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

Seniors and their families often rely on a combination of resources — both private and public — to cover the monthly costs of assisted living. Everything from Social Security to Medicaid can help offset associated expenses.

Below, you’ll find more details on a variety of payment methods for assisted living, including VA benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, and private funds.

Laws and regulations in Washington

In Washington, assisted living facilities must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to operate. Part of being licensed means that assisted living facilities are subject to regular inspections. These inspections occur at least every 18 months but usually happen an average of every 15 months.

However, assisted living communities with no written notice violations and no complaint investigations within three consecutive inspections may not require another inspection for 24 months. Seniors and their families can view past inspection reports on the Washington State DSHS website.

It’s also important to note that Adult Protective Services can be contacted if elder abuse is suspected. This may include but is not limited to abuse, abandonment, neglect, exploitation and self-neglect. Report all concerns here.

Laws and regulations in Oregon

In the state of Oregon, assisted living facilities that accommodate six or more residents are required to obtain a license from and be regulated by the Office of Safety, Oversight, and Quality. In Portland, there are also numerous facilities catering to fewer than five seniors that might qualify as adult family homes, also known as care homes, and are held to the same regulatory standards as their larger counterparts.

As per Oregon regulations, assisted living facilities must provide residents with shared or individual apartments in a homey setting, complete with private bathrooms and kitchenettes. These facilities should have the capability of coordinating a range of supportive services, including but not limited to activities of daily living and social events, in order to promote residents’ physical and mental well-being. In addition, these communities must have staff available round-the-clock to provide residents with the required assistance.

Oregon regulations ensure that seniors residing in assisted living facilities have access to a comfortable and safe living environment where they can receive the appropriate level of care and support they require to maintain their quality of life.

The Oregon Department of Human Services surveys memory care facilities at least once every 24 months to check that laws and regulations are being followed. To see  facility survey reports, use this facility locator.

Distinction between adult family homes and assisted living facilities

There is an important distinction to understand for those seeking care for their loved ones in Vancouver, as the market in this area has a high concentration of adult family homes that operate as assisted living facilities.

The Washington State DSHS put together a booklet outlining the difference between the two and how to determine which might be right for you or your loved one. In it, seniors and their families will find topics like reviewing the needs of the individual and getting information on licensed facilities.

Adult family homes and assisted living facilities are both licensed senior care options that offer housing and care to residents. Here are some key differences between the two:

Adult family homes:

• Can house up to six adults in a regular house located in a residential neighborhood
• May be run by a family, single person, or business partners
• May hire other employees
• Some AFHs allow pets
• Multiple languages may be spoken

Assisted living facilities:

• Can house seven or more people in a home or facility located in a residential neighborhood
• Offer varying levels of assistance with personal care
• Provide intermittent nursing care (a nurse available on a part-time basis)
• Offer assistance with or administering of medications

Both adult family homes and assisted living facilities provide housing and meals and assume general responsibility for the safety and care of the resident. Some homes and facilities may also provide specialized care to people living with developmental disabilities, dementia, or mental illness.

Additional information on adult family homes

Adult family homes in Vancouver and Portland are regulated by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), respectively.

Adult family homes are also regulated under the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 388-76, which establishes licensing requirements and standards for adult family homes, assisted living facilities, and other types of residential care facilities. In Portland, adult family homes must follow the Multnomah County Administrative Rules. The specific regulations that apply to adult family homes depend on the type of adult family home and the level of care provided.

The following are some of the key regulations that govern adult family homes in Washington:

• Licensing requirements: All adult family homes in Washington must be licensed by the state. The licensing process includes a background check, inspection of the facility, and verification that the home meets all applicable health and safety standards.
• Staffing requirements: Adult family homes must have sufficient staff to provide adequate care to residents. Staff must be trained in first aid and CPR, and some homes may require additional specialized training.
• Resident rights: Adult family home residents have certain rights under state and federal law, including the right to privacy, dignity, and respect. Residents must be informed of their rights and have access to grievance procedures if their rights are violated.
• Health and safety standards: Adult family homes must meet certain health and safety standards, including requirements for food service, medication management, and infection control. Homes must also have an emergency plan in place in case of a natural disaster or other emergencies.
• Quality of care: Adult family homes must provide residents with appropriate care based on their individual needs and preferences. Homes must develop and implement care plans for each resident and provide ongoing monitoring and assessment of residents’ health and well-being.

