Assisted Living in Longview,WA

Assisted Living Costs in Longview

Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study examines the monthly price of assisted living across the county. The study shows that assisted living costs in Longview are $1,000 more per month than the national average of $4,000 and $135 less than the state average of $5,135. 

Assisted living costs are lower in some cities east of Longview such as Yakima ($4,500) and Walla Walla ($4,950), whereas prices in Seattle are significantly higher at $5,750. 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care costs are based on the type of service, the location and the number of direct care hours provided each month. In Longview, nursing home care is the most expensive option and costs about $2,800 more than assisted living. Monthly costs for in-home services, such as a homemaker or home health aide, are about $150 higher than assisted living, based on 44 hours of service per week. 

When weighing senior care costs, it’s important to recognize that residential senior care includes room and board. With in-home care, seniors need to continue paying for living expenses, such as home maintenance, meals and utilities. 

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Longview

Medicaid in Washington

Medicaid provides basic health care coverage to 22% of Washington residents through joint funding by the federal and state governments. Close to three in four seniors and people with disabilities qualify for coverage under Apple Health, the Washington state Medicaid plan. 

Medicaid is designed to help low-income Americans, so applicants must meet asset and income limits to qualify. Seniors who already receive Supplemental Security Income payments or have an equivalent income and less than $2,000 in countable assets may be eligible under the Apple Health for the Aged coverage category. 

For more information or to apply for Apple Health coverage, contact the Washington Healthplanfinder at (855) 923-4633. 

Community Options Program Entry System

Seniors 65 and older who need help performing at least two activities of daily living may qualify for COPES, a Home and Community-Based Services waiver that provides funding for medically necessary services to prevent nursing home placement. Services can be delivered within an assisted living facility. 

To qualify, seniors must have a monthly income of less than $2,313 and less than $2,000 in countable assets, such as cash, stocks and investment real estate. In situations where a senior pays high out-of-pocket medical costs to manage a chronic illness or disability, these income and asset limits may be waived. 

Note that enrollment caps are in place for COPES, and qualified applicants may be placed on a waiting list. 

To learn more about COPES, contact the Cowlitz County Community Services Office of the Department of Social and Health Services at (360) 501-2400. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit and Housebound Allowance

VA pension recipients who have a prolonged illness or severe disability may be eligible for cash benefits through the VA Aid and Attendance Benefits and Housebound Allowance program.

Under this program, the maximum annual pension for veterans is:

• $22,766 under A&A for veterans with one dependent
• $22,577 under A&A for veterans without dependents
• $20,731 under Housebound for veterans with one dependent
• $16,540 under Housebound for veterans without dependents

The maximum annual pension rate for qualified survivors is: 

• $17,309 under A&A with one dependent
• $14,509 under A&A without dependents
• $13,893 under Housebound with one dependent
• $11,095 under Housebound without dependents

To qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits, applicants must be bedridden, live in a nursing home, have a severe visual impairment or need help from another person to perform daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing or eating. 

To qualify for the Housebound allowance, applicants must have a disability that largely limits them to their principal residence. 

These two programs are not available to veterans who already receive a VA disability pension, and if approved, benefits from Housebound and Aid and Attendance cannot be combined. 

For more information and application assistance, contact the Cowlitz County Veterans Service Center at (360) 200-4611.

State Supplemental Payment

The state provides $40 in monthly top-up funds for individuals age 65 and older who collect Supplemental Security Income benefits. This state supplement program is administered through Washington Economic Services Administration’s Department of Social and Health Services.

To learn more or apply for state supplemental benefits, contact the DSHS at (800) 865-7801. 

Assisted Living Resources in Longview

Senior Center and Support Services

Seniors in Longview are welcome to participate in low-cost exercise classes, social clubs and special events at the Longview Senior Center. Open Monday through Saturday, the center is a popular place for area elders to meet, enjoy a game of cards and a nutritious, low-cost lunch. 

Seniors who require wheelchair-accessible transportation to medical appointments, assistance with health care insurance and access to food banks can contact the Lower Columbia Community Action Program, a local nonprofit social service agency. 

Longview Senior Center
1111 Commerce Ave., Longview, WA 98632
(360) 636) 0201

Lower Columbia Community Action Program – Senior Services
1526 Commerce Ave., Longview, WA 98632
(360) 425-3430

Veterans Services

The closest VA outpatient clinic for veterans living in Longview is located in Warrenton, OR, and the nearest VA hospital is the Portland VA Medical Center. Veterans who need assistance completing benefits applications, obtaining service records or securing transportation to VA health care appointments can contact the Cowlitz County Veterans Service Center. There are also active American Legion and VFW posts in Longview where veterans can get together for special events, meals and services. 

Veterans Service Center
1005 Fir St., Longview, WA 98632
(360) 200-4611

North Coast VA Outpatient Clinic
91400 Neacoxie St., Building 7315, Warrenton, OR 97146
(503) 220-8262

Portland VA Medical Center
3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR 97239
(503) 220-8262