Cushioned between the peaceful waters of the Puget and magnificent Mt. Rainier, Seattle is a haven for outdoor lovers in search of assisted living that will support the next stage of their lives.
With 83 in-network assisted living communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Seattle, you’ll find a range of options to suit your specific needs, from 31 group homes, called adult family homes, to larger facilities that offer assisted living, memory care and independent living, allowing seniors to age in place. All assisted living options in Seattle provide a balance of support and independence, offering services like:
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Meals and snacks
- Help with personal care
- Social activities
- 24-hour emergency response
In this guide, you’ll learn about the best assisted living communities in Seattle, WA. In addition, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about paying for assisted living, which laws and regulations you need to be aware of, and the types of activities and amenities on offer in Seattle.
Find Assisted Living Communities Near Seattle, WA
Cushioned between the peaceful waters of the Puget and magnificent Mt. Rainier, Seattle is a haven for outdoor lovers in search of assisted living that will support the next stage of their lives.Read more
With 83 in-network assisted living communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Seattle, you’ll find a range of options to suit your specific needs, from 31 group homes, called adult family homes, to larger facilities that offer assisted living, memory care and independent living, allowing seniors to age in place. All assisted living options in Seattle provide a balance of support and independence, offering services like:
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Meals and snacks
- Help with personal care
- Social activities
- 24-hour emergency response
In this guide, you’ll learn about the best assisted living communities in Seattle, WA. In addition, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about paying for assisted living, which laws and regulations you need to be aware of, and the types of activities and amenities on offer in Seattle.
Seattle Assisted Living Facilities | 1229 Reviews
Terrific people. The major reason is that it offered a choice for independent living and assisted living. Not yet ready for assisted and grateful it will be there when needed. Also the apartments, the...
It's been a wonderful place for my mom. Try to negotiate on the non returnable deposit if needed because of your situation or finances. The staff has been great and has very little turn over. Also the...
Lucky for us my mother was able to live at Village Green for the past two years, after the abrupt closing of Vashon Community Care, Vashon Island, WA. She often referred to it as her home. The CNA staff is...
My brother spent the last almost 2 years of his life here, and this place felt like home to him. With 24-hours of care and services this place is the best, He was wheelchair bound and in his last few weeks...
My mom received wonderful kind care at Victoria 1. My mom entered [name removed] (owner) care Sept 2022 with moderate to late-stage dementia. [Name removed] made the transition as kind/safe as possible for...
Picked for combination with independent living and overall opportunities to improve quality of life. I would recommend to others.
Everyone we've had contact with at Quail Park is very nice and has treated our parents that live there with kindness and compassion. The move-in process went quickly and smoothly. The meals look appealing...
They are short staffed at Emerald City Senior Living all of the time, but the dining staff is really great as well as the chef. The activities directory is great also. For the most part the staff members...
We love Aegis Madison. My mother in law is getting excellent care there. The staff is very responsive and the food is great!
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...
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We went with Merrill Gardens at The University because it seemed like the best fit for my loved one. I would tell others that some locations offer income qualified apartments and some do not which was...
On the positive side: All of the staff that is there is very dedicated and good at what they do. They treated my dad outstandingly and he loves all of the attention that he has gotten from them. Management...
The Lake Shore is a wonderful retirement facility with a view of Lake Washington that’s simply breathtaking. The staff are all friendly and helpful and professional. It really feels like a wonderful...
The Alpine Residence has been given my family a peace of mind knowing our loved one is being cared for with respect and treated with gentleness. The facility is clean, the staff are kind, and it is a warm...
Finding an adult family home for my father was stressful. However, when we found Elderly Home Care, my brother and I knew this was the right place for our father. We found the staff to be very attentive...
Due to health reasons, I had to move my mom into an assisted living place. Sunrise of Bellevue was highly recommended to me by a friend, whose father had lived there. From day one mom was welcomed by...
It's a wonderful facility with a "down home" feel. The staff is incredible as is the food. [name removed] was reluctant, as was I, when we drove up. The outside doesn't match the inside. As soon as she...
My father is satisfied living there, the staff really care and he is safe there. He's in memory care. I picked this community, because it was a good trade off between care and cost.
