Nestled within a picturesque valley of the southern Selkirk Mountains in eastern Washington, Spokane is both a popular tourist destination and a common settling place for retirees and other seniors who fall in love with the city’s bucolic surroundings. Outdoor lovers and appreciators of culture, art, and history flock to the Evergreen State’s second-largest municipality.
Spokane is a popular destination for families looking for the best senior care facilities. But before we look at why this city could be the best choice for your loved one, it might help to clarify what the term nursing homes mean to people.
Nursing homes are 24-hour skilled nursing care facilities. Sometimes, when families use the term nursing homes, they’re actually searching for assisted living because their seniors need help with daily activities. They might also be looking for memory care facilities for a family member with dementia or other memory-related conditions. For this reason, we’ll be answering questions about nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care in this guide.
A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with stand-alone nursing homes. In Spokane, our 25 partner communities are assisted living and memory care facilities, and most have on-site nursing services, while a few have skilled nursing wings. This guide will provide you with the best listings (all within a 10-mile radius of the downtown area), payment options, regulations, demographics, and senior-specific entertainment.
Moved my parents in here a couple of years ago, and they have had the greatest experience. The staff are all friendly, and genuinely show that they care. I would highly recommend South Hill Village!
My mom spent the last nine months of her lie at The Galley and she did great! I would highly recommend this facility. I wish I could give them higher than a 5. Staff are very caring, attentive and...
I definitely rate Brookdale Park Place 5 stars in all areas! The staff have been extremely helpful and caring. Highly recommend.
The way the facility is set up is very nice and convenient, they had good references, and had a very good tour, apartments were clean and fairly new. Price was a little high, but my mother was very...
All five stars. I would tell others that this was the only facility that we even looked at. It was clean and the staff were compassionate. Since moving in they have continued to be very friendly and...
On all 8 items I would have to give top scores. 5 across the board. I found all the folks at Brookdale to be friendly and helpful, and the health care staff were awesome. My only concern was that they should...
My mother lived at Moran Vista for 8 months and I am very grateful for the wonderful care she received there. I visited often and regularly saw how all staff (medtechs/caregivers to office personnel to...
Ridgeview treated me well more importantly they treated my wife very well up to and after her death. Very caring people. I would tell others to make sure to mark all personal items, ie clothing bedding...
Northpoint has been so good for my mother. When she came there, she was malnutritioned and non-communicative. Now she has color in her face and she is smiling again. The staff is fabulous. There are some...
The communication between staff has not been very good. We've called a few times to let staff know we were coming to get our loved one for dinner and yet they have taken our loved one down to dinner not...
This facility was wonderful. The staff was great. Cleanliness was good. It's a smaller facility, which was a great fit for my loved one and was what we were looking for. Communication with the family could...
My mom was only there for a couple months my brother moved her to [facility name removed]. When she was there though I would rate them a 5 in all areas All of the staff there were extremely helpful and...
Highly recommend. I have personally had a wonderful experience. My Mom is thriving and happy. Which was my want for her. The care is great. Very clean and staffed appropriately. Our issues are addressed...
I would give them higher than a 5 if I could on the ratings. My mom is happier than she has ever been here and they have just been phenomenal. The residents and the staff are so friendly. It is perfect for...
The only issues we have had is the billing as they are charging more than what is needed for our loved one. We have had to dispute this with them. They were able to rectify the situation quickly once it...
The jury is still out. HOWEVER, my Mom loves Maplewood Gardens. She's been there roughly two months. We have nothing to judge assisted living by but it seems to be good. It is nice to know that my mom is...
People here are wonderful...the residents and staff are vibrant and welcoming. Can not imagine a better environment to truly live life! I have lived here for a year and am constantly surprised with all the...
It feels like family. You get to know everyone and they get to know you. It's much smaller and doesn't have an institutional feel to it.
This is an open cheerful "home". The staff seem genuine in caring for each residents. There are LOTS of things to do from field trips to bible studies, card games, puzzles, choir and book club)
My Mom lives here currently. As far as the facility is concerned, things are going well. Part of the reason for choosing them was because they offer a continuum of care, regardless of what part of life the...
My 89 year old father is currently in the skilled nursing section of Good Samaritan Spokane Valley. He is receiving excellent care and the staff here has been exceptional. They have knowledge, compassion...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Spokane community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
Nursing home expenses in Spokane vary according to the type of room. On average, a semi-private unit costs $9,429, and a private room totals $10,038 per month in the Spokane area.[01]
Proprietary data from A Place for Mom research finds that the average actual cost of assisted living is $5,743/month and $6,059/month for memory care in our Spokane partner facilities.{{citation 2}} This price includes associated fees and service fee add-ons. Depending on the facility, these fees can include services such as access to different floor plans, wheelchair-accessible amenities, medication management, in-house care, medical care, nutritious meals, engaging activities, around-the-clock security, and more.
