Seattle, WA, is a dementia-friendly community on Puget Sound in the west-central region of the state. This city hosts about 740,000 people and a relatively young population, with its senior community making up a little over 12% of residents. While this is low compared to state and national norms, Alzheimer’s deaths are on the rise in this community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the number of Alzheimer’s deaths went up by 19% between 2016 and 2020, rising from 1,081 at the beginning of the reporting period to 1,288 at the end. During this time, the total death rate increased by 11%.
While there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, specialized dementia care can improve the quality of life for those with this diagnosis. Residential memory care facilities provide daily meals, personal care and around-the-clock monitoring along with low-stress social and recreational opportunities.
This guide provides comprehensive information on dementia care in Seattle, including how local care costs compare to rates in nearby cities and where seniors and their families can access information and supportive services.
Directory of Memory Care Facilities in Seattle, WA
4020 NE 55th St., Seattle, WA, 98105
Empress Senior Living was amazing. It was more expensive, but I seriously considered it. It’s just that the rooms were kind of small and a little depressing. They didn’t have carpet in them. Also, the
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Empress Senior Living was amazing. It was more expensive, but I seriously considered it. It’s just that the rooms were kind of small and a little depressing. They didn’t have carpet in them. Also, there’s only 17 people there right now, so there’s nobody in the memory care. They’re still trying to fill up the place. They’re really new, so they don’t have very many peoplel, which made it not a good fit, but again the people were absolutely fantastic. I really, really, really like them.
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Empress Senior Living was amazing. It was more expensive, but I seriously considered it. It’s just that the rooms were kind of small and a little depressing. They didn’t have carpet in them. Also, the
… (read more)
Empress Senior Living was amazing. It was more expensive, but I seriously considered it. It’s just that the rooms were kind of small and a little depressing. They didn’t have carpet in them. Also, there’s only 17 people there right now, so there’s nobody in the memory care. They’re still trying to fill up the place. They’re really new, so they don’t have very many peoplel, which made it not a good fit, but again the people were absolutely fantastic. I really, really, really like them.
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11039 17th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, WA, 98125
We paid up front for my mother’s care – she was in the facility for 31 days before she passed in May. We have been waiting for 2 months to get a refund for her care and room for a partial month, and
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We paid up front for my mother’s care – she was in the facility for 31 days before she passed in May. We have been waiting for 2 months to get a refund for her care and room for a partial month, and 60% of the community fee less $500. (I asked to have the $500 waived since she was there just 1 day over a month, but it was denied.) After 4 requests we still have no idea when we will receive the refund despite assurances it would be forthcoming. Definitely has soured the great experience my mother had at this facility.
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We paid up front for my mother’s care – she was in the facility for 31 days before she passed in May. We have been waiting for 2 months to get a refund for her care and room for a partial month, and
… (read more)
We paid up front for my mother’s care – she was in the facility for 31 days before she passed in May. We have been waiting for 2 months to get a refund for her care and room for a partial month, and 60% of the community fee less $500. (I asked to have the $500 waived since she was there just 1 day over a month, but it was denied.) After 4 requests we still have no idea when we will receive the refund despite assurances it would be forthcoming. Definitely has soured the great experience my mother had at this facility.
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4515 41st Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98116
My friend is now a resident in Quail Park of West Seattle. Well, the biggest problem is this virus, he is in quarantine almost all the time. In fact, I got a call yesterday, and I have to put him back
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My friend is now a resident in Quail Park of West Seattle. Well, the biggest problem is this virus, he is in quarantine almost all the time. In fact, I got a call yesterday, and I have to put him back in the hospital, and he’ll come back right in quarantine again. He hates it beyond belief. He calls me, and just screams, ‘Get me out of this dump!’ But that’s the virus, and that’s the governor. He is like in a closet in quarantine. He can’t go out, he can’t do nothing, he is not happy. The food is absolutely horrible, and when you’re in quarantine, they give you these stupid little plastic spoons. He has Parkinson’s, and he shakes so bad that he can’t get the food to his mouth. Nobody would feed him. I can’t give them a high rating. Because of the virus, it’s not a beautiful place.
