DEV | TEST h1 template (view-level fallback) Assisted Living

Assisted living can be funded in a number of ways, both privately and through public means. While some families may pick one method of payment, it’s also possible to use a mix of private and public funding. Here you will find more information on how families can use private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid to pay for assisted living.

Washington state law places the Department of Social and Health Services in charge of licensing and regulating assisted living facilities according to the Washington State Residential Care Services statute. Chapter 18.20 RCW was established to promote the safety and well-being of residents at assisted living facilities and to enact requirements for their ongoing operations.

Within this category, Seattle has both assisted living facilities and adult family homes. Assisted living facilities provide housing and care services for seven or more people; in contrast, Seattle’s adult family homes are licensed to provide housing and care services for up to six adults in a regular house located in a residential neighborhood. Currently, 30 of the assisted living communities located in Seattle are classified as adult family homes.

Assisted Living

The licensing process requires assisted living facilities to complete an application and meet specific standards of care, including providing a safe environment, maintaining appropriate staffing and training, and meeting health and safety requirements. That includes:

• First aid, CPR, and safety training
• 70-Hour Long-Term Care Worker Basic Training and Specialty Training
• Nurse delegation and diabetes care
• Food handling and safety
• Ongoing continuing education
• Specific administrator-level training for those running facilities

Prior to approval, DSHS will perform an on-site inspection to ensure compliance. After approval, regular inspections are performed to ensure health, safety, and staffing standards are maintained, residents’ rights are being met, and quality of care is upheld.

To evaluate a specific assisted living facility, visitors can use DSHS’ Assisted Living Facility Locator to access records and evaluations. Inspection records for each can be found via Seattle Assisted Living Facility Search.

Adult Family Homes

Seattle’s adult family homes are licensed to provide housing and care services for up to six adults in a regular house located in a residential neighborhood. Run by a family, a single person, or business partners, Chapter 70.128 RCW of Washington state law outlines the rules and requirements for adult family homes.

These homes must be in good repair and provide a safe, sanitary environment for residents; the training to ensure this includes:

• First aid, CPR, and safety training
• 70-Hour Long-Term Care Worker Basic Training and Specialty Training
• Nurse delegation and diabetes care
• Food handling and safety
• Ongoing continuing education
• Specific administrator-level training for those running facilities

To evaluate a specific adult family home, visitors can use DSHS’ Adult Family Home Locator to access records and evaluations. Inspection records for each can be found via Seattle Adult Family Home Search.

Those looking for advocates for seniors living in adult family homes or assisted living facilities should contact the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The ombudsman’s team handles complaints and addresses concerns regarding care quality, the use of restraints, cases of abuse, and transfer and discharge procedures.

Washington Department of Health contact information

Washington State Department of Health contact information
111 Israel Rd SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone Number: 800-525-0127
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Seattle assisted living facilities

As of October 2022, assisted living care facilities in Seattle stopped compulsory routine staff testing in line with guidance changes from the CDC. Currently, Seattle follows guidelines as laid out by the Washington Department of Health’s Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings and the CDC.

With a strong and thriving level of senior support, the Seattle community is home to 83 assisted living facilities. Within this category, Seattle has both assisted living facilities and adult family homes. Assisted living facilities provide housing and care services for seven or more people; in contrast, Seattle’s adult family homes are licensed to provide housing and care services for up to six adults in a regular house located in a residential neighborhood. The Seattle community is home to 83 assisted living facilities.

Beyond assisted living facilities and adult family homes, the remainder of Seattle’s assisted living options are a mix of assisted living and memory; assisted living, memory care, and independent living; and assisted living and independent living. This variety of care — amid quite a large assortment of venues — ensures there’s an option appropriate for any senior living in Seattle.

Adult family homes

Thirty-one of Seattle’s assisted living communities are group homes, which is a distinguishing feature of the Seattle market. Seattle’s adult family homes are licensed to provide housing and care services for up to six adults in a regular house located in a residential neighborhood. These homes provide room, board, laundry, and any needed help with activities of daily living and personal care.

Standalone assisted living facilities

Unlike retirement communities or independent living facilities — which provide housing exclusively for adults typically 55 or older — assisted living facilities staff assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of their residents and are state-licensed. Only four of the 84 communities are considered standalone assisted living. Some offer specialized care for people with developmental disabilities or dementia or other mental health concerns.

Assisted living and memory care

Currently, 16 of the Seattle facilities offer a combination of assisted living and memory care. While assisted living and memory care communities both prioritize group living — such as common areas, communal meals, and apartment living — the addition of memory care offers specialized care to meet the needs of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.

Integrated memory care facilities are typically secured communities with an enclosed courtyard and indoor walking paths, so residents are able to remain active. Depending on the facility, a wander alert system may also be available.

Multiple levels of care on the premises

Currently, 18 of the Seattle facilities are considered a combination of assisted living and independent living, while 13 offer a combination of assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Similar to assisted living alongside memory care, these kinds of assisted living facilities provide a mix of communal living and independent choices. One such facility offers a mix of assisted living, adult day care, independent living, and memory care to meet specialized needs.

The assisted living/independent living/memory care combination is progressive type of care that addresses the needs of those with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, alongside options to maintain independence and receive assistance as needed.

No matter the type of assisted living community, most prioritize social wellness and physical health. Tai Chi, yoga, and on-site fitness centers are all fairly standard, while arts and crafts centers, game rooms, and hobby-specific clubs allow residents to make social connections with those who have similar interests.

Health care for seniors in Seattle

Seattle has plenty of health care options for people in the area, including one of the highest-ranking hospitals in the nation and clinics that specialize in geriatric care and memory care.

Transportation for seniors in Seattle

Seattle has a variety of transportation options, with the city heavily investing in public transportation to avoid congestion and promote sustainable transport. Buses, streetcars, ferries, and a light rail are all available and frequently operate throughout Seattle’s metropolitan area.

There are also a number of transportation options specifically for seniors unable to use the fixed routes offered by the city, including:

• A shared ride service through King County Metro Access Transportation.
• Shuttle services and rides to medical appointments through Sound Generations.
• On-demand door-to-door transport through the Via to Transit app.
• Reduced rate community transit for people who are unable to use traditional buses.

Beyond public transportation, Seattle is a fairly walkable city overall, according to Walk Score. Based on factors like public density, availability of walking and bike paths, and public transportation, this means that most errands can be completed on foot. In its downtown area, Seattle has a Walk Score of 100 making it a “walker’s paradise.”