My mom found the residents quite friendly during our initial walk through which ultimately is what made her choose Madison House. The staff are all fabulous. They get to know the residents very quickly...
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...
I am giving this input to the best of my knowledge based on feedback I've heard from my parents. I think the location is great, my parents have met a lot of friendly and interesting people. The staff is...
The staff are great. The place is clean and well maintained. I get weekly emails about what and how Mom is doing, complete with pictures. They took care of the move. Meals are great. I would recommend this...
I was pleased with the care that my loved one received at The Gardens at Town Square. The staff were attentive, kind and caring. I think the ratio of caregivers to number of residents is really good.
We had a great (if short) experience there (my dad died after about 7 weeks there). Very personalized attention, homemade food, lovely owner, manager and staff. I visited every day and my dad was really well...
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 ...
- Costs of assisted living in the Seattle area
- How people pay for assisted living in Seattle
- Understand Washington laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Seattle
- What to expect from assisted living in Seattle
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Seattle? Highlights for seniors
Costs of assisted living in the Seattle area
According to A Place for Mom’s 2022 proprietary data, the average cost of assisted living in Seattle is higher than both the national average costs and the average costs for Washington state at $6,045 per month within our partnership network.[01] This includes associated fees and service fee add-ons and is also influenced by location, floor plan, amenities, and additional services.
Amenities and additional services in assisted living facilities often include:
- Housekeeping
- Nutritious meals and snacks
- Help with personal care
- Medication management
- Laundry
- Social activities and outings
- 24-hour emergency response
The following costs are averages for Seattle and nearby communities and not inclusive of additional fees.
Average cost comparisons near Seattle, WA
Average monthly costs
Seattle, WA
How people pay for assisted living in Seattle
Assisted living can be funded in a number of ways, both privately and through public means. While some families may pick one method of payment, it’s also possible to use a mix of private and public funding. Here you will find more information on how families can use private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid to pay for assisted living.
There are several private pay methods for assisted living, including savings and pensions, Social Security benefits, investment returns, and more. Additional options include:
While VA benefits will not directly pay room and board for assisted living, some veterans may qualify for support through the VA in other ways. The Aid and Attendance benefit provides for expenses that improve quality of life. This benefit is in addition to the VA pension. Additionally, those enrolled in the VA health system may qualify for VA health benefits to support long-term care like physical therapy.
Seattle has several local veteran organizations that provide support in a number of ways, from financial assistance and claims assistance to support services like transportation help. Beyond Seattle-based organizations, national programs such as Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services (VD-HCBS) may be able to offer support through community-based services. VD-HCBS offers health aide care, skilled care, adult day health care, respite care, telehealth services, and more to qualified veterans.
Applying for VA benefits of any kind can be a long and challenging process, so it is best to reach out to the resources below as early as possible for help before applying. In addition to veterans service organizations, the Seattle public library has a program that helps connect veterans to social services.
Number of veterans who live in Seattle
Percentage of Seattle veterans who are 75+, according to the US Census Bureau
Resources for Seattle veterans
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
1102 Quince St. SE
Olympia, WA 98504
Phone: 1-877-838-7787
Email: benefits@dva.wa.gov
King County Veterans Services Program
Department of Community and Human Services
9725 3rd Ave. NE, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98115
Phone: 206-263-8387
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Ballard Eagleson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3063
2812 NW Market St.
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: 206-782-8618
Email: adjutant@vfwseattle.org
Hours: Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m – 3 p.m.
The American Legion Department of Washington
3600 Ruddell Road SE
Lacey, WA 98503
Phone: 360-491-4373
Fax: 360-628-8364
Disabled American Veterans
915 Second Ave.
Room 1040
Seattle, WA 98174
Phone: 206-341-8267
Phone: 1-888-604-0234
Hours (by appointment only): Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The Seattle Public Library Veterans Services
1000 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-386-4636
Hours: Thursdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Medicaid, known as Apple Health in Washington, provides funding for assisted living as long as the facility is licensed by Washington State and accepts Medicaid payments. Medicaid clients can access three levels of service packages depending on their care needs.
