Washington independent living facilities and homes

Independent Living Communities in Washington

Washington’s independent living communities are for retired seniors who want to live more peacefully and have the freedom to create their own schedules. Independent living offers seniors the chance to stay involved and connected while having less to worry about. The residents are healthy and do not need any assistance unless they choose to take advantage of the services provided.

Cost Comparison of Washington Independent Living

City	Monthly Minimum	Monthly Maximum	Monthly Median
Bellevue	$1,649	$2,700	$2,150
Bellingham	$1,774	$3,195	$2,590
Everett	$1,474	$2,630	$2,141
Gig Harbor	$1,624	$2,800	$2,280
Issaquah	$2,950	$3,150	$3,050

Washington has 226 independent living communities with the average cost of $2,288 per month.

When trying to find independent living communities in Washington a good place to start is by comparing costs. Each community will have unique amenities and services, but your monthly payments provide access to the main features. Independent living in Washington varies in cost based on location, size, and housing options available.

Recreation & Attractions in Washington

Washington has many natural attractions that draw people to this state, like the Olympic National Park, Mount Rainer National Park, Cascade Range, Mount St. Helens, Hoh National Park, Whatcom Falls Park, and Woodland Park Zoo.

Encompassing nearly 1 million acres, the Olympic National Park is the ultimate destination to see thousands of years of human history, glacier-capped mountains, temperate rain forests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline. Within the park lies one of the largest temperate rain forests in the United States.

At the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, you can see Mount St. Helens, which is an active stratovolcano and it is known for its ash explosions and pyroclastic flows. Whatcom Falls Park has features such as an old stone bridge covered in moss and ferns, a fishing pond, tennis courts, picnic tables, four sets of waterfalls, and plenty of walking trails.

Washington's Climate, Geography & Culture

The weather in Washington has an average temperature of 53 degrees with an average high temperature of 60 degrees and a low temperature of 45 degrees. The western part of Washington has more mild and wetter seasons compared to the eastern region. Due to the Cascade Range blocking the Pacific Ocean from the eastern region, the summers are hotter and the winters are colder.

In the western region, summers are more dry and cool while winters are wet and mild. Washington receives about 37 inches of rainfall and the eastern region receives 20-50 inches of snowfall annually. The Cascade Mountain range can receive 50-60 inches of snowfall and the Mount Rainier area can receive over 670 inches of snowfall annually. The western coast of Washington usually has small amounts of snowfall annually. The winter temperatures are typically in the 40s and 50s and the summer temperatures average in the 70s.

Washington state's culture is a mashup of many Native American tribes, as well as people of Latino, European, Asian and African ancestry. It has long been the land of loggers, farmers, fishermen, and ambitious entrepreneurs who have contributed greatly to Washington's economy as a whole. The Pacific Northwest has a certain mystical quality to it as displayed through Native arts and the diverse range of biomes. The state continues to be a creative hotspot for musicians and other artistic folks, making it great for independent living.

Washington Independent Living Regulations and Laws

All rules and regulations of Washington independent living communities are overseen by The Department of Social and Health Services. These regulations ensure that all communities meet the appropriate health, safety, and medical conditions.

Crime & Safety in Washington

Crime in Washington is slightly higher in terms of property crimes and the amount of crime per square mile than the national average. However, Washington's violent crime is less than the national average at 2.85 occurrences for every thousand residents. Finding a safe independent living community is vital to your experience overall. Listed below are some of the safest locations in Washington State.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Resident
Dupont	0.52	5.03
Moxee	0.26	6.86
Mattawa	0.89	6.69
Sammamish	0.16	7.57

(source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for Washington Independent Living

Since Medicare and Medicaid don't cover the costs associated with independent living in Washington, most seniors pay with their own private funds or through long-term care insurance. If these are unavailable to you, it may be necessary to consider other options.

To start, U.S. veterans can receive up to $1,644 a month, $1,949 as a married couple, or $1,056 as a surviving spouse of a veteran. Citizens over 65 may also be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at a rate of $733 a month. To qualify for SSI you must have a disability (including blindness), support a dependent, or lack a sustainable income otherwise.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in Washington

Residents of independent living communities in Washington retain their rights to personal privacy, to file official complaints, and most importantly receive the care they need in a safe, welcoming environment. As a senior in an independent living community, you reserve the right to manage your own medical care and oversee your personal finances. The rights afforded to you by the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights must also be respected at all times. If you have reason to suspect that your rights have been violated, don't hesitate to contact a lawyer familiar with elder law. For assistance in learning about and exercising your rights, you can review the Washington Ombudsman for more details.

WA Independent Living Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Residents of independent living and those receiving any other type of medical attention in Washington are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. State and federal HIPAA laws provide that residents have access to their records and health information, as well as the right to know when disclosures have been made. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 7 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.