10 Best Nursing Homes in Spokane, WA

When families seek skilled senior care accommodations for a loved one, they soon realize that the costs can quickly begin to add up. Staying informed about what payment resources are available is a good way to reduce or eliminate some of the costs. In this section, we’ll discuss methods such as private payment, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.

In this section, we’ll highlight important laws and regulations that apply to senior care facilities in Washington State. Please note that memory care is classed as a subtype of assisted living, so rest assured that memory care is also included.

Licensing, inspections, and reports

In Washington State, all these senior care facilities must be licensed and inspected. Nursing homes are also licensed by a federal agency (the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services), while the state agency responsible for licensing is the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration, Residential Care Services Division.

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is also the body that licenses assisted living facilities. It performs inspections at nursing homes, assisted living communities, and memory care facilities at least every 15 months. In general, these inspections cover compliance with resident rights, quality of care, and safety measures. Instances of residential complaints will be investigated. Every inspection also involves checking the validity of the facility’s license and holding the appropriate number of interviews with staff and residents.

It’s a good idea to check the compliance record of a facility before your loved one moves in. If you have a specific community in mind, you can use this facility locator to find them and review the information.

Standards specific to long-term care facilities

Nursing homes, assisted living communities, and memory care facilities are required to run background checks on potential staff before hiring them. By law, they are not allowed to employ any individual who has been found guilty of abandonment, neglect, abuse, or exploitation of either a minor or vulnerable adult.

There must also be an appropriate number of staff members on duty every day to ensure that the needs of residents are fully supported at all times. The difference between nursing homes and assisted living facilities is the requirements for the type of staff that must be employed. Nursing homes have to meet a higher standard of having licensed nursing professionals employed since skilled nursing facilities provide 24-hour medical care.

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are responsible for the security and well-being of every senior in their care and must provide residents with basic services like stimulating and fun activities, housekeeping and laundry, nutritious meals and snacks, and attention to any special needs. Care plans must also be created for each individual.

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 nursing homes

Healthy Spokane residents can decide which preventive measures they want to implement when it comes to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. But since seniors in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care units are more vulnerable, such communities might have stricter guidelines than most. It might be worth contacting a facility you are interested in to find out more about their specific regulations.

The City of Spokane also suggests that workers at care facilities stay updated with their vaccinations, wear masks, disinfect surfaces, and follow CDC recommendations for quarantine should anyone test positive for COVID-19.

Choosing a facility that will take care of your loved one’s physical and emotional needs can be a tough journey. Naturally, you want the best for your family member in terms of care and living a good life despite any limitations. Spokane can certainly meet those needs, as the city offers excellent senior care options and entertainment opportunities.

The services and amenities offered may differ among assisted living and memory care communities. Most of our partners have wandering prevention systems in place to ensure residents’ safety. Additionally, you can expect on-site nursing, medication management, 24-hour awake staff, access to hospice care, disorientation support, visits from health professionals, and comfortable rooms in a majority of these facilities. These communities offer a range of floorplans, featuring amenities such as air conditioning, wheelchair-accessible showers and doorways, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. Residents can participate in a variety of planned activities and outings, including fun social events like barbecues and birthday parties, as well as engaging in art and fitness classes to enrich their daily lives.

A variety of senior care communities 

While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with stand-alone nursing homes in Spokane, we do partner with 25 facilities that offer a variety of care options.

• 2 stand-alone assisted living facilities
• 1 facility that offers both assisted living and independent living units
• 4 assisted living facilities that also offer memory care
• 3 stand-alone memory care facilities
• 3 communities that offer assisted living, independent living, and memory care all on one campus

We also partner with three residential care homes that provide assisted living and nine residential care homes that provide memory care. These homes are also called group homes, which are cozy residential houses converted into small assisted living communities. Despite being licensed and regulated similarly to traditional assisted living facilities, they typically offer a more intimate and personalized experience, all at a more affordable price point.

Health care services

In Spokane, senior care facilities focus strongly on all aspects of health. Specific services may vary according to each community, but at the majority of our partner facilities, you can find services that include full medication management, on-site nursing, and visiting therapists and other medical professionals like podiatrists and nurses. Some of our partner facilities also offer rehabilitation, memory care, care for bedridden patients, and palliative care.

Spokane is a senior-friendly city

​​In Spokane, assisted living and memory care communities ensure a secure environment for seniors to embrace a fulfilling life, savoring the city’s beautiful nature spots and senior-friendly activities with a caregiver or family member. These communities are dedicated to providing excellent care while empowering residents to maintain their independence. Seniors can also gain benefits, services, and new friendships at the city’s many senior organizations.

Health care for seniors in Spokane

Transportation for seniors in Spokane

Roughly 48% of our partner communities offer complimentary transportation to their own senior residents, while 52% offer at-cost transportation options. This is the safest choice for residents, as they’ll always be escorted by a caregiver who can assist them during the trip and also ensure that they make it home safely.

Most people use their own vehicles to run errands in Spokane, but the city also has an extensive public transportation system. Please note that we strongly recommend that seniors who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities don’t travel without a chaperone.

When it comes to public transportation options, City Bus has 1,700 bus stops all over Spokane, and its vehicles are all ADA-compliant. City Bus also gives discounted fares to seniors who are 65 and older. If your loved one uses a wheelchair or walker, then you can also board The City Line buses, as they have more spacious interiors to accommodate mobility equipment.

You can also consider the pros and cons of Vanpool. The upside is that for only $60 a month, seniors get unlimited rides. But it’s worth noting that a ride is only approved if three other people in the vicinity also want to head in the general direction of your family member’s destination.

Senior activities in Spokane

Since you only want the best life for your loved one, you’re probably also looking at engaging trips and activities in Spokane that they might enjoy. Residents from nursing homes and assisted living or memory care facilities need supervised outings for safety reasons. Even so, there are plenty of great spots to visit and things to see in this colorful city. In this section, we look at just a few of the wonderful opportunities that await seniors and their families.

Self-paced tours with plenty of opportunities to rest

Manito Park consists of 98 acres of land to explore, but many seniors are drawn to the park’s beautiful miniature gardens. Not in the mood for walking? There’s also a restaurant where you can share a good meal with your family members and just enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Spokane has two more destinations for those who love gardens and flowers. Visit Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden to view a wonderful arrangement of Japanese-style gardening, architecture, water features, fish, and tranquil pathways. The Gaiser Conservatory is a public greenhouse with ever-changing displays, and it’s free to enter. Both places have plenty of benches for seniors to rest.

Art-related entertainment and activities

The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture holds fascinating exhibitions about the art and history of the Spokane region. The tour is self-paced, and seniors can also partake in art classes that are suitable for all cognitive abilities. Another self-paced museum tour is the Crosby House, where fans of Bing Crosby can explore his house, view memorabilia, and learn fun facts about the late singer.

There’s also Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, an indoor theater that hosts a variety of acts. Gonzaga University is the place to go for unique exhibits, comedians, sporting events, and musicians. Planning an arty outing but also looking for a restaurant? Then Steam Plant Square is a must. This popular restaurant is located in downtown Spokane, and the front of the building houses an art gallery.