10 Best Nursing Homes in Seattle, WA
Seattle is known as the Emerald City because of its surrounding evergreen forests. It’s a beautiful urban area that’s still in touch with nature. If you or a loved one is looking at senior living options in Seattle, exploring the information in this guide will help you better navigate senior living and select the best possible option.
When looking for senior living options in Seattle, “nursing home” is often used as an all-encompassing term. The reality is nursing, as defined by government agencies, refers specifically to skilled nursing facilities that care for people with significant short- and long-term health conditions or injuries. Skilled nursing facilities benefit seniors who need full-time care. However, many seniors don’t need this degree of attention. Rather, they’d do well in an assisted living or memory care facility that allows them to live as independently as possible.
In this guide, we’ll go over information about skilled nursing to help you determine whether it’s the right care level. While we don’t partner with any stand-alone skilled nursing facilities, some of our assisted living and memory care communities have skilled nursing care services on-site.
A Place for Mom partners with 153 assisted living and memory care facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Seattle. And we have many more options in a 25-mile radius if you are looking beyond the immediate city. In this guide, we will take a look at the costs, ways to pay, health care options, transportation methods, and more.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Seattle, WA
The facility is clean, warm, and quite satisfactory, and rooms are cleaned weekly professionally. Food is delicious and timely, never heard unkind words or been treated roughly. Very helpful when needed....
Cogir was very good just didn't work for him. I liked the facility a lot but [name removed] was difficult. His health is better done so he is doing better at [facility name removed]. I liked the location...
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...
Picked for combination with independent living and overall opportunities to improve quality of life. I would recommend to others.
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...
Staff are extremely friendly. The shared spaces such as the library, theater, and entrance are inviting and beautifully maintained. We enjoy the terrace too!
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...
The facilities are clean, they have lots of activities...water coloring, sing alongs with guest musicians, animal visits, yoga..., good meals, trained staff, minimal turnover. My mother is thriving. It is...
My loved one is a resident at Emerald City Senior Living and overall the experience has been good. The staff and care services have been good. The cleanliness and friendliness are good. My loved one is taken...
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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....
I don't think I'd recommend it to others. Food is a big deal. My sisters won't eat there so that's not good. I eat there because I'm not as picky.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Columbia Lutheran Home: the Staff, Nurses, and Aides for their kindness and compassionate care for my mom. It was always a good feeling visiting her and...
This is a marvelous place for your relative to live. This community is absolutely stunning. I truly do like all of the staff members that provide care for my loved one. They have activities like telling...
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 staff keeps me well informed of my dad's status. They have several activities available each day and frequent outings, which are important to us as dad is very social. I would recommend the facility to...
I only say 4 for the last one as I know are rates are going up in September, and a friends mom is movie in to a Wesley Homes unit that surprisingly sounds like a better deal. Mom continually tells me how...
Sagebrook made me feel at home and that they cared about my experience as well as my wife's. Although my wife had stopped being responsive to care, they went out of their way to attempt to reach her and...
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 can only report all of the staff (office, kitchen, househould) were all very kind. My father only had warm words for their attention. It is pricey, but the facility provided so much. Plus, the peace of...
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 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.
She's done really great there. We're very happy. It is a much better experience than her previous facility. Very friendly staff. Great help and assistance. Love all the activities. Very easy to get...
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...
Well run facility, clean, and the staff and caregivers are wonderful. There have been a couple of times that my mom had a medical emergency, and they handled it promptly and professionally. We were...
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Seattle
- What nursing homes cost in the Seattle area
- Paying for a nursing home in Seattle
- Understand Washington laws and regulations for nursing homes
- Get to know senior living in Seattle
- What to expect from nursing homes in Seattle
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Seattle? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about nursing homes in Seattle
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Seattle
Brookdale Everett
Aegis of Kirkland
Harbour Pointe Senior Living in Mukilteo, WA
What nursing homes cost in the Seattle area
The national median cost of a nursing home in a private room is $8,910 per month.[01] This cost is for skilled nursing facilities providing 24-hour supervision and on-site health and rehabilitative services.