Well, the entry staff were fantastic, the people that set you all up. They gave you a tour and it’s great, it’s a beautiful place, but of course with the virus, my friend can’t use any of it. When he does, it’s a very short time. Now we’re back into the hospital, two more weeks into quarantine. In four months, he has maybe two weeks out of that four months to be not in quarantine.
A lot of times my friend won’t eat at all. He has to drink thickened water, thickened milk, thickened everything. It’s just like drinking hydraulic oil. He hates it. He loses weight. Now he is gaining weight because he must be sneaking off in the bathroom and trying to get some water because they won’t give him water. They won’t give him any liquids. If I was paying $7607 a month, I would expect a little more caring. He said they’re very rude to him, a lot of them. Some of them are good; some of them are not. Their night people are not nice at all to him. If I was there, I would probably be out of my mind too paying that much money and being stuck in a closet.
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My friend is now a resident in Quail Park of West Seattle. Well, the biggest problem is this virus, he is in quarantine almost all the time. In fact, I got a call yesterday, and I have to put him back
… (read more)
My friend is now a resident in Quail Park of West Seattle. Well, the biggest problem is this virus, he is in quarantine almost all the time. In fact, I got a call yesterday, and I have to put him back in the hospital, and he’ll come back right in quarantine again. He hates it beyond belief. He calls me, and just screams, ‘Get me out of this dump!’ But that’s the virus, and that’s the governor. He is like in a closet in quarantine. He can’t go out, he can’t do nothing, he is not happy. The food is absolutely horrible, and when you’re in quarantine, they give you these stupid little plastic spoons. He has Parkinson’s, and he shakes so bad that he can’t get the food to his mouth. Nobody would feed him. I can’t give them a high rating. Because of the virus, it’s not a beautiful place.
Well, the entry staff were fantastic, the people that set you all up. They gave you a tour and it’s great, it’s a beautiful place, but of course with the virus, my friend can’t use any of it. When he does, it’s a very short time. Now we’re back into the hospital, two more weeks into quarantine. In four months, he has maybe two weeks out of that four months to be not in quarantine.
A lot of times my friend won’t eat at all. He has to drink thickened water, thickened milk, thickened everything. It’s just like drinking hydraulic oil. He hates it. He loses weight. Now he is gaining weight because he must be sneaking off in the bathroom and trying to get some water because they won’t give him water. They won’t give him any liquids. If I was paying $7607 a month, I would expect a little more caring. He said they’re very rude to him, a lot of them. Some of them are good; some of them are not. Their night people are not nice at all to him. If I was there, I would probably be out of my mind too paying that much money and being stuck in a closet.
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15809 23rd Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98166
12505 Greenwood Avenue N, Seattle, WA, 98133
Ida Culver House Broadview, located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, is known for its cheerful environment designed to cultivate body wellness. This facility’s campus offers spe
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Ida Culver House Broadview, located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, is known for its cheerful environment designed to cultivate body wellness. This facility’s campus offers specialized care for residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Residents specifically note the high-quality physical and occupational therapy available from knowledgeable employees. In addition to therapy services, residents are impressed by the freedom they experience in setting and maintaining their own personal schedules, and the eclectic choices of events and activities available. Relatives love the deck and stunning views and residents appreciate the convenience of a washer and dryer included with each room.
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Ida Culver House Broadview, located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, is known for its cheerful environment designed to cultivate body wellness. This facility’s campus offers spe
… (read more)
Ida Culver House Broadview, located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, is known for its cheerful environment designed to cultivate body wellness. This facility’s campus offers specialized care for residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Residents specifically note the high-quality physical and occupational therapy available from knowledgeable employees. In addition to therapy services, residents are impressed by the freedom they experience in setting and maintaining their own personal schedules, and the eclectic choices of events and activities available. Relatives love the deck and stunning views and residents appreciate the convenience of a washer and dryer included with each room.
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5608 SW Hanford St, Seattle, WA, 98116
My mother will be moving into Pat & Mileta’s Home. It’s very light and bright. It’s very homey and it has a view of the water. It’s very clean. The room that I chose is a single room. It’s nicely
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My mother will be moving into Pat & Mileta’s Home. It’s very light and bright. It’s very homey and it has a view of the water. It’s very clean. The room that I chose is a single room. It’s nicely furnished and very inviting. It’s got a nice big window. The staff was very knowledgeable, very welcoming, and very understanding, and realized how difficult this decision was for me because I’ve been taking care of my mother at home. I didn’t sample the food. The dining area was very nice and it’s right out in the living area. They have nice outdoors. They’re putting in a garden area, but they have a nice deck where families can also meet with their loved ones.
