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

There are several ways to fund your stay at an assisted living facility. These options can offset the costs of rent, medical expenses, and general purchases. In this section, we will discuss various payment methods and resources including private payment options, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.

In Washington State, all assisted living facilities must be licensed. The body that handles the licensing is the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Inspections are performed by the same department every 15 to 24 months. These inspections cover resident complaints, interviews with staff and residents, as well as checking the facility’s license, quality of care, and safety compliance. If you have a particular community in mind and want to find out more about their inspection reports and possible violations, you can visit this facility locator to submit a request for the documents.

Standards specific to assisted living

Assisted living facilities must run background checks on all potential staff members and by law cannot employ anyone who has been convicted of neglect, abuse, abandonment, or exploitation of minors or vulnerable adults.

To ensure that residents are well cared for, there must be a sufficient number of trained staff on duty every day (and night) to meet all the needs of the residents. Assisted living facilities are also responsible for the care and security of all seniors and must provide them with services such as fun activities, housekeeping, laundry, meals, healthy snacks, and attention to special needs.

Washington State Department of Health contact information

Washington State Department of Health

111 Israel Road SE

Tumwater, WA 98501

Phone: 800-525-0127

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Spokane assisted living facilities

In Spokane, citizens are allowed to choose which measures they want to take against COVID-19, as the threat of infection is currently low. However, the city advises people to wear a mask when feeling sick or visiting the vulnerable, to stay up to date with vaccinations, and to follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 or were exposed to someone with the virus.

Since assisted living communities do have vulnerable members, most will probably have their own COVID-19 guidelines to keep staff, residents, and visitors safe from infection. Don’t hesitate to contact your chosen complex to find out more about their rules and regulations.

Assisted living in Spokane promises seniors a safe environment where older adults can still enjoy a full life by experiencing the city’s nature scenes and senior-friendly activities. Assisted living communities strive to care for residents and also support their independence. In this section, we’ll discuss the different types of facilities you can expect, what amenities they offer, and a colorful overview of Spokane.

Different assisted living community options

A Place for Mom partners with 13 assisted living facilities within 10 miles of downtown Spokane. Two are stand-alone assisted living communities, and three are adult family homes. Both types of facilities only offer assisted living care, but adult family homes are smaller communities that often provide a more personalized, home-like environment. They are homes in residential areas that take care of up to six residents.

The rest of our partners are all assisted living facilities but with special wings or services that cater to other care types. One supports independent living; four provide memory care, and three offer both independent living and memory care together.

A rich variety of amenities

Assisted living communities in Spokane focus strongly on the health and well-being of their residents. Most have full medication management, 24-hour awake staff, and on-site nursing available. You can also look forward to a variety of floorplans with air conditioning, wheelchair-accessible showers and doorways, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. Residents can also enjoy planned activities and outings, fun social events like barbecues and birthday parties, art and fitness classes, and more.

A city you can call home

Although experiences may vary from person to person, many Spokane inhabitants feel that the city has a warm community and neighborly spirit. Spokane also has a wonderful art scene, festivals, restaurants, and parks, and provides plenty of entertainment options for seniors of all mobility levels. There’s truly something new to do every day.

Health care for seniors in Spokane

Transportation for seniors in Spokane

Walk Score is a good way to check the walkability of any given city or town. The scale ranges from 0 to 100, and the higher the score, the more walkable the area. Spokane’s rating is 49. This means that most people must rely on transport to run errands and get around the city.

Seeing that walking is not exactly easy in Spokane and that some seniors have mobility issues, many assisted living facilities offer their own transport to residents. In fact, 62% of A Place for Mom partner communities offer complimentary transportation, while 46% make at-cost transportation available to their residents.

If you prefer public transport, Spokane has several senior-friendly options. City Bus has 1,700 bus stops, only uses ADA-compliant vehicles, and offers passengers who are 65+ discounted fares. The City Line buses come with extra space for wheelchairs and walkers. It’s worth pointing out that we strongly advise that seniors who live in assisted living facilities don’t travel alone and have a chaperone to help complete chores that require leaving the facility.

For $60 a month, Vanpool offers unlimited rides providing that three people near you want to go to a place close to your destination. Getting on a bus in Spokane is another great option.

Senior activities in Spokane

Spokane is popular with older adults who love spending quality time with friends and family by going out and doing something fun. This senior-friendly city offers plenty of opportunities to socialize, browse beautiful nature scenes at your own pace, or just sit back and watch a great game or show.

Visit breathtaking gardens and botanical centers

Nature lovers who prefer exploring at their own pace can visit Manito Park, a 98-acre wonderland of cultivated land that might need several visits to fully appreciate! But why not swing by their popular miniature gardens first? You can also rest at their on-site restaurant and catch up with friends and family over a good meal.

Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden has a magnificent Japanese garden, while Gaiser Conservatory displays rare tropical plants. Both places have plenty of benches to rest and view the scenery. Then there’s Green Bluff Farm, where seniors of all mobility levels can enjoy farm-related activities, pick veggies, or listen to music while sampling Green Bluff’s homegrown cider.

Indoor art culture

If you love theater, art, and performances, Spokane won’t disappoint. The Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox offers many different shows; Gonzaga University always has new exhibitions of art, shows, and performances by comedians and musicians.

Steam Plant Square is a popular restaurant with an art gallery. If you want to find out more about the region’s history, you can always swing by the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture to view art exhibitions and artifacts.

For the sports fan

Head down to the Avista Stadium to watch the minor-league Spokane Indians play ball. If college sports are more your interest, cheer on the Gonzaga University Bulldogs’ various sports teams. The Zags men’s basketball team makes regular appearances during March Madness, and the women’s rowing team has earned national kudos.