Assisted Living in Oregon
Oregon is popular with seniors, and around 17.6% of residents in the state are over the age of 65, according to estimates from the U.S. Census in July 2019. There is a median fee of $4,499 per month for assisted living facilities in Oregon, which is higher than the average for such facilities across the United States. The cost of senior care is just one consideration for families, however, and there are many advantages to retiring in Oregon, one of which is the breadth of facilities to choose from. There are 831 assisted living facilities operating in the state.
Learn more about assisted living facilities in Oregon, the fees and various financial aid available to seniors looking to spend their retirement years in Oregon.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Oregon
Oregon has a SeniorScore rating of 69%. This is lower than the national average of 72%. The SeniorScore is based on health and safety, access to leisure facilities and healthcare, the cost of living and the overall quality of life that seniors can expect in the state.
SeniorScore™ for Oregon
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Oregon's SeniorScore™ of 69 is lower than the national average of 72.
- Oregon has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
- Oregon has an average number of hospitals within the state.
- Oregon has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
- Oregon has an average number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
- The average life expectancy in Oregon is 79.5, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- Oregon has a high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
- Oregon has an average overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
- 35% of the population in Oregon are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
- Oregon has 193 golf courses in the state.
- Oregon has a high number of municipal parks throughout the state.
- Oregon has 1,394 churches in the state.
- The property taxes average 3.44% of total income in Oregon, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 0.88% of property value in Oregon, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The average sales tax in Oregon is 0.00%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- The average state income tax in Oregon is 7.15%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.38%.
- The mean household income in Oregon is $65,546, which is higher than the national average of $64,580.
- Oregon's median household income is $51,560, which is the same as the national average of $51,560.
- The average per capita income in Oregon is $26,577, which is higher than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs in Oregon average $48,411 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $42,700.
- Nursing home costs in Oregon average $103,799 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $92,481.
- Costs for adult daycare in Oregon average $23,532 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $17,931.
- Costs for home healthcare in Oregon average $51,024 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $46,197.
- The unemployment rate is about 9.92% in Oregon, which is significantly higher than then national rate of 8.26%.
- The overall cost of living in Oregon is high compared to national averages.
- 0.64% of the senior population in Oregon are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Oregon receives an average of 41.9 inches of rain per year.
- Oregon has an average annual temperature of 51.2 degrees fahrenheit.
- Oregon has an average low temperature of 40.0 degrees fahrenheit.
- Oregon has an average high temperature of 61.4 degrees fahrenheit.
- Oregon has an average population density of 616 people per square mile.
- Oregon has a very low public school quality ranking.
- Oregon has a very low public school safety ranking.
- Oregon has a high graduation rate of 88.67%.
While Oregon's overall score is low, there are a lot of positives. The average life expectancy in Oregon is 79.5, which is better than the national average of 78.6. Access to Medicare is better than average, and there are a lot of hospitals in the state, too. The population of Oregon includes a lot of seniors in comparison to other states, and there are many parks, churches and golf courses.
There is no sales tax in Oregon; however, the cost of assisted living is higher than the national average and household incomes tend to be relatively low. These economic factors reduce the SeniorScore; however, they may not be of concern to someone who is looking to move to the state from elsewhere.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Oregon
Avamere Rehabilitation of Hillsboro is a 100 bed skilled nursing facility located in Hillsboro, Oregon. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with an average family income of $58,285. It is heavily populated, with approximately 46,000 ...
Located within the Vose neighborhood of Beaverton, Oregon, Avamere Rehabilitation of Beaverton is a 104 unit skilled nursing facility. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with an average per-household income of $51,435. With around 30,000 ...
Situated within the Larkspur neighborhood of Bend, Oregon, Bend Transitional Care is a 40 bed senior community. With a median family income of $58,077, the community is in a mostly middle class area. It is heavily populated, with ...
West Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 180 room skilled nursing facility. It is situated in the Maplewood neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. The encompassing area is densely populated, with roughly 40,000 poeple living in the 97219 zip ...
