About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Portland, OR

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Portland is a charming, vibrant city for seniors to spend their retirement years. A Place for Mom partners with 80 memory care facilities in the Portland Metropolitan Area, giving your loved one a perfect place to receive specialized care amid all that the city has to offer. If your loved one needs a dementia-trained caregiver, you’ll find all this and more at one of our partnering memory care facilities in Portland.

In this guide, we explore our in-network memory care communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Portland. We detail what to expect in these local communities, sharing proprietary data and reviews from real residents. We go over baseline and common additional costs, along with how people might cover these expenses. We also share local and state-specific regulations for memory care facilities, senior resources in Portland, and Portland attractions favored by local seniors.

Portland Memory Care Facilities | 2013 Reviews
Showing 110 communities
Last Updated: 5/3/24
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Best of Senior Living

The top senior living communities stand out for their exceptional care and support of seniors in independent living, assisted living, memory care, and in-home care. Our Best of Senior Living Award winners represent the top 1-2% of senior care providers nationwide based on reviews from those who matter most: residents and families.

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Photo of Fort Vancouver Assisted Living
55 Photos available
5 star
20%
4 star
0%
3 star
20%
2 star
0%
1 star
60%
See all reviews
I'm grateful for the community as they are assisting to care for my loved one. We are able to take our loved one out to see family outings. There is a pleasant courtyard, and the residents will grow items...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Fort Vancouver Assisted Living is filled with warmth and charm. We strive to provide independence , security, hospitality and exceptional service to our community.We are a 44-bed assisted living community providing long-term care. We also participate in Medicaid. Our goal is to bring residents,...
Photo of Prestige Senior Living Beaverton Hills
99 Photos available
6.3
Review score
16 reviews
6.3
Review score
16 reviews
5 star
56%
4 star
19%
3 star
19%
2 star
6%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
The staff is amazing. They are so friendly and they always go the extra mile. I would tell them that I like it so much it's where I plan to live in 25 years!
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Prestige Senior Living Beaverton Hills (A) Beaverton, OR Prestige Senior Living Beaverton Hills is a boutique assisted living community located less than ten miles from Portland. Our ideal location allows residents easy access to all of the city amenities but we are also close enough to the coast...
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Photo of Assisted Living at Summerplace
1010 Photos available
5 star
49%
4 star
38%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
13%
See all reviews
This is a good place to check out for your loved one. The food has been really good that I've seen. The community has cut back on activities due to the pandemic. They have a gardening group and walking...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Our residents come to Assisted Living at Summerplace to celebrate the best of life. Our community is conveniently located off Interstate 84 in northeast Portland and offers programs and activities that offer something new and exciting each day to residents, and their friends and families....
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Photo of The Ackerly at Timberland
88 Photos available
5.3
Review score
29 reviews
5.3
Review score
29 reviews
5 star
46%
4 star
41%
3 star
3%
2 star
0%
1 star
10%
See all reviews
I wish that I could give them a 10/5 on everything! The staff were absolutely incredible, and seemed to genuinely care about my aunt. They were kind, patient and firm with her. The food was healthy, she...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Our community is clean and modern, but also warm and inviting, making our residents and their families feel right at home. From your first visit with us, you will notice that senior living at The Ackerly is full of fun and adventure. Our new community already has a strong sense of community and...
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Photo of Greenridge Estates
1212 Photos available
5 star
33%
4 star
67%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
The residents were able to eat in the dining room before COVID, and they were all very attentive to them. The rooms are great, our loved one has a one bedroom and the windows are a big plus, she can look out...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
At Greenridge Estates your days will be filled with new friends, delicious food, interesting things to do and places to go.....plus, just the added assistance you need!For most of us, family members are the most important threads in the fabric of our lives. That's why Greenridge Estates was...
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Photo of Deerfield Village
55 Photos available
2.0
Review score
7 reviews
2.0
Review score
7 reviews
5 star
43%
4 star
14%
3 star
0%
2 star
43%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
They seem to have plenty of activities. It’s real close to the senior center. The food is average. For assisted living, I’ve never had trouble finding a parking spot. The best things are that it’s close...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Deerfield Village is tucked away in a quiet country setting. It is near shopping centers, doctors and dentists, vets, a big community park with the Senior Center, and the city bus just steps away. There is a creek, pond and lots of ducks and birds to watch. Deerfield is a small 40 apartment...
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Photo of Avamere at Park Place
1818 Photos available
5 star
26%
4 star
42%
3 star
16%
2 star
11%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
I moved my brother into Avamere 1 1/2 years ago and it has been fantastic. He now has help remembering to take his pills, his room gets a weekly cleaning, his bed sheets are changed every week and he gets...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Avamere at Park Place is truly an oasis in the middle of the city. Our community is adjacent to Metzger Park, with its old growth trees, wetlands, and meandering streams. Our property continues the wooded theme with large trees, mature landscaping, and our very own duck pond. Most of our resident...
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Photo of Murray Highland Memory Care
33 Photos available
1.0
Review score
2 reviews
1.0
Review score
2 reviews
5 star
50%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
50%
See all reviews
Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
See details
Photo of Elite Care at Oatfield Estates
88 Photos available
5 star
67%
4 star
25%
3 star
8%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
