. The residents enjoy the meals and the ability to bring personal items from home and decorate their room to their individual tastes.
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626 Lilly Rd. NE, Olympia, WA, 98506
I wouldn’t leave anybody at Garden Courte Memory Care Community. We were not impressed. A lot of the clients weren’t being cared for and were not getting the help they needed. I feel like they were un
… (read more)
I wouldn’t leave anybody at Garden Courte Memory Care Community. We were not impressed. A lot of the clients weren’t being cared for and were not getting the help they needed. I feel like they were understaffed. The staff member who gave us the tour was nice. They were remodeling when were there.
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I wouldn’t leave anybody at Garden Courte Memory Care Community. We were not impressed. A lot of the clients weren’t being cared for and were not getting the help they needed. I feel like they were un
… (read more)
I wouldn’t leave anybody at Garden Courte Memory Care Community. We were not impressed. A lot of the clients weren’t being cared for and were not getting the help they needed. I feel like they were understaffed. The staff member who gave us the tour was nice. They were remodeling when were there.
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2216 48th Ave SW, Olympia, WA, 98512
My great aunt lived at Magnolia Woods for three years. She arrived there from out of state in very ill health, emaciated and unhappy. Margarita and her staff made her last years comfortable, safe, and
… (read more)
My great aunt lived at Magnolia Woods for three years. She arrived there from out of state in very ill health, emaciated and unhappy. Margarita and her staff made her last years comfortable, safe, and joyful. She especially loved Margarita’s delicious home cooked meals. We can’t imagine a better facility or community of caregivers.
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My great aunt lived at Magnolia Woods for three years. She arrived there from out of state in very ill health, emaciated and unhappy. Margarita and her staff made her last years comfortable, safe, and
… (read more)
My great aunt lived at Magnolia Woods for three years. She arrived there from out of state in very ill health, emaciated and unhappy. Margarita and her staff made her last years comfortable, safe, and joyful. She especially loved Margarita’s delicious home cooked meals. We can’t imagine a better facility or community of caregivers.
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1400 Trosper Road, Olympia, WA, 98512
Nestled within a quiet neighborhood not far from Barnes Lake, The Hampton Alzheimer’s Memory Care Center is an assisted living and memory care facility in Olympia, Washington. Visitors mention how muc
… (read more)
Nestled within a quiet neighborhood not far from Barnes Lake, The Hampton Alzheimer’s Memory Care Center is an assisted living and memory care facility in Olympia, Washington. Visitors mention how much they trust the dedicated staff, who are trained to offer compassionate, competent care to the residents. They especially appreciate that the facility offers a support group for the loved ones of those with Alzheimer’s. They also praise the facility for making sure the residents stay social with organized trips into the local community, where they can dine in restaurants and go shopping.
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Nestled within a quiet neighborhood not far from Barnes Lake, The Hampton Alzheimer’s Memory Care Center is an assisted living and memory care facility in Olympia, Washington. Visitors mention how muc
… (read more)
Nestled within a quiet neighborhood not far from Barnes Lake, The Hampton Alzheimer’s Memory Care Center is an assisted living and memory care facility in Olympia, Washington. Visitors mention how much they trust the dedicated staff, who are trained to offer compassionate, competent care to the residents. They especially appreciate that the facility offers a support group for the loved ones of those with Alzheimer’s. They also praise the facility for making sure the residents stay social with organized trips into the local community, where they can dine in restaurants and go shopping.
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4528 Intelco Loop SE, Lacey, WA, 98503
2325 48th Avenue SW, Tumwater, WA, 98512
8570 Martin Way E, Lacey, WA, 98516
We chose the Cottages of Lacey for my mother. They were very organized, they had everything well set up, their security was top notch, and the rooms that we saw were very well kept. There were two peo
… (read more)
We chose the Cottages of Lacey for my mother. They were very organized, they had everything well set up, their security was top notch, and the rooms that we saw were very well kept. There were two people to a room. They had their own kitchen, and they had their own areas where they would congregate, and do whatever they wanted to do. The food was excellent, I saw it being prepared, but I didn’t eat there. It was a very nice place. They had four people to a table, and there were six tables total, but I wasn’t there when they were eating. Monica was just here yesterday. She came out and evaluated my mother; she was very thorough, and professional. There is an outdoor area where you can go outside.
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We chose the Cottages of Lacey for my mother. They were very organized, they had everything well set up, their security was top notch, and the rooms that we saw were very well kept. There were two peo
… (read more)
We chose the Cottages of Lacey for my mother. They were very organized, they had everything well set up, their security was top notch, and the rooms that we saw were very well kept. There were two people to a room. They had their own kitchen, and they had their own areas where they would congregate, and do whatever they wanted to do. The food was excellent, I saw it being prepared, but I didn’t eat there. It was a very nice place. They had four people to a table, and there were six tables total, but I wasn’t there when they were eating. Monica was just here yesterday. She came out and evaluated my mother; she was very thorough, and professional. There is an outdoor area where you can go outside.
