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Seattle is known as the Emerald City because of its surrounding evergreen forests. It’s a beautiful urban area that’s still in touch with nature. If you or a loved one is looking at senior living options in Seattle, exploring the information in this guide will help you better navigate senior living and select the best possible option.
When looking for senior living options in Seattle, “nursing home” is often used as an all-encompassing term. The reality is nursing, as defined by government agencies, refers specifically to skilled nursing facilities that care for people with significant short- and long-term health conditions or injuries. Skilled nursing facilities benefit seniors who need full-time care. However, many seniors don’t need this degree of attention. Rather, they’d do well in an assisted living or memory care facility that allows them to live as independently as possible.
In this guide, we’ll go over information about skilled nursing to help you determine whether it’s the right care level. While we don’t partner with any stand-alone skilled nursing facilities, some of our assisted living and memory care communities have skilled nursing care services on-site.
A Place for Mom partners with 153 assisted living and memory care facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Seattle. And we have many more options in a 25-mile radius if you are looking beyond the immediate city. In this guide, we will take a look at the costs, ways to pay, health care options, transportation methods, and more.
Types of care available in Seattle, WA
Mom moved from another facility and our experience here has been so much more positive. The office staff processes insurance information accurately. The care staff is very involved with the residents.
It's been fine here. Everyone here is about the same as the other buildings I've lived at. I'm very independent, so everyone pretty much leaves me alone. I'm happy here and feel good here.
I can confidently rate Aegis of Kirkland a 5 out of 5. My brother and I found Aegis to be very clean in all the common areas as well as private areas. The food is excellent, and the staff is compassionate. They have several activities going on throughout the day. There is something that should appeal to anyone tastes. [name removed], the marketing manager, was so helpful during the transition process.
1640 148th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98007
Patriot's Glen, located in the Lake Hills neighborhood in south east Bellevue, is a comfortable, home-like community which offers creative and engaging life enrichment opportunities while providing exceptional care and support for each of our residents. Residents can choose from a variety of...
The administration and staff are generally lovely. Activities are well planned and the people care. I really appreciate the referral to this place. My dad actually chose it after touring. My mom with...
7810 SE 30th St, Mercer Island, WA 98040
A new way of life awaits you at Island House Assisted Living. Located near I-90 in the heart of Town Center, our senior living community in Mercer Island, WA raises the bar. With easy access to Seattle and Bellevue, our upscale community offers close proximity to urban delights and serves as a...
I would recommend to them to others. They are very accommodating but it is not cheap. I looked at another community, but decided that island house was a better fit. We did just lose our activities director...
7445 SE 24th St, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Aegis Living is honored to be warmly welcomed into the Mercer Island community. Whether enjoying the breathtaking mountain and Lake Washington views or visiting Luther Burbank Park, the island is a wonderful place to call home. To seamlessly blend with our natural surroundings, our design was...
We like the location very much, it is very convenient for our family. We like the decor and that it appeals to our loved one - it is like Native American/north - westy vibe which makes her feel very...
2959 76th Avenue Southeast, Mercer Island, WA 98040
In elegant, residential environments, we deliver the finest in senior care, and are recognized internationally for both quality and innovation. Guided by our Principles of Service, Sunrise affords families peace-of-mind by providing today's seniors with a range of personalized assisted living...
They had a really thoughtful and full welcoming and transition approach. They really took the time to understand what my mom needed, and they have tweaked things along the way based on what she needs. The...
1835 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Located across stunning Lake Washington on the Eastside, our new community will be minutesfrom downtown Bellevue restaurants and shopping, easy access to Highway 520, a short drive tothe Microsoft campus, and only a half-mile from Overlake Medical Center and Clinics.Inspired by the lush nature...
It's a great choice. They are very alert to individual needs.
121 112th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
THE WATERMARK AT BELLEVUELive a life that inspires you.The Watermark at Bellevue is a thriving Assisted Living and Memory Care community in the heart of beautiful Bellevue, Washington. With our unwavering commitment to crafting environments that foster dignity, respect, and joy, we’ve created a...
When we first toured Watermark of Bellevue, shortly after it opened a year ago our response was WOW! It remains that a year later strategically located in downtown Bellevue across from the new light rail...