Skilled nursing facilities are ideal for seniors who need long-term care due to serious conditions or short-term care for those recovering from surgery, hospital stays, or injuries. Here are services in skilled nursing facilities that are often included:
- Help with personal care
- Rehabilitation services
- Palliative and hospice care
- Health care
- Transportation services
- 24-hour supervision
In Seattle, the average cost of assisted living is $6,246 per month, and the average cost of memory care is $6,508 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[02] These figures include associated fees and service fee add-ons. You’ll notice these numbers are lower than the national average cost of a nursing home because residents don’t need 24/7 skilled nursing care.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Seattle, WA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Seattle, WA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Seattle vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Seattle, WA by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Seattle over time
Paying for a nursing home in Seattle
Skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, or memory care can be paid for in a few ways. Private options, such as savings accounts, are commonly used alongside public options, such as Medicaid or Medicare. While some people choose to use one funding method to pay, most people prefer to use a mix of private and public funding.
In this section, you will learn about how private funding, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare can all be used to help pay for different types of senior living facilities.
There are many different ways people can pay for skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities using private funding. The most common are savings and pensions, Social Security benefits, and investment returns. However, there are also the following options:
If you or your loved one served in the military, they can use a VA Pension to pay for skilled nursing, assisted living, or memory care facilities. Veterans can receive a pension if they are a certain age, were honorably discharged, and meet other eligibility requirements. To apply, click here.
There’s also the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can be used for medical and nonmedical expenses in long-term care. If you or your loved one served during a wartime, you may be eligible for that or other veteran benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Looking for a local program that can help veterans? The King County Veterans Program works with regional partners to provide financial, employment, housing, and other services to veterans in need of support.
To learn whether a veteran is eligible for these resources, it’s best to contact an organization local to Seattle that can walk you through the process. For instance, the Washington State Department Veterans Affairs connects veterans to their earned benefits and services. The Disabled American Veterans organization has a Seattle chapter, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Department of Washington can assist with eligibility, claims, and appeals.
Number of veterans who live in Seattle, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of Seattle veterans that are 55 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Seattle veterans
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
1102 Quince St. SE
Olympia, WA 98504
Phone: 877-838-7787
Email: benefits@dva.wa.gov
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ballard Eagleson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3063
2812 NW Market St.
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: 206-782-8618
Hours: Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m – 3 p.m.
Email: adjutant@vfwseattle.org
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: 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.
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.
Known as Apple Health in Washington, Medicaid will fund some aspects of skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities. However, it is limited.
For those who meet eligibility requirements, Medicaid covers all nursing home care provided in a Medicaid nursing facility.
When it comes to assisted living, Medicaid covers some costs of care in facilities that are licensed in Washington and accept Medicaid; coverage is provided through one of three service packages. Medicaid also covers in-home care through the Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (HCBS) program. This program allows Washington to use Medicaid for assisted living residents.
Medicaid will fund memory care costs depending on seniors’ needs and income. Similarly, it covers in-home care through the HCBS program. There’s also the Specialized Dementia Care Program, which Washington uses to support individuals with dementia who can’t live at home.
Several programs in Seattle are on hand to help navigate the eligibility and claims process. The Aging and Long-Term Support Administration is a valuable resource for support while looking for the appropriate care option. Washington’s local ombudsman is also a vital resource to have on hand if you have questions or concerns about the facility you have chosen. Washington’s Community Living Connections Network exists to help connect residents to any program or benefits that could be helpful to their situation.
Seattle resident Medicaid resources
Washington Apple Health
626 8th Ave. SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 800-562-3022
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
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5
Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
1200 S 336th St.
Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone: 206-623-0816
p.m.
Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
1200 S 336th St.
Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone: 206-623-0816
Federal health insurance, Medicare, is available to people over the age of 65. Because Medicare doesn’t cover custodial care outside of a nursing home setting, it can only be used for certain medical services. As such, it can only fund short-term stays at skilled nursing facilities when a doctor determines them to be medically necessary.
Medicare Part A covers short-term skilled nursing care if a qualifying patient has days left on their benefit period and has had a three-day stay at a hospital. If these conditions as well as other factors are met, Medicare will cover things like physical and occupational therapy and medical supplies.
Because Medicare doesn’t cover rent or general living expenses, you can’t use it to cover room and board at an assisted living or memory care facility. Still, it does provide limited support. You can use Medicare to cover medical costs, such as physician visits, pharmaceuticals, and hospital stays.
The Medicare Savings Program can help seniors offset Medicare fees and deductibles. It is actually a program you have to apply for through Washington’s Apple Health (Medicaid). The Pharmaceutical Assistance Program can help eligible seniors pay for prescriptions. Some seniors will qualify for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) that can help eligible seniors with various daily needs. Generally, seniors who dually qualify for Medicare and Medicaid may be eligible for PACE.