(read less)
COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Olympia
Since most COVID-19 rules for Memory Care Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Memory Care in Washington. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Memory Care in Olympia
The Aging and Long-Term Support Administration team, within the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, monitors and regulates memory care communities throughout the state, including Olympia. The department ensures facilities abide with relevant legislative provisions as well as carrying out background checks on caregivers, approving some staff training curriculums and inspecting facilities.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Memory Care in Olympia
- The overall cost of living in Olympia is about 6% higher than the national average. It’s around 12% cheaper than the state’s average, meaning it could be a good financial option for lower income seniors in Washington. Average costs for health and transportation are lower than the state average, and higher-than-average housing costs may help to make residential memory care a more affordable option when compared to care at home.
- While Olympia’s sales tax rate is slightly above the U.S. average, a lack of income tax in Washington can help seniors in Olympia to stretch their retirement funds further. Several Medicaid programs and the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly are among funding options that may help seniors to pay for memory care.
- There are several hospitals in and around Olympia, including Providence St. Peter Hospital, which ranks as one of the best hospitals in the state and features on the top 40 list of hospitals nationwide for common care. Other highly rated hospitals near Olympia include MultiCare Capital Medical Center and St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood.
- Property crime is substantially higher in Olympia as compared to national figures; on a 100-point crime scale, Olympia scores 61.2 while the U.S. average is 35.4. Residential memory care may, therefore, provide more peace of mind to seniors and their loved ones as opposed to living alone. On a positive note, violent crime figures in Olympia are slightly lower than the nationwide average.
- All Intercity Transit’s bus routes are free for everyone, and all vehicles have ramps or lifts along with other accessibility features. Buses connect various destinations around Olympia and beyond, including transit hubs to connect with other services. Seniors over the age of 65 and people with disabilities can obtain a Regional Reduced Fare Permit for discounted fares on partner transport agencies throughout the Puget Sound region. Seniors aged 60 or above who have no other transportation options for medical appointments or essential errands around Thurston and Mason Counties can use Senior Services for South Sound’s Transportation Program.
Paying for Memory Care in Olympia
Memory care is typically provided as an additional service within assisted living communities and rates are usually 20-30% higher than standard assisted living residential care. As there is no comprehensive nationwide data for costs of dementia care, we have estimated costs by adding 25% to the rates for assisted living care per Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. Memory care in Olympia costs, on average, $6,006 per month.
The Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities
While the average monthly memory care rate of $6,006 in Olympia is more expensive than the nationwide average of $5,625, seniors in the state capital of Olympia pay almost $1,500 less per month than the state average of $7,500. Costs are higher in nearby Seattle and Bremerton, where the respective prices for memory care are around $8,438 and $7,188. While the price difference lessens in Longview and Yakima, where average rates are $6,625 and $6,219 respectively, seniors in Olympia still pay less per month for dementia care.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
With an average monthly cost of $6,006, residential memory care is a mid-range senior care choice in Olympia. Nursing home care is the priciest option, at $9,764 for a semiprivate room and $10,707 for a private room, while seniors who wish to remain at home will also pay more for home care or home health care, both of which cost $6,673 each month. At $4,805, assisted living is more than $1,000 cheaper per month than memory care. The most affordable option is adult day health care, with an average monthly cost of $1,625.
Nursing Home (semiprivate)
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Olympia
In Olympia, there are options for seniors who need financial assistance paying for Memory Care. For more information about other options, who qualifies, and how to apply, Memory Care in Washington page.
More Ways to Pay for 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.
Free Memory Care Resources in Olympia
Olympia and surrounding areas are home to several government and nonprofit groups that provide information, assistance and support to seniors and loved ones affected by dementia. We’ve compiled a list of resources that assist locals in finding suitable residential memory care options and sourcing legal, financial and social support.
A major dementia resource in the Pacific Northwest, the Washington State Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association operates a free 24/7 hotline for anyone experiencing dementia and their loved ones. Services include free online educational programs, community forums and advocacy programs, and there’s a monthly support group for caregivers in Olympia.
While not solely focused on seniors with Alzheimer’s, the programs at Olympia Senior Center are suitable for those experiencing early-stage memory loss. The center provides a safe space where older citizens can socialize and enjoy a range of activities, including exercise sessions, educational classes, games and wellness programs.
LMTAAA provides diverse free and affordable services for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Advisors can signpost and provide detailed information on topics including benefits, long-term housing options, elder law and cultural groups.
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Olympia
Olympia Memory Care Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Memory Care Facilities in Washington are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Washington page for more information about these laws.