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My mother will be moving into Pat & Mileta’s Home. It’s very light and bright. It’s very homey and it has a view of the water. It’s very clean. The room that I chose is a single room. It’s nicely
… (read more)
My mother will be moving into Pat & Mileta’s Home. It’s very light and bright. It’s very homey and it has a view of the water. It’s very clean. The room that I chose is a single room. It’s nicely furnished and very inviting. It’s got a nice big window. The staff was very knowledgeable, very welcoming, and very understanding, and realized how difficult this decision was for me because I’ve been taking care of my mother at home. I didn’t sample the food. The dining area was very nice and it’s right out in the living area. They have nice outdoors. They’re putting in a garden area, but they have a nice deck where families can also meet with their loved ones.
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9001 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98115
Emerald City Senior Living is located in a quiet neighborhood in Seattle, just minutes away from shopping, restaurants and world-class medical care. Residents and their visitors praise the clean and m
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Emerald City Senior Living is located in a quiet neighborhood in Seattle, just minutes away from shopping, restaurants and world-class medical care. Residents and their visitors praise the clean and modern, small-pet-friendly facilities and furnishings. Residents are catered to by a caring, well-trained staff, and say the visiting physician and on-site therapy facilities make it easy for them to get the care they need without venturing far from home. Emerald City Senior Living residents and visitors comment on the many opportunities to keep busy, including indoor walking and gardening clubs, an on-site salon and exercise and game rooms.
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Emerald City Senior Living is located in a quiet neighborhood in Seattle, just minutes away from shopping, restaurants and world-class medical care. Residents and their visitors praise the clean and m
… (read more)
Emerald City Senior Living is located in a quiet neighborhood in Seattle, just minutes away from shopping, restaurants and world-class medical care. Residents and their visitors praise the clean and modern, small-pet-friendly facilities and furnishings. Residents are catered to by a caring, well-trained staff, and say the visiting physician and on-site therapy facilities make it easy for them to get the care they need without venturing far from home. Emerald City Senior Living residents and visitors comment on the many opportunities to keep busy, including indoor walking and gardening clubs, an on-site salon and exercise and game rooms.
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1421 Minor Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101
7125 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA, 98136
100 Crockett Street, Seattle, WA, 98109
Ideally placed in the beating heart of Seattle, Queen Anne Manor offers the very best urban experience for sophisticated seniors. The mission of the community is to offer seniors an environment that f
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Ideally placed in the beating heart of Seattle, Queen Anne Manor offers the very best urban experience for sophisticated seniors. The mission of the community is to offer seniors an environment that feels more like a home than a facility. Both the assisted living and memory support programs boast a full calendar of events including arts, entertainment, fitness activities and games designed to keep the body and mind sharp. Custom care plans are designed to meet a resident’s medical needs as well as allow them the opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest.
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Ideally placed in the beating heart of Seattle, Queen Anne Manor offers the very best urban experience for sophisticated seniors. The mission of the community is to offer seniors an environment that f
… (read more)
Ideally placed in the beating heart of Seattle, Queen Anne Manor offers the very best urban experience for sophisticated seniors. The mission of the community is to offer seniors an environment that feels more like a home than a facility. Both the assisted living and memory support programs boast a full calendar of events including arts, entertainment, fitness activities and games designed to keep the body and mind sharp. Custom care plans are designed to meet a resident’s medical needs as well as allow them the opportunity to enjoy life to its fullest.
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2200 East Madison Street, Seattle, WA, 98112
2418 Nw 56th St, Seattle, WA, 98107
4732 35th Avenue South, Seattle, WA, 98118
2900 3rd Avenue West, Seattle, WA, 98119
1936 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, WA, 98102
1010 SW 134th Street, Burien, WA, 98146
El Dorado West was a great place. It would be our #1 choice. It’s a beautiful place and immaculate. If I was looking for a long-term community, I would move there today. That’s how much I liked it. Th
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El Dorado West was a great place. It would be our #1 choice. It’s a beautiful place and immaculate. If I was looking for a long-term community, I would move there today. That’s how much I liked it. They do a nice job for those folks. They have memory care there, but it’s full. It’s about as close as you could get to being at your own home. They provide a good atmosphere and activities. It’s not depressing. They’re very thorough there. I walked the whole facility and I’m pretty particular and it was immaculate. The staff was nice. They’re nice to the residents. I like the fact they know their residents by name. It makes them feel more of a part of a community, not just a resident.