When families seek skilled senior care accommodations for a loved one, they soon realize that the costs can quickly begin to add up. Staying informed about what payment resources are available is a good way to reduce or eliminate some of the costs. In this section, we’ll discuss methods such as private payment, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Private pay options are usually assets you or a loved one has built up over a lifetime as a financial safety net. Some of the most popular sources include pensions and Social Security benefits, but you can also use investment returns, savings accounts, retirement accounts such as 401(k), or any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Spokane
About 18% of Spokane veterans are 75+
Is your loved one a veteran of the armed forces? Then they are entitled to benefits that can offset some costs of living at a senior care facility. In this section, we’ll look at the best options, provide more clarity about eligibility, and explain how to apply.
We’d like to recommend looking into two useful benefits for eligible veterans, starting with the VA Pension. This monthly Pension can be used for anything, including rent and private purchases. You can also consider Aid and Attendance for wartime veterans. This monthly Pension amount is for in-home care expenses or anything that improves the quality of life. Your loved one qualifies if they (or their spouse) require assistance with daily living activities, are in a nursing home, are bedbound, or have serious vision issues.
It’s advisable to get help from your local veterans services officers before you start the application process. The system is notoriously complicated, and these VA-vetted and trained experts can help you to confirm eligibility, potentially uncover more benefits for your family member and assist when you encounter any problems.
In the resources section below, you’ll find the contact details of organizations and experts that connect veterans with the best benefits. These include the Spokane County Veteran Services, the local DAV and VFW chapters, and the Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs.
Resources for Spokane veterans
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
1102 Quince St. S.E.
Olympia, WA 98504-1150
Phone: 800-562-2308
Spokane Vet Center
13109 E. Mirabeau Pkwy.
Spokane, WA 99216
Phone: 509-444-8387
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
915 Second Ave., Room 1040
Seattle, WA 98174
Phone: 206-341-8267
Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m; Wednesdays, 8 – 11:30 a.m
American Legion, Room 1042
Phone: 206-341-8262
Disabled American Veterans, Room 1040
Phone: 206-341-8267
National Association for Black Veterans, Room 1062C
Phone: 206-341-8281
Paralyzed Veterans of America, Room 1054
Phone: 206-342-8210
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Room 1044
Phone: 206-341-8284
Vietnam Veterans of America, Room 1058
Phone: 206-341-8294
Apple Health, which is Washington State’s Medicaid program, can be used to pay for custodial costs in nursing homes. This even includes room and board. But what about assisted living and memory care communities? Unfortunately, Apple Health doesn’t cover custodial costs at such facilities. However, their residents can still lean on Medicaid home and community based services (HCBS) waivers. These waivers allow states to use Medicaid funds to pay for senior care and health care delivered anywhere the senior lives.
The Medicaid Personal Care program is another great resource for seniors that require help with daily living. This program helps the elderly to pay for assisted living. It provides services such as assistance with daily activities, meal preparation, housework, and medication management. To qualify, your loved one must be 65 or older, need help with three or more activities every day, and earn no more than $841 a month.
If your family member is not currently covered by Apple Health, you can check their eligibility and apply online. Once again, don’t forget that experts are ready to help with the application process. Aging & Long-Term Care of Eastern Washington and your local ombudsman can guide you every step of the way and assist with any problems or queries that you might have. You can find their contact details in the next section.
Spokane resident Medicaid resources
Washington State Health Care Authority
Cherry Street Plaza
626 Eighth Ave. S.E.
Olympia, WA 98501
Phone: 800-562-3022
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Aging & Long-Term Care of Eastern Washington
1222 N. Post
Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: 509-960-7281
Fax: 509-458-2003
Aaron Riley
3102 W. Ft. George Wright Drive
Spokane, WA 99224
Email address: riley@snapwa.org
Phone: 509-456-7133
Alt. Phone: 800-660-7133
Fax: 509-534-5874
Medicare is a federal health program for people 65 years or older. Medicare covers skilled nursing but only for a limited time. For a maximum of 100 days, Medicare will cover services like a semi-private room, meals, skilled nursing care, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social services, medications, medical supplies and equipment, ambulance transportation, and dietary counseling.
