The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Spokane Valley, WA for 2024

 

According to the National Institute on Aging, over 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, most aged 65 or older. Approximately 17.1% of Spokane Valley’s 107,300 residents are in this age group, indicating a need for local dementia care services. Furthermore, Alzheimer’s incidence is increasing in Spokane Valley, reflecting the statewide situation. Per CDC statistics, local Alzheimer’s deaths increased by 59.4% between 2016 and 2020, up from 337 to 537. In comparison, the overall mortality count increased by just 19.1%. Thankfully, Spokane Valley has several memory care communities to support seniors with dementia.

Memory care facilities support seniors at all levels of memory loss through activities that stimulate the senses and maintain life skills, such as cognitively enhancing games. Security measures, including key code entrances and enclosed courtyards, prevent wandering, and trained staff is available 24/7 to provide person-centered care.

This guide allows seniors and their families to learn more about retiring in Spokane Valley, including the area’s pros and cons and local care costs. They can also learn about memory care regulations and find affordable support resources.  

The Residential Care Services office of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration regulates memory care facilities in Spokane Valley and across Washington. The office promotes residents’ rights and supports their well-being through facility licensing, periodic inspections and dispute resolution services.     

 

• As a suburb of Spokane, Spokane Valley is among Dementia Friendly America’s network of communities, meaning the city is actively engaged in becoming more accessible and supportive for people with memory loss conditions. Community members also aim to raise public awareness and educate impacted families about dementia-related matters.
• Property crimes are more prevalent in Spokane Valley than in many other parts of the country, with the city scoring 74 compared to the U.S. average of 35.4. However, memory care communities offer security measures and 24/7 on-site staff, greatly increasing residents’ safety. Seniors and their loved ones may feel further reassured by the low violent crime rate of 15.2, which is 7.5 points less than the national average.
• While Spokane Valley’s overall cost of living is about 3.1% higher than the U.S. average, locals pay significantly less than those in many other parts of the state. Additionally, transportation and health care costs are substantially lower than national and state norms. Low-income seniors may qualify for financial support through various Aging and Long-Term Support Administration programs, including the Specialized Dementia Care Program.
• Spokane Valley seniors may be able to stretch their retirement funds further thanks to the state’s lack of income tax. Indeed, Washington is considered tax-friendly toward older adults.
• With 241 doctors per 100,000 people, more than the U.S. average of 210, and lower-than-average medical costs, Spokane Valley offers easy access to affordable health care. Within city limits, MultiCare Valley Hospital provides comprehensive care across many medical specialties, and 12 miles away, Providence Holy Family Hospital ranks highly for geriatrics.

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.

In Spokane Valley, memory care averages $5,844 per month, but costs differ depending on the services and amenities provided.

Spokane Valley’s average monthly memory care cost is $219 higher than the U.S. average but $1,656 lower than Washington’s median price. In nearby Spokane, rates rise to $6,110 per month, a 4.5% increase compared to Spokane Valley's prices. Seniors in Seattle pay even more for memory care; the average monthly fee of $8,438 is 36.3% higher than in Spokane Valley. Conversely, Walla Walla has some of the state’s most affordable memory care fees, $1,830 lower than in Spokane Valley.

Spokane Valley’s seniors have several available care options, ranging from the cheapest choice at $2,080 for the daytime-only services of adult day health care to the most expensive choice at $8,806 for 24/7 medical care in a nursing home semi-private room. In-home care provides personal care and domestic assistance, while home health care includes visiting nurse and therapist care. Both these types of care average $5,815 monthly, offering modest savings against memory care. Assisted living may be more suitable for seniors with mild cognitive issues; it provides help with day-to-day activities and costs about $1,169 less 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.