In addition to state regulations, adult family homes in Vancouver and Portland may also be subject to local zoning and building codes, as well as federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Licensing and staffing regulations for assisted living facilities

The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and the Multnomah County Administrative Rules outline specific staffing requirements for assisted living facilities in Vancouver and Portland. The regulations state that:

• Senior care facilities must have a licensed nurse on duty 24 hours a day.
• The nursing home must provide a sufficient number of qualified nursing personnel to provide care for all residents.
• The facility must have sufficient staff to meet the needs of residents with special needs or those who require specialized care.
• Senior care facilities must provide adequate staffing levels to ensure that residents are cared for in a safe and timely manner.

For more information about the licensing rules for assisted living facilities in Vancouver and Portland, please refer to the Washington State Legislature’s website or the Multnomah County Adult Care Home PDF.

Washington Department of Health contact information

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

Clark County Public Health
1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98661
Phone: 564-397-8000

Oregon Department of Health contact information

Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division
800 N.E. Oregon St.
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: 971-673-1222
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Multnomah County Health Department
619 N.W. Sixth Ave.
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 503-988-3674
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Vancouver, Washington assisted living facilities

There are no official mandates in effect, but the states of Washington and Oregon encourage people to follow the CDC guidelines for COVID-19. Some assisted living communities may have their own guidelines. Most locations follow the Washington Department of Health’s Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings and the CDC guidelines.

For more information, check the Clark County website or Multnomah County website for current COVID-19 recommendations.

Vancouver and Portland are known for their year-round mild climate, gorgeous views, growing arts community, and rich history. All of these great benefits have made the neighboring cities quite attractive locations for many seniors. Increased recognition by the senior community has also given rise to senior housing, with a wide variety of assisted living communities available both in and around the Vancouver area.

A variety of living options

With nearly 100 assisted living facilities in Vancouver partnered with A Place for Mom and another 225 in the surrounding areas, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that there are a variety of living options available. Most of the assisted living facilities in both Vancouver and Portland are group homes, which are typically single-family homes that have been renovated to accommodate the senior population. In such a living arrangement, seniors and their families will likely find a higher staff-to-resident ratio.

However, this doesn’t mean that other options available, which would include larger assisted living communities, assisted living-independent living communities, or assisted living-memory care communities, don’t provide the same quality of care. Vancouver and Portland are also great cities for seniors looking to age in place, as a large number of A Place for Mom partners are combination assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities.

A range of medical care

Though the majority of partner facilities in our listings (81%) offer on-site nursing and medication management (78%), many in the area also provide a wide variety of other care options — most of which come by way of visiting specialists. Depending on the assisted living facility, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, podiatry, and even dentistry may be made available to residents by visiting practitioners. Seniors and their families may also find that the facility offers pet-focused programs outside of just being a pet-friendly community.

Options for memory care

With several assisted living communities also operating as memory care facilities, residents may have on-site memory care services available. In fact, 68% of our partner communities have some aspect of memory care for residents. They employ 24-hour awake staff should residents be at risk of injury or can no longer care for themselves due to physical limitations or dementia-related conditions. A wander alert system can also be found in 40% of our partner communities.

Adult family homes

An adult family home is a residential home that provides care and services to up to six adults who require assistance with daily living activities. This is in contrast with assisted living facilities, which are typically larger and provide housing, meals, and assistance with daily activities for older adults who are generally more independent but may require some support.

There are 55 assisted living facilities that are classified as adult family homes within a 10-mile radius of downtown Vancouver. In terms of amenities, these adult family homes generally provide:

• Private or shared bedrooms
• Shared living areas, such as a living room, dining room, and kitchen
• Accessible bathrooms and showers
• A backyard or outdoor space for residents to enjoy
• Home-cooked meals and snacks
• Assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Medication management and other health-related services
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Transportation to appointments and activities

Regarding floor plans, adult family homes in Vancouver and Portland generally have:

• A one-story layout with bedrooms, living areas, and bathrooms all on one level
• Wide hallways and doorways to accommodate mobility aids
• Grab bars and other safety features in bathrooms
• A wheelchair-accessible entrance to the home

It’s also worth noting that adult family homes in Vancouver and Portland are licensed by their individual states and must comply with regulations regarding safety, staffing, and the care provided to residents.