I looked at two different types of rooms, but I would describe them as more than enough room and I think priced accordingly. The food and the menu choices looked good. They go the extra mile to make sure their folks are happy. I’ve never been there before, so I don’t have the incentive to be nice here, but It’s a wonderful place. The dining area had plenty of seating. They have people spaced accordingly, very upbeat, light and bright, accessible, and nice. The common areas are nice. They have a movie area. All the areas are nice.
They showed their monthly schedule of activities for seniors. They had a beauty shop if they need their hair done. They’re having a holiday party for their residents and their staff. They have shopping trips. All of these things are on a monthly schedule that people can sign up for that are more active. I think that’s nice because they have quite a bit of assistance there.
It’s immaculate. The buildings were in very good shape. The common areas were in good shape, the hallways, the apartments themselves. You could tell the building was well maintained and there were no smells. It’s a nice place. I was impressed. I didn’t expect to see what I saw. They weren’t trying to upsell me. They were more on giving me information to understand the community, the environment, and what they have for residents, which is what I was there for. The place sold itself. It’s beautiful, well maintained, and up-to-date. It’s not dismal. It’s not lacking in maintenance. You could tell that they maintain everything from the common outside areas, garden areas, interior, exterior, and the parking lot was clean. It had a nice appeal when you drive up. The lobby was very appealing. The dining room was appealing. They did a good job for their community. Overall, the value for your dollar, that’s an exceptional place.
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El Dorado West was a great place. It would be our #1 choice. It’s a beautiful place and immaculate. If I was looking for a long-term community, I would move there today. That’s how much I liked it. Th
… (read more)
El Dorado West was a great place. It would be our #1 choice. It’s a beautiful place and immaculate. If I was looking for a long-term community, I would move there today. That’s how much I liked it. They do a nice job for those folks. They have memory care there, but it’s full. It’s about as close as you could get to being at your own home. They provide a good atmosphere and activities. It’s not depressing. They’re very thorough there. I walked the whole facility and I’m pretty particular and it was immaculate. The staff was nice. They’re nice to the residents. I like the fact they know their residents by name. It makes them feel more of a part of a community, not just a resident.
I looked at two different types of rooms, but I would describe them as more than enough room and I think priced accordingly. The food and the menu choices looked good. They go the extra mile to make sure their folks are happy. I’ve never been there before, so I don’t have the incentive to be nice here, but It’s a wonderful place. The dining area had plenty of seating. They have people spaced accordingly, very upbeat, light and bright, accessible, and nice. The common areas are nice. They have a movie area. All the areas are nice.
They showed their monthly schedule of activities for seniors. They had a beauty shop if they need their hair done. They’re having a holiday party for their residents and their staff. They have shopping trips. All of these things are on a monthly schedule that people can sign up for that are more active. I think that’s nice because they have quite a bit of assistance there.
It’s immaculate. The buildings were in very good shape. The common areas were in good shape, the hallways, the apartments themselves. You could tell the building was well maintained and there were no smells. It’s a nice place. I was impressed. I didn’t expect to see what I saw. They weren’t trying to upsell me. They were more on giving me information to understand the community, the environment, and what they have for residents, which is what I was there for. The place sold itself. It’s beautiful, well maintained, and up-to-date. It’s not dismal. It’s not lacking in maintenance. You could tell that they maintain everything from the common outside areas, garden areas, interior, exterior, and the parking lot was clean. It had a nice appeal when you drive up. The lobby was very appealing. The dining room was appealing. They did a good job for their community. Overall, the value for your dollar, that’s an exceptional place.
