Assisted Living in Tacoma, WA

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Senior Living in Tacoma Washington

Assisted Living in Tacoma, WA: Search Near You, How To Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions To Ask

Tacoma, Washington, offers a range of residential assisted living options that provide personalized care, comfortable accommodations, and engaging social activities for older adults. Washington ranks among the top states for senior care quality, with strong regulations ensuring high standards in assisted living communities. With Tacoma’s scenic waterfront views and access to quality healthcare, it’s an inviting place for seniors seeking a supportive and enriching living environment.

Senior Living in Tacoma Washington

About Assisted Living In Tacoma, WA

In Tacoma, Washington, residential assisted living refers to a supportive housing option for older adults who need assistance with daily activities while maintaining their independence. These communities provide personalized care, including help with bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility support. Residents also benefit from meal services, housekeeping, transportation, and a variety of social and recreational activities designed to enhance their quality of life. Licensed by the state, assisted living facilities in Tacoma must meet strict regulations to ensure safety, dignity, and high-quality care for seniors. With access to medical facilities and a vibrant community atmosphere, Tacoma’s assisted living options offer a balanced blend of independence and support for those 55 and older.

Considerations when looking for Senior housing in Tacoma, WA

There are 17 assisted living communities in Tacoma, Washington. The estimated population of Tacoma is 222,906 with 14.65 of that number being those ages 65 and older. In Tacoma, the summers are short, warm, dry, and partly cloudy and the winters are very cold, wet, and mostly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 37°F to 78°F and is rarely below 27°F or above 88°F.

Cities near Tacoma, WA

  • Lakewood, WA – 5 miles southwest
  • Federal Way, WA – 10 miles north
  • Puyallup, WA – 10 miles southeast
  • Gig Harbor, WA – 12 miles west
  • Auburn, WA – 18 miles northeast

Pricing and How To Pay for Assisted Living

Paying for senior care depends on several factors. On average, residents can expect to pay $7,650 per month for assisted living services. These fees encompass personalized care, engaging activities, and comfortable accommodations, ensuring a fulfilling retirement experience. Keep in mind these costs may fluctuate depending on factors such as location and facility amenities.

You want to consider your payment options for assisted living, memory care, and care homes. For these services, Medicare is NOT an option for payment.

The most common payment for these services would be out of pocket Private Pay and assessing a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.

Medicaid can also be an option, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.

Long-Term Care insurance is also a possible option in cases of chronic conditions, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.

For our Veterans and spouses of veterans, be sure to assess Veteran Aid and your eligibility for these benefits.

Medicare – NO:

  • Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
  • People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
  • Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.

Private pay – YES:

  • Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
  • Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
  • Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.

Medicaid – MAYBE:

  • Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
  • Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
  • Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
  • National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
  • The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
  • If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.

Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:

Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.

  • Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
  • Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.

Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:

This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.

  • There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
  • A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
  • If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.

Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Tacoma, WA

MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital

  • Address: 315 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
  • Phone: 253-403-1000

St. Joseph Medical Center

  • Address: 1717 South J Street, Tacoma, WA 98405
  • Phone: 253-426-4101

MultiCare Allenmore Hospital

  • Address: 1901 S Union Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405
  • Phone: 253-459-6200

Tacoma Medical Center – Kaiser Permanente

  • Address: 209 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
  • Phone: Main number: 253-596-3300

Wellfound Behavioral Health Hospital

  • Address: 3402 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98405
  • Phone: 253-301-5400

Questions to Ask

Finding a senior living community can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:

  • Make sure the facility is clean and well maintained. You can tell a lot about the operation by noting what is clean and maintained. Are doorknobs loose or damaged? Do you see any frayed carpet or trip hazards?
  • Visit during lunch hour to observe what the residents are eating. Ask questions about the nutrition program. Is there diversity in meals, healthy fruits and vegetables served at all meals, drink options?
  • Speak to residents and/or family members to learn their perspective.
  • Ask about staff and resident engagement. Get a feel for how staff interact with residents.
  • Ask about the life enrichment programs. Activities are crucial when it comes to quality of life and play a key role in care for older adults.
  • And finally (along with a plethora of more things to consider), get to know the leadership in the building. If you feel good around the Executive Director, Head Nurse, Lead Activities Director and even the Chef or Janitor, it is a good sign you can trust them with the care of your loved one.

Community Living Connections For people who are looking primary for Information and assistance line for people facing aging and disability issues.

Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Promotes and protects the rights of long-term care residents living in licensed care facilities with the assistance of trained volunteers, the Ombudsman investigates and resolves complaints made by or on behalf of residents, and identifies problems that affect a substantial number of residents.

Adult Protective Services (APS) For those who are looking to contact APS for reports on allegations of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, or self-neglect of vulnerable adults living in the community and in facilities.

Department of Social and Health Services Adult Abuse and Prevention A Department we are tied together by a single mission: to transform lives. Each administration within DSHS has a refined focus on this mission. Individually we have the following missions to transform lives by promoting choice, independence and safety through innovative services.

Office of Insurance Commissioner, Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)– SHIBA has volunteers who can help you with your health care coverage questions. You get free, unbiased and confidential education and assistance.

Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings

Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.

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Written by The Care Availability Team
Experts in the senior care & retirement living industries

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