The Pearl at Kruse Way is situated within the Holly Orchard area of Lake Oswego, Oregon. It is a 45 room senior care community. The encompassing area is densely populated, with around 25,000 individuals residing in the zip ...
Brookdale Sellwood is located in the McLoughlin Industrial area of Portland, Oregon. It is a senior community for those over the age of 55. The community is in a primarily middle class area, with a median family income ...
Avamere Rehabilitation of Oregon City is located at 1400 Division St in Oregon City, Oregon. It is a 111 bed skilled nursing facility. The surrounding area is densely populated, with around 52,000 individuals living in the 97045 zip ...
Marquis Mt Tabor Post Acute Rehab is located within the Mount Tabor neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. It is a 175 bed skilled nursing facility. With a median household income of $56,872, the facility is in a generally middle ...
Marquis Tualatin Post Acute Rehab,Rehab,Long Term Care is located close to the Rosewood area of Tualatin, Oregon. It is a 54 unit nursing facility. With roughly 28,000 residents in the zip code of 97062, the surrounding area is ...
Mirabella Portland is located within the Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. It is a 44 unit senior housing community. With around 15,000 individuals living in the 97239 zip code, the surrounding area has an average population density. ...
Located within the West Beaverton area of Beaverton, Oregon, Maryville is a 155 room senior care community. The surrounding area has a dense population, with about 68,000 poeple living in the 97007 zip code. With an average ...
Avamere at Three Fountains is a 156 bed senior housing community. It is located at 835 Crater Lake Ave in Medford, Oregon. The facility is in a largely middle class area, with an average per-family income of $50,304. ...
Avamere Crestview of Portland is a 127 unit senior housing facility. It is situated within the Hillsdale neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. With roughly 16,000 individuals living in the zip code of 97201, the surrounding area has an average ...
Sheldon Park Blue Harbor Senior Living is a senior housing facility situated within the Cal Young neighborhood of Eugene, Oregon. With around 42,000 individuals living in the zip code of 97401, the surrounding area is heavily populated. It ...
Avamere Riverpark of Eugene is a 119 room senior community located within the River Road neighborhood of Eugene, Oregon. The encompassing area has a dense population, with approximately 42,000 residents in the 97401 zip code. With an average ...
Laurelhurst Village Rehabilitation Center is located within the Sunnyside neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. It is a 179 bed nursing facility. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with a median per-family income of $48,004. It ...
Marquis Centennial Post Acute Rehab is a 71 bed nursing facility located nearby the Centennial neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. With a median household income of $37,348, the facility is in a primarily middle class area. It is heavily ...
Regency Gresham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 128 room nursing facility. It is located at 5905 SE Powell Valley Rd in Gresham, Oregon. The encompassing area is densely populated, with approximately 42,000 individuals residing in the zip ...
Located at 1023 6th Ave SW in Albany, Oregon, Timberview Care Center is a 97 bed senior care facility. With about 26,000 residents in the zip code of 97321, the surrounding area is densely populated. It is a ...
Located near by the Neighbors Southwest area of Tigard, Oregon, Avamere Rehabilitation of King City is a 148 unit nursing facility. The neighboring area is densely populated, with approximately 32,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 97224. ...
The Cost of Assisted Living in Oregon
The median fee for assisted living in Oregon is $4,499 per month. This is above the national average. Fees can vary between cities in the state, however. In terms of other states on the same coast, Oregon compares fairly favorably, being similarly priced to California and far less expensive than the state of Washington. Assisted living facilities in Idaho and Nevada tend to charge a lower fee than similar facilities in Oregon.
- Oregon: $4,499
- United States Average: $4,051
- Washington: $5,500
- Idaho: $3,728
- California: $4,500
- Nevada: $3,400
The Cost of Assisted Living in Oregon's Top Cities
Assisted living pricing can vary by a large amount depending on the region of the state. Facilities in the Portland area tend to charge more than facilities in other parts of the state, for example, while a facility in Corvallis would likely charge fees that are closer to the national average. In general, the bigger the city, the higher the fee that an assisted living facility is likely to charge. Shopping around could save seniors and their loved ones a lot of money.