Medicaid may also cover necessary in-home care services through the Home and Community-Based Services waiver program (HCBS). These waivers allow states to use Medicaid money for senior care in assisted living facilities.
You can get help determining eligibility with a benefits screening from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. In addition to the resources below, Washington’s ombudsman for Apple Health can also help people navigate complaints, grievances, and the appeals process. Washington’s Community Living Connections (CLC) Network, a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the VA, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, helps connect seniors to any benefits that might be applied to their financial or health situations.
Seattle resident Medicaid resources
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid)
Cherry Street Plaza
626 8th Ave. SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 877-501-2233
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Aging and Long-Term Support Administration Home and Community Services
1737 Airport Way
S Suite 130
Seattle, WA 98134
Phone: 206-341-7600
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
1200 S 336th St.
Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone: 206-623-0816
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over the age of 65. Because assisted living is a form of custodial care, costs related to board or rent are not covered under Medicare, nor are activities related to daily living in an assisted living facility.
However, Medicare Part A may cover skilled nursing care for services in assisted living facilities, like physical therapy or changing sterile dressings. For those who are homebound and in need of skilled care, Medicare Part A and Part B may cover home health services, including:
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medical social services
- Part-time home health aide services
- Occasional skilled nursing care
- Injectable osteoporosis drugs
Seattle’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program is on hand to provide people answers to questions about processes related to Medicare. In contrast, programs like the Medicare Savings Program and the Pharmaceutical Assistance Program can help qualified individuals with some actual Medicare-related costs. There’s also the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) that can help eligible seniors with health care and daily needs. Some seniors who qualify for Medicare or Medicaid might qualify for PACE.
Seniors and families can contact Seattle’s Social Security Administration and local ombudsman for additional support. Washington’s Community Living Connections (CLC) Network helps connect seniors to any benefits that might be available for their situations. This is a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the VA, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Seattle resident Medicare resources
Seattle Social Security Administration
Suite 901
915 Second Ave.
Seattle, WA 98174
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors
1501 N 45th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: 206-753-4806
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Aging and Long-Term Support Administration
1737 Airport Way S, Suite 130
Seattle, WA 98134
Phone: 206-341-7600
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
1200 S 336th St.
Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone: 206-623-0816
Providence ElderPlace (PACE)
4515 Martin Luther King Jr Way S
Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98108
Phone: 206-320-5325
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Understand Washington laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Washington state law places the Department of Social and Health Services in charge of licensing and regulating assisted living facilities according to the Washington State Residential Care Services statute. Chapter 18.20 RCW was established to promote the safety and well-being of residents at assisted living facilities and to enact requirements for their ongoing operations.
Within this category, Seattle has both assisted living facilities and adult family homes. Assisted living facilities provide housing and care services for seven or more people; in contrast, Seattle’s adult family homes are licensed to provide housing and care services for up to six adults in a regular house located in a residential neighborhood. Currently, 30 of the assisted living communities located in Seattle are classified as adult family homes.
Assisted Living
The licensing process requires assisted living facilities to complete an application and meet specific standards of care, including providing a safe environment, maintaining appropriate staffing and training, and meeting health and safety requirements. That includes:
- First aid, CPR, and safety training
- 70-Hour Long-Term Care Worker Basic Training and Specialty Training
- Nurse delegation and diabetes care
- Food handling and safety
- Ongoing continuing education
- Specific administrator-level training for those running facilities
Prior to approval, DSHS will perform an on-site inspection to ensure compliance. After approval, regular inspections are performed to ensure health, safety, and staffing standards are maintained, residents’ rights are being met, and quality of care is upheld.
To evaluate a specific assisted living facility, visitors can use DSHS’ Assisted Living Facility Locator to access records and evaluations. Inspection records for each can be found via Seattle Assisted Living Facility Search.
Adult Family Homes
Seattle’s adult family homes are licensed to provide housing and care services for up to six adults in a regular house located in a residential neighborhood. Run by a family, a single person, or business partners, Chapter 70.128 RCW of Washington state law outlines the rules and requirements for adult family homes.
