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:
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.
I am very pleased about how everyone is so friendly! The opportunity to ask for anything from books to read to help if I fall or become ill. I am happy here.
The staff there are really great, and turnover has been relatively low, which means the people who care for mom on a daily basis are very familiar with her needs. Also, she has friendly people dropping in to...
I picked this community because of the gorgeous large apartment with high ceilings and big windows surrounded by beautiful trees including some cherry blossoms. It's like living in a tree house! Winter views...
He's been Northgate Plaza three months so far so good. He is tough but they still keep him. I like the overall feel there and like I say he seems good and engaged. Happy with the food and activities and...
We only toured 3 or 4 facilities and all most were lovely but Merrill Gardens had a vibrancy that wasn't present at the other facilities. I think my mom would have enjoyed living with these people....
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...
It has been a great experience with Cogir of Northgate Memory Care. They deliver good quality care at a premium price. I would highly recommend this facility to those looking for memory care.
Staff are extremely friendly. The shared spaces such as the library, theater, and entrance are inviting and beautifully maintained. We enjoy the terrace too!
My older sister has been at the MG / University for 10 years. She had been living on her own but suddenly found herself needing a little more community support. The staff at MG is amazing - providing support...
The staff in the memory care unit was as caring as any staff could be,. They took my dad on trips as long as he was able. But don't think that you can leave all the care of your loved one up to any staff....
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...
Most staff are friendly. Due to staffing shortages some are abrupt. Staffing shortages and language barriers lead to some difficulties. Meals were adequate in calories but lacking in taste and variety. The...
I was looking fir an assisted living community that was comfortable, convenient and served excellent meals. I found this but what really surprised me was how many friendly, interesting residents I got to...
Beautiful dining room with view of Lake Washington. Grounds beautiful and well taken care of. Staff is friendly and kind. Secure with gated entrance. Some menu options are very good - maybe rotate menu...
My sister is the 3rd resident in the newly opened Memory Care in Aegis Living Ballard. The facility is beautiful, the staff are amazing, and the food is delicious. If your loved one needs Memory Care...
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...
It's exactly what my mom needed. They work around her needs, not their schedule. It's not a huge nursing home, just a family home. They treat her like family.
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...
We are so happy that Mom has been staying at AMC Private Care these last few years. The owner and staff provide a wonderful loving environment. The health and safety of the clients are always a priority. ...
Words cannot express everything I have to live here. Anyone who finds The Garden of Eden- They picked the right "Place". The owner and the staff and the team Supersede your expectation's. This is a very...
I just wanted to say that it was so wonderful to find COGIR of Edmonds for my disabled/ onset dementia young brother who’s only 62 yet found a loving family in COGIR of Edmonds. There’s consistently meals...
My mom has been at Highlands Home Care in Woodinville for 11 months. They are WONDERFUL to her. She tells people that ask how she is doing, or how she likes it, that she is doing great, that everyone is...
Almaz kept a healthy environment for the resident and provided more than adequate meals and care towards the resident. She is a true professional and creates an atmosphere where you feel safe leaving a...
I had 2 meetings with other people regarding personal issues. Both said that when they stepped into the lobby, they felt welcome - before interacting with any staff.
What our family likes the most about the Safeside Homes is the staff. They are friendly and helpful and provide conscientious care. Safeside Homes is always super clean. We would recommend Safeside Homes to...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Seattle community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
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:
The following costs are averages for Seattle and nearby communities and not inclusive of additional fees.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Seattle
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Seattle population
Median annual income for Seattle seniors 65 and older
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With specific expertise in veterans’ needs, Seattle’s VA Medical Center offers primary and specialty health services, mental health support, rehabilitation, and geriatric care.
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:
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.”
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:
Elderly Home Care, AMC Private Care and Garden of Eden Adult Family Home 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 $5,229 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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The average cost of Assisted Living in Seattle is $5,229 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
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.