10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Seattle, WA

There are several ways families can pay for memory care through private savings or public assistance. In this section, you will learn more about the different ways people can pay for memory care, from private pay methods to utilizing Medicaid, Medicare, or VA benefits.

Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is responsible for regulating memory care facilities, which must be licensed and are regularly inspected to ensure compliance in medication management, safety and security protocols, resident care, and more.

There are two types of facilities for memory care: adult family homes and assisted living facilities. And each type has its own set of requirements.

Adult family homes in Seattle

An adult family home is licensed to provide housing and care for up to six adults in a regular house within a residential neighborhood. In these types of homes, staff members assume responsibility for the well-being and safety of residents. Adult family homes are required to be well-maintained and provide a sanitary and safe environment for residents, and they must ensure staff members receive the necessary training to care for residents. They have to have fire safety and accessibility (for both mobility and communication) measures in place, offer nutritious foods, establish health care procedures for all residents, offer activities, and ensure financial solvency.

To find out more about the license of an adult family home specializing in memory care, you can visit the Washington State DSHS website. From there, you can also look up inspection reports and other records. Just click “advanced AFH search”; search by county, city, or ZIP code; and select “Dementia Care” under “Specific Criteria.”

Assisted living facilities in Seattle

An assisted living facility is licensed to provide housing and care services to seven or more residents in a home or facility that’s located within a residential neighborhood. Assisted living facilities are required to prioritize residents’ health, safety, and well-being and provide a comfortable, clean, and safe living environment. Staff members have to be fully trained to provide the necessary scope of care and assistance, including emergency medical care and medication administration. Residents in assisted living facilities must receive nutritious meals and ample opportunities for social interaction. These facilities must have systems in place for emergency preparedness and fire safety, and both communication accessibility and financial solvency are required.

To look up licenses, inspections, and other records, visit the Washington State DSHS website. Then click “advanced ALF search”; search by county, city, or ZIP code; and select “Dementia Care” under “Specific Criteria.”

Beyond the above requirements, memory care facilities in Washington have additional specific standards, particularly relating to staffing and staff training. These include the following:

• Staff must be on duty around the clock to care for residents.
• Additional training is required for staff members providing direct care to residents.
• Individual care plans, programming, and activities should be available for residents.^[03]

If inspection reports and licenses for memory care facilities are not publicly available via the databases provided above, they can be requested. Families or caregivers can find additional information and resources for Washington memory care laws and regulations via the following resources:

• Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Residential Care Services
• Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration

Washington Department of Health contact information

Washington State Department of Health
111 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: 800-525-0127
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Seattle memory care facilities

Washington has scaled back many COVID-19 regulations to better align with guidelines recommended by the CDC. Currently, memory care facilities in Seattle are following guidelines from the Washington State Department of Health’s recommendations for COVID-19 infection prevention in health care settings ^[04], as well as the CDC.^[05]

Seattle’s memory care facilities focus on safety and security while offering residents the opportunity to continue living with a high quality of life.

Memory care facilities in Seattle are secured communities that have been explicitly designed to accommodate people with memory loss. Because of this, 43% of in-network facilities offer enclosed walking spaces. Eighty-five percent of memory care facilities in Seattle also feature amenities including beauty salons, housekeeping, laundry service, and grocery shopping and errands.

There are two distinct types of memory care facilities in Seattle: memory care group homes and facilities that offer a combination of memory care, assisted living, and independent living.

Group homes for memory care in Seattle

Group homes are residential care facilities that provide a homelike environment for seniors to reside. A family-style alternative to assisted living facilities or nursing homes, group homes are staffed 24/7 and offer residents engaging activities, home-cooked meals, and a sense of community. In Washington, some group homes provide skilled nursing care, as well as assistance with daily living tasks.

Sixty-two of the 99 memory care facilities in A Place for Mom’s Seattle network are group homes.^[01] These types of memory care facilities offer a homey, comfortable environment for residents, and they provide a higher staff-to-resident ratio than other types of senior care facilities. Smaller communities like these can be ideal for memory care, as residents are less likely to experience overwhelm and have fewer faces to get used to. Plus, group homes are typically more cost-effective for residents than assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

Facilities that offer memory care, assisted living, and independent living in Seattle

If you’re looking for a broader spectrum of care as your loved one moves through the next phases of life, facilities that offer a combination of memory care, assisted living, and/or independent living in Seattle might be a good option.

Residents can take advantage of amenities like salons and libraries, as well as on- and off-site activities. These facilities are staffed 24/7 and provide the memory care your loved one needs while also providing varying degrees of additional care depending on residents’ individual needs.

Health care for seniors in Seattle

Seattle has many highly ranked hospitals and clinics in the area, including ones specializing in memory care and geriatric care.

Transportation for seniors in Seattle

While memory care facilities provide transportation to doctor’s appointments and even chaperones, there are still other options for getting around — especially with the help of a friend or family member.

Seattle has a transit score of 60, based on a scale of 1 to 100, from Walk Score.^[01] This score considers how easy it is to get around Seattle using public transport. The availability of public transportation in downtown Seattle is high, and it fans out to other hubs in the greater Seattle area. For people with disabilities, including those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, Access Transportation provides door-to-door transportation services for medical appointments and social outings.

For caregivers or family members, ride-sharing apps are starting to offer services that make it easier to book transportation for people with dementia. For example, GoGoGrandparent book rides on ride-sharing apps for seniors who may not have a smartphone.

Some other transportation options for seniors who are unable to use fixed routes include Via to Transit, which provides door-to-door transportation. Sound Generations offers rides to medical appointments and shuttle services. Reduced-rate community transit is also available for people who are unable to use traditional buses.