10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Vancouver, WA

Seniors and their families often rely on a combination of resources — both private and public — to cover the monthly costs of assisted living. Everything from Social Security to Medicaid can help offset associated expenses.

Below, you’ll find more details on a variety of payment methods for assisted living, including VA benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, and private funding options.

In Washington, assisted living facilities must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to operate. Part of being licensed means that assisted living facilities are subject to regular inspections.

• These inspections occur at least every 18 months.
• However, on average, they happen once every 15 months.
• Assisted living communities with no written notice violations and no complaint investigations within three consecutive inspections may not require another inspection for 24 months.
• Seniors and their families can view past inspection reports on the Washington State DSHS website.

It’s also important to note that Adult Protective Services can be contacted if elder abuse is suspected. This may include but is not limited to abuse, abandonment, neglect, exploitation and self-neglect. Report all concerns here.

Laws and regulations in Oregon

In the state of Oregon, assisted living facilities that accommodate six or more residents are required to obtain a license from and be regulated by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) licensing and oversight division. In Portland, there are also numerous facilities catering to fewer than five seniors that might qualify as adult family homes or care homes. These smaller homes are held to the same regulatory standards as their larger counterparts.

As per Oregon regulations, assisted living facilities must provide residents with the following.

• Shared or individual apartments in a homey setting
• Private bathrooms and kitchenettes
• Coordinated care and supportive services, including but not limited to assistance with activities of daily living, social events, and other activities to promote residents’ physical and mental well-being.
• Staff available round-the-clock to provide residents with the required assistance

Oregon regulations ensure that seniors residing in assisted living facilities have access to a comfortable and safe living environment where they can receive the appropriate level of care and support required to maintain their quality of life.

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) surveys memory care facilities at least once every 24 months to check that laws and regulations are being followed. To find licensed facilities in Oregon, use this licensed long-term care facility search tool.

Distinction between adult family homes and assisted living facilities

There is an important distinction to understand for those seeking care for their loved ones in Vancouver, as the market in this area has a high concentration of adult family homes that operate as assisted living facilities.

The Washington State DSHS booklet outlines the difference between facility options and how to determine which might be right for you or your loved one. In it, seniors and their families will find topics related to reviewing the needs of the individual and understanding facility licensing.

Adult family homes and assisted living facilities are both licensed senior care options that offer housing and care to residents. We outline some key differences between the two below:

Adult family homes: 

• Are generally significantly less expensive than larger assisted living communities
• Can house up to six adults in a regular house located in a residential neighborhood
• May be run by a family, single person, or business partners
• May hire other employees
• Some AFHs allow pets
• Multiple languages may be spoken

Assisted living facilities: 

• Can house seven or more people in a home or facility located in a residential neighborhood
• Offer varying levels of assistance with personal care
• Provide intermittent nursing care (a nurse available on a part-time basis)
• Offer assistance with or administering of medications

Both adult family homes and assisted living facilities provide housing and meals and assume general responsibility for the safety and care of the resident. Some homes and facilities may also provide specialized care to people living with developmental disabilities, dementia, or mental illness.

Additional information on adult family homes

Adult family homes in Vancouver and Portland are regulated by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS), respectively.

Adult family homes are also regulated under the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 388-76. The WAC establishes licensing requirements and standards for adult family homes, assisted living facilities, and other types of residential care facilities.

In Portland, adult family homes must also follow the Multnomah County Administrative Rules. The specific regulations that apply to adult family homes depend on the type of adult family home and the level of care provided.

The following are some of the key regulations that govern adult family homes in Washington:

• Licensing requirements: All adult family homes in Washington must be licensed by the state. The licensing process includes a background check, inspection of the facility, and verification that the home meets all applicable health and safety standards.
• Staffing requirements: Adult family homes must have sufficient staff to provide adequate care to residents. Staff must be trained in first aid and CPR, and some homes may require additional specialized training.
• Resident rights: Adult family home residents have certain rights under state and federal law, including the right to privacy, dignity, and respect. Residents must be informed of their rights and have access to grievance procedures if their rights are violated.
• Health and safety standards: Adult family homes must meet certain health and safety standards, including requirements for food service, medication management, and infection control. Homes must also have an emergency plan in place in case of a natural disaster or other emergencies.
• Quality of care: Adult family homes must provide residents with appropriate care based on their individual needs and preferences. Homes must develop and implement care plans for each resident and provide ongoing monitoring and assessment of residents’ health and well-being.

