Senior Living Apartments in Spokane, WA

Senior apartments don’t provide personal care, and as a result, the cost of living in such communities is not covered by long-term insurance or programs like Medicaid or Medicare. However, you can still rely on these resources for medically necessary in-home care services at your chosen senior apartment. We’ll cover all the details in this section as we look at payment options like private pay methods, VA benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and public assistance.

Typically, senior apartments don’t need to be licensed because they are not elder care facilities. But in Washington State, they must be issued with a business license and it needs to be renewed annually. All senior apartments are also subject to rental and housing laws that ensure the fair treatment of tenants and landlords alike. In this section, we’ll present a comprehensive overview of the most important regulations.

Fair housing for all

Senior apartments must be compliant with the Fair Housing Act. This means that a landlord cannot refuse you the opportunity to rent based on who you are, what you look like, or anything related to your circumstances. They cannot turn you away because of race, gender, age, religion, health conditions, family situation, or because you rely on vouchers. Such communities must also be ADA compliant and ensure that residents with disabilities are treated fairly and have access to accessible doorways, ramps, and bathroom facilities.

Under both the Fair Housing Act and ADA compliance, disabled individuals with service animals may also not be refused the opportunity to rent, even if the community has a no-pet policy. However, emotional support animals are not protected under these laws and can be permitted at the discretion of the landlord.

Maintenance and safety laws

In Spokane, landlords are expected to maintain their property to ensure the safety and well-being of tenants at all times. In particular, they must comply with every applicable statute, code, ordinance, and regulation to keep the premises habitable, safe, and sanitary.

Rental laws

Landlords also have the right to hold tenants responsible for any damage caused by renters. They may also refuse Section 8 voucher holders, not because of the voucher but because the individual does not meet their standard screening criteria.

A rental agreement between landlord and tenant must also be clear, and the responsibilities must be honored by both parties. For example, tenants must agree to pay their rent, comply with regulations, and not damage the property. Landlords must repair any structural or plumbing issues, provide garbage cans, control pests, and so forth.

You can also learn more about your rights as a tenant in Washington State in this complete renter’s guide.

Inspections and reports

All voucher-assisted households must allow their unit to be inspected by the Spokane Housing Authority (SHA) when first moving into their apartment. According to the SHA website, these properties must have an inspection every other year, while project-based voucher participants must have an inspection every year.

HUD-assisted properties are inspected by HUD’s Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) for safety and sanitary compliance.

Senior apartment age requirements

While senior apartments don’t have many requirements, it’s not unusual to find a minimum age limit. For example, in most cases, residents must be 55 and older to apply for a rental.

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 senior apartments communities

At the moment, COVID-19 prevention measures in Spokane are left to the individual’s discretion. However, people are encouraged to stay up-to-date with vaccinations, wear masks when needed, and follow recommendations for isolation when exposed to COVID-19 or have been diagnosed with the illness.

Some senior apartments might have their own regulations to safeguard residents, so keep in mind that you can also contact such complexes directly for more information.

Living in Spokane, Washington, offers a lifestyle that will never get boring. Known for its lively art and culture scene, endless outdoor recreational opportunities, and affordable standard of living, Spokane has something for everyone whether you’re in the market for one bedroom or two.

Perfect for all-weather sports enthusiasts

If you’re still active in the sporting scene, Spokane’s cold winters and warm summers offer a host of activities. From skiing and hiking to boating along gorgeous lakes and rivers, you’ll never run out of beautiful places to explore — and stay fit at the same time!

All the best amenities

Spokane also offers plenty of amenities to meet your needs, whether it’s shopping for groceries or visiting the best restaurants. Besides plenty of shops and entertainment venues, you can also look forward to a diverse economy, health care, education, and factors like technology and manufacturing contributing to the city’s growth. At your senior apartment complex, you can enjoy community amenities, such as fitness centers, clubhouses, and outdoor gathering spots.

