Independent Living in Seattle, WA

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Updated on October 31, 2023

Welcome to Kawabe Memorial House, a thriving senior community established in 1969 by the descendants of Harry S. Kawabe. With a mission to provide secure and affordable housing for first-generation immigrant seniors, this ten-story building houses 174 residents, averaging 76 years of age.

Located east of Seattle’s International District, the apartments offer stunning views of downtown, Elliott Bay, and the Cascades and Olympic Mountains. Kawabe Memorial House operates as a private non-profit organization, governed by a corporate Board of Directors.

Beyond independent living, the community provides a range of culturally sensitive services, including translation assistance in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, and group recreational outings. Residents can partake in Tai Chi classes, bingo, and Shigin (Japanese singing). Moreover, the Asian menu inspired lunch program, which serves an average of 65 people daily, welcomes both residents and community members aged 60 and above, with menus translated into multiple languages.

Kawabe Memorial House exemplifies the power of community involvement, as residents actively contribute to special projects. They raised $10,000 through bake sales and rummage sales for a garden restoration initiative. Additionally, an Arts grant facilitated the creation of sixteen postcards designed by an artist, showcasing residents’ life stories and translated captions in various languages. As part of the same project, residents recorded their narratives in their native languages, creating a captivating listening station within the premises.

At Kawabe Memorial House, seniors find not only a safe and affordable place to live but also a close-knit community that cherishes their diverse backgrounds and fosters a sense of purpose and belonging.

Timber Ridge

The independent living community Timber Ridge is the first in the city to bag the Silver-LEED-certified Life Plan Community that balanced its inclusive amenities with its exemplary hospitality. Residents can continue living as they please without worrying about daily house chore activities and the like. The community strives to be the ideal place for the well-traveled outdoorsy seniors who enjoy nature and would like to hike and enjoy the views. Timber Ridge boasts a lifestyle that is elevated and out of the ordinary in the city of Seattle.

Timber Ridge boasts chef-prepared meals, an auditorium, a lounge area with a fireplace, a cocktail lounge, and recreational areas such as their art studio, woodworking shop, multipurpose room, and putting green– to name a few. Timber Ridge also prides itself on their helpful services that help with hassle-free daily living– housekeeping and linen services, 24-hour security, maintenance, scheduled transportation, and engaging social and cultural activities.

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Bayview Retirement Community

Bayview Retirement Community is one of the prime retirement communities in Seattle. Bayview offers a life plan program that guarantees you will not need to worry about moving houses when needed. The retirement home offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing options for seniors seeking an active and freeing lifestyle. Bayview Retirement Community is a well-designed community that many families have trusted to provide the best care for their loved ones.

Bayview encourages their residents to do as they please while having resort-like hospitality; their services are designed to promote an integrated community that can live life to the fullest with their housekeeping, linen, and laundry services that don’t hinder seniors from doing their daily activities and personal activities; as well as encouraging them to explore the city of Seattle through their scheduled transportation or outings.

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Village Green West Seattle

Village Green is an upscale independent living and assisted living home for seniors in West Seattle. The dedicated team of professionals ensures compassionate care for a graceful aging experience. The staff inspires residents to grow as better individuals through their enhanced lifestyle in a vibrant and positive environment. Village Green is committed to ensuring residents are comfortable, safe, and secure.

The beautiful community has amenities; residents can use common areas, lounges, and outdoor spaces. Personalized care for specialty services, medical services, wellness activities and clubs, maintenance, housekeeping services, 24/7 care staff, devotional exercises, and scheduled programs are offered to maintain a bustling environment.

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Assisted Living Magazine is the premier senior living magazine in the United States. We help you find the highest quality and best assisted living homes anywhere in the country. Our team of experts conduct extensive research to ensure individuals feel confident about finding the best assisted living communities near their families for their needs and financial situation. Our cost guides are updated weekly so you can always know what is happening in the industry. We categorize and rank nursing homes, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and independent living homes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions you want answers to?

How much does it cost to live in assisted living?

The average cost of assisted living in the US is about $3,628 per month or $119 per day, according to the Administration on Community Living (ACL). However, the actual cost may vary depending on the assisted living facility's location, size, and services. Different families have different ways of paying for assisted living. Some families use their savings, investments, or assets. Some families use insurance policies, such as private insurance, life insurance, or annuities. These contracts pay you a regular income for a certain period of time or for life. Some families use Medicaid, a government program that helps low-income people pay for health care. Depending on the state and the eligibility criteria, Medicaid can cover some or all of the costs of assisted living.

Will Medicare/Medicaid pay for my assisted living?

This greatly depends on where you live. If you live in the US, you may be able to use Medicaid to pay for some or all of the costs of assisted living. Medicaid is a government program that helps low-income people pay for health care. However, not everyone is eligible for Medicaid, and the rules vary by state. You need to meet certain income and asset limits and other criteria to qualify for Medicaid. Medicare, on the other hand, does not pay for assisted living at all. Medicare is another government program that provides health insurance for people who are 65 or older, disabled, or have certain diseases. Medicare covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and medical equipment, not long-term care services like assisted living. If you live outside the US, Medicare and Medicaid do not apply. You need to find other ways of paying for assisted living, such as your savings, insurance policies, or government programs in your country.

What is the difference between assisted living and nursing home?

Assisted Living homes are different from nursing homes. The setup in an assisted living community is more flexible, and residents can still practice their independence in cozy and resort-style surroundings. Nursing homes focus more on the resident's health with constant supervision and 24-hour nurse or caregiver support in a clinical setting. The former’s levels of care are looser and involve supportive living with simple daily activities in the smaller scope, such as bathing, grooming, mobility assistance, and the like. The latter’s range leans towards medical supervision services, such as therapies, wound care, pain management, and other support for different medical conditions.