These homes must be in good repair and provide a safe, sanitary environment for residents; the training to ensure this includes:
- First aid, CPR, and safety training
- 70-Hour Long-Term Care Worker Basic Training and Specialty Training
- Nurse delegation and diabetes care
- Food handling and safety
- Ongoing continuing education
- Specific administrator-level training for those running facilities
To evaluate a specific adult family home, visitors can use DSHS’ Adult Family Home Locator to access records and evaluations. Inspection records for each can be found via Seattle Adult Family Home Search.
Those looking for advocates for seniors living in adult family homes or assisted living facilities should contact the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The ombudsman’s team handles complaints and addresses concerns regarding care quality, the use of restraints, cases of abuse, and transfer and discharge procedures.
Washington Department of Health contact information
Washington State Department of Health contact information
111 Israel Rd SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone Number: 800-525-0127
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Seattle assisted living facilities
As of October 2022, assisted living care facilities in Seattle stopped compulsory routine staff testing in line with guidance changes from the CDC.[02] Currently, Seattle follows guidelines as laid out by the Washington Department of Health’s Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings and the CDC.
Vaccinations. It is recommended that all staff and residents are up-to-date with vaccinations and boosters.
Masking. It’s recommended that staff wear masks, ideally N95s, and eye protection where appropriate.
Facility cleanliness. Assisted living facilities should optimize ventilation and filtration. Dedicated medical equipment should be used when caring for a patient with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2. Routine cleaning and disinfection are recommended.
Quarantining. Staff should limit the transport and movement of a patient to medically essential purposes.
Get to know assisted living in Seattle
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What to expect from assisted living in Seattle
With a strong and thriving level of senior support, the Seattle community is home to 83 assisted living facilities. Within this category, Seattle has both assisted living facilities and adult family homes. Assisted living facilities provide housing and care services for seven or more people; in contrast, Seattle’s adult family homes are licensed to provide housing and care services for up to six adults in a regular house located in a residential neighborhood. The Seattle community is home to 83 assisted living facilities.
Beyond assisted living facilities and adult family homes, the remainder of Seattle’s assisted living options are a mix of assisted living and memory; assisted living, memory care, and independent living; and assisted living and independent living. This variety of care — amid quite a large assortment of venues — ensures there’s an option appropriate for any senior living in Seattle.
Adult family homes
Thirty-one of Seattle’s assisted living communities are group homes, which is a distinguishing feature of the Seattle market. Seattle’s adult family homes are licensed to provide housing and care services for up to six adults in a regular house located in a residential neighborhood. These homes provide room, board, laundry, and any needed help with activities of daily living and personal care.
Standalone assisted living facilities
Unlike retirement communities or independent living facilities — which provide housing exclusively for adults typically 55 or older — assisted living facilities staff assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of their residents and are state-licensed. Only four of the 84 communities are considered standalone assisted living. Some offer specialized care for people with developmental disabilities or dementia or other mental health concerns.
Assisted living and memory care
Currently, 16 of the Seattle facilities offer a combination of assisted living and memory care. While assisted living and memory care communities both prioritize group living — such as common areas, communal meals, and apartment living — the addition of memory care offers specialized care to meet the needs of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.
Integrated memory care facilities are typically secured communities with an enclosed courtyard and indoor walking paths, so residents are able to remain active. Depending on the facility, a wander alert system may also be available.
Multiple levels of care on the premises
Currently, 18 of the Seattle facilities are considered a combination of assisted living and independent living, while 13 offer a combination of assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Similar to assisted living alongside memory care, these kinds of assisted living facilities provide a mix of communal living and independent choices. One such facility offers a mix of assisted living, adult day care, independent living, and memory care to meet specialized needs.
The assisted living/independent living/memory care combination is progressive type of care that addresses the needs of those with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, alongside options to maintain independence and receive assistance as needed.
No matter the type of assisted living community, most prioritize social wellness and physical health. Tai Chi, yoga, and on-site fitness centers are all fairly standard, while arts and crafts centers, game rooms, and hobby-specific clubs allow residents to make social connections with those who have similar interests.