A friendly culture

If you’re looking for a city that still values a strong sense of community, then Spokane might be the right place to settle down. Some residents say that Spokane’s neighborly spirit and welcoming community still remain and set it apart from other cities in the area. In your senior apartment community, you can mingle with other residents in your peer groups at various planned activities.

Health care for seniors in Spokane

Transportation for seniors in Spokane

According to Walk Score, Spokane is a vehicle-dependent city. This means that most people rely on transportation to get around. Indeed, on Walk Score’s own scale, where a score of 100 is the best, Spokane has a rating of 49 for walkability.

With a bike score of 52 out of 100, there are some decent bike lanes and trails in Spokane.  You can use this interactive online bike route map to figure out how to get around on two wheels. You can also use Spokane’s WheelShare program to check out electric-assist bicycles and scooters in the city.

Spokane’s public transport offers several senior-friendly options. Vanpool costs $60 a month for unlimited rides (the caveat: at least three other passengers in your area must also want to go to a place near your destination). City Bus has more than 1,700 bus stops, and all vehicles are ADA-compliant. Seniors who are 65+ get discounted fares. The City Line also offers bus rides, but these vehicles have more room for wheelchairs and walkers.

Senior activities in Spokane

Spokane is a wonderland for older adults who are still active and love socializing (or doing their own thing). Here, you can explore beautiful places and partake in a variety of engaging indoor and outdoor activities. In this section, we look at just a handful of the best entertainment opportunities that this lovely city has to offer!

Settle for a sporty day

In Spokane, you can tee off on four public golf courses. If you’d rather watch a game of baseball, then you can always head on over to Avista Stadium, home to the Spokane Indians, which is the High-Class A minor-league affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. There’s also a major junior hockey league team in town called the Spokane Chiefs.

College sports enthusiasts can always follow the Gonzaga University Bulldogs, whose campus is in Spokane. The Bulldogs men’s basketball team is consistently one of the best programs in the entire country.

View some gardens… or farm (for a day)

Manito Park has 98 acres of cultivated land that you can explore. Browse its beautiful miniature gardens or visit the on-site restaurant for a well-earned lunch. You can also swing by Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden to view its magnificent, manicured lawns, or just sit on one of the many benches and just enjoy the tranquility.

Gaiser Conservatory offers visitors the chance to view rare tropical plants. This public greenhouse also provides benches for resting. At Green Bluff Growers, a farm that offers entertainment for all mobility levels, you can harvest your own veggies along scenic trails or listen to music while sipping on cider produced on the property.

Best hiking trails and nature destinations

Riverfront Park is a local hotspot that features a hiking trail with plenty of beautiful viewpoints, lots of activities, and opportunities to shop. Don’t be surprised if you run into amusement rides, food trucks, and more when visiting. Centennial Trail is more laid back and follows 38 miles of walkable land along the Spokane River. In the mood for a waterfall? Then be sure to drive or hike up to Spokane Falls for a spectacular view.

Amazing indoor entertainment

The Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox provides a variety of shows, while the Spokane Symphony House plays classical and original compositions. If you want to stroll through an exhibit, be sure to visit Gonzaga University’s unique collection and check its schedule for upcoming comedians, musicians, and shows.

Steam Plant Square is not only an art gallery, but it also doubles as a famous restaurant in the city. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture always has fresh exhibitions of art and artifacts from the region. You can also visit Bing Crosby’s home on a self-paced museum tour.

Come say hello at these senior centers

Spokane has a lively senior scene with a multitude of amazing senior centers. Corbin Senior Activity Center welcomes adults aged 55 and over. Here, you can check your health and partake in martial arts lessons, bingo nights, or card game tournaments. Hillyard Senior Center caters to the same age group and focuses on hobbies, workouts, and outings. You can even join their Wii Sports Bowling 10-Week League! Sinto Senior Activity Center specializes in social events to help seniors make new friends as well as physical activities such as aerobics, ballroom dancing, and more.