Assisted Living in Tacoma, WA

Assisted Living Costs in Tacoma

Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study shows that Tacoma’s $4,250 average monthly cost of assisted living is slightly over the national average ($4,000) but significantly less than in much of the surrounding area. Costs in other Western Washington cities, such as Seattle ($5,750), Bremerton ($5,720) and Longview ($5,000), more closely reflect the state median of $5,135. Cities located further inland, including Yakima ($4,500) and Wenatchee ($4,125), have assisted living costs similar to those in Tacoma.

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Tacoma, so data for the closest area, Olympia, was used.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Aside from adult day health services, assisted living is one of the least expensive types of senior care in Tacoma. At $9,064, 24-hour skilled nursing home care is more than double the average monthly cost of assisted living. Services that allow individuals to receive care at home, such as homemakers and home health aides, cost more than assisted living care and only cover the cost of care. Additional expenses, such as mortgage payments, utilities, meals and home upkeep, aren’t included in their costs.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Tacoma

Medicaid in Washington

Washington’s Medicaid program is known as Apple Health. This program aids low-income residents by providing them with health care services through a managed care plan. Benefits include doctors visits, hospitalization, mental health services, prescription drugs and laboratory services, depending on the participant’s designated scope of care. 

Seniors aged 65 and older, as well as blind and disabled individuals, may qualify for Apple Health if their monthly income is below $771, while married couples may be eligible if their combined monthly income is below $1,157.

Tacoma residents wishing to enroll in Apple Health can apply online, visit their local Department of Social and Health Services Community Services office or call (877) 501-2233.

Apple Health may provide long-term services and supports to seniors who qualify based on income requirements and an assessment of individual needs. The following programs offer these services.

Community First Choice Option

The Community First Choice Option provides seniors with benefits such as nursing care, care coordination, respite and activities of daily living, including bathing, eating and dressing. As the aim of this program is to help keep seniors out of nursing homes and in the community, participants can reside in their own homes or in alternate living facilities, such as an assisted living home, while receiving services.

To qualify for CFCO, seniors must demonstrate the need for an institutional level of care, meet the Apple Health income requirements and have no more than $2,000 in assets as an individual and no more than $3,000 in assets as a married couple. 

Community Options Program Entry System Waiver

The COPES waiver may also be available to those living at home or in an assisted living facility who are looking for additional services not already provided through Medicaid or CFCO. After deducting certain expenses, such as health insurance premiums and medical bills, seniors must have monthly income under $2,313 and assets under $2,000 (individual) or $4,000 (married with both spouses applying). To qualify, seniors must also be 65 or older or disabled and need assistance with at least two activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing or eating.

COPES recipients may receive services such as skilled nursing care, home-delivered meals, adult day care and skills training. Because this waiver isn’t an entitlement program, qualified applicants may be placed on a waiting list to receive benefits. Interested seniors can apply online.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Veterans Aid and Attendance

For veterans and their surviving spouses living in Tacoma, payments in addition to their current monthly pension may be available through the Veterans Aid and Attendance program. To qualify, individuals must require caregiver assistance to perform activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing, be a nursing home patient, bedridden or legally blind. Written applications detailing one’s daily habits and need for care can be mailed to the St. Paul VA Regional Office or submitted in person at a local Regional Benefits Office.

Elderlife Bridge Loans

Elderlife Financial bridge loans provide a short-term line of credit to those wishing to transition to an assisted living facility. Money can be used to pay for rent, moving expenses and move-in fees and is often available soon after an application is approved. A low interest rate makes the loans relatively inexpensive. Eligibility is based on factors including income, assets and credit scores, which are often combined from multiple family members serving as co-applicants, and applicants should have a plan for permanent long-term care funding in place. Seniors can apply online or by calling (888) 228-4500.

Assisted Living Resources in Tacoma

Senior Centers in Tacoma

Tacoma senior centers serve as places for community gatherings and socializing as well as hubs for low-cost or donation-based meals, wellness programs, tax assistance and other essential services. Fun activities such as yoga, line dancing, pottery and cultural classes keep seniors creative and physically fit.

Pt. Defiance-Ruston Senior Center
5340 N Bristol St., Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 752-6621

Lighthouse Senior Activity Center
5016 A St., Tacoma, WA 98408
(253) 426-1282

Beacon Senior Center
415 S 13th St., Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 301-3369

Veteran’s Resources

Along with benefits counseling and services, the Tacoma Vet Center hosts events for local veterans and their family members such as yoga classes, support groups and live music. The Pierce County Veterans Assistance programs provides emergency meals and rent and medical assistance based on need.

Tacoma Vet Center
4916 Center St. # E, Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 565-7038

Pierce County Veterans Assistance Programs
1305 Tacoma Ave S, Ste. # 104, Tacoma, WA 98402
(800) 992-2456

Area Agency on Aging

A comprehensive senior resource center, the Pierce County Area Agency on Aging provides legal services, food banks, driving classes, benefits information and other assistance. The county also runs a long-term care ombudsman program and classes on topics such as Alzheimer’s, yoga and caregiving.

Pierce County Community Connections Resource Center/Aging & Disability Resources
3602 Pacific Ave, Ste. 200, Tacoma, WA 98418
(253) 798-4600