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Unfamiliar with Seattle? Highlights for seniors
92046
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Seattle
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Seattle population
64944
Median annual income for Seattle seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Seattle
Seattle has plenty of health care options for people in the area, including one of the highest-ranking hospitals in the nation and clinics that specialize in geriatric care and memory care.
University of Washington Medical Center
Regularly ranked as one of the best in the nation, UW Medical Center is a teaching hospital that currently ranks nationally in seven adult specialties, including cancer care, nephrology, and urology.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Named as one of the top hospitals in the nation by Leapfrog Group, Virginia Mason takes a patient-centered healthcare approach. It is particularly well-known for its orthopedic, cancer, and digestive disorder programs.
Overlake Medical Center
Based in Bellevue, this nonprofit hospital just east of Seattle offers a wide range of healthcare services and is rated as “high performing” in 13 adult procedures.
Providence Regional Medical Center
This general medical and surgical facility is based across two locations in Seattle and was named the best hospital in the Seattle Metro area by U.S. News & World Report.
University of Washington Geriatrics Clinic
Part of UW Medical Center, this clinic prioritizes patients over the age of 75 or those with complex medical conditions. It offers a range of services, including primary care, palliative care, and memory care.
Swedish Geriatric Specialty Clinic
Part of the Swedish Medical Center, this clinic focuses on the management of chronic conditions and end-of-life care. It also has specialists in geriatric psychiatry, geriatric neurology, and geriatric rehabilitation.
Seattle VA Medical Center
With specific expertise in veterans’ needs, Seattle’s VA Medical Center offers primary and specialty health services, mental health support, rehabilitation, and geriatric care.
Transportation for seniors in Seattle
Seattle has a variety of transportation options, with the city heavily investing in public transportation to avoid congestion and promote sustainable transport. Buses, streetcars, ferries, and a light rail are all available and frequently operate throughout Seattle’s metropolitan area.
There are also a number of transportation options specifically for seniors unable to use the fixed routes offered by the city, including:
- A shared ride service through King County Metro Access Transportation.
- Shuttle services and rides to medical appointments through Sound Generations.
- On-demand door-to-door transport through the Via to Transit app.
- Reduced rate community transit for people who are unable to use traditional buses.
Beyond public transportation, Seattle is a fairly walkable city overall, according to Walk Score. Based on factors like public density, availability of walking and bike paths, and public transportation, this means that most errands can be completed on foot. In its downtown area, Seattle has a Walk Score of 100 making it a “walker’s paradise.”
74
Walk Score
60
Transit Score
71
Bike Score
Senior activities in Seattle
Seattle has a thriving arts community, whether residents want to take in a museum or attend live shows. Seattle’s Museum of Flight, Museum of Pop Culture, and Art Museum all offer senior discounts and accommodations for mobility issues. Seattle’s event guide EverOut will help you find all sorts of shows and events to suit specific tastes.
Sports fans can choose from a variety of professional teams to root for. From the major league baseball Mariners to the national football league’s Seahawks, there are plenty of options for an outing. If hockey is your thing, take in a Kraken game. For soccer fans, the Seattle Sounders might be a fun outing. The WNBA has the Seattle Storm in town for those who love basketball.
There are several casinos nearby for those interested in gaming. Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort also offers golf and spa services for those who want to make a weekend out of it, while Muckleshoot Casino has a large range of smoke-free table games.
Seattle, known for its natural beauty, offers some of the best parks, hiking trails, and gardens around. For those who like to socialize while enjoying nature, the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department often offers senior-specific calendar events and activities, whether a Salmon Bay walking tour or a visit to Seattle’s stunning Japanese Garden.
There are also groups designed to connect seniors and provide enriching experiences. Some of the more popular ones in Seattle include:
Frequently asked questions
Alpine Residences of Kirkland, Elderly Home Care and AMC Private Care are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Seattle, WA. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Seattle is 5533.31 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Public Health – Seattle & King County. (2022, November 3). Letter to King County Long-Term Care Facilities. Testing Guidance for Long Term Care Facilities.
Centers for Disease Control. (2022, September 23). Infection Control: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). CDC.
U.S. News. (2023). Best Hospitals in Seattle, WA.
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