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Residents of Tacoma enjoy a Pacific Northwest climate, easy proximity to metro Seattle, and a tax-friendly environment for retirees. Although the average cost of living is higher in Tacoma than the national average, seniors can enjoy the lack of personal income tax, which allows them to keep all of their Social Security and retirement income that isn’t subject to federal withholdings.
Assisted living is an option for seniors who need a little help with the activities of daily life but don’t require a nursing home level of care. This customized service helps meet individual needs with tasks such as nonmedical personal care, housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation. The average cost of assisted living in Tacoma is $5,750 per month. While this is higher than the national average, it’s lower than the overall average for Washington.
This guide provides an exploratory look at assisted living in Tacoma, including cost comparisons with other communities. Also included is a list of resources, programs and services that help seniors retain independence and achieve a good quality of life.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Washington. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, seniors in assisted living facilities in Tacoma pay an average of $5,750 per month, although this can vary depending on factors such as amenities, services and location within the community.
At $5,750 per month, assisted living in Tacoma is slightly lower than the overall Washington average of $6,000 but is higher than the national average of $4,000.
Assisted living costs in other Washington communities range from a low in Walla Walla of $3,211 to a high of $6,750 in Seattle. In the center of the state, Yakima, seniors pay a monthly average of $4,975, while the assisted living costs of their counterparts near the Canadian border in Bellingham average $4,600 per month. Assisted living costs in Spokane and Longview average $4,888 and $5,300, respectively.
Note: Data for Tacoma was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Bremerton, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Washington.
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(253) 798-4600 Toll-free: (800) 562-0332 |
The Aging & Disability Resource Center serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Tacoma and other Pierce County communities. Those aged 60 and over can access a range of programs and services and get referrals to community-based resources. This organization also hosts an annual Aging Expo designed to provide a centralized venue for information that may be interesting and beneficial to seniors. |
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(360) 236-4501 |
SAIL classes are designed for those aged 65 and over to promote good balance and minimize falls by maintaining good fitness and strength levels. Held at various locations throughout the community, these classes are mostly free, although some host sites charge a minimal fee. |
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(253) 798-3789 Toll-free: (800) 642-5769 |
Seniors in long-term care, including assisted living facilities, and their families can contact the Pierce County long-term care ombudsman for assistance with questions and complaints about care. Professional staff and trained volunteers help ensure that the legal rights of those in long-term care environments are not violated in any way. Services are confidential and free. |
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(253) 531-8412 |
The Mid-County Community center hosts older adults in Tacoma and other Pierce County communities for congregate activities. Guests can enjoy lunch, keep fit by taking exercise classes, learn technology skills or take art classes. Other activities include line dancing, ballroom dancing, sewing circles and educational programs. The center is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., and lunch is served on each of those days from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. |
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Low-income seniors in southwestern Washington communities, including Tacoma, can get free transportation to health care appointments and essential errands such as grocery shopping from Southwest Volunteer Transportation. This service operates under the umbrella of Catholic Community Services. All drivers are trained and compassionate. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Tacoma area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
