10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Vancouver, WA

Paying for memory care often entails a combination of private and public resources. Below, seniors and their families will find details on a variety of payment methods, including Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and private funds.

Memory care facilities in Vancouver offer a safe and secure environment for seniors who require assistance with day-to-day activities. Memory care facilities are designed to address the unique needs of individuals with memory impairments, who may experience confusion, agitation, or anxiety due to their condition. All staff members are specially trained to understand the needs of residents with memory impairments and can provide compassionate support and care.

Licensing requirements for memory care facilities in Washington and Oregon

In both Washington and Oregon, memory care facilities are governed by strict licensing rules that aim to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. In Washington, facilities must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. In the state of Oregon, memory care communities that accommodate six or more residents are required to obtain a license from and be regulated by the Office of Safety, Oversight, and Quality. Both states comply with staffing regulations that require a minimum number of caregivers per resident. Pre-admission assessments are also required to evaluate a prospective resident’s level of care needs and to ensure that the facility is capable of meeting those needs.

For example, Washington regulations require that facilities with 16 or more residents must

have at least two staff members on duty at all times, with additional staff required based on the needs of the residents and the facility’s care plans. Similarly, Oregon regulations state that all staff must receive required training before providing care to residents. The specific staffing ratios and training requirements may also be influenced by factors such as the level of care needed by residents, the knowledge of their conditions, and any special care requirements.

If seniors and their families would like to learn more about each state’s licensing rules as they apply to memory care facilities, these can be found on the Washington State Legislature’s website or in this Oregon Department of Human Services document. 

Inspections of memory care facilities in Washington and Oregon

Memory care facilities in the State of Washington are subject to regular inspections, which generally happen every 15 to 18 months. If a facility receives three consecutive inspections with no written infractions, the inspection may be delayed by upwards of 24 months — that is, of course, unless a complaint is filed against the facility. You can look up inspection reports for memory care facilities in Washington on the DSHS website.

The Oregon Department of Human Services inspects memory care facilities at least once every two years to ensure that they’re in compliance with laws and regulations. To look up inspection reports in Oregon, use this facility locator on the Oregon Department of Human Services website.

Standards specific to memory care

Memory care is a specialized level of care that’s typically offered within assisted living facilities, but it requires different standards than other types of care. For instance, the staffing requirements are unique, with at least one team member being required to have specialized training in dementia if they will be caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diagnoses. Seniors and their families can have peace of mind knowing that the training is thorough and comprehensive.

Dementia care training for staff includes an introduction to dementia, identification of symptoms and types of dementia, differentiation between dementia and other related conditions, recognition of common hallucinations and delusions experienced by individuals with dementia, and identification of positive and negative interactions to enhance the individual’s quality of life. It also covers safe and unsafe expressions of sexuality, assistance with activities of daily living, communication strategies, and the sequence of steps to approach challenging behaviors. Seniors and their families should rest assured that the training is thorough.

In addition to specialized staffing, memory care facilities must also provide outdoor space that’s accessible for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, facilities are required to conduct a thorough intake of all memory care residents, gathering information on past life experiences and current behavioral patterns to ensure proper care is provided. This helps ensure that each individual receives personalized care that meets their unique needs and preferences. 

Washington Department of Health contact information

Washington State Department of Health

111 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone Number: 800-525-0127
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Clark County Public Health

1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.

Vancouver, WA 98661

Phone: 564-397-8000

Oregon Department of Health contact information

Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division

800 N.E. Oregon St.
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: 971-673-1222
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m – 5 p.m.

Multnomah County Health Department

619 N.W. Sixth Ave.
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 503-988-3674
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Vancouver memory care facilities

In Washington and Oregon, people are encouraged to follow the CDC guidelines for COVID-19. For more locally specific information, check the Clark County website or Multnomah County website for current local COVID-19 recommendations.

Memory care, by and large, is specifically designed to offer individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diagnoses a safe and structured environment. While services may vary by facility, they often entail set routines, medication management, memory-enhancing activities, and dementia therapies. This may, for example, include redirection and disorientation care. It may also involve restlessness, pacing, and wandering care, as well as what’s commonly referred to as hallucinations and delusions care.

Options in Vancouver and the surrounding areas offer this level of safety, support, and professionalism in a beautiful setting surrounded by all the benefits of the cities.

Because individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related diagnoses are prone to wandering, memory care facilities employ 24-hour awake staff or have invested in a wander detection system. These systems allow residents to safely and securely move around the property and engage with other residents without physical constraints or the potential of leaving the facility unnoticed.

Adult family homes with memory care services available

Not all facilities in Vancouver and Portland exclusively offer memory care. In fact, only eight would be considered standalone memory care facilities. Some offer memory care in more traditional, larger assisted living communities, often in separate wings, floors, or buildings designed to keep residents with dementia secure. Otherwise, the majority are categorized as group homes — more commonly called adult family homes — with memory care services available.