148 102nd Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Enjoy a cup of coffee with friends at our Bistro, share a book next to the fireplace in our cozy library, exercise in our full service fitness center or enjoy a movie in our private theater. Activities programming is the heart our community at Aegis of Bellevue. Our philosophy is to personally...
The community is very clean, and according to our loved one the best thing about this place are its staff members. They are very warm, friendly and helpful. Our loved one does say the meals are a little...
14 Main Street South, Kirkland, WA 98033
Enjoy all bustling downtown Kirkland offers at Merrill Gardens at Kirkland: a wide range of cultural activities, international cuisine and several parks within walking distance. The Kirkland location is an excellent example of how retirement homes fit into their surroundings and take advantage of...
Merrill Gardens at Kirkland is a good place overall, per all the above ratings I gave. I like that it's located in a nice, beautiful, walkable town!
15100 1st Avenue NE, Shoreline, WA 98155
Memory Care Comfort in North Seattle SuburbDesigned specifically for our residents with memory loss from Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, Aegis at Callahan House is reminiscent of a cozy, family home in a park-like setting.Campus setting for all care needs. We're located adjacent to Aegis...
My mom is happy at this community and I am so happy that she is taken care of. I trust these people with my loved one. They are just really nice people. I really liked this community, there was just another...
10861 Manitou Park Blvd NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Our Approach to Memory CareAt Fieldstone Memory Care, we are committed to enriching the lives of our residents and their families by providing engaging, compassionate care focused on residents with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Our team is made up of exceptional people who are...
They take great care of our mom, and she's adapting, but she likes to go places, but hasn't driven in 20 years. She's used to more activity. I'd like them to have more activities outside the fieldstone...
186 Wyatt Way NW, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
With a full spectrum of services, assistance, and rich decorative touches, this house is definitely a home. Wyatt House strikes a lovely balance by providing the most compassionate care in the most comfortable surroundings. So whether enjoying the company of friends in the dining room, or taking...
Wyatt House provided me with transitional care for four months following surgery. The staff did a wonderful job coordinating my move from a skilled nursing facility and welcomed me into a comfortable,...
7454 Newcastle Golf Club Road, Newcastle, WA 98059
Welcome home to Regency Newcastle Retirement and Assisted Living Community. Our newly renovated building offers studio, one and two bedrooms in a variety of floor plans. Regency Newcastle is an active community that features lovely common areas, including a TV/Media Room, Exercise/Fitness...
Really enjoyed my stay. Wonderful staff. Breakfast is served a little to early for me.I really like the varirty of activities. I was at Newcastle 14 days i met a lot of nice people with each of them having...
4585 West Lake Sammamish Parkway, Redmond, WA 98052
Inspired by the rustic Northwest landscape, Aegis at Marymoor offers the best in luxury senior housing adjacent to lush Marymoor Park. Aegis at Marymoor is part of Aegis Living, a locally owned company, leader in senior housing for its innovative programs, that has been in business for almost...
We gave the activities a 3 but only because my dad didn't participate. Many nice options though. All of the above has contributing to making Aegis at Marymoor such a great experience. We would strongly ...
4020 NE 55th St, Seattle, WA 98105
Our family couldn't be happier with the Empress. After my mom lost her husband of 60 years, the staff & community welcomed her with open arms and helped her settle in. As a family of medical providers, we...
14900 1st Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155
Assisted Living in Grand Style in North Seattle Nestled in an idyllic, woodsy neighborhood of North Seattle and adjoined to Aegis at Callahan House, our grand Aegis of Shoreline creates an assisted living campus to meet the care needs of all of our residents from light care to two person...
Our loved one was a resident at Aegis of Shoreline and we had nothing but good experiences during those hard times. This facility was great. The cleanliness and friendliness were great. The quality of care,...
14431 Redmond Way, Redmond, WA 98052
Peters Creek's assisted living options offer personalized assistance, supportive services and compassionate care in a professionally managed, carefully designed, retirement community setting. It's the perfect alternative for seniors who can no longer live on their own at home, yet don't need...
I can only report all of the staff (office, kitchen, househould) were all very kind. My father only had warm words for their attention. It is pricey, but the facility provided so much. Plus, the peace of...
