10 Best Independent Living Communities in Seattle, WA

While insurance programs like Medicaid or Medicare don’t cover independent living because they’re technically not senior care communities, there are ways you can use these resources to fund this new stage in life.

In this section, you will find some of the more common ways people pay for independent living, from private pay options and VA benefits to housing assistance and Medicare and Medicaid resources.

Because independent living communities aren’t classified as healthcare facilities, they aren’t subject to the same licensing or regulatory oversight that communities like assisted living face. However, because some independent living communities provide services like transportation or dining, they may need to obtain licenses for those specific services.

You may also find your independent living community has a minimum age requirement. This is up to the authority of the community itself, but the minimum age is typically between 55 and 62 years old.

While independent living may not have the same licensing that other long-term care facilities require, they do have to comply with several state and federal laws that protect your rights as a renter.

• The Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex, and disability. Under the FHA, independent living accommodations must provide reasonable disability accommodations for tenants in senior apartments.
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures all accommodations are accessible, including common areas.
• Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Laws apply to landlords offering independent living accommodation under the Section 8 (Housing Choice Vouchers) program.

Additionally, there are maintenance and safety requirements everyone, no matter what type of accommodation they’re in, is entitled to. This includes adequate heat, hot water, plumbing, fire equipment, and timely repairs of anything that is broken. For more in-depth information, consider reading through these resources:

• Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act
• Fair Housing Center of Washington

Washington Department of Health contact information

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

COVID-19 regulations for Seattle independent living communities

While standalone independent living facilities do not have to adhere to any COVID-19 guidelines, most of Seattle’s independent living communities are part of more extensive assisted living or memory care facilities, so you may find COVID-19 guidelines being practiced.

For independent living facilities that are part of another community regulated by the Department of Health, expect guidelines that follow the CDC and the Washington Department of Health’s Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings.

Seattle is an ideal place to live if you value independence. The ninth most walkable city in the United States, Seattle is an excellent option for independent people who enjoy their social life and want to stay as active as they can. Whether it’s shopping at Pike Place Market, participating in one of the many local community groups, or adventuring out to Mount Rainier for the day, there’s something for many different lifestyles.

Easy ways to maintain an active lifestyle

Residents of independent living communities in Seattle can expect a number of amenities, most of which center around remaining active and keeping up with hobbies. Of our 37 partner communities:

• 78% have arts and crafts centers
• 76% have game rooms
• 78% have movie or theater rooms
• 19% have swimming pools
• 97% have pianos or organs
• 78% have garden beds
• 97% have libraries.

For people who like to spend time outside, almost all of our listings have outside patios.

Seattle’s independent living communities make it easy to get out and enjoy the city, as 97% are conveniently located next to public transportation. In addition, all of our listings offer complimentary transportation.

Each facility offers different amenities and services, which is why our senior living advisors are available to arrange tours for any seniors interested in specific locations.

A variety of care levels to choose from

Many independent living communities in Seattle offer multiple levels of care. That’s because the majority of them aren’t standalone independent living communities. Most of our listings offer a combination of independent living and assisted living or a combination of independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Communities that combine independent living, assisted living, and memory care are progressive in the market and, therefore, great options for care seekers in Seattle.

These types of facilities make it easy to go from an independent lifestyle to one that requires more support and health care. In other words, they allow residents to age in place. As their health needs change, so do their care options. Later in life, care needs can change often. If you know you want to stay in one place rather than move to different locations as your needs fluctuate, these kinds of combination communities are excellent choices.

Health care for seniors in Seattle

Seattle has many health care options, from high-ranking hospitals and primary care options to specialty clinics.

Transportation for seniors in Seattle

While most of Seattle’s independent living communities have on-site parking and offer transport services, there are also several public transport options in Seattle.

The city has heavily invested in streetcars, buses, and ferries, and a new light rail serves downtown Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma Airport. Beyond public transportation and any services independent living facilities offer, there are a variety of community-led initiatives to help seniors get around.

• King County Metro Access Transportation has a shared ride service.
• Sound Generations has shuttle services and also offers rides to medical appointments.
• The Via To Transit app helps people book on-demand, door-to-door transport.
• There’s also reduced-rate and accessible community transit available for people unable to use traditional buses.

Seattle is the ninth most walkable city in the U.S. You can map out a route for walking with the help of this Seattle Department of Transportation website. Walk, transit, and bike scores are graded from one to 100 and measure the ease at which a person could go about their daily lives using the walk and bike paths available as well as public transportation.