What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview: Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement. Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay. Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program. State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options. Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.

How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up.

What services do you offer?

Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities Finding and ranking the best nursing homes Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research Senior-focused concierge medicine Senior-focused nutritionist Senior-focused personal training Memory care specialists Custom wheelchairs at all price points. Custom hearing aids Cosmetic skincare + dermatology Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat. Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.

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Merrill Gardens at The University

Merrill Gardens at The University is an Assisted Living Home in Washington

Merrill Gardens at The… is an Assisted Living Home in Washington

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Merrill Gardens at The University

5300 24th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 View Map

Merrill Gardens at The University is an Assisted Living Home in Washington

Merrill Gardens at The… is an Assisted Living Home in Washington

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Best assisted living seattle assisted living seattle
Merrill Gardens at The University
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Overview of Merrill Gardens at the University

Enjoy being close to a variety of stores, entertainment options and all things University of Washington at Merrill Gardens at the University, a remarkable senior living community in Seattle, WA. The community offers independent living and assisted living with 123 studio, one, and two bedroom private apartments. Here, residents enjoy various services for their convenience, including concierge services, scheduled transportation, 24-hour support, weekly housekeeping, and restaurant-style dining.

Residents here are guaranteed an active and vibrant lifestyle with a dedicated Active Living Program Director overseeing a packed calendar of enriching activities and various wellness programs. The community features an array of amenities designed for residents’ comfort and welfare, including a library, movie theater, fitness area, wine bar, salon, and a piano. The meeting spaces, cozy living areas, refreshing patios and courtyard provides a relaxing space for socializing.

(206) 487-3549

Capacity and availability

Smaller home

May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.

Total beds 45

45-bed community

A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.

Walk Score: 88 / 100

Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.

About this community

Occupancy Rate

73%

Occupied Beds

33 of 45

Percentage of available beds currently in use by residents.

License Status

Operating

Facility Type

Boarding Home

License Expiration

August 31, 2026

Additional licensing details

License number: 2588

County: King

Staffing

Key information about the people who lead and staff this community.

Leadership

Contact: Cheyenne Rice

What does this home offer?

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Room Sizes: 525 / 770 / 930 sq. ft

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building Type: 3-story

Transportation Services

Fitness and Recreation

Types of Care at Merrill Gardens at The University

Assisted Living Independent Living

Get floorplan photos & videos Schedule a home tour Get detailed pricing Check availability Get brochure

Results

5 with issues

0 without issues

Washington average: 8 complaint visits

Washington average: 9 inspections

Show Inspection Reports

Latest inspection

Date:July 10, 2025

Type:Follow Up

27 deficiencies

Deficiencies indicate regulatory issues. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.

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Merrill Gardens at The University

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Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Merrill Gardens at The University

Type of care: AL IL

Community: Seattle (University District)

Bed Count: 45

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

West Seattle Adult Family Home

Type of care: AL

Community: Seattle (South Park)

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: Private Rooms

Living Spaces & Floor Plans

Merrill Gardens At The University1 2

Merrill Gardens At The University2 2

Merrill Gardens At The University 3

5.4 miles from city center — 0.95 miles to nearest hospital (Seattle Children's Heart Center)

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5300 24th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105

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Guides for Better Senior Living

Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area

Nursing Home Data Explorer

Don’t Wait Too Long: 7 Red Flag Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living Now

The True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025 – And How Families Are Paying For It

Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance

Community Options Program Entry System (COPES)

WA Medicaid COPES

General: Age 65+ or disabled, Washington resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.

Income Limits (2025): ~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).

Asset Limits: $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

WA Specifics: High demand in urban areas (e.g., Seattle).

Washington Family Caregiver Support Program

WA NFCSP

General: Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia), Washington resident.

Income Limits: No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.

Asset Limits: Not applicable.

WA Specifics: High urban demand; rural outreach.

Community First Choice (CFC)

Washington Community First Choice

General: Age 65+ (or disabled 18+), WA resident, Medicaid-eligible, need help with 2+ ADLs/IADLs.

Income Limits (2025): ~$2,829/month; QIT optional.

Asset Limits: $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

WA Specifics: Broader than COPES; serves ~20,000; self-directed option.

Older Americans Act (OAA) Services

Washington OAA Services

General: Age 60+, WA resident; no income/asset limits.

Income Limits (2025): None; donations encouraged.

Asset Limits: Not assessed.

WA Specifics: 13 AAAs; includes Meals on Wheels; rural focus.

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Washington Medicare Savings Program

General: Age 65+ or disabled, WA resident, Medicare Part A/B.

Income Limits (2025): ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.

Asset Limits: $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).

WA Specifics: Includes Extra Help for Part D; no waitlist.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Washington LIHEAP

General: Age 60+ prioritized, WA resident, low-income household.

Income Limits (2025): ~$3,970/month (185% FPL).

Asset Limits: Not assessed.

WA Specifics: Covers gas, electric, wood; emergency aid available.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Washington SCSEP

General: Age 55+, unemployed, low-income, WA resident.

Income Limits (2025): ~$1,983/month (125% FPL).

Asset Limits: Not specified.

WA Specifics: Priority for veterans, rural residents; AARP partnership.

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Washington VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

General: Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, WA resident, wartime service, ADL help (A&A) or homebound.

Income Limits (2025): Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.

Asset Limits: ~$155,356 (net worth).

WA Specifics: High veteran use; supports rural/urban needs.

Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption

Washington Senior Property Tax Exemption

General: Age 61+ or disabled retiree, WA resident, homeowner, income-based.

Income Limits (2025): ~$45,000-$70,000/year (varies by county, e.g., King: $70,000).

Asset Limits: Not assessed; home value cap varies (~$250,000-$400,000).

WA Specifics: Saves ~$500-$1,500/year; offered statewide.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Washington SFMNP

General: Age 60+, WA resident, low-income.

Income Limits (2025): ~$2,322/month (185% FPL).

Asset Limits: Not assessed.

WA Specifics: Vouchers (~$80/season); serves ~20,000 via AAAs.

Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

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Merrill Gardens at The University

Merrill Gardens at The University is an Assisted Living Home in Washington

Merrill Gardens at The… is an Assisted Living Home in Washington

Merrill Gardens at The University

Merrill Gardens at The University is an Assisted Living Home in Washington

Merrill Gardens at The… is an Assisted Living Home in Washington

Capacity and availability

Smaller home

About this community

Additional licensing details

Staffing

Leadership

What does this home offer?

Types of Care at Merrill Gardens at The University

Inspection History

5 visits/inspections

Results

Latest inspection

27 deficiencies

Inspection Reports

Compare Assisted Living around Seattle

Living Spaces & Floor Plans

Merrill Gardens At The University1 2

Merrill Gardens At The University2 2

Merrill Gardens At The University 3

Places of interest near Merrill Gardens at The University

Calculate Travel Distance to Merrill Gardens at The University

Guides for Better Senior Living

Eldertainment

Financial Aid for Washington Seniors

Community Options Program Entry System (COPES)

Washington Family Caregiver Support Program

Community First Choice (CFC)

Older Americans Act (OAA) Services

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

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