2430 76th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Welcome to Aljoya Mercer Island, an Era Living community. Aljoya offers a warm, vibrant lifestyle, a vast array of amenities, rich programming, and exceptional Independent Living, Assisted Living, and nursing care. Aljoya is located in the heart of Mercer Island, surrounded by shops,...
This is a wonderful home for seniors located in a very safe place for one who loves to walk as I do. There are many activities, music, trips, talks, etc, I think it is so much better than being in a house...
8511 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Aegis at Ravenna redefines assisted living as you know it. Located in the peaceful neighborhood of Maple Leaf, our newest community will meet your every need with the finest amenities, professional staff, enriching activities, and irresistible cuisine.Inspired by the Italian city of Ravenna, our...
We chose Aegis at Ravenna at the time because. Aegis has a reputation of memory care, and they do have that available, I do believe some residents in the assisted living part of the facility are waiting to...
900 124th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005
Evergreen Court is an assisted living community located in beautiful Bellevue, Washington. It is Seattle's largest suburb, with Lake Washington separating the two. Its name is derived from the French term, 'beautiful view'. When the weather conditions are favorable, you can see the scenic vistas...
We picked it mainly due to interaction with management when reviewing several facilities and also based on its location. I would definitely recommend evergreen court, staff and management is excellent. It...
2315 NE 65th Street, Seattle, WA 98115
Welcome to Ida Culver House Ravenna, an Era Living community. Ida Culver House offers a warm, vibrant lifestyle, a vast array of amenities, rich programming, and exceptional Independent Living and Assisted Living care. Ida Culver House Ravenna is a community of 90 residences, nestled in the...
Excellent food, very friendly and caring staff, many activities. The grounds are lovely. The building shows its age but is going to be replaced soon. Based on my father's experience, I would recommend Ida...
7480 West Lake Sammamish Parkway Northeast, Redmond, WA 98052
Aegis of Redmond creates 'home' amidst a bed and breakfast setting where your loved one can live, laugh, and enjoy life while watching the waters of the slough drift by. Life begins again at Aegis of Redmond. Nestled along the Sammamish River and Burk-Gilman Trail, Aegis of Redmond is a senior...
My mom is almost 97 and requires increasing assistance and care. I hear when she needs something (e.g., recliner, hospital bed) and am confident that she is receiving good care. I especially like that a...
12505 Greenwood Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98133
Welcome to Ida Culver House Broadview, an Era Living community. Ida Culver House offers a warm, vibrant lifestyle, a vast array of amenities, rich programming, and exceptional Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Secured Memory Care.Located in the Seattle neighborhood of Greenwood, Ida Culver...
Although it took us 12 mins. to find parking for our mid-size SUV, we're so impressed with the beauty of Ida Culver House Broadview -- inside, outside, many quality choices & entertaining spaces for...
12217 NE 128th St, Kirkland, WA 98034
At Jefferson House Memory Care Community we for supportive partnerships with each family to provide the level of care, compassion and attention your loved one deserves. To facilitate this, we embrace guidance from family members regarding your loved one's special needs and preferences. With our...
The Jefferson House is great. The only thing that is bothering us is that [name removed] seems to go to bed during the day and would stay there indefinitely if no one comes to get him when a new activity ...
100 Crockett St, Seattle, WA 98109
Welcome to Queen Anne Manor Senior Living, one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the Queen Anne neighborhood. You’ll find Queen Anne Manor located in the upscale upper Queen Anne neighborhood 1 block from Queen Anne Drive with convenient shopping and dining.ASSISTED LIVINGHere at...
It is ideal for parents in need of transition to assisted and memory care, and full-service memory care. It has great staff and location, and is a well managed facility. It is on the more reasonable end of...
2326 California Avenue Southwest, Seattle, WA 98116
Premium Senior Living in the Vibrant Heart of SeattleThere are a lot of senior living options in the Seattle area. But not many of them look like this. Not many of them feel like this either, as our residents enjoy a resort-style life, exploring creative pursuits, enjoying entertainment options...
We chose Brookdale because we loved the staff immediately, the location was convenient, and also because of the amenities that they offered. They also had a much better care program and are more hands on...
The national median cost of a nursing home in a private room is $8,910 per month.[01] This cost is for skilled nursing facilities providing 24-hour supervision and on-site health and rehabilitative services.
