Washington Memory Care (Residential Alzheimer’s Care): Laws, Costs & Financial Help

Legal Definition of Assisted Living / Memory Care in Washington

In Washington, residences that provide room, board and healthcare services to people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are called assisted living facilities with special care units, as of 2024. These facilities offer:

• Housing
• Activities
• Housekeeping
• Meals, including nutritious snacks
• Medication assistance
• Arranging for doctor appointments
• Monitoring
• Emergency response

Special care units for people with dementia, often referred to as memory care, can be a wing of an existing assisted living residence or the entire residence itself. A secure outdoor area must be provided in Washington memory care, because time outside has been shown to benefit people with dementia. There are more assessments required for patients in memory care than in regular assisted living, and staff needs additional training to help people in various stages of dementia.

Assisted living facilities in Washington are regulated by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. There are over 500 memory care homes in Washington. There are also over 100 board and care homes, which offer the same services as assisted living for 12 or fewer residents in a smaller, in a house-like residence. For free help finding memory care of any size to meet your family’s needs and budget, click here.

How Much Does Memory Care Cost in Washington?

There can be significant differences in the cost of assisted living and memory care depending on what part of Washington you are in. The table below lists the median monthly cost of both assisted living and memory care facilities in different regions of the state as of 2025. Individuals who are in the early to mid stages of dementia may be best suited for assisted living facilities, which are less expensive than memory care, while those with more severe symptoms or who are in the late stages of dementia will likely need memory care.

The median cost of assisted living across the country in 2025 was $6,200/month. In Washington, the median cost of assisted living in 2025 was $7,600. Washington residents who are looking for more affordable prices might try Oregon or Idaho, if moving to one of those neighboring states is a possibility.

Washington Assisted Living Laws & Regulations

Admissions Process & Requirements

An assisted living facility in Washington can only admit a patient if its services will meet that person’s needs. Every memory care community is different, but they all must produce in writing what care and services are provided. This is given on a standardized form. You’ll want to scrutinize it to make sure your loved one is a good fit. For example, policies on Medicaid assistance may differ, and some homes offer intermittent nursing services and medication administration while others do not. It’s a good idea to get these forms from homes you’re considering, and then compare them. The disclosure must include:

– Activities
– Food and diets
– Services related to arranging and coordinating healthcare needs
– Laundry
– Housekeeping
– Level of assistance with activities of daily living
– Intermittent nursing services
– Help with medications
– Transportation services
– Rules related to smoking and pets
– Limitations on end-of-life care
– All charges and costs
– Bed hold policy (whether your spot will be held if an extended hospital stay is required)
– Policy on accepting Medicaid
– Buildings’ fire prevention features
– Security services

Someone who cannot walk without assistance may not be admitted without special permission from the state, along with patients who require full-time nursing care.

A preadmission assessment is required before moving into memory care. Then, a more detailed assessment must be done within 14 days of beginning residence there. These assessments are usually performed by medical professionals who work for the residence. They determine unique needs, including exactly which activities of daily living a new resident needs help with, to make sure the home is a good fit and also prepare a personalized service plan. The plan works like a blueprint that tells staff the best way to help your loved one. The cost of assessment might be included in the base rate, or there may be a community fee, which is a one-time payment at the time of move-in that covers costs like the assessment and also preparing a new resident’s room. Community fees are usually between $2,000 and $4,000.

A person does not need to be diagnosed with dementia to move into memory care in Washington state. Alzheimer’s and dementia are difficult to diagnose without expensive tests like PET brain scans. The assessments will give the residence a good idea of whether your loved one needs memory-care services.

While it might be possible to move into memory care on short notice in Washington, this is not a good idea. Finding the right memory care community is a process. Normally one that takes weeks or months of investigating options by taking tours and asking questions of residents and staff in homes that might suit your needs. Ideally, you would begin searching before a move becomes necessary. The sooner the search begins, the more input your loved one can provide.

Facility / Residence

Bedrooms must be at least 80 square feet for one occupant, and 70 square feet per person for multiple occupants. The maximum number of people per bedroom is two, unless the residence was licensed before 1989. One toilet and sink is required for every eight residents, and one shower or bath is required for every 12. There must be smoke detectors in every room, as well as manual and automatic fire alarms. Emergency lighting and a disaster plan are also required. Facilities that offer memory care must make sure visitors can exit without sounding an alarm, and provide an appropriate outdoor activities area.

Washington regulations do not include a requirement that buildings be designed with other dementia-friendly features like easy-to-navigate layouts with clear sightlines, or bright lighting and paint colors. Studies have shown that the right dementia-care design can improve mood and encourage participation in activities. As you look at options for your loved one, keep an eye on whether they’ll be comfortable and able to thrive within the spaces.