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1640 148th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA, 98007
What I like the least about Patriots Glen Assisted Living & Memory Care is probably the fact that the memory care residents didn’t have the opportunity to be involved with activities other than te
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What I like the least about Patriots Glen Assisted Living & Memory Care is probably the fact that the memory care residents didn’t have the opportunity to be involved with activities other than television. In the activity room, they’re all kind of lined up in their chairs watching TV, and the care provider that was sitting in the room was just sitting there kind of to oversee but not be actively engaged with them. There was no engagement by the care provider. I would think that there should be some kind of focus outside of television to give these people the opportunity to try to engage, even though they have limited capacity to do so. Also, I felt that there should be more emphasis on encouraging the memory care residents to have a certain allotted amount of time in the day to physically be outside in a completely fenced-in garden or outside environment. It was a gorgeous day the day I was there, and I don’t believe they take their residents out to be outside every day. That should be a requirement, especially on a sunny day or a nice day, and they should unlock that door because it was locked. They had a key but even the person who was taking me on the tour didn’t know where the key was and so she had to ask someone else. That led me to believe that they don’t actively let the residents out to be able to get some fresh air and to be out sitting in the filtered sunshine or even just out there in the shade, and that was a turn-off for me.
The available rooms had stains on the carpet. They were dirty. The smells were terrible. It smelled like urine, which has not been cleaned up. I would not put my dad in a place like that. It just reminds me of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The guy who toured me doesn’t normally do the touring. I guess he was thrown off. The marketing person wasn’t expecting me to show up, so it was kind of like, ‘Okay, I’ll take you on the tour.’ He tried to get the information that he needed by contacting a few times the appropriate people (probably the marketing person), especially on pricing and cost and that kind of thing, so he was at least being proactive.
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What I like the least about Patriots Glen Assisted Living & Memory Care is probably the fact that the memory care residents didn’t have the opportunity to be involved with activities other than te
… (read more)
What I like the least about Patriots Glen Assisted Living & Memory Care is probably the fact that the memory care residents didn’t have the opportunity to be involved with activities other than television. In the activity room, they’re all kind of lined up in their chairs watching TV, and the care provider that was sitting in the room was just sitting there kind of to oversee but not be actively engaged with them. There was no engagement by the care provider. I would think that there should be some kind of focus outside of television to give these people the opportunity to try to engage, even though they have limited capacity to do so. Also, I felt that there should be more emphasis on encouraging the memory care residents to have a certain allotted amount of time in the day to physically be outside in a completely fenced-in garden or outside environment. It was a gorgeous day the day I was there, and I don’t believe they take their residents out to be outside every day. That should be a requirement, especially on a sunny day or a nice day, and they should unlock that door because it was locked. They had a key but even the person who was taking me on the tour didn’t know where the key was and so she had to ask someone else. That led me to believe that they don’t actively let the residents out to be able to get some fresh air and to be out sitting in the filtered sunshine or even just out there in the shade, and that was a turn-off for me.
The available rooms had stains on the carpet. They were dirty. The smells were terrible. It smelled like urine, which has not been cleaned up. I would not put my dad in a place like that. It just reminds me of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The guy who toured me doesn’t normally do the touring. I guess he was thrown off. The marketing person wasn’t expecting me to show up, so it was kind of like, ‘Okay, I’ll take you on the tour.’ He tried to get the information that he needed by contacting a few times the appropriate people (probably the marketing person), especially on pricing and cost and that kind of thing, so he was at least being proactive.
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10861 Manitou Park Blvd NE, Bainbridge Island, WA, 98110
I love the staff at the BI Memory Care Facility. They are all so good with the residences in every way. I love the openness of all the common areas and the large hallways with the beautiful artwork
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I love the staff at the BI Memory Care Facility. They are all so good with the residences in every way. I love the openness of all the common areas and the large hallways with the beautiful artwork and sitting nooks. Before COVID-19, I was able to enjoy an occasional meal with my mother which was always delicious and beautiful to look at! The large secure courtyard and covered outdoor area is extra wonderful! Residences can go in and out as they please so they can have that feeling of freedom. I also love the fact that the memory care facility has no elevators or stairs for causing confusion. I moved my mother over from Bothell and have had no regrets! This is a beautiful, caring and wonderful place in every way!