Skilled nursing facilities are ideal for seniors who need long-term care due to serious conditions or short-term care for those recovering from surgery, hospital stays, or injuries. Here are services in skilled nursing facilities that are often included:
In Seattle, the average cost of assisted living is $6,246 per month, and the average cost of memory care is $6,508 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[02] These figures include associated fees and service fee add-ons. You’ll notice these numbers are lower than the national average cost of a nursing home because residents don’t need 24/7 skilled nursing care.
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Skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, or memory care can be paid for in a few ways. Private options, such as savings accounts, are commonly used alongside public options, such as Medicaid or Medicare. While some people choose to use one funding method to pay, most people prefer to use a mix of private and public funding.
In this section, you will learn about how private funding, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare can all be used to help pay for different types of senior living facilities.
There are many different ways people can pay for skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities using private funding. The most common are savings and pensions, Social Security benefits, and investment returns. However, there are also the following options:
In Washington, skilled nursing facilities must be licensed by the state and are regulated at a federal level by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
On the state level, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) regulates nursing homes in Washington. This organization is responsible for performing inspections, which are available on the DSHS website’s nursing home locator. Inspections are broad but include ensuring a registered nurse is on duty at all times, an appropriate staff ratio to residents, and that residents get at least 3.4 hours a day of direct care. Federal law requires the state to conduct full inspections, unannounced, at least every 15 months.
For additional information on skilled nursing facility regulations in Washington, the following resources are also available:
In Washington, assisted living facilities must also be licensed by the DSHS. To become licensed, an assisted living facility must complete an application; meet certain health, safety, and comfort requirements; and be inspected by a DSHS surveyor. The facility will be inspected regularly to ensure it continually meets the department’s criteria.
You can find these inspection reports on the Washington State DSHS website. You can type in a ZIP code, the city name, or the name of a specific facility in the search box. PDFs of the reports will then be available for download. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can also request inspection reports and licenses here. You can also report any complaints or violations.
Memory care facilities in Washington must be licensed as assisted living facilities by the DSHS. This means a facility must complete an application, meet certain requirements, and be regularly inspected. DSHS will ensure compliance with state regulations. Requests for inspection reports and licensing can be made via the DSHS website. You can also look them up here by clicking on “advanced ALF search.” then searching by county, city, or ZIP code, and — finally — by selecting “Dementia Care” under “Specific Criteria.”
What requirements do memory care facilities need to meet? According to this policy, facilities must meet certain standards in regard to staffing, medication management, safety and security, and resident care. For example, staff members at memory care facilities must have dementia care training. Additionally, these facilities must have individualized resident care plans, including specialized programming and activities designed for people with memory impairments.
The following links provide additional information on laws and regulations around assisted living and memory care facilities:
Washington State Department of Health
111 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: 800-525-0127
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Washington has rescinded many of its state COVID-19 guidelines to better align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. However, like many long-term care facilities, nursing homes follow guidelines from the Washington Department of Health and the CDC.
Vaccinations. Guidelines recommend that staff and residents are vaccinated and up-to-date on boosters.
Masking. It is recommended that staff wear well-fitted masks, like the N95 mask, and eye protection where appropriate.
Facility cleanliness. Dedicated medical equipment must be used on residents who are suspected or have a confirmed case of COVID-19. Additionally, routine cleaning, disinfection of surfaces, and optimized ventilation and filtration are recommended.
Quarantining. Staff should only move residents who have COVID-19 from their rooms when it is medically necessary.
Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
In Seattle, nursing homes, assisted living, memory care facilities trend toward upscale, luxury living. Residents will enjoy mild summers, scenic views, and the benefits of urban life.
Amenities and services will vary depending on the senior living option you or your loved one pick. In the following sections, we’ll go over what to expect from each type of facility in Seattle as well as which requirements you may encounter.
While many people use the term “nursing home” to discuss any senior living option, government agencies use the term to refer to skilled nursing care. Skilled nursing facilities primarily focus on care for people with significant health conditions. They provide hands-on care services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, intravenous therapy, injections, and medical equipment and vitals monitoring.
A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with any nursing homes. However, we do partner with 153 assisted living and memory care communities in Seattle. These facilities may be a better fit for you or your loved one.
Assisted living and memory care is a more appropriate senior living choice for people who are able to live more independently.