Staff & Training

There is not a required staff-to-patient ratio, but memory care homes must ensure that they have adequate staff at all times to meet the needs of every resident. Fingerprint-based background checks are required of all employees. Memory care homes must provide special training for staff to meet the needs of people with dementia. Orientation and safety training are also required before someone can begin work in assisted living. Twelve hours of training is also required every year.

An assisted living administrator must be at least 21, with education, training, and experience that meet the residence’s state-approved requirements. Continuing training and education on state statutes related to assisted living is also required.

Evictions & Discharges

A resident of Washington memory care can be evicted if the residence cannot meet their medical needs. For example, if someone develops a condition that requires long-term nursing care then they would need to leave. That is because continuous nursing care is beyond the scope of what’s offered in Washington memory care. Nursing care is only allowed for up to 14 days in some residences. Another reason for eviction can be if the patient becomes non-ambulatory (loses the ability to walk), and the residence is not approved to admit people who cannot walk.

Washington regulations do not provide details on the process of eviction. It’s important to be clear on these rules before agreeing to a move-in contract, because unfair evictions can be a nationwide problem. If you are considering a facility, ask specifically why and how a person can be evicted. What is the time between receiving an eviction notice and needing to move out? Thirty days is standard. How do you appeal? Can someone be kicked out for late payment of bills, or aggressive behavior? Get the answers in writing, so you’re prepared if a dispute comes up about your loved one being asked to leave. If you receive an eviction notice in a Washington memory care home and need to know next steps, click here.

Financial Assistance for Residential Alzheimer’s Memory Care

Medicaid Personal Care Program

Washington’s Medicaid Personal Care Program (PCP) will not cover room and board in assisted living or memory care, but it will help with costs associated with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, and eating. Nursing services can also be covered, including assessments and skilled treatment. To qualify for PCP, applicants must meet two financial eligibility requirements – an asset limit ($2,000 for an individual as of 2026) and an income limit ($994/month for an individual as of 2026) – and they must meet the medical eligibility requirement of needing help with one of the Activities of Daily Living (mobility, bathing, dressing, eating, toileting), but they can not require a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC). Click here to read more about Medicaid eligibility requirements.

Community First Choice Option

Community First Choice (CFC) Option is another Medicaid program that helps pay for long-term care services in assisted living that are not room and board. Benefits include nursing tasks  (i.e., medication administration, insulin injections, monitoring of blood glucose, ostomy care), personal care assistance with the Activities of Daily Living, respite care and Personal Emergency Response System (PERS). Someone enrolled in the Community First Choice Option can receive assistance from other Medicaid programs in Washington. To qualify for CFC, applicants must meet two financial eligibility requirements – an asset limit ($2,000 for an individual as of 2026) and an income limit ($994/month for an individual as of 2026) – and they must meet the medical eligibility requirement of needing a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC). It’s important to note that a dementia diagnosis does not guarantee a NFLOC designation.

Community Options Program Entry System

The Community Options Program Entry System (COPES) is a Medicaid waiver in Washington to help people who need nursing-home-level care stay in their own homes or assisted living residences. The funds provided by this program may also be used to pay the costs of moving into assisted living. Other benefits include adult day care, durable medical equipment/supplies, meal delivery, skilled nursing services and transportation (medical and non-medical). To qualify for COPES, applicants must meet two financial eligibility requirements – an asset limit ($2,000 for an individual as of 2026) and an income limit ($2,982/month for an individual as of 2026) – and they must meet the medical eligibility requirement of needing a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC). It’s important to note that a dementia diagnosis does not guarantee a NFLOC designation.

New Freedom Waiver

Residents of King and Pierce counties (which include Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue) may be eligible for the New Freedom Medicaid waiver. This can help cover costs for someone who requires full-time nursing care but wants to stay at home or in assisted living. This program is an alternative to those listed above and offers more flexibility. The state works with the person in need to determine expenses that might be appropriate for coverage, including assistive technology and preventative medical care. To qualify for the New Freedom Waiver, applicants must meet two financial eligibility requirements – an asset limit ($2,000 for an individual as of 2026) and an income limit ($2,982/month for an individual as of 2026) – and they must meet the medical eligibility requirement of needing a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC).

Specialized Dementia Care Program (SDCP)

The Specialized Dementia Care Program provides additional long-term supportive care benefits to participants who have a form of dementia and live in an assisted living or memory care community. This program is designed to prevent your loved one from moving into a nursing home setting. Care benefits include dementia-trained staff, dementia-friendly activities, skilled nursing, assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, and day/night supervision. To qualify for the Specialized Dementia Care Program, applicants must meet two financial eligibility requirements – an asset limit ($2,000 for an individual as of 2026) and an income limit ($994/month for an individual as of 2026) – and they must meet the medical eligibility requirement of needing a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC).