Adult family homes are smaller facilities, usually in the form of modified single-family homes with fewer residents. If seniors and their families would prefer a home-like environment with a higher staff-to-resident ratio, this is the direction to go. Adult family homes generally provide the following amenities:

•  Private or shared bedrooms
•  Shared living areas, such as a living room, dining room, and kitchen
•  Accessible bathrooms and showers, with grab bars and other safety features
•  A backyard or outdoor space for residents to enjoy
•  Home-cooked meals and snacks
•  Assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
•  Medication management and other health-related services
•  Housekeeping and laundry services
•  Transportation to appointments and activities
•  A one-story layout with bedrooms, living areas, and bathrooms all on one level
•  Wide hallways and doorways to accommodate mobility aids
• A wheelchair-accessible entrance to the home

Amenities

Memory care communities often have unique amenities designed for people with dementia. For example, nearly a third of facilities in Vancouver have a “brain fitness” program, over half offer art therapy classes, and several even have pools or large baths for water aerobics and hydrotherapy. TV lounges, activity directors, and pet-focused programs are also common.

Memory care in the surrounding Vancouver suburbs

If seniors and their families are struggling to find a vacancy at a memory care facility in Vancouver itself, they may have more luck in the surrounding suburbs. A Place for Mom partners with 126 memory care facilities within a 25-mile radius of Vancouver, so there’s sure to be a memory care facility that meets your needs.

Many of these are adult family homes that offer memory care. About 15% are standalone memory care facilities, while almost 30% offer a combination of assisted living and memory care, with some providing independent living services, as well.

Health care for seniors in Vancouver

While seniors living in memory care facilities may have access to on-site medical care, there may come a time when they’ll require additional health care services. Fortunately, many of the doctors in Vancouver, Washington, and greater Portland, Oregon, have a plethora of medical specialties.

Transportation for seniors in Vancouver and Portland

Most of our partner memory care facilities will arrange transportation and an escort for residents when they need to visit the doctor or participate in a local activity. In fact, 43% of our partner communities offer complimentary transportation services to residents. Another 51% do so at cost.

However, visiting family members will probably need a means of getting around. If not renting a car, there are a number of public transit options available in the Vancouver area. C-TRAN, for one, has 27 routes, is accessible for people with disabilities, and offers on-demand rideshare services within the city limits.

Public transportation is easy to navigate in Portland. The TriMet is the primary public transit system in the city, providing services such as buses, streetcars, and light rail throughout the surrounding areas. The suburbs are linked to downtown Portland by the MAX light rail system, while the Portland Streetcar operates in various neighborhoods, allowing seniors to get wherever they need to go whenever they want.

Alternatively, car-sharing services like Zipcar are also available for those who need them. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also readily available in Portland and Vancouver, offering convenient options for those who prefer not to drive.

Senior activities in Vancouver

Vancouver is known to be a diverse and thriving community with a wide range of attractions, activities, and entertainment for almost any interest, even without ever crossing the state-border into Portland. The city has even gone so far as to offer programs geared specifically for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related diagnoses.

One program in particular, Frontier Management Memory Care’s SPARK PROGRAM, is a great option for seniors and their families. It offers an array of tasks and activities based on personal interests, including the following:

• Gardening
• Dancing
• Yoga
• Art classes
• Cooking classes
• Group exercise programs

In-house entertainment and socialization

Memory care facilities in Vancouver offer a variety of entertainment and socialization opportunities to enhance the quality of life and well-being of their residents. These activities are designed to promote social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and physical activity while also addressing the unique needs and interests of individuals with memory impairments.

The following are some common types of in-house activities at memory care facilities in Vancouver:

• Art classes
• Music therapy sessions
• Pet therapy
• Reminiscing groups
• Sensory activities

These activities provide opportunities for residents to engage in creative expression, reminisce about past experiences, and connect with others in a meaningful way.

Some of our partner facilities also offer fitness classes, such as chair yoga or tai chi, to promote physical activity and improve mobility. In addition, memory care facilities sometimes organize outings and field trips to local parks, museums, and other community events to provide residents with opportunities for socialization and community engagement. 

Art and historical opportunities

If families are looking to do something with their loved ones, there’s always the Battle Ground Lake State Park/Alderbrook Park, which is great for walking and taking in the scenery. There are also a number of historical sites that might be of interest, including:

• Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
• Clark County Historical Museum
• Pearson Air Museum
• Officers Row
• Cedar Creek Mill

Of course, families and seniors can always head over to the AMC Classic Mill Plain 8, which shows a range of movies and is wheelchair accessible. This theater also offers assistive listening devices and closed captioning or narration options.

Senior activities in Portland

For seniors receiving care in Portland memory care facilities, the city offers an abundance of exciting and accessible activities to enjoy when family or friends come to visit.

Historical sites

Those interested in exploring the city’s past may want to visit the Pittock Mansion. This beautiful mansion was built in 1914. It offers stunning views of the city and is filled with artifacts from Portland’s history. The Oregon Historical Society Museum is another great destination for history buffs. The Portland Art Museum is also worth a visit, with a collection that includes works by local artists as well as pieces from around the world.

Entertainment and community

Families can enjoy performances at Portland Center Stage when they come to visit, which offers discounted tickets for patrons over 65. Portland also has numerous senior centers, such as the Hollywood Senior Center and the Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services, which offer a variety of programs and services.