For questions about using Medicare to fund skilled nursing, assisted living, or memory care facilities, the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) in Washington offers free and confidential assistance with Medicare queries. For additional support, Seattle residents can contact the local Social Security Administration. For advocacy and support, Washington’s ombudsman is on hand to help explain and assist.
Seattle resident Medicare resources
Seattle Social Security Administration
915 Second Ave., Suite 901
Seattle, WA 98174
Phone: 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
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
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 nursing homes
Skilled nursing facility regulations
In Washington, skilled nursing facilities must be licensed by the state and are regulated at a federal level by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
On the state level, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) regulates nursing homes in Washington. This organization is responsible for performing inspections, which are available on the DSHS website’s nursing home locator. Inspections are broad but include ensuring a registered nurse is on duty at all times, an appropriate staff ratio to residents, and that residents get at least 3.4 hours a day of direct care.[04] Federal law requires the state to conduct full inspections, unannounced, at least every 15 months.[05]
For additional information on skilled nursing facility regulations in Washington, the following resources are also available:
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Nursing Home Compare
- Washington Department of Health: Nursing Home Information and Resources
- Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Assisted living facility regulations
In Washington, assisted living facilities must also be licensed by the DSHS. To become licensed, an assisted living facility must complete an application; meet certain health, safety, and comfort requirements; and be inspected by a DSHS surveyor. The facility will be inspected regularly to ensure it continually meets the department’s criteria.
You can find these inspection reports on the Washington State DSHS website. You can type in a ZIP code, the city name, or the name of a specific facility in the search box. PDFs of the reports will then be available for download. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can also request inspection reports and licenses here. You can also report any complaints or violations.
Memory care facility regulations
Memory care facilities in Washington must be licensed as assisted living facilities by the DSHS. This means a facility must complete an application, meet certain requirements, and be regularly inspected. DSHS will ensure compliance with state regulations. Requests for inspection reports and licensing can be made via the DSHS website. You can also look them up here by clicking on “advanced ALF search.” then searching by county, city, or ZIP code, and — finally — by selecting “Dementia Care” under “Specific Criteria.”
What requirements do memory care facilities need to meet? According to this policy, facilities must meet certain standards in regard to staffing, medication management, safety and security, and resident care. For example, staff members at memory care facilities must have dementia care training. Additionally, these facilities must have individualized resident care plans, including specialized programming and activities designed for people with memory impairments.
The following links provide additional information on laws and regulations around assisted living and memory care facilities:
- DSHS Residential Care Services
- The Washington State Residential Care Services Statute
- The Washington State Uniform Disclosures for Continuing Care Contracts Act
Washington 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, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Seattle nursing homes
Washington has rescinded many of its state COVID-19 guidelines to better align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. However, like many long-term care facilities, nursing homes follow guidelines from the Washington Department of Health and the CDC.
Vaccinations. Guidelines recommend that staff and residents are vaccinated and up-to-date on boosters.
Masking. It is recommended that staff wear well-fitted masks, like the N95 mask, and eye protection where appropriate.
Facility cleanliness. Dedicated medical equipment must be used on residents who are suspected or have a confirmed case of COVID-19. Additionally, routine cleaning, disinfection of surfaces, and optimized ventilation and filtration are recommended.
Quarantining. Staff should only move residents who have COVID-19 from their rooms when it is medically necessary.
Get to know senior living in Seattle
What to expect from nursing homes in Seattle
In Seattle, nursing homes, assisted living, memory care facilities trend toward upscale, luxury living. Residents will enjoy mild summers, scenic views, and the benefits of urban life.
Amenities and services will vary depending on the senior living option you or your loved one pick. In the following sections, we’ll go over what to expect from each type of facility in Seattle as well as which requirements you may encounter.
Understanding skilled nursing
While many people use the term “nursing home” to discuss any senior living option, government agencies use the term to refer to skilled nursing care. Skilled nursing facilities primarily focus on care for people with significant health conditions. They provide hands-on care services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, intravenous therapy, injections, and medical equipment and vitals monitoring.
A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with any nursing homes. However, we do partner with 153 assisted living and memory care communities in Seattle. These facilities may be a better fit for you or your loved one.
What assisted living and memory care communities are like in Seattle
Assisted living and memory care is a more appropriate senior living choice for people who are able to live more independently.
In terms of care, seniors at assisted living or memory care facilities benefit from typical services like housekeeping, personal care, meal preparation, scheduled social outings, medication management, and more. Some combination facilities may also offer skilled nursing services or a skilled nursing wing.