In addition to state regulations, adult family homes in Vancouver and Portland may also be subject to local zoning and building codes, as well as federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Licensing and staffing regulations for assisted living facilities

The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 388-78A and the Multnomah County Administrative Rules outline specific staffing requirements for assisted living facilities in Vancouver and Portland. The regulations state the following:

• Senior care facilities must have a licensed nurse on duty 24 hours a day.
• The nursing home must provide a sufficient number of qualified nursing personnel to provide care for all residents.
• The facility must have sufficient staff to meet the needs of residents with special needs or those who require specialized care.
• Senior care facilities must provide adequate staffing levels to ensure that residents are cared for in a safe and timely manner.

For more information about the licensing rules for assisted living facilities in Vancouver and Portland, please refer to the Washington State Legislature’s website or the Multnomah County Adult Care Home PDF.

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, Washington assisted living facilities

There are no official mandates in effect, but the states of Washington and Oregon encourage people to follow the CDC guidelines for COVID-19. Some assisted living communities may have their own guidelines. Most locations follow the Washington Department of Health’s Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings and CDC guidelines.

For more information, check the Clark County website or Multnomah County website for current COVID-19 recommendations.

Vancouver and Portland are known for their year-round mild climates, gorgeous views, growing arts communities, and rich histories. These benefits have made the neighboring cities attractive retirement destinations for seniors. Increased interest from aging adults has led to a rise in senior housing, with a wide variety of assisted living communities available both in and around the Vancouver area.

A variety of living options

With nearly 325 senior living communities partnered with A Place for Mom in Vancouver and the surrounding areas, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that there are a variety of living options available. Most of the assisted living facilities in both Vancouver and Portland are group homes, which are typically single-family homes that have been renovated to accommodate senior-specific needs. They’re generally ADA accessible, with widened doorways, low thresholds, and grab bars. Seniors and their families will likely find a higher staff-to-resident ratio in group homes than they will in larger-scale assisted living communities.

In addition to group homes and standalone assisted living communities, A Place for Mom partners with many facilities in the area that offer a variety of care types. Some communities combine assisted living, independent living, and memory care services within a single building or campus to give residents access to progressive levels of care.^[01]

A range of medical care

Though the majority of partner facilities in our listings (81%) offer on-site nursing and medication management, many in the area also provide a wide variety of other care services — most of which come by way of visiting specialists. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, podiatry, and even dentistry may be made available to residents on-site by visiting practitioners.^[01]

Options for memory care

Nearly 70% of A Place for Mom’s assisted living partner communities in the Vancouver area also offer memory care programs or on-site cognitive care. These facilities are designed to keep seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia safe and engaged. They may offer memory-specific activities, sensory therapies, and cognitive support programs in specific wings or areas of the community. A wander alert system is installed in 40% of our partner facilities to prevent residents with dementia from eloping.^[01]

Adult family homes

An adult family home is a residential home that provides care and services to up to six adults who require assistance with daily living activities. This is in contrast with traditional assisted living facilities, which are typically larger. Both types of communities provide housing, meals, and assistance with daily activities for older adults who may require support.

There are 55 assisted living facilities that are classified as adult family homes within a 10-mile radius of downtown Vancouver. In terms of amenities, these adult family homes generally provide the following:

• Private or shared bedrooms
• Shared living areas, such as a living room, dining room, and kitchen
• Accessible bathrooms and showers
• 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

Floor plans in assisted living

Regarding floor plans, adult family homes in Vancouver and Portland generally have the following floor plan features:

• A one-story layout with bedrooms, living areas, and bathrooms all on one level
• Wide hallways and doorways to accommodate mobility aids
• Grab bars and other safety features in bathrooms
• A wheelchair-accessible entrance to the home

It’s also worth noting that adult family homes in Vancouver and Portland are licensed by their individual states and must comply with regulations regarding safety, staffing, and the care provided to residents.

