Cost of Washington Assisted Living Facilities

The average cost of assisted living in Washington is $2,300 per month

The range of costs is from $1,200 to $4,400 per month

This data is based on 30 of the larger facilities within the state and may not represent all facilities within the state. Additional fees may apply.

More info on Assisted Living Costs

Washington Assisted Living Information

Washington defines an assisted living facility, also called a boarding house, as a residential center that provides housing, supervision, and personal care services for at least seven residents.

Washington Assisted Living Facilities Scope of Care

Assisted living facilities must provide: · Housing; · Activities; · Housekeeping; · Laundry; · Meals, including nutritious snacks and prescribed therapeutic diets, such as low sodium or diets, general diabetic diets, and mechanical soft diets; · Medication assistance; · Arranging for health care appointments; · Coordinating health care services with the boarding home's services; · Monitoring of residents' functional status; and · Emergency assistance. The following services may be provided: · Assistance with ADLs; · Intermittent nursing services; · Health support services; · Medication administration; · Adult day services; · Care for residents with dementia, mental illness, and · developmental disabilities; · Specialized therapeutic diets; and · Transportation services.

Washington Assisted Living Admission Requirements

A resident can be admitted into a facility as long as the assisted living facility can adequately meet the needs of the resident. A resident with a short-term illness that is expected to resolve within two weeks is an exception, as are residents with whom a hospice services has a contract with. Unless the assisted living facility is certified differently, all new residents must be ambulatory.

Washington Assisted Living Care Plan Requirements

A preadmission assessment must be completed on all residents prior to the move in date. The facility has two weeks to complete a full intake, from which a service care plan will be created.

Washington Assisted Living Medication Management Requirements

Medication assistance, and not medication administration is required in all assisted living facilities. Residents have the right to refuse medications, and if they have difficulty with self-administering, the residents can formally request medication administration support. Residents may store their own medications, but may have assistance filling medication organizers.

Washington Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Residential units must offer a minimum of 80 square feet for a single occupancy room. A multiple-occupant room must provide a minimum of 70 square feet per resident. For homes licensed before 1989, four residents are allowed per room. After that date, licensed facilities may allow two residents per room. One toilet and sink are required for every eight residents, and one bathing unit is required for every twelve residents.

Washington Assisted Living Staffing Requirements

Direct care staff must be sufficient in number to meet the needs of the residents. In addition, staff must be trained and able to implement any disaster or fire plans as needed, maintain a hazard-free environment, and provide the services needed by residents under their care. The administrator may not be a resident of the home, must be 21, and must have a combination of experience, education and training.

Washington Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

A Medicaid home and community-based services waiver covers services in assisted care facilities.

Washington Alzheimer’s Unit Requirements

If an assisted living facility creates a unit designed for those residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s then the resident or the resident’s legal representative must give permission to be placed in that unit. The facility must make provision for residents leaving the unit, ensure the unit meets applicable fire codes; make provisions to enable visitors to exit without sounding an alarm, as well as make provisions for an appropriate secured outdoor area for residents. In addition, all staff who work in the unit must have specific training for that population and group, individual, and independent activities must be offered.

Washington Department of Social and Health Services/Aging and Disability Services Administration