Seniors who live in assisted living facilities in Vancouver, Washington, will experience exceptional health care options. Some may require a short drive over to Portland, Oregon.

In Vancouver, 70% of our partner assisted living facilities offer free or at-cost transportation. However, in some cases, seniors may still need to access public transit for a variety of purposes. Fortunately, C-TRAN is a good option in the Vancouver area, with 27 routes, and accessibility for people with disabilities. C-TRAN also offers on-demand rideshare services within the city limits.

If seniors need a ride to a medical appointment, social event, or just to go shopping, they can also use Community in Motion, which is a local service that provides rides for seniors 65 and over at a cost of no more than $2.50 per day or $28 per month.

Seniors and their family members can easily utilize public transportation in Portland as well. The TriMet is the primary public transit system in the city, providing services such as buses, streetcars, and light rail throughout the surrounding areas. The suburbs are linked to downtown Portland by the MAX light rail system, while the Portland Streetcar operates in various neighborhoods, allowing seniors to get wherever they need to go whenever they want.

The Vancouver area is somewhat walkable, especially in certain locations. The city scores 41 out of 100, according to Walk Score, for walkability.

Vancouver offers all of its residents a diverse and thriving community with easy access to everything anyone might find of interest. Although Portland, Oregon is just a few minutes’ drive away, Vancouver is chock full of entertainment, arts, history, and nature all on its own. Historical sites, outdoor activities, and seasonal festivals are just a few of the options the city has for residents. And being situated between Mount St. Helens and the Columbia River, seniors and their families can rest assured that scenic landscapes aren’t in short supply.

Historical attractions

Seniors and families who enjoy a little history will find plenty of fascinating ways to learn about Vancouver’s rich heritage. The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site should probably be first on their lists. Close seconds would be the Clark County Historical Museum, Pearson Air Museum, Officers Row, and the Cedar Creek Grist Mill. And last but certainly not least, there’s also the Vancouver Land Bridge, which is a unique attraction for the Vancouver area.

Arts and entertainment

Anyone who appreciates the arts — in whatever form — will quickly learn that inspiration can be found throughout the Vancouver area. The Corridor Gallery Vancouver, for one, has rotating art exhibits throughout the year. For those in the mood for a little classical revival, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra can provide it. Then, of course, there’s also Esther Short Park, which holds a summer concert series each year.

Outdoor activities

With its mild climate, Vancouver is perfect for seniors and their loved ones who enjoy the outdoors. Birders may enjoy a visit to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The same can be said for Silver Star Mountain, especially when seniors and their families want to take in the Washington views. The John Stranger House, which is located in the Jane Weber Evergreen Arboretum, offers Forever Young Hikes, where seniors are able to walk through an array of flowers and tree gardens on the property.

Just like in Vancouver, Portland offers an abundance of experiences and entertainment for its residents. The city’s rich history is reflected in its many historical attractions, including the Pittock Mansion, a stunning 1914 mansion that offers great views of the city and features Portland artifacts. The Oregon Historical Society Museum is a must-visit for those interested in the state’s history, with exhibits covering prehistoric times to the present. Visitors can also explore local and global art collections at the Portland Art Museum.

Outdoor attractions

Portland boasts a variety of outdoor attractions that are perfect for seniors who want to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. For instance, Forest Park is a vast park with over 80 miles of trails to explore and accessibility accommodations for those who may require extra assistance. Alternatively, seniors can visit the International Rose Test Garden, the oldest rose garden in the country. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination for seniors who enjoy birdwatching, while the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers stunning views of waterfalls, mountains, and the Columbia River.

Entertainment and community

Seniors who appreciate arts and theater can enjoy performances at Portland Center Stage, which offers discounted tickets for patrons over 65. Portland also has a variety of senior centers, such as the Hollywood Senior Center and Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services, that offer an array of programs and services for seniors to interact and socialize. Seniors can also connect with others through social groups and clubs, such as the Portland Women’s Club or the Rose City Senior Softball Association.