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.

Solstice Senior Living at Point Defiance | Independent Living in Tacoma, WA

Overview of Solstice Senior Living at Point Defiance

Nestled in the charming and culturally vibrant city of Tacoma, Washington, Solstice Senior Living at Point Defiance is an extraordinary retirement community offering Independent Living. The community offers various apartments, including a studio, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments, and a cottage, all designed for comfort. To ensure residents stay in the community even as their care needs evolve, Solstice collaborates with home-duty, personal care experts, and home-care agencies to offer assistance with everyday activities to those in need of extra care.

Solstice Senior Living at Point Defiance aims to support its residents’ dynamic and independent lifestyles, offering a wide range of amenities, including restaurant-style dining, an extensive schedule of stimulating events, and innovative programs like Vibrant Life® and Path to Wellness. Other amenities include a salon, media rooms, a fitness center, and a game room. The community’s supportive environment allows residents to enjoy retirement on their terms, free from the burdens of home ownership while receiving personalized care as needed.

Walk Score: 46 / 100

Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

About this community

Awards2024 Caring Super Star award

ActivitiesMonthly activity calendar designed to encourage residents to be inspired, be challenged, be adventurous and be connected to the city of Tacoma.

Specific ProgramsPersonal Care Professionals, Veterans Program

Suite$2,780 per month

1BR$3,446 per month

2BR$5,044 per month

Cottage$4,253 per month

Food DescriptionRestaurant-style dining available.

What does this home offer?

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Room Sizes: 431 / 599 / 1,059 / 900-1,388 sq. ft

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building Type: 3-story

Transportation Services

Fitness and Recreation

Types of Care at Solstice Senior Living at Point Defiance

Independent Living

Compare Independent Living around Tacoma

Filter by care type


The Village Senior Living	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. RC Respite Care Short-term temporary care — days to weeks — to give family caregivers a break. Full care provided during the stay. Often used after hospitalization or to trial a facility before a permanent placement decision. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Tacoma (South Tacoma)	110	No	51	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	-	1	5
Merrill Gardens at Tacoma	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Tacoma (West End)	65	Yes	80	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	-	3	0
Solstice Senior Living at Point Defiance	IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. RH Retirement Homes	Tacoma (West End)	-	Yes	46	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	-	0	0
Conservatory Place Senior Living Apartments	IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	Tacoma (New Tacoma)	-	Yes	94	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	-	0	0

The Village Senior Living

Type of care: AL IL MC RC

Community: Tacoma (South Tacoma)

Bed Count: 110

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Merrill Gardens at Tacoma

Type of care: AL IL MC

Community: Tacoma (West End)

Bed Count: 65

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Solstice Senior Living at Point Defiance

Type of care: IL RH

Community: Tacoma (West End)

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Conservatory Place Senior Living Apartments

Type of care: IL

Community: Tacoma (New Tacoma)

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Living Spaces & Floor Plans

Solstice Senior Living At Point Defiance P3

Solstice Senior Living At Point Defiance P4

Solstice Senior Living At Point Defiance P1

Solstice Senior Living At Point Defiance P2

Suite Floor Plan

One Bedroom Floor Plan

Two Bedroom Floor Plan

Cottage Floor Plan

Community Options Program Entry System (COPES)

WA Medicaid COPES

Age 65+ or disabled

General 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).

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

Benefits

Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Respite (240 hours/year) Adult day care ($70/day) Home modifications ($1,500 avg.)

Washington Family Caregiver Support Program

WA NFCSP

Age Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia)

General Washington resident.

Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.

Asset Limits Not applicable.

High urban demand; rural outreach.

Benefits

In-home respite (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$70/day) Short-term facility care (up to 5 days)

Community First Choice (CFC)

Washington Community First Choice

Age 65+ (or disabled 18+)

General 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).

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

Benefits

Personal care (4-6 hours/day) Respite (~240 hours/year) Assistive devices Training Transportation

Older Americans Act (OAA) Services

Washington OAA Services

Age 60+

General WA resident; no income/asset limits.

Income Limits (2025) None; donations encouraged.

Asset Limits Not assessed.

13 AAAs; includes Meals on Wheels; rural focus.

Benefits

Meals (~$5-$7/meal) Transportation Homemaker services (~4 hours/week) Respite (~5 days/year) Legal aid

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Washington Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled

General 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).

Includes Extra Help for Part D; no waitlist.

Benefits

Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Washington LIHEAP

Age 60+ prioritized

General WA resident, low-income household.

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

Asset Limits Not assessed.

Covers gas, electric, wood; emergency aid available.

Benefits

Heating/cooling aid ($300-$1,000/season) Crisis aid ($500 max)

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Washington SCSEP

Age 55+

General unemployed, low-income, WA resident.

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

Asset Limits Not specified.

Priority for veterans, rural residents; AARP partnership.

Benefits

Paid training (~20 hours/week at ~$7.25/hour) Job placement

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

Washington VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse

General 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

High veteran use; supports rural/urban needs.

Benefits

Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs

Senior Citizens Property Tax Exemption

Washington Senior Property Tax Exemption

Age 61+ or disabled retiree

General 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

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

Benefits

Tax exemption (~$500-$1,500/year depending on county)

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Washington SFMNP

Age 60+

General WA resident, low-income.

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

Asset Limits Not assessed.

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

Benefits

Vouchers (~$80/season) for produce at farmers’ markets

5.8 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Tacoma's city center to Solstice Senior Living at Point Defiance's address, calculated via Google Maps. — 4.32 miles to nearest hospital (MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital)

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Solstice Senior Living at Point Defiance

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