Assisted Living in Spokane, WA

Assisted Living Costs in Spokane

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, Spokane’s average monthly cost for assisted living matches the national average of $4,000 and is lower than the state average of $5,135. When compared to all other major cities in Washington, Spokane has the lowest prices for assisted living. Costs are similar to other midsized cities in Washington such as Bellingham ($4,250) and Yakima ($4,500).

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Spokane: $4,000
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $5,135
• Seattle: $5,750
• Olympia: $4,250
• Wenatchee: $4,125
• Mount Vernon: $5,125
• Longview: $5,000
• Kennewick: $5,000 

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care service costs vary widely depending on the number of hours of direct care provided weekly, the medical needs of the senior, and whether room and board are included. In Spokane, nursing home care is more than double the cost of assisted living, while adult day health care services are about one-third the cost of assisted living. Hourly homemaker services for seniors and home health aides cost $5,100, which is $1,100 more than assisted living in Spokane. It’s important to factor in living expenses such as property taxes and insurance, rent, groceries and home maintenance when considering the actual cost of in-home senior services. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $4,000
• Homemaker services: $5,100
• Home health aide: $5,100
• Adult day health: $1,300
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,836 

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Spokane

Medicaid in Washington

Spokane residents aged 19 and over may be eligible for Medicaid, known as Washington Apple Health, if they meet specific financial requirements. Washington seniors aged 65 and older may qualify for Washington Apple Health Classic Medicaid that may include no-cost coverage, assistance with Medicare premiums and help to pay for long-term services and care through Apple Health Long-Term Services. 

In order to qualify for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services or nursing home Apple Health coverage, Washington residents 65 and older must meet income and asset criteria. For single applicants, the income limit is $2,313 and the asset limit is $2,000, while married couples (with both spouses applying) are subject to an income limit of $4,626 and a $3,000 combined asset limit. 

For Medicaid eligibility, income includes money from any source, including pension payments, wages, stock dividends, alimony payments, Social Security Disability Income and Social Security Income. 

Assets counted on a Medicaid application include cash, bonds and real estate other than the applicants’ primary residence. Excluded items include personal belongings, vehicles, household items, irrevocable burial trusts and the applicants’ primary residence up to a set value. To prevent Medicaid fraud, Washington State has a five-year look-back program to ensure applicants have not disposed of assets in order to meet Medicaid asset limits. 

Apple Health Long-Term Services provides coverage for institutional services (nursing home) and Home and Community-Based Services, which includes services within a home, residential or assisted living setting. 

Eligibility requirements for Long-term Care Medicaid in Washington also include:

• Citizenship and Washington State resident verification
• A valid social security number
• Meeting the aged, disabled or blind criteria
• Home equity of $552,000 or less

Long-term Care Medicaid applicants in Washington must make a declaration of interest in an annuity which names the State of Washington the remainder beneficiary. 

For assistance with the Apple Health enrollment process, contact the Washington Healthplanfinder at (855) 923-4633. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

VA Aid and Attendance Benefits and Housebound Allowance

Spokane’s honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses who are VA pension eligible may qualify for additional benefits through the Aid and Attendance and Housebound Program. Funds from this program can top up a VA pension; however, Veterans cannot receive either Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits concurrently with VA disability benefits. 

The Aid and Attendance benefit may be available to those who meet one of the following requirements: 

• Need daily assistance from a caregiver to eat, bath, dress or navigate the everyday environment safely
• Be bedridden
• Have corrected vision of 5/200 or worse in both eyes
• Live in a nursing home 

The Housebound pension top-up may be awarded to qualified applicants who are confined to their primary residence as a result of their disability or disabilities and have a VA disability rating of 100 percent.

To apply for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits, visit the Spokane VAMC Field Office at 4815 N. Assembly St., Spokane, Washington, or call (509) 434-7732. 

Assisted Living Resources in Spokane

Senior Centers in Spokane

Spokane is home to several senior centers that provide a range of recreational opportunities for older adults. Programs include exercise classes such as chair yoga, weekly billiards games, organized group outings and overnight travel. 

Sinto Senior Activity Center
1124 W. Sinto Ave., Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 327-2861

Hillyard Senior Center
4001 N. Cook Street, Spokane, WA 99207
(509) 482-0803

Corbin Senior Activity Center
827 W. Cleveland, Spokane, WA 99205
(509) 327-1584

Community Assistance Agencies

Aging and Long-Term Care of Eastern Washington is the Area Agency on Aging serving Spokane, as contracted by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. This agency provides assistance to seniors aged 60 and older, and services include help with accessing transportation, meals and long-term care assistance and benefits. ALTCEW also offers free aid and information to all adults living with a disability. 

ALTCEW
1222 N. Post, Spokane, WA 99201-2518
(509) 458-2509 

Veteran Centers and Hospitals

Honorably discharged veterans, their families and surviving spouses can get information about services and financial benefits at the Spokane County Regional Veterans Service Center. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also operates the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane where eligible Veterans can access a range of medical services and programs. 

Spokane County Regional Veterans Service Center
1117 N. Evergreen Rd., Spokane, WA 99216
(509) 477-3690

Spokane VA Medical Center
4815 N. Assembly St., Spokane, WA 99205
(509) 434-7000