Retirees who appreciate abundant natural beauty as well as vibrant art, culinary and culture scenes are increasingly drawn to Washington state’s Yakima Valley. Yakima’s emerging wine industry has earned positive comparisons to the iconic Napa Valley without that region’s trademark high tourist activity and subsequent high costs. Fishing, boating and hiking enthusiasts can find plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation thanks to Yakima’s location just east of the Cascade Mountain Range. Downtown Yakima showcases the Yakima Valley’s agricultural heritage with its farm-to-table restaurants and seasonal farmers market, and the city’s community spirit is obvious in its many civic events and festivals such as the Central Washington State Fair.
Assisted living facilities provide seniors with supportive services in a residential setting. These facilities often offer attractive lifestyle amenities such as on-site salons, spas, outdoor walking paths and on-site theaters. The average cost of assisted living in Yakima is $4,975 per Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. Although this is higher than the national average, it’s substantially lower than Washington’s overall statewide median.
We’ve created this guide to assisted living in Yakima, which includes cost comparisons and a list of relevant resources, to help seniors make informed decisions about their care.
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.
Residents of assisted living facilities in Yakima pay an average of $4,975 per month.
Assisted living in Yakima is less costly than the overall monthly average of Washington ($6,000). However, the facilities cost more than the national average of $4,500.
Yakima residents pay less for assisted living than those in Washington’s largest city, Seattle, where costs average $6,750. Costs are slightly less than in Yakima in Washington’s second-largest city, Spokane, at $4,888 per month. In Washington’s rural southeastern corner, residents of Walla Walla pay over $1,700 less at $3,211 per month. Bellingham residents pay a little less than their Yakima counterparts at $4,600. Assisted living costs rise significantly when moving north of Yakima to Wenatchee, where prices average $5,750 per month. The average cost of assisted living in the state’s capital, Olympia, is slightly less than in Yakima at a monthly average of $4,805.
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.
Contact | Description | |
Yakama Nation Area Agency on Aging | (509) 865-7164 | Seniors, their families and caregivers can access information about relevant programs and services from the Yakama Nation Area Agency on Aging. The agency also maintains a long-term care ombudsman and oversees the senior nutrition program for Yakima and surrounding areas. It also offers fall prevention workshops, Medicare and Medicaid counseling and flu information and resources. |
Harman Senior Center | (509) 575-6166 | Harman Senior Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Hot lunches are available every day except for Saturday, and the center often hosts special events such as dances during the evening. Other activities include health and wellness classes, arts and crafts groups and workshops, scheduled community outings and line dancing classes. There is an on-site library and computer room as well as a coffee shop where members can enjoy a beverage while socializing with friends. |
American Legion Post 36 | (509) 457-4510 | Veterans and their families can join the local chapter of the American Legion for opportunities to socialize with other military families, participate in community betterment projects and receive assistance accessing the benefits to which their veteran status entitles them. This organization also provides emergency assistance to veterans and their dependents. |
United Way of Central Washington | (509) 248-1557 | Seniors seeking opportunities to put their experience, education and skills to good use can find plenty of volunteer opportunities through the United Way of Central Washington. Opportunities include working in local libraries, food banks and parks and range from one-time projects to ongoing commitments. |
Yakima Transit | (509) 575-6175 | Those aged 62 and over and disabled persons can receive reduced fares at Yakima Transit. Dial-a-Ride service is also available. Buses run Monday through Friday from 6:15 a.m. until 8:45 p.m. and Saturday from 8:45 until 6:30 p.m. Yakima Transit operates limited routes Sundays from 8:45 until 4 p.m. |
Catholic Charities Senior Companion Program | (509) 965-7100 | The Senior Companion program is designed to provide seniors with limited family and friends with a source of personal support and companionship. This service is free. Volunteers must be aged 55 or over and willing to help with simple chores and transportation. There may be a small stipend available for volunteers who meet income requirements. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Yakima 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.