160 Assisted Living Communities in Portland, Oregon

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $4,825 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 160 Assisted Living Communities in Portland and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $4,825
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $9,125
• In-home care: $5,339
• Adult day health services: $2,167

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, average monthly assisted living costs in Portland ($4,825) surpass the national average ($4,000) by more than $800. Portland’s average costs also exceed the Oregon state average ($4,593). Assisted living costs tend to be lower in regions like Albany ($4,210), Eugene ($4,025) and Salem ($4,360). More costly regions include Grants Pass ($5,390) and Corvallis ($4,882). 

When seniors research long-term care options, they soon discover that type of care influences cost of care more than any other factor. Traditionally, the costs of nursing home care eclipse the costs of assisted living facilities and in-home care. In Oregon, for example, the average monthly cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing home ($9,125) is over $4,000 more expensive than the cost of a room in an assisted living facility ($4,825). While the costs of assisted living services in Portland may exceed state averages, they are less expensive than home care services ($5,339). When making financial decisions about future living situations, seniors should do a thorough cost comparison of their care options. They should weigh the monthly costs of assisted living facilities against the monthly costs associated with living at home, such as utilities, mortgage payments and food. Because the monthly costs of assisted living facilities often include daily meals, housekeeping and home maintenance, these facilities are often more affordable in the long run. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $4,825

• Homemaker services: $5,339

• Home health aide: $5,339

• Adult day health: $2,167

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $9,125

 

In Oregon, Medicaid is referred to as the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). This program provides medical and dental coverage to low-income families and individuals living in the state. To be eligible for OHP coverage, seniors must meet income and residency requirements. First, they must be currently living in Oregon. They must also be a U.S. citizen or possess an eligible immigration status, such as LPR, TPS or refugee. To meet the income requirements, senior applicants must have an annual income of $16,146 or less. For seniors who live in a two-person household, the maximum income level is $21,892. Seniors can apply online via the Oregon ONE system or call (800) 699-9075 to request a paper application.  

Oregon Health Plan offers several health care programs. Most seniors will qualify for the OHP Plus plan, which covers diagnostic services, preventive services, behavioral health care, dental care, medical care, prescription drugs, rides to appointments and vision care. The plan may not cover certain long-term care options, however, such as assisted living facilities. Portland seniors may need to apply for additional waivers and programs to access long-term care coverage. 

Once seniors are accepted into the OHP program, they’ll need to select a coordinated care organization (COO). COOs pair members with health plans, providers and resources. In Portland, the primary COO is the Health Share of Oregon (HSO). This COO gives seniors the option to choose health plans from CareOregon, Kaiser Permanente NW, Providence Health Assurance and Tuality Healthcare. New members can also select a dental plan.

If Portland seniors have questions about their specific health care plan, they can contact their COO by calling (503) 416-8090. 

K Plan

Seniors covered by the Oregon Health Plan may also be eligible for the K Plan. This program may also be referred to as the Community First Choice (CFC) option or the 1915(k). It covers long-term community-based services for seniors in need of an institutional level of care. As of 2019, the K Plan is the best Medicaid-based option for seniors looking to fund assisted living costs. Oregon’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program, which oversees the K Plan as well as several waiver programs, embarked upon a CMS-mandated transition plan in 2014. This transition streamlined the community-based options of Portland seniors. While there used to be several waiver programs that covered assisted living costs, the K Plan will be the primary funding method now. The K Plan is a Medicaid entitlement program. This distinguishes it from Medicaid waiver programs, which often have enrollment limits. Because the K Plan does not have enrollment limits, eligible seniors are less likely to be put on a waiting list.

To receive assistance from the K Plan, seniors must meet the Medicaid income requirements and the level of care requirements. During the application process, Oregon officials will assess the applicant’s health needs. This determination process may be repeated on an annual basis. 

If accepted into the program, seniors can choose to receive CFC services in community settings. Approved CFC community settings include assisted living facilities and residential care facilities.

To learn more about the K Plan, Portland seniors can call (503) 988-3646. 

In Oregon, the office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) provides local seniors with 24-hour assistance. At the local offices, seniors can get information on long-term care, caregiver support, disability benefits and food benefits. The APD also administers the K Plan.  Central Office
209 SW 4th Ave., Ste 510, Portland, OR 97204
(503) 988-3646 Mid-County Office
10615 SE Cherry Blossom Dr, Portland, OR 97216
(503) 988-5480 Southeast Office
4610 SE Belmont St, 2nd Floor, Portland, OR 97215
(503) 988-3660 North/Northeast Office
5325 NE Martin Luther King Blvd, Portland, OR 97211
(503) 988-5470 West Area Office
209 SW 4th Ave, 1st Floor, Portland, OR 97204
(503) 988-5460

The Portland Veteran Services office can help seniors file a claim, receive benefits, access health care or plan long-term care. 

Statewide Veteran Services – Portland
100 SW Main St. 2nd Floor, Portland, OR 97204
(503) 412-4777

Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC)
308 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204
(503) 808-1256

Portland VA Medical Center
3710 SW U.S. Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR 97239
(503) 220-8262

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.