When it comes to assisted living and memory care, Medicare doesn’t cover custodial costs. Assisted living residents can still use the program to pay for medically necessary in-home medical needs. Medicare covers different therapies, including speech, physical and occupational therapies. You can also expect coverage for medical social services, part-time home health aide services, occasional skilled nursing care, and injectable osteoporosis drugs, among others.
Medicare may also help families pay for services related to dementia care. These can include doctor fees, inpatient hospital care, medically necessary items, and skilled nursing care for up to 100 days.
Don’t hesitate to consider other programs that might lower your loved one’s medical bills. Below, you can find three useful resources to get you started.
Anyone who is 65 or older can qualify for Medicare. The best place to go to start the application process is the local Social Administration office. You can also apply online. In addition to SHIBA counselors, the Spokane-area ombudsman can help if you need assistance with anything. You can find their contact information below, as well as the details of the medical programs and the Social Security Administration.
Spokane resident Medicare resources
Spokane Security Administration Office
714 N. Iron Bridge Way, No. 100
Spokane, WA 99202
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Aaron Riley
3102 W. Ft. George Wright Drive
Spokane, WA 99224
Email address: riley@snapwa.org
Phone: 509-456-7133; 800-660-7133
Fax: 509-534-5874
Phone: 800-562-3022, extension 16129
Phone: 800-913-4146
Providence ElderPlace (PACE Program)
6018 N. Astor St.
Spokane, WA 99208
Phone: 509-482-2475
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
In this section, we’ll highlight important laws and regulations that apply to senior care facilities in Washington State. Please note that memory care is classed as a subtype of assisted living, so rest assured that memory care is also included.
In Washington State, all these senior care facilities must be licensed and inspected. Nursing homes are also licensed by a federal agency (the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services), while the state agency responsible for licensing is the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration, Residential Care Services Division.
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is also the body that licenses assisted living facilities. It performs inspections at nursing homes, assisted living communities, and memory care facilities at least every 15 months. In general, these inspections cover compliance with resident rights, quality of care, and safety measures. Instances of residential complaints will be investigated. Every inspection also involves checking the validity of the facility’s license and holding the appropriate number of interviews with staff and residents.
It’s a good idea to check the compliance record of a facility before your loved one moves in. If you have a specific community in mind, you can use this facility locator to find them and review the information.
Nursing homes, assisted living communities, and memory care facilities are required to run background checks on potential staff before hiring them. By law, they are not allowed to employ any individual who has been found guilty of abandonment, neglect, abuse, or exploitation of either a minor or vulnerable adult.
There must also be an appropriate number of staff members on duty every day to ensure that the needs of residents are fully supported at all times. The difference between nursing homes and assisted living facilities is the requirements for the type of staff that must be employed. Nursing homes have to meet a higher standard of having licensed nursing professionals employed since skilled nursing facilities provide 24-hour medical care.
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are responsible for the security and well-being of every senior in their care and must provide residents with basic services like stimulating and fun activities, housekeeping and laundry, nutritious meals and snacks, and attention to any special needs. Care plans must also be created for each individual.
Washington State Department of Health
111 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: 800-525-0127
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Healthy Spokane residents can decide which preventive measures they want to implement when it comes to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. But since seniors in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care units are more vulnerable, such communities might have stricter guidelines than most. It might be worth contacting a facility you are interested in to find out more about their specific regulations.
The City of Spokane also suggests that workers at care facilities stay updated with their vaccinations, wear masks, disinfect surfaces, and follow CDC recommendations for quarantine should anyone test positive for COVID-19.
Vaccinations.
Staff and vulnerable residents are encouraged to stay up to date with vaccinations.
Masking.
People with symptoms are highly encouraged to wear a mask.
Facility cleanliness.
Maintain good ventilation; surfaces must be cleaned with a proper disinfectant.
Quarantining.
Follow CDC guidelines to isolate for five days after a positive test or when exposed to COVID-19.
Choosing a facility that will take care of your loved one’s physical and emotional needs can be a tough journey. Naturally, you want the best for your family member in terms of care and living a good life despite any limitations. Spokane can certainly meet those needs, as the city offers excellent senior care options and entertainment opportunities.
The services and amenities offered may differ among assisted living and memory care communities. Most of our partners have wandering prevention systems in place to ensure residents’ safety. Additionally, you can expect on-site nursing, medication management, 24-hour awake staff, access to hospice care, disorientation support, visits from health professionals, and comfortable rooms in a majority of these facilities. These communities offer a range of floorplans, featuring amenities such as air conditioning, wheelchair-accessible showers and doorways, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. Residents can participate in a variety of planned activities and outings, including fun social events like barbecues and birthday parties, as well as engaging in art and fitness classes to enrich their daily lives.
