What assisted living is
In Washington, an assisted living facility provides housing and basic services and takes general responsibility for the safety and well-being of its residents. The license generally applies to facilities with seven or more residents.
Facilities are licensed and inspected by DSHS Residential Care Services. Their licenses and inspection reports are public.
Who it tends to suit
Assisted living can suit people who want their own space and a social community, and who need some help with daily activities or medications. The level of care a facility can provide varies, so ask how it handles changing needs.
What to check
- The license and recent inspection reports in the DSHS lookup
- Which services are included in the base rate and which cost extra
- How care levels are set, and how fees change when needs increase
- Whether the facility accepts Medicaid, and for how many residents
- Whether it offers memory care, and holds the state's memory care certification
Common questions
What happens if care needs increase?
Ask the facility what care it can provide, how it reassesses residents, and at what point it would ask a resident to move. Get the answer in writing where you can.