Adult Care Homes in Vancouver, WA

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Vancouver Washington Adult Care Homes: How to pay for, Laws and Regulations and Questions to ask…

Vancouver, nestled in the heart of Clark County Washington, is a popular city among the working people with its ideal location and growing technology industry. Vancouver is a large city positioned on the north bank of the Columbia River and directly across from its sister city, Portland. Vancouver is a great place to retire and search for home care services. Facilities in this area could accept State Medicaid, private payers and long-term care insurance.

CareAvailability.com has been used by families and care professionals in the Vancouver area to find real-time home care availability and provide a comprehensive list of options for care. We do all the work for you when it comes to finding the best home care companies in and around Vancouver. We do extensive research on the staff and companies to provide you with the most current information and care availability.

Adult Care Home and other terms

It is good to know the other terms/names of services you may hear when searching for certain senior housing: 

Many states actually designate adult care homes as assisted living/residential care facilities because they all fall under the same license. Be sure to check if your state designates care homes under the same license as other housing options.

  • Other related terminology:
  • Board and care home
  • Care home
  • Adult family home 
  • Residential care home 
  • Adult foster home
  • Personal care Home
  • Community Residential Care Facilities
  • Rest Homes

About Adult Care Homes in Vancouver

Washington is one of the safest places to live in the country. The weather, although rainy, is mostly temperate throughout the year, especially towards the western side of the state. There are a vast array of communities and neighborhoods to fit the desires and needs of any senior looking for a new home. Washington State is known for snow-capped volcanic mountains, multiple national parks and for its agricultural prowess. More than 1 million of the 7+ million residents of Washington are 65 years or older, and it is likely some of our aging adult population may require care at some point. An adult care home may be ideal for a senior who can no longer manage their health and safety in their own home, and may need care. Adult care homes are an excellent housing option for aging adults because they offer private residencies in a home-like environment.

In washington adult care homes are called adult family care homes. They are private residences that provide a home-like setting, and typically care for up to 6 residents. The care home provider will typically provide meals, housekeeping, and limited activities. Unlike a nursing home, residents may require very light assistance with ADLs. If a resident requires much more care and services, a nursing home is probably a better situation for their needs. Caregivers at an adult care home may perform several functions: personal hygiene and mobility and eating and dressing and toileting and behavior management. 

Washington’s Department of Health and Human Services oversees the Aging and Long-term Support Administration. The Residential Care Services division regulates licensing and certification for adult care homes.

Considerations when looking for care in Vancouver

Vancouver is the 4th largest city in Washington with a population of around 188,000 residents and an ideal destination for people looking to retire. Due to the increased popularity, the city has grown to welcome many options for senior care.

Cities Near Vancouver

  • Portland OR – 9 miles south
  • Battle Ground – 18 miles north
  • Hillsboro OR – 28 miles west
  • Camas – 14 miles east

Pricing and How to Pay for Adult Care Homes

Adult family care homes are generally half the cost of a nursing home and adult care homes can be less expensive than assisted living. But they will not have the same amenities and variety of activities. Costs fluctuate depending on your location. Certain counties and cities will likely be cheaper. Monthly costs in Seattle for example, range from $3,200 to $6,200 per month, with the average cost being around $4,650 per month.

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.

Questions to Ask

Finding an assisted 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.

Local hospital and healthcare providers

Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center

2211 NE 139th St, Vancouver, WA 98686

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center

3400 Main St, Vancouver, WA 98663

Kaiser Permanente Mill Plain One Medical Office

203 SE Park Plaza Dr Suite 140, Vancouver, WA 98684

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.

Search other states for Adult Care Homes

Not finding what you’re looking for? Take a look below.

Search Other Areas Assisted Living

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

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