Assisted Living in Vancouver, WA

Assisted Living Costs in Vancouver

With a monthly median of $4,825, Vancouver’s cost for assisted living exceeds the national average by approximately $800 per month. It’s also higher than nearby Oregon state’s monthly average of $4,593, but Vancouver assisted living expenses generally fall below Washington’s monthly average of $5,135. Vancouver residents typically pay more than residents of Bellingham ($4,250) and Wenatchee ($4,125) but less than seniors in large metropolitan areas such as Seattle ($5,750) and Olympia ($4,250).

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Vancouver: $4,825
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $5,135
• Bellingham: $4,250
• Longview: $5,000
• Walla Walla: $4,950
• Wenatchee: $4,125
• Yakima: $4,500
• Seattle Area: $5,750

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care expenses in Vancouver vary based on whether the services involve in-home care or around-the-clock care at a facility. Adult day health care averages $2,167 per month, which makes it one of the most budget-friendly options for seniors in the area. Home health aides cost approximately $5,339 per month, which is roughly $500 higher than the monthly median for assisted living facilities.

Nursing home care creates the highest expenses for Vancouver residents, with semiprivate rooms and private rooms each averaging more than $9,000 per month. However, a nursing home may cost less than aging at home with help from health aides. Caretakers for seniors who currently live at home may want to compare the cost of rent, utilities and groceries with the amenities offered by a Vancouver nursing home.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $4,825
• Homemaker services: $5,339
• Home health aide: $5,339
• Adult day health: $2,167
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $9,125

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Vancouver

Medicaid in Washington

Washington Apple Health, the state’s Medicaid program, helps reduce the cost of assisted living facilities and home health care for qualifying low-income seniors. Seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) must have a monthly income of $771 or lower to qualify for Medicaid coverage. To apply for Medicaid, elderly residents can visit the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, apply over the phone by calling 1-800-871-9275, fax an application to 1-877-635-8305 or complete an online application at WashingtonConnection.org.

Some Medicare recipients also qualify for Medicaid. When seniors participate in both programs, Medicaid may help cover the cost of Medicare premiums as well as other long-term services. Monthly income limits for Medicaid recipients who also receive Medicare coverage range from $1,041 to $2,818. These limits vary and depend on whether seniors are single or married as well as the level of coverage applicants desire.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Medicaid Personal Choice Program

Elderly Medicaid recipients can apply for the Medicaid Personal Care (MPC) program. This program gives seniors the flexibility to receive in-home assistance or reside at an assisted living facility. Seniors who need help with hygiene-related tasks such as bathing or using the bathroom can remain at home and select their preferred caregiver. This may be a medical professional, friend or family member.

Medicaid recipients can apply for the MPC program by contacting their Medicaid caseworker or eligibility specialist.

Community First Choice Option

The Community First Choice Option (CFCO) is another Medicaid program that provides benefits for seniors who need institutional-level care. The CFCO program helps cover personal care assistance, medication assistance and assistive technology for participants who wish to delay or avoid nursing home residency. Seniors can remain in their own homes, stay with family members or live in an assisted living facility. As with the MPC program, seniors can choose their own caretakers.

Enrollment is not automatic for qualifying seniors. Seniors must contact their local Medicaid office and request to participate in this program. In additional to annual income limits, current resources are typically capped at $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for married couples.

Washington Medicaid COPES (Community Options Program Entry System)

Qualifying seniors can receive supportive services from the Washington Medicaid COPES(Community Options Program Entry System) waiver. In-home services, such as meal delivery and home health care are available. Seniors can also receive benefits at an assisted living facility.

The Washington Medicaid COPES program differs from the CFCO and MPC programs by implementing a cap on recipients. A senior may meet the eligibility requirements for COPES yet still not receive services due to the cap. This program is also available for disabled Washington residents who are 18 to 64 years old.

Assisted Living Resources in Vancouver

Senior Centers in Vancouver 

Vancouver senior centers provide physical and social benefits for local seniors. Seniors can swim, play cards or bingo, participate in group outings or attend movie viewings or dances. Meals-on-Wheels brings complimentary meals to elderly residents at the Luepke Senior Center every Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. These meals are available for all seniors age 60 and older regardless of income or assets.

Luepke Senior Center
1009 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98663
(360) 487-7050

Trapedero II at Firstenburg Community Center
700 NE 136th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684
(360) 487-7001

Veterans Affairs

Vancouver does not have its own regional benefits office for veterans, so seniors must visit the office in Portland, Oregon. Seniors who have confirmed eligibility for veterans benefits can seek medical care through the VA Northwest Network or the VA Portland Healthcare Center.

VA Portland Regional Benefit Office
First and Main Building
100 SW Main St., Floor 2, Portland, OR 97204
(800) 827-1000

VA Northwest Health Network
1601 4th Plain Blvd Building 17, 4th Floor, Suite 403, Vancouver, WA 98661
(360) 619-5925

VA Portland Health Care Network
1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661
(360) 696-4061