Assisted Living Community in Snohomish County, Washington

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $5,125 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on Assisted Living Community in Snohomish County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Snohomish County, WA

• Assisted Living: $5,125
• Nursing Home Care: $9,034
• In-home Care: $5,815
• Adult Day Health Services: $2,340

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, assisted living costs in Snohomish County ($5,125) are comparable to the state average of $5,135 but considerably more expensive than the national average ($4,000). Costs here are the third highest in the state, topped by only the Bremerton area ($5,720) and Seattle ($5,750). The smaller city of Walla Walla is close behind at $4,950. Spokane ($4,000) and Wenatchee ($4,125) are exceptions to the high statewide cost trend.

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Snohomish County, so data for the closest city, Mount Vernon, was used. 

When considering senior care options, it’s important to weigh factors that influence cost such as the level of care and included services. In Snohomish County, homemaker services and home health aides cost significantly more per month than assisted living ($700). These types of care don’t include rent, home maintenance or food. Nursing home care is the most expensive option, with an average monthly cost about 75% higher than assisted living and in-home services. 

Medicaid, the national health care program for low-income Americans of all ages, is available to eligible Snohomish County seniors. Called Apple Health, the program is administered by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services.

Adults age 64 or younger are eligible for Medicaid if they have a yearly income of $17,232 or less ($23,340 for couples) and are U.S. citizens and Washington state residents. 

Seniors age 65 and older may qualify for the Aged, Blind or Disabled Medicaid category, which has a lower income limit of $771 per month ($1,157 for couples). Income from all sources counts, including wages, alimony, IRA payments, SSI and SSDI benefits.

According to the American Council on Aging, both age groups are limited to $2,000 or less in assets ($3,000 for couples).  A number of assets are disregarded, including burial trusts, furniture, personal effects, one vehicle and a primary residence valued at $585,000 or less.

To apply for Apple Health coverage, call (877) 501-2233 or visit the Washington Connection. 

In Snohomish County, seniors eligible for Apple Health coverage who wish to reside in an assisted living facility may qualify for one of four service packages:

Assisted Living

Residents have private apartments and receive occasional nursing services, help with personal care and medication management.

Adult Residential Care


The ARC package provides reminders to assisted living residents who can take their own medication, assistance with personal care and limited supervision.

Enhanced Adult Residential Care
In addition to the services offered by the ARC package, the EARC package provides medication administration and occasional nursing care.

EARC Specialized Dementia Care Services

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia may be eligible for the specialized dementia care program based on a DSHS case manager assessment. This package provides necessary services to ensure a senior’s high quality of life and good physical health including:

• Staff specifically trained to help those with dementia
• 24-hour staff availability
• Access to a safe outdoor environment
• Assistance with personal care and medication management
• Nursing services

A close relationship with family members is fostered to ensure a resident’s wishes and needs are sufficiently met.

For information about assisted living service packages or to find a facility where they’re offered, visit Washington’s Aging and Long-Term Support Administration or contact Snohomish County Information and Assistance at (425) 513-1900.

Assisted Living Bridge Loan
Seniors transitioning to an assisted living facility may qualify for an Elderlife Financial bridge loan to help cover the cost until benefits begin or their home sells. These loans offer 12-month repayment terms and disbursement options including a lump-sum payment or line of credit. Online and phone applications are often approved and funds made available within one business day.

To learn more, contact Elderlife Financial at (888) 245-4500.  

Veterans Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits
Snohomish County veterans who need assistance from another person or are housebound may qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits to increase their monthly regular pension payments.

To receive A&A benefits, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: 

• Need help with rudimentary daily functions such as grooming, bathing, elimination, dressing or eating

• Have a physical or mental disability requiring care at a nursing facility

• Be bedridden due to a disability

• Have 5/200 visual acuity or less in both eyes or 5 or fewer degrees of concentric contraction of the visual field

To qualify for Housebound benefits, a veteran must be mainly confined to their principal residence due to a disability.

Veterans with too high an income to receive a VA pension may still be eligible for A&A or Housebound benefits if they meet the qualifying criteria. These top-up benefits programs aren’t available concurrently, and those currently receiving a VA disability pension don’t qualify,

To inquire about Aid and Attendance or Housebound pension benefits, contact the VA Pension Management Center serving Washington state or the Seattle Regional VA Office at (800) 827-1000.  

Snohomish County Long-Term Care and Aging is the designated Area Agency on Aging that serves county seniors with 14 programs. In addition to sourcing information for the many services offered, AAA provides personal and legal counseling and oversees a volunteer program that furnishes in-home assistance and transportation. The agency’s nutrition program provides hot meals to seniors aged 60 and older at congregant sites across the county.  Snohomish County Long-Term Care & Aging
3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201
(425) 347-1229

Senior veterans living in Snohomish County can take advantage of the Veterans Assistance program run by the Human Services Department. The program provides a wide range of services including case management, assistance and advocacy with benefit and pension applications or appeals and referrals for VA medical or dental coverage and care.

Snohomish County Human Services Department
3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201
(425) 388-7255

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