Veterans Affairs (VA)

Qualified Washington veterans (or their surviving spouses) with dementia can also receive financial assistance through a Veterans Affairs (VA) Pension that they could use to pay for assisted living or memory care.

There are three levels of VA Pensions – Basic, Aid & Attendance (A&A) and Housebound. To qualify for any of them, veterans or their surviving spouses need to meet a net worth limit of $163,699 (effective Dec. 1, 2025 – Nov. 30, 2026), which is calculated by adding the total of their assets to their annual income. Some assets are exempt, like a primary home, primary vehicle and household furniture and appliances. VA Pension applicants also have to meet an income limit to be eligible – their income must be less than the VA Pension they are applying for in order for them to qualify. And veterans must meet a military service requirement, which includes not having received a dishonorable discharge.

To qualify for A&A, veterans or their surviving spouses must also meet a medical requirement, which is one of the following must be true:

• They need help to perform the Activities of Daily Living (mobility, bathing, dressing/grooming, eating, toileting) OR
• They have to stay in bed for at least a large portion of the day due to illness OR
• They are in a nursing home due to loss of mental or physical abilities OR
• Their eyesight is extremely limited (5/200 or less in both eyes even with glasses or contacts; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or fewer)

To qualify for Housebound, veterans must spend most of their time in their home due to a permanent disability.

There is no medical requirement for VA Basic Pensions.

Qualified veterans or their surviving spouses are entitled to their Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) minus their annual income. The following MAPRs are effective from Dec. 1, 2025 to Nov. 30, 2026:

VA Basic Pension MAPRs

• Veterans without spouses or children: $17,441
• Veterans with dependent spouses or children: $22,839
• Surviving spouses without dependent children: $11,699
• Surviving spouses with dependent children: $15,311
• Two veterans married to each other: $22,839

VA Aid & Attendance MAPRs

• Veterans without spouses or children: $29,093
• Veterans with dependent spouses or children: $34,488
• Surviving spouses without dependent children a maximum of $18,697
• Surviving spouses with dependent children: $22,304
• Two veterans married to each other and one qualifies for A&A: $33,548
• Two veterans married to each other and one qualifies for A&A and one for Housebound: $38,350
• Two veterans married to each other and both qualify for A&A: $46,143

VA Housebound MAPRs

• Veterans without spouses or children: $21,313
• Veterans with dependent spouses or children: $26,710
• Surviving spouses without dependent children: $14,298
• Surviving spouses with dependent children: $17,902
• Two veterans married to each other and one qualifies for Housebound: $26,710
• Two veterans married to each other and both qualify for Housebound: $30,580
• Two veterans married to each other and one qualifies Housebound and the other for A&A: $38,350

Veterans Homes

There are also four veterans homes in Washington, which are residential care facilities that provide long-term care for veterans. They are the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard, Washington Soldiers Home & Colony in Orting (near Mount Rainier), Spokane Veterans Home and the Walla Walla Veterans Home. Currently, all four homes are assisted living facilities that extend to nursing home care, and do not have memory care units. Neighboring states have more veterans’ homes, so a loved one might consider looking there for more options as there are no requirements that one must live in the state. For example, Oregon has two veterans homes and Idaho has three facilities statewide. More info.

Supplemental Security Income

Dementia patients age 65 and over with limited income and assets may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These funds can be used to pay for the cost of assisted living or memory care. As of 2026, the maximum SSI benefit for an individual is $994/month and for a married couple it’s $1,491/month.

To qualify for SSI, applicants must be age 65 and over or have a significant disability, and they must meet an income limit and an asset limit. As of 2026, individuals may meet the SSI income limit if they earn less than $2,073/month OR they get less than $1,014/month from non-work sources, like Social Security benefits or pension payments. They may meet the SSI asset limit if they have $2,000 or less in countable assets. For couples, the income limit is $3,067/month in work income or $1,511/month in non-work income, and the asset limit is $3,000.

Other Options

1)Elder care loans exist for families to cover the costs of moving into memory care while waiting for other financial resources to become available. For example, if one is waiting for a VA pension to be approved or waiting to sell a home. More on bridge loans for memory care.

2) Some tax credits and deductions can provide financial relief for seniors with dementia and their families. Seniors with limited financial resources can claim the Credit for the Elderly and/or the Disabled, as long as no one can claim them as a dependent. If someone (like an adult child) can claim the senior as a dependent, they can utilize the Child and Dependent Care Credit, and they can deduct any medical or dental expenses they paid for the senior.

3) A reverse mortgage loan can be a viable option for some senior homeowners who are in need of extra income to help pay dementia care. However, reverse mortgages are not recommended for every senior homeowner who needs extra income, so it’s important to consult with a professional before taking out one of these loans.