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I love the staff at the BI Memory Care Facility. They are all so good with the residences in every way. I love the openness of all the common areas and the large hallways with the beautiful artwork
… (read more)
I love the staff at the BI Memory Care Facility. They are all so good with the residences in every way. I love the openness of all the common areas and the large hallways with the beautiful artwork and sitting nooks. Before COVID-19, I was able to enjoy an occasional meal with my mother which was always delicious and beautiful to look at! The large secure courtyard and covered outdoor area is extra wonderful! Residences can go in and out as they please so they can have that feeling of freedom. I also love the fact that the memory care facility has no elevators or stairs for causing confusion. I moved my mother over from Bothell and have had no regrets! This is a beautiful, caring and wonderful place in every way!
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2959 76th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, WA, 98040
Sunrise of Mercer Island is in Mercer Island, Washington, close to Mercerdale Park, Interstate 90 and a large shopping plaza. Visitors say residents seem happy, and loved ones compliment the caring, i
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Sunrise of Mercer Island is in Mercer Island, Washington, close to Mercerdale Park, Interstate 90 and a large shopping plaza. Visitors say residents seem happy, and loved ones compliment the caring, informative staff. Visitors also comment that the small, clean building has a homelike feel and a unique architectural style with rooms that can accommodate couples. The facility maintains an inviting atmosphere with pets, fresh flowers, outdoor gardens and patios. Activities include exercise classes, bingo, movie nights and Bible study. The restaurant-style dining hall serves residents three balanced meals daily.
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Sunrise of Mercer Island is in Mercer Island, Washington, close to Mercerdale Park, Interstate 90 and a large shopping plaza. Visitors say residents seem happy, and loved ones compliment the caring, i
… (read more)
Sunrise of Mercer Island is in Mercer Island, Washington, close to Mercerdale Park, Interstate 90 and a large shopping plaza. Visitors say residents seem happy, and loved ones compliment the caring, informative staff. Visitors also comment that the small, clean building has a homelike feel and a unique architectural style with rooms that can accommodate couples. The facility maintains an inviting atmosphere with pets, fresh flowers, outdoor gardens and patios. Activities include exercise classes, bingo, movie nights and Bible study. The restaurant-style dining hall serves residents three balanced meals daily.
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14428 NE 8th St., Bellevue, WA, 98007
Silverado Bellevue was a good-looking facility. It was brand new and extremely well decorated, but it was too small. Residents had to use a shared bathroom with sliding doors in between. There was a p
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Silverado Bellevue was a good-looking facility. It was brand new and extremely well decorated, but it was too small. Residents had to use a shared bathroom with sliding doors in between. There was a possibility of a room with a bath, but the rooms were just very few, and they were more expensive.
They needed better staffing. I went there one day, because I was trying to help my husband get settled in, and no one was there. The food was adequate. I think I cook better at home. The activities sounded good on a schedule. They had lots of things planned. The activities manager gave it a good try, but he was providing most of the care that the people were getting on the whole floor. So, what the people mostly did was just watch television, and the people who sat there controlled it.
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Silverado Bellevue was a good-looking facility. It was brand new and extremely well decorated, but it was too small. Residents had to use a shared bathroom with sliding doors in between. There was a p
… (read more)
Silverado Bellevue was a good-looking facility. It was brand new and extremely well decorated, but it was too small. Residents had to use a shared bathroom with sliding doors in between. There was a possibility of a room with a bath, but the rooms were just very few, and they were more expensive.
They needed better staffing. I went there one day, because I was trying to help my husband get settled in, and no one was there. The food was adequate. I think I cook better at home. The activities sounded good on a schedule. They had lots of things planned. The activities manager gave it a good try, but he was providing most of the care that the people were getting on the whole floor. So, what the people mostly did was just watch television, and the people who sat there controlled it.
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COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Seattle
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 Seattle
In Seattle and the rest of Washington, memory care facilities are regulated by the State Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Care Support Administration. Visit its website to learn about facility regulations, staff training requirements and dispute resolution procedures for complaints.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Memory Care in Seattle
- Seattle is home to many of the state’s best hospitals, and a large number were rated as “High Performing” in treating a variety of conditions by U.S. News & World Report. Facilities include the University of Washington Medical Center, Virginia Mason Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center – Cherry Hill.