- Portland: $4,998
- Salem: $4,275
- Eugene: $4,325
- Gresham: $4,998
- Corvallis: $4,152
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Oregon
Assisted living is just one form of senior living that's available in Oregon. Seniors and their loved ones have many other options available to them, depending on their needs, mobility and cognitive ability of the person who is looking for care. Nursing homes are an option for seniors who require around-the-clock medical observation and care. Meanwhile, at-home care may be suited for those who require more assistance than their loved ones are able to offer on an ongoing basis but who do not wish to leave behind the friends and family they have in their neighborhood. Adult day care facilities allow those who are mobile and active to receive some support during the day while still living independently.
The cost of senior care services will vary depending on the level of care offered to the senior and how many others the facility is caring for at the same time. Adult day care is aimed at those who are generally mobile and provides assistance in a group setting, so it's typically the least expensive option. Home health care in Oregon is typically more expensive than assisted living because the caregiver will most likely be working one-to-one with the senior that hires them, rather than dividing their attention across several residents. Nursing home care is the most costly option, since seniors who require a nursing home level of care will need the support of licensed nurses and the watchful eye of a doctor. The skills required to take care of someone in a nursing home tend to be more complex and specialized than those provided by assisted living caregivers.
The average monthly costs of senior care in Oregon, by facility type, are:
- Assisted Living: $4,499
- In-Home Care: $5,148
- Home Health Care: $5,339
- Adult Day Care: $2,167
- Nursing Home Care: $9,551
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Oregon
OR Aged and Physically Disabled Waiver
Phone Number: (800) 699-9075
Website: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Pages/index.aspx
In Oregon, the Medicaid program is known as the Oregon Health Program. Seniors may qualify for Medicaid if they earn less than $1,436 per month as an individual or less than $1,945 as a couple. In addition to these earning limits, there are also asset limits, although there are allowances for a household vehicle, housing up to a certain value and some other assets. The OHP itself is to cover certain medical expenses, but there are waivers that can be applied to assisted living, with the OR Aged and Physically Disabled Waiver being the one most frequently applied to assisted living costs.
The OR Aged and Physically Disabled Waiver cannot be used to directly pay for assisted living, however, it can be used to cover some of the charges that the assisted living facility applies. The waiver is aimed at seniors who require ongoing care and is designed to help them avoid having to move into a nursing home or other institutionalized setting. The waiver can be used to pay for help with case management and transition services.
K Plan
Phone Number: (503) 945-5600
Website: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/seniors-disabilities/KPLAN/Pages/index.aspx
The K Plan is another Medicaid-related Waiver that's available in Oregon, as a part of the Community First Choice program. The waiver is designed to allow adults to continue to live within the community when their care needs have increased to the level where they may ordinarily need institutional levels of care. Services such as help with bathing, grooming, toileting and eating can be included in the K Plan.
The K Plan is means-tested, along with other Medicaid waivers. If an individual loses eligibility for the K Plan then they may be able to apply for the Extended Waiver Eligibility program that ensures ongoing care for those who are at high risk of hospitalization or institutionalization within 30 days if they cease receiving long term care support via Medicaid. This extended waiver program is also open to those receiving the OR Aged and Physical Disability Waiver.
Oregon Project Independence
Phone Number: (503) 650-5769
Website: https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/SENIORS-DISABILITIES/SUA/Pages/OPI.aspx
Oregon Project Independence is a state-funded non-Medicaid program aimed at seniors who require long-term care. The program provides seniors with assistance with dressing, bathing, grooming and preparing meals as well as basic mobility.
As with the other programs mentioned, this program is not intended to pay for the full cost of assisted living. The program can, however, be used to offset many of the expenses faced by seniors. To be eligible for the program, the senior must have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or a similar condition. Care choices can be self-directed, giving seniors the opportunity to get involved in choosing their providers and the level of assistance they receive.
Oregon Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
The Oregon Department of Human Services lays out the rules that must be followed by assisted living facilities and community-based residential services in the state. The rules describe the standard of care required, the precautions that must be taken and the training that staff is expected to have, as well as several other important points.