While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with stand-alone nursing homes in Spokane, we do partner with 25 facilities that offer a variety of care options.
We also partner with three residential care homes that provide assisted living and nine residential care homes that provide memory care. These homes are also called group homes, which are cozy residential houses converted into small assisted living communities. Despite being licensed and regulated similarly to traditional assisted living facilities, they typically offer a more intimate and personalized experience, all at a more affordable price point.
In Spokane, senior care facilities focus strongly on all aspects of health. Specific services may vary according to each community, but at the majority of our partner facilities, you can find services that include full medication management, on-site nursing, and visiting therapists and other medical professionals like podiatrists and nurses. Some of our partner facilities also offer rehabilitation, memory care, care for bedridden patients, and palliative care.
In Spokane, assisted living and memory care communities ensure a secure environment for seniors to embrace a fulfilling life, savoring the city’s beautiful nature spots and senior-friendly activities with a caregiver or family member. These communities are dedicated to providing excellent care while empowering residents to maintain their independence. Seniors can also gain benefits, services, and new friendships at the city’s many senior organizations.
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Providence is recognized as the best hospital in Spokane and is rated as the third-best in the Evergreen State overall. This Level II Trauma Center is a recognized authority in hip and knee replacement surgeries and also boasts an acclaimed urology department.{{citation3}}
MultiCare Deaconess Hospital is a Level III Trauma Center that also provides top-notch general care and surgery facilities to Spokane residents. This hospital is a leader in cardiac emergencies such as heart failure and heart attacks. Deaconess is also nationally recognized for its expertise in treating kidney failure.
Mann-Grandstaff offers a refreshing blend of mainstream treatments and alternative therapies like acupuncture and yoga. The center also proudly provides care to the veterans of Spokane, including mental and physical care.
Roughly 48% of our partner communities offer complimentary transportation to their own senior residents, while 52% offer at-cost transportation options. This is the safest choice for residents, as they’ll always be escorted by a caregiver who can assist them during the trip and also ensure that they make it home safely.
Most people use their own vehicles to run errands in Spokane, but the city also has an extensive public transportation system. Please note that we strongly recommend that seniors who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities don’t travel without a chaperone.
When it comes to public transportation options, City Bus has 1,700 bus stops all over Spokane, and its vehicles are all ADA-compliant. City Bus also gives discounted fares to seniors who are 65 and older. If your loved one uses a wheelchair or walker, then you can also board The City Line buses, as they have more spacious interiors to accommodate mobility equipment.
You can also consider the pros and cons of Vanpool. The upside is that for only $60 a month, seniors get unlimited rides. But it’s worth noting that a ride is only approved if three other people in the vicinity also want to head in the general direction of your family member’s destination.
Since you only want the best life for your loved one, you’re probably also looking at engaging trips and activities in Spokane that they might enjoy. Residents from nursing homes and assisted living or memory care facilities need supervised outings for safety reasons. Even so, there are plenty of great spots to visit and things to see in this colorful city. In this section, we look at just a few of the wonderful opportunities that await seniors and their families.
Manito Park consists of 98 acres of land to explore, but many seniors are drawn to the park’s beautiful miniature gardens. Not in the mood for walking? There’s also a restaurant where you can share a good meal with your family members and just enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Spokane has two more destinations for those who love gardens and flowers. Visit Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden to view a wonderful arrangement of Japanese-style gardening, architecture, water features, fish, and tranquil pathways. The Gaiser Conservatory is a public greenhouse with ever-changing displays, and it’s free to enter. Both places have plenty of benches for seniors to rest.
The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture holds fascinating exhibitions about the art and history of the Spokane region. The tour is self-paced, and seniors can also partake in art classes that are suitable for all cognitive abilities. Another self-paced museum tour is the Crosby House, where fans of Bing Crosby can explore his house, view memorabilia, and learn fun facts about the late singer.
There’s also Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, an indoor theater that hosts a variety of acts. Gonzaga University is the place to go for unique exhibits, comedians, sporting events, and musicians. Planning an arty outing but also looking for a restaurant? Then Steam Plant Square is a must. This popular restaurant is located in downtown Spokane, and the front of the building houses an art gallery.
South Hill Village, The Gallery at Spokane and Brookdale Park Place are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Spokane, WA. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Spokane is $4,277 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Genworth Financial. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
US News & World Report (2023). Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.
US News & World Report (2023). Multicare Deaconess Hospital.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Genworth Financial. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
US News & World Report (2023). Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.
US News & World Report (2023). Multicare Deaconess Hospital.