- Sound Generations provides free transportation for seniors to medical appointments, senior centers, shops, banks and other destinations in its service area. Disabled residents can ride the Hyde Shuttle for door-to-door transit to any destination in King County. Shuttle vans are fitted with lifts for wheelchairs and other medical equipment.
- With an index of 172.3, the cost of living in Seattle is much higher than the national index of 100. This is largely due to housing costs (309), but groceries (108.7) and transportation (137.5) are pricey as well. Health care (85.2) and utilities (68.8) are cheaper than average, though.
- Washington is tax-friendly to retirees thanks to no taxes on retirement income, including pensions and Social Security benefits. Sales taxes are higher than the national average, however. Currently, the King County sales tax rate is 10.1%, which includes the state sales tax of 6.5%.
- Seattle receives approximately 38 inches of rain per year, on par with the national average, but only 152 sunny days compared to the rest of the country’s 205. Weather tends to be mild year-round. The city gets about 5 inches of snow annually, 23 less than the national average, with an average low temperature of 37 in January. In July, the median high temperature is 76 degrees.
- Seattle’s violent crime rate is 6.6 compared to the Washington average of 2.93, which means residents have a one in 152 chance of becoming a victim of this type of crime. The city’s property crime rate is 52.5 (Washington average 27.3), and the odds of experiencing crimes such as burglary or vehicle theft are one in 19. Overall, Seattle is safer than 2% of U.S. cities.
- Seattle has been a member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network of States and Communities since 2016. Members of the network have perks like easy access to social services, ample activities for seniors, public transportation options and walkable neighborhoods.
Paying for Memory Care in Seattle
In Seattle, the average cost of memory care is $8,438 per month. This price includes a secure and comfortable environment, staff who are trained to care for people with Alzheimer’s, memory support programming and ample safety measures, such as gated gardens and keypad entries for families. Memory care is usually 20%-30% more expensive than assisted living, so the prices below are based on assisted living rates from Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey plus 25%.
The Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities
Partly due to its high cost of living, Seattle is one of Washington’s most expensive cities for memory care. It’s $938 higher than the Washington average of $7,500 and $2,813 more than the nationwide average of $5,625. Prices remain fairly high in Mount Vernon at $6,875, and in Bremerton, seniors pay $7,188. Costs average $6,006 in Olympia and $6,625 in Longview.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Homemaker services and home health aides can be good options for seniors who don’t yet need memory care. Both cost $6,769, although home health aides provide skilled nursing services and homemaker services don’t. Daytime-only supervision is priced around $2,600. Assisted living is $6,750, only slightly cheaper than home care. Nursing homes are the most expensive, averaging $9,916 for a semiprivate room and $11,984 for a private room.
Nursing Home (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home (private room)
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Seattle
In Seattle, 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 Seattle
Residents of Seattle can get help through a wide range of social services and programs for people with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones. Services offered by the following resources may include financial assistance for low-income seniors, early-stage Alzheimer’s recreational events and free consultations on choosing a memory care facility.
Resource
Contact
Description
Seattle's Area Agency on Aging offers a Community Living Connections program that answers questions for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other disabilities. Residents can call the hotline to speak with a trained specialist about memory care options, how to choose a suitable facility, tips on caring for someone with dementia and more age-related issues. Other services include case management, legal support, health maintenance and referrals to local resources.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides free consultations for families and seniors suffering from memory disease. The program provides a health assessment, strategies for coping with disease progression, coordination of services, future planning assistance and regular check-ins as the condition of a loved one changes. Its website has a list of family caregiver support groups, upcoming research projects and programs for seniors with early-stage Alzheimer’s.
Through the Senior Rights Assistance program, Seattle residents can get legal advice on advance health care directives, powers of attorney, guardianships, estate planning and other topics of importance to older adults. The program includes a free 30-minute consultation with a volunteer attorney.
The ombudsman is trained to resolve complaints about neglect, use of restraints, resident dignity and quality of care in the state's licensed memory care facilities. The program's website has information about elder rights, facility regulations and decision-making assistance for people living in long-term care.
Offered by Seattle Parks and Recreation, the Dementia-Friendly Recreation program provides fun and mentally engaging activities for residents with early Alzheimer’s. Activities may include watercolor painting, dancing, volunteer opportunities and field trips to local attractions.
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Seattle
Seattle 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.