Scope of Care | Assisted living facilities should provide residents with day-to-day support with activities such as grooming, bathing, toileting, meal preparation, feeding and mobility. |
Care Plan Requirements | Seniors should be assessed to ensure that they have a care plan that meets their needs, maintains their independence and dignity as much as possible and protects each resident's well-being. Care plans should be re-assessed as necessary. |
Medication Management Requirements | Medication administration must be performed only by staff who have been trained and assessed in their ability to do so. Assisted living facilities can offer support for residents who are managing their own medication in the form of reminders to ensure that a doctor-prescribed medication regimen is being followed. |
Staff Screening Requirements | Background checks must be performed on all individuals who are employed by or receiving training in an assisted living facility along with any volunteers who have unrestricted access to seniors. |
Staff Training Requirements | Training must align with the duties of the staff member. Direct care staff and nursing staff must receive training in working with vulnerable elderly people before starting work. Other staff members should have their duties assessed and be trained appropriately. |
Medicaid Coverage | Some aspects of assisted living can be paid for using Medicaid. |
Reporting Abuse | The Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman deals with complaints and reports of concerns about abuse. The office can be reached at (503) 378-6533. |
Free Assisted Living Resources in Oregon
The Aging and Disability Resource Connection in Oregon is a service that helps local seniors connect with service providers and also assists caregivers by offering training online and face-to-face. The organization maintains a comprehensive directory of service providers, training and support opportunities relating to assisted living, at-home care, disability support and aging-related services. It offers needs assessments and helps seniors and their loved ones plan for the future.
Contact: (855) ORE-ADRC
The Oregon Senior Referral Agency Association maintains the NW Senior Resources Service, which connects seniors with assisted living services and other senior housing options in Oregon. It also provides Medicaid information and other support for families in need. The agency does not initially charge clients for their work and instead receives payment from the care provider when the client moves into a community or facility. The agency reserves the right to charge a one-off consultation fee if they do not receive a payment from a care provider.
Contact: (503) 807-7778
Seniors looking for assisted living offerings in Portland specifically may be eligible for the PACE program, which stands for Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. Portland is the only city in Oregon that currently has a PACE program. It is offered by Providence ElderPlace and can be used to fund certain kinds of medical care, transportation, care coordination and other services, helping to offset the overall cost of assisted living.
Contact: Find resources online at the ElderPlace website.
Oregon Agencies
Department of Human Services
Website: https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/seniors-disabilities/SPPD/Pages/index.aspx
The Department of Human Services in Oregon is responsible for some health services, including those relating to children and seniors. The department oversees a variety of services for seniors, with the goal of protecting the well-being and independence of each individual, giving them dignity and empowering them with freedom of choice while ensuring that their needs are met. Seniors can look at the DHS website to find information about local offices, and speak to advisors in-person to connect with service providers that meet their specific needs.
Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living
There are 17 Area Agencies on Aging in Oregon. These agencies administer and support a variety of community-based care services and advocate for the needs of seniors. Most of the services that are coordinated through the area agencies are run by community service providers within local communities, so the services available in different areas can vary quite significantly. The AAAs serve as a good first point of contact for signposting and assistance.
Veteran Affairs Offices in Oregon
The Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs is an agency that brings together a variety of programs and support options for veterans in the state. The office works with veterans to provide access to economic support, access to education, mental health support, medical transportation, housing, food and other resources.
The Veteran Aid and Attendance program is open to seniors who have served and their spouses. There is a means-tested component to the program, with allowances varying depending on whether the applicant is a single veteran or a part of a couple. More information about the Veteran Aid and Attendance Program can be found on the Oregon VA website, and those who require further assistance can request a face-to-face consultation at the nearest VA office.
Social Security Offices in Oregon
Contact: (800) 772-1213
The Social Security Administration governs social security benefits across the country. There are 16 social security offices spread across different cities in Oregon, and these offices are staffed with representatives who are able to offer advice and assistance about benefits that may be available to seniors in the state, as well as to offer help with the application process. Seniors can contact the Oregon Social Security Administration by telephone or visit their nearest office for a benefits consultation.
Other Cities in Oregon