Assisted Living in Lynnwood, WA

Assisted Living Costs in Lynnwood

According to data gathered from Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care survey, assisted living in Lynnwood costs about $600 more per month than the statewide median of $5,135 and $1,750 more than the national median of $4,000. In fact of all the major cities surveyed, Lynnwood was the priciest for assisted living. Bremerton, which lies to the southwest of Lynnwood, is the second most expensive city with monthly costs at $5,720, and the Mount Vernon area is next, with costs averaging $5,125 per month.

While Washington is generally an expensive state for assisted living, some cities are relatively affordable. Seniors and families looking for a more economical option can find it about 130 miles east of Lynnwood in Wenatchee, where this level of care costs an average of $4,125 per month. Budget-conscious seniors also seek out care in Bellingham ($4,250), the Olympia area ($4,250) or Yakima ($4,500).

Note: Senior care cost data for Lynnwood is unavailable, so data for the closest major city, Seattle, was used.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

While assisted living is relatively pricey in Lynnwood, it’s the second most affordable senior care option surpassed only by adult day health services at $1,317 per month. However, unlike adult day health services, assisted living costs include housing, utilities, meals, housekeeping and laundry services, making it a more economical option for some seniors. 

In-home care, including homemaker services and home health aide services, costs an average of $6,092 per month. This figure assumes 44 hours of care per week, and the cost of in-home care doesn’t include additional living expenses. Nursing home care, which includes 24-hour skilled nursing, is the most expensive option, with seniors paying an average of $9,243 per month for a semiprivate room.  

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Lynnwood

Medicaid in Washington

Seniors in Lynnwood who meet income and asset guidelines may qualify to receive coverage for health care services through Apple Health, which is Washington’s Medicaid program.  Apple Health covers several types of service packages, including assisted living and various adult residential care services. Assisted living services may also be covered through the state’s Medicaid 1915(c) Community Options Program Entry System, which is summarized below.  

To qualify, single applicants can have a monthly income of no more than $771 and no more than $2,000 in countable assets. Married applicants can have no more than $1,157 in monthly income and $3,000 in countable assets. Apple Health is an entitlement, which means all who meet eligibility criteria are guaranteed to receive services. 

Note: Seniors who qualify for Supplemental Security Income are automatically eligible for Apple Health. 

COPES

Assisted living services may also be covered by a 1915(c) Home and Community Based waiver program called Community Options Program Entry System. COPES helps pay costs for services that may otherwise be an out-of-pocket expense, including personal care, medical equipment and transportation, in senior’s homes or nonmedical facilities, such as an assisted living residence. 

To qualify for this waiver program, single applicants can have an income up to $2,313 per month ($4,626 couple) and $2,000 ($3,000 couple) in countable assets. Applicants must also require help with at least two activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and meal prep.

Unlike the regular Medicaid program, COPES is not an entitlement and has limited funding, meaning that eligible applicants may be placed on a waiting list until services become available.  

To apply for Apple Health, seniors can submit an application online through Washington Connection, apply in person at a local Department of Social and Health Services office with a paper application or call (877) 501-2233.  

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Optional State Supplement

Low-income seniors who receive SSI benefits are also eligible to receive the Optional State Supplement. This cash benefit is added to a senior’s monthly SSI payment and can be used toward assisted living expenses. Qualifying individuals who reside in an assisted living facility may receive a maximum of $46.00 per month. 

To qualify for OSS, applicants must meet the federal SSI income and asset limits. To learn more about this program or to apply, seniors can contact their local Social Security Administration field office at (800) 772-1213.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

For seniors waiting for Medicaid benefits or funds from a home sale to come through, the Elderlife bridge loan can help fill in funding gaps. This is the only loan specially designed for seniors who are transitioning to an assisted living facility but need short-term cash until long-term funding is available. This bridge loan can be opened as a line of credit or taken out in a lump sum, and funds can be sent directly to an assisted living facility. In some cases, funds are available in as little as 24 hours, and there are no application fees. 

To qualify for the Elderlife bridge loan, applicants must be able to demonstrate how they plan to repay the loan, whether it’s through retroactive Medicaid benefits, VA benefits, life insurance, long-term care insurance, a home sale or liquidation of assets. Loan approval may also depend on the applicant’s credit history. 

Seniors can apply for the Elderlife bridge loan over the phone by calling (888) 228-4500 or fill out an online application. 

Assisted Living Resources in Lynnwood

Veterans Affairs

The closest veterans center to Lynnwood is in the city of Everett. Here, eligible veterans can apply for benefits, including those that may help pay for assisted living services. The nearest American Legion post is in the neighboring city of Mountlake Terrace and serves as a benefits center, health center and support system for local veterans.

Everett Veterans Center
1010 SE. Everett Mall Way #207, Everett, WA 98201
(425) 252-9701

American Legion Post 234
22909 56th Ave. W, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
(425) 776-5490

Local Senior Center

The local senior center serves area seniors aged 62 and up and provides activities, services and special events. The fee for a 12-month membership is $30, and scholarship programs are available. The center is open six days a week. 

Lynnwood Senior Center
19000 44th Ave. W, Lynnwood, WA 98036
(425) 670-5050

Local Agencies

At the local SSA field office, seniors can get assistance applying for SSI. Homage Senior Services is a nonprofit organization that provides food and nutrition services, social services, health and wellness programs and transportation.  

Social Security Administration Field Office
18905 33rd Ave. W. Suite #207, Lynnwood, WA 98036
(800) 772-1213

Homage Senior Services
5026 196th St. SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036
(425) 355-1112