Question 1

What is the difference between assisted living and an adult family home in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Assisted living is a larger licensed building with apartments; an adult family home is a licensed house with at most 6 residents (8 with approval). Both are licensed and inspected by DSHS.

Question 2

When is memory care needed?

Accepted Answer

When a person with dementia needs a secured setting or staff trained in dementia care. In Washington, look for a facility with DSHS dementia care certification.

Question 3

Which is cheapest?

Accepted Answer

It depends on care needs. Posted assisted living starting rents in Washington run $3,150–$6,885/mo, memory care $3,985–$9,045/mo, before care fees.

Assisted living	Private apartments in a larger building with meals, help with daily tasks and medications. Washington licenses 559 of them; 210 are private pay only. Posted starting rents: $3,150–$6,885/mo (28 communities).
Memory care	A secured unit for people with dementia, usually inside an assisted living building. 294 Washington facilities are DSHS-certified. Posted starting rents: $3,985–$9,045/mo (9 communities).
Adult family home	A licensed private house caring for up to 6 residents (up to 8 with state approval). Often more hands-on care per person. Licensed and inspected by DSHS; look them up on the DSHS adult family home lookup. We have not yet collected adult family home prices.

Assisted Living vs. Memory Care vs. Adult Family Home in Washington

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