When it comes to amenities and activities, many facilities offer enclosed walking spaces, stretching classes, and yoga or chair yoga for some on-site physical activity. Group spaces, such as libraries, courtyards, and game rooms, give residents places to socialize. Dining is also a provided amenity, and most facilities offer specialized diets for those who need it. For example, almost all of our in network facilities offer vegetarian dining options. If you have a beloved cat or small dog, more than half of the facilities in our partner communities offer pet-friendly services, too.
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Unfamiliar with Seattle? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Seattle
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within Seattle
Median annual income for Seattle seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Seattle
Seattle has a number of top-tier health care options, from the nationally recognized University of Washington Medical Center to several well-regarded clinics specializing in senior care.
University of Washington Medical Center
Named as one of the best teaching hospitals in the nation, UW Medical Center ranks nationally in seven adult specialties and is known for high-quality cancer care, nephrology, and urology programs.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
Taking a patient-centered health care approach, Virginia Mason is well-known for its care in orthopedic care, cancer care, and digestive disorder programs.
Overlake Medical Center
This Bellevue-based medical center, just 10 miles from downtown Seattle, was qualified by U.S. News and World Report as “high performing” in 13 different adult procedures.
Providence Regional Medical Center
With two campuses in Seattle, this general medical and surgical facility has been named the best Seattle Metro area hospital by U.S. News and World Report.
University of Washington Geriatrics Clinic
Part of UW Medical Center, this geriatrics clinic prioritizes care for people over the age of 75. It offers various services, from primary care, to memory care and palliative care.
VA Puget Sound Health Care System
Offering primary care and specialty health services, the VA Puget Sound Health Care facility focuses specifically on veterans’ unique needs.
Transportation for seniors in Seattle
While Seattle is known for being both walkable and bike-friendly, there are plenty of other transportation options available for you or your loved one. This includes public services as well as on-site transportation at our partner assisted living and memory care facilities.
Overall, 64% of our partner communities offer complimentary transportation, and 74% offer at-cost transportation services. These options are good for seniors in assisted living and memory care who may need assistance when traveling.
Visitors to the city and residents with more mobility will benefit from the many public transportation methods available. Beyond the bus system operated by King County Metro Transit, which has extensive downtown coverage, there are also ferries and a streetcar system. The light rail serves downtown Seattle and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
There are also options specifically for seniors and those who can’t access public transport. These include:
- King County Metro Access Transportation has a shared ride service.
- For rides to doctor’s appointments, Sound Generations has a shuttle service
- The Via to Transit app offers on-demand, door-to-door transport.
- Reduced rate community transit is available for people who have a hard time using regular buses.
Activities for seniors in Seattle
No matter what senior living option you or your loved one select, there will be plenty of recreational opportunities. Most nursing home, assisted living, and memory care facilities offer a variety of in-house classes and activities. This can include cooking lessons, arts and craft sessions, music therapy, gardening, scheduled board and card games, and more.
Seattle also has a diverse variety of downtown activities and sights you or your loved one could visit. For instance, art and music lovers will appreciate Seattle’s Museum of Flight, Museum of Pop Culture, and Art Museum. All three museums offer senior discounts and accommodations for disabilities and mobility issues. For those who love theater and live music, the event guide EverOut lists dozens of timely theater and concert options to choose from.
Sitting between Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, Seattle has many beautiful natural areas. If you or your loved one enjoy the outdoors, there are many accessible walking trails, calming parks, and tranquil gardens. For instance, the Japanese Garden and Volunteer Park Conservatory are both wonderful ways to spend an afternoon; they have plenty of benches and rest areas where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings.
Seattle has two casinos nearby: Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, which also has a spa, and Muckleshoot Casino, which has an array of gaming options and touts its status as the state’s largest smoke-free table games area.
Do you or your loved one like live sports? Get tickets to a major league baseball game to see the Mariners or an NFL game to watch the Seahawks. Other professional teams in Seattle include the Kraken hockey team, the Seattle Storm WNBA team, and the Seattle Sounders soccer team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cogir of Kent, Merrill Gardens at Tukwila and Cogir of Mill Creek are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Seattle, WA. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Seattle is $5,329 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Genworth. (2021). Median Cost of Nursing Home, Assisted Living, & Home Care. Genworth.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101): Seattle, Washington; United States [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Washington State. (2022, June 29). RCW: NURSING HOMES—RESIDENT CARE, OPERATING STANDARDS. WA.gov.
ALTSA. (n.d.). Long-Term Care Residential Options. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.
U.S. News. (2023). Best Hospitals in Seattle, WA.
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