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According to population estimates from 2019, Vancouver has a population of 184,463, with seniors aged over 65 making up 15.3% of this figure. The city overlooks the beautiful Columbia River, which is home to a picturesque promenade and near the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
Seniors who enjoy a seasonal climate, with cool winters and lovely warm summers, will love the Vancouver weather. Lacamas Lake is beautiful all year round, but it’s ideal for paddling in the summer months. Kelley Point Park is lush with trees and shrubs, and there’s the Pearson Air Museum for flight enthusiasts.
The average cost of assisted living is $4,998. Data for Vancouver was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Portland, Oregon, was used instead. Although Vancouver is a small city, it has 76 assisted living communities, so seniors have plenty of options to choose from.
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 >
The average monthly cost of assisted living care in Vancouver is $4,998, which is $947 higher than the national average of $4,051. Compared to the Washington average of $5,500, it’s one of the more affordable cities in the state to live. It’s significantly higher than neighboring California, Nevada and Idaho, where the monthly averages are $4,500, $3,400 and $3,728, respectively. Nearby Utah is affordable, with a monthly average of $3,400, and Montana is closer to the national average at $3,820.
Washington is one of the more exclusive places in the U.S. for seniors to find an assisted living community. That said, Spokane ($4,000) to the east and Walla Walla ($4,000) in the southeast are slightly cheaper than the national average of $4,051. Bellingham ($4,115) on the border of Canada is another more affordable option. On the other side of the coin, the cost of assisted living in Seattle ($6,500) is one of the highest in the entire country. Longview ($5,500) is the second most expensive area in Washington for assisted living, with Olympia ($5,250) and Yakima ($5,000) third and fourth.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides assistance, including vouchers that can be used to pay rental costs for low-income individuals. Seniors over the age of 65 are entitled to additional benefits, such as help with transportation, food and support with mental health. HUD can help them get access to these services and point them in the direction of community groups and activity centers.
Learn more about HUD and how it helps seniors maintain independence and get access to the right services at out Assisted Living in Washington page.
| Name of Resources | Contact | Description |
| Southwest Washington Agency on Aging and Disabilities | (360) 735-5720 | Whether a senior needs guidance themselves or a carer is looking for support, the local AAA can assist. The staff provides information and helps people gain access to services. Some of the ways it helps include mobility assistance, meals, counseling, information about and access to respite care and supplemental services. |
| The Messenger Newspaper | (360) 750-9900 | The Messenger Newspaper is an incredible resource for people over the age of 50. It’s a central hub for talking about meetups, hiking, traveling, wellness and much more. Not only is there a strong community of seniors in Vancouver, but they actively participate in a variety of social events together. |
| Fifty and Better Focus on Fitness | (360) 487-7038 | Vancouver government has an array of programs to help over 50s get the most out of their retirement years. Focus on fitness is complimentary for seniors who are eligible for Medicare. They can take part in Silver&Fit® Fitness Programs and even get SilverSneakers® free of charge. |
| Fifty and Better Travel Program | (360) 487-7060 | For many adults in retirement, leisure and recreation are top priorities. Vancouver’s Fifty and Better travel program provides regular fun and affordable day trips in the local area. Wheelchair accessible trips are available for individuals with mobility issues and moderate and difficult trips are offered to those looking for a challenge. It’s an ideal chance to meet people in your age group in the community. |
| Retired Senior Volunteer Program | (360) 735-3693 | As one of the biggest volunteer networks for people aged 55 and over in the country, RSVP has lots of opportunities for older adults eager to serve the community. All members are over the age of 55, so it’s a great opportunity to meet people while you add value to your locale. Popular vacancies for volunteering include neighborhood watch schemes, tutoring disadvantaged children, teaching English and delivering food parcels. |
All assisted living communities must be overseen by a regulatory body, according to federal law. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services ensures each facility meets the necessary standards with regards to medication administration, hygiene, accommodation standards and staffing.
Visit our Assisted Living in Washington page to find out more about the rules and regulations that govern state-licensed senior housing communities.