In terms of care, seniors at assisted living or memory care facilities benefit from typical services like housekeeping, personal care, meal preparation, scheduled social outings, medication management, and more. Some combination facilities may also offer skilled nursing services or a skilled nursing wing.
When it comes to amenities and activities, many facilities offer enclosed walking spaces, stretching classes, and yoga or chair yoga for some on-site physical activity. Group spaces, such as libraries, courtyards, and game rooms, give residents places to socialize. Dining is also a provided amenity, and most facilities offer specialized diets for those who need it. For example, almost all of our in network facilities offer vegetarian dining options. If you have a beloved cat or small dog, more than half of the facilities in our partner communities offer pet-friendly services, too.
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Percentage of seniors 65 and older within Seattle
Seattle has a number of top-tier health care options, from the nationally recognized University of Washington Medical Center to several well-regarded clinics specializing in senior care.
Named as one of the best teaching hospitals in the nation, UW Medical Center ranks nationally in seven adult specialties and is known for high-quality cancer care, nephrology, and urology programs.
Taking a patient-centered health care approach, Virginia Mason is well-known for its care in orthopedic care, cancer care, and digestive disorder programs.
This Bellevue-based medical center, just 10 miles from downtown Seattle, was qualified by U.S. News and World Report as “high performing” in 13 different adult procedures. [06]
With two campuses in Seattle, this general medical and surgical facility has been named the best Seattle Metro area hospital by U.S. News and World Report.
Part of UW Medical Center, this geriatrics clinic prioritizes care for people over the age of 75. It offers various services, from primary care, to memory care and palliative care.
Offering primary care and specialty health services, the VA Puget Sound Health Care facility focuses specifically on veterans’ unique needs.
While Seattle is known for being both walkable and bike-friendly, there are plenty of other transportation options available for you or your loved one. This includes public services as well as on-site transportation at our partner assisted living and memory care facilities.
Overall, 64% of our partner communities offer complimentary transportation, and 74% offer at-cost transportation services. These options are good for seniors in assisted living and memory care who may need assistance when traveling.
Visitors to the city and residents with more mobility will benefit from the many public transportation methods available. Beyond the bus system operated by King County Metro Transit, which has extensive downtown coverage, there are also ferries and a streetcar system. The light rail serves downtown Seattle and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
There are also options specifically for seniors and those who can’t access public transport. These include:
No matter what senior living option you or your loved one select, there will be plenty of recreational opportunities. Most nursing home, assisted living, and memory care facilities offer a variety of in-house classes and activities. This can include cooking lessons, arts and craft sessions, music therapy, gardening, scheduled board and card games, and more.
Seattle also has a diverse variety of downtown activities and sights you or your loved one could visit. For instance, art and music lovers will appreciate Seattle’s Museum of Flight, Museum of Pop Culture, and Art Museum. All three museums offer senior discounts and accommodations for disabilities and mobility issues. For those who love theater and live music, the event guide EverOut lists dozens of timely theater and concert options to choose from.
Sitting between Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, Seattle has many beautiful natural areas. If you or your loved one enjoy the outdoors, there are many accessible walking trails, calming parks, and tranquil gardens. For instance, the Japanese Garden and Volunteer Park Conservatory are both wonderful ways to spend an afternoon; they have plenty of benches and rest areas where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings.
Seattle has two casinos nearby: Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, which also has a spa, and Muckleshoot Casino, which has an array of gaming options and touts its status as the state’s largest smoke-free table games area.
Do you or your loved one like live sports? Get tickets to a major league baseball game to see the Mariners or an NFL game to watch the Seahawks. Other professional teams in Seattle include the Kraken hockey team, the Seattle Storm WNBA team, and the Seattle Sounders soccer team.
Fieldstone Memory Care Puyallup, Holden Southcenter Assisted Living and Memory Care and Cogir of Kent are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Seattle, WA. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Seattle is 5,190 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Genworth. (2021). Median Cost of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, & Home Care. Genworth.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101): Seattle, Washington; United States [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Washington State. (2022, June 29). RCW: NURSING HOMES—RESIDENT CARE, OPERATING STANDARDS. WA.gov.
ALTSA. (n.d.). Long-Term Care Residential Options. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.
U.S. News. (2023). Best Hospitals in Seattle, WA.
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