Health care for seniors in Vancouver

Seniors who live in assisted living facilities in Vancouver, Washington, will experience exceptional health care options. Some may require a short drive over to Portland, Oregon.

Transportation for seniors in Vancouver and Portland

In Vancouver, 70% of our partner assisted living facilities offer free or at-cost transportation. However, in some cases, seniors may still need to access public transit. Fortunately, C-TRAN is a good, accessible option that offers 27 routes throughout the Vancouver area. C-TRAN also provides on-demand rideshare services within the city limits.

If seniors need a ride to a medical appointment, social event, or shopping center, they can also use Community in Motion, which is a local service that provides rides for seniors 65 and over at a cost of no more than $2.50 per day or $28 per month.

Seniors and their family members can easily utilize public transportation in Portland as well. The TriMet is the primary public transit system in the city, with established bus, streetcar, and light rail routes 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, giving seniors the option to go where they want, when they want.

The Vancouver area is somewhat walkable, especially in certain locations. The city scores 41 out of 100, according to Walk Score, for walkability.^[07]

Senior activities in Vancouver

Vancouver is a diverse and thriving community, with options and activities to fit all interests. Although Portland, Oregon is just a few minutes’ drive away, Vancouver offers entertainment, arts, history, and nature of its own. Historical sites, outdoor activities, and seasonal festivals are just a few of the unique attractions the city has for residents. The city is situated between Mount St. Helens and the Columbia River, so seniors and their families can rest assured that scenic landscapes aren’t in short supply.

Historical attractions

Seniors and families who enjoy a little history will find plenty of fascinating ways to learn about Vancouver’s rich heritage. The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site should probably be first on their lists. Close seconds would be the Clark County Historical Museum, Pearson Air Museum, Officers Row, and the Cedar Creek Grist Mill. And last but certainly not least, there’s also the Vancouver Land Bridge, a unique attraction that combines nature and history.

Arts and entertainment

Anyone who appreciates the arts will quickly learn that inspiration can be found throughout the Vancouver area. The Corridor Gallery Vancouver, for one, has rotating art exhibits throughout the year. Those in the mood for a little classical revival can find it in concert at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. There’s also Esther Short Park, which holds a summer concert series each year.

Outdoor activities

With its mild climate, Vancouver is perfect for seniors and their loved ones who enjoy the outdoors. Birders may enjoy a visit to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. The same can be said for Silver Star Mountain, famous for its quintessentially Washington vistas. The John Stranger House, located in the Jane Weber Evergreen Arboretum, offers Forever Young Hikes, where seniors are able to walk through an array of flowers and tree gardens on the property.

Activities for seniors in Portland

Like Vancouver, Portland offers an abundance of experiences and entertainment for its residents. The city’s rich history is reflected in its many historical attractions, including the Pittock Mansion, a stunning 1914 home that offers great views of the city and showcases Portland artifacts. The Oregon Historical Society Museum is a must-visit for those interested in the state’s history, with exhibits covering prehistoric times to the present. Visitors can also explore local and global art collections at the Portland Art Museum.

Outdoor attractions

Portland boasts a variety of outdoor attractions that are perfect for seniors who want to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. For instance, Forest Park is a vast park with over 80 miles of trails to explore and accessibility accommodations for those who use wheelchairs or walkers. Alternatively, seniors can visit the International Rose Test Garden, the oldest rose garden in the country. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination for seniors who enjoy birdwatching, while the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers stunning views of waterfalls, mountains, and the Columbia River.

Entertainment and community

Seniors who appreciate arts and theater can enjoy performances at Portland Center Stage, which offers discounted tickets for patrons over 65. Portland also has a variety of senior centers, such as the Hollywood Senior Center and Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services, which offer an array of programs and services to keep seniors active, social, and engaged. Seniors can also connect with others through social groups and clubs, such as the Portland Women’s Club or the Rose City Senior Softball Association.