The grounds are awesome. I have already told so many people about the community. The entire family wants to move in to the community. The community is an individual house and at most have 12 residents. ...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Elite Care is different, on purpose. A small boutique senior living community that feels like home. Community is the heart of our multi-generational campus. We offer personalized and inclusive models of care to our residents and their pets without regard to age, diagnosis, or ability.Elite Care...
Photo of The Springs at Clackamas Woods
44 Photos available
5 star
47%
4 star
40%
3 star
13%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I like this nice community for the care of my mom. The staff are very nice and caring. The meals are very good and she is happy with the meals. They do offer nice activities for those who can participate....
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Conveniently located in a charming residential neighborhood, The Springs at Clackamas Woods provides the perfect setting for relaxation, security, healthy living, and fun. Living options include independent living, assisted living and memory care, each with personalized levels of support. As your...
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Photo of Brookdale Fisher's Landing
88 Photos available
22 Floor plans available
6.6
Review score
23 reviews
6.6
Review score
23 reviews
5 star
22%
4 star
38%
3 star
22%
2 star
9%
1 star
9%
See all reviews
My loved one is currently a resident at Brookdale Fisher's Landing and the experience has been very good to great. Our loved one is now on hospice and all is well.
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
A Great Place to Live a Great LifeIt’s time to trade boredom for fun, trade stress for safety, and trade isolation for being part of a vibrant, energetic community. That’s what you’ll get as a resident at Brookdale Fisher’s Landing, an exceptional southwest Washington state assisted living...
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Photo of The Springs at Lake Oswego
44 Photos available
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
The Springs is a very nice place for your loved one.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Hearthstone of Beaverton
1616 Photos available
5 star
50%
4 star
42%
3 star
8%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
It is very good and we are happy that mom is here. They have a lot of thing to do for the residents. They are doing great job and the staff are great. On our tour I saw huge, emotional, intuition from the...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Hearthstone of Beaverton is a charming boutique-like community where everyone has a sense of belonging. We specialize in assisted living and are committed to serving our residents, family members and each other with love, respect and integrity for 20 years. Hearthstone is locally owned and...
Photo of Maryville Memory Care
11 Photo available
5 star
100%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
We have had a great experience at Maryville and I have had no complaints, they have been awesome. I looked at many facilities and this one just had a different atmosphere and feeling than the others. Because...
Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
See details
Photo of Avamere at Bethany
88 Photos available
5.8
Review score
10 reviews
5.8
Review score
10 reviews
5 star
30%
4 star
20%
3 star
40%
2 star
0%
1 star
10%
See all reviews
They are very willing to work with you and your loved one. They are helpful, transparent, and willing to work with you. The staff communication with the family is great. The care they are able to provide...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Avamere at Bethany is an upscale senior living community offering luxury living in the comfort of your own cottage or assisted living apartment. In addition, a broad range of personal support services are available when you need them. The cottages are situated in a quiet residential neighborhood...
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Photo of Fanno Creek by Elite Care
1010 Photos available
5 star
56%
4 star
22%
3 star
11%
2 star
0%
1 star
11%
See all reviews
I like that they don't have hallways of rooms. it feels like a home or apartment living. They have a lounge area between the rooms. So it feels more more like instead of a facility.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Elite Care is different, on purpose. A small boutique senior living community that feels like home. Community is the heart of our multi-generational campus. We offer personalized and inclusive models of care to our residents and their pets without regard to age, diagnosis, or ability.Elite Care...
Photo of Holladay Park Plaza
1.0
Review score
2 reviews
1.0
Review score
2 reviews
5 star
50%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
50%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Nursing Homes, Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Irvington Village
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Irvington Village is far more than a stand-alone assisted livingresidence. Aware of the needs of seniors in its neighborhood, adjacentIrvington Covenant Church partnered with Covenant Retirement Communitiesto develop a culturally responsive residence where retirees could enjoya community of their...
Photo of Providence Elderplace In Irvington Village
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of The Watermark at the Pearl
3232 Photos available
Pricing promotion
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
THE WATERMARK AT THE PEARLAn inclusive community for seniors with river views in the Pearl District.Discover progressive Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care residences designed with you in mind – with no buy in.AMENITIES & SERVICESEnjoy elevated and elegant senior living in...
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Photo of Taft Home
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
An historical building in downtown Portland, The Taft Home is more than just apartments. This Residential Care Facility opens its doors to individuals with special needs who are physically, mentally, intellectually, socially, or emotionally impaired, resulting in the inability to live...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Laurelhurst House is an assisted living community with 38 studio apartment units averaging about 350 square feet each. We are located in the Mt. Tabor/Laurelhurst neighborhoods and are close to shopping and other conveniences. Each apartment contains a large handicapped accessible bathroom and...
Photo of Emerson House
5 star
18%
4 star
36%
3 star
37%
2 star
0%
1 star
9%
See all reviews
We are fairly new to the community. but so far its great, i really cant find much to pick on [Name removed], [name removed], [name removed], [name removed], all are just the best. I could thank them until...
Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Emerson House is located in Portland Oregon, 2 miles from Providence Portland Medical Center. We are known for our Alzheimer's and other dementia care. The entire facility is dedicated to the treatment of those in need of memory care. Emerson House offers care that is meant to bridge the gap...

What families are saying about alzheimers care in Portland

Recent reviews for alzheimers care in Portland

The Forum at Town Center in Happy Valley, OR

4.8
I have lived here for 9 years. The atmosphere is if friendship, learning, experiencing, listening and activity. The food is delicious, the number of activities and excursions is exceptional. If a resident has an idea of something new to do, the staff makes it happen. Spacious rooms and lovely ...
Read more

Brookdale Oswego Springs Portland

4.1
You can expect to feel very welcomed there. I think like every place right now, they're experiencing challenges with staffing shortages. But I think they do a good job in most areas. I know my loved one was an especially challenging case, with higher care needs than we expected. So it took a ...
Read more

Creekside Place in Battle Ground, WA

5.0
Mom seems happy every time I visit, and she likes the staff that cares for her. It's a piece of mind that we know that she is in a safe environment

Costs of memory care in the Portland area

From 2022-2023, partnering memory care communities in Portland cost an average of $5,593 per month.[01] Memory care can be more expensive than assisted living due to the specialized care services. Note that the above figure represents what real families at our partner memory care communities actually paid, including additional care and service fees. These additional fees might include the following common expenses:[01]

  • Advanced care fees. This is gauged by how much staff support a resident might need, from “low care needs” to “high care needs.” In Portland, these fees ranged from $585 for monthly low-care needs to $3,300 for monthly high-care needs.
  • Second-person fees. Monthly costs may apply if you have another person living with you. In 2022-2023, the average cost for second-person fees in Portland was $800 per month.
  • Parking fees. Many memory care residents utilize the complimentary transportation provided by communities. However, partners with a car paid on average $100 monthly for parking on-site.
  • Pet fees. Many Portland assisted living and memory care facilities are pet-friendly, but monthly pet care/rent costs can be steep at an average of $750 per month.
  • Community fees. In Portland, these one-time fees averaged around $2,500 at the time of move in.

Is it affordable to live in Portland?

Compared to the national average, costs of living in Portland are 24% higher. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the following is true of aged 60+ retirees in Portland:

  • 70% have an annual Social Security income of around $22,000.
  • 49% have an annual retirement income at a mean of $36,000.

It helps to retire into a memory care facility understanding how your state taxes Social Security and retirement income. Retired seniors benefit from the fact that neither Oregon nor Washington tax a person’s Social Security benefits.

Vancouver, Washington, is a more affordable suburb

Many seniors and their families choose to live in the Portland suburb of Vancouver, which has many memory care facilities, excellent tax benefits for retirees, and a lower cost of living by comparison. In fact, Vancouver housing is 2% lower than the national average housing cost.[04]

Tax differences for seniors in Oregon and Washington include the following:[05,06]

  • Retirement account withdrawals. Oregon does tax retirement account withdrawals. Washington does not tax these same retirement account withdrawals.
  • Private and public pension income. Pension incomes are taxed partially in Oregon. Pension incomes are not taxed in Washington.

Below, you’ll find figures that represent average baseline costs of memory care communities in Portland. Remember that unlike our partner cost figures, these baselines do not include additional fees that real families paid. We include the figures below to offer an area overview of baseline costs, so you can compare them to the all-inclusive costs of our memory care community partner network in Portland.

Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Portland, OR vs. nearby cities

Portland, OR
$5,062/mo
$5,036/mo

Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Portland, OR vs. the state and national average

Portland, OR
$5,062/mo
$4,968/mo

Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Portland vs. other types of senior living

Memory Care
$5,062/mo

Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Portland, OR by room type

$6,255/mo
$5,182/mo
$5,128/mo
$6,443/mo

Average cost of Memory Care in Portland over time

Portland, OROR stateNational

How people pay for memory care in Portland

Families have several options to pay for assisted living and memory care. In some situations, families can use both private and public funds to cover the cost of memory care in Portland.

Explore options below that seniors or their families might use to pay for a memory care community. We also outline several public resources, such as Medicaid, Medicare, and VA benefits, that could be available to help cover some memory care services.

Private pay methods

Families use multiple private pay options to cover the cost of memory care in Portland, Oregon. Such options include income like Social Security benefits, pensions, savings, and investment returns. Depending on the family’s resources, the following options may also be available:

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VA benefits
26312

Number of veterans who live in Portland as of 2021

About 22% of these Portland veterans are 75+.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits

If your loved one entering memory care is a veteran or surviving spouse, additional pensions or benefits may apply toward their memory care costs in Portland. For example, many disabled senior veterans use benefits from their VA pensions to cover their ideal senior living community.

A VA pension is monthly income that a senior veteran or their surviving spouse may qualify for. Veterans enrolled in the VA health care system may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, which is a generous pension addition. This benefit can be used toward anything that improves quality of life, such as memory care services in an assisted living community.

Navigating benefits with veterans service officers

Applying for veterans benefits can be a time-consuming and complex process. To help with this process, many local veterans service organizations (VSOs) have veteran service officers to help vets understand both what they qualify for and how to get their benefits.

Local VSOs include the following:

  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
  • Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
  • American Legion local chapters
  • National Association for Black Veterans

For quick guidance, Portland has numerous veterans helplines you can call. Below are a number of resources to help connect seniors to local veterans services officers, veterans services organized by county, benefits guides, and more.

Resources for Portland veterans

Veterans service officers in Portland by county

Clackamas County
Phone: 503-650-5631

Clark County
Phone: 360-693-7030

Washington County
Phone: 503-846-3060

Federal and state VA offices in Portland

Portland Regional Office
1505 NE 122nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97230
Phone: 503-688-5361

Other veteran assistance offices in Portland
Portland veterans helplines

Aging, Disability, and Veteran Services helpline
Phone: 503-988-3646

Transition Projects’ veterans hotline
Phone: 855-425-5544

Veterans crisis line
Phone: 800-273-8255

Medicaid

Oregon residents receive Medicaid through Oregon Health Plan, and seniors on the Washington side get their Medicaid benefits through Apple Health. While Medicaid doesn’t cover the cost of room and board at our partner memory care communities, certain Medicaid programs may cover medically necessary in-home health care services wherever the senior calls home.

These programs are usually referred to as home and community based services waivers. Eligibility for these waivers varies across the Oregon and Washington border, but typically requires that seniors meet these types of qualifications:

  • Be 65+ years old.
  • Have a disability.
  • Meet low-income requirements.
Home and community based services (HCBS) waivers for seniors in Portland

Portland seniors in the Washington suburbs may be eligible for the Community Protection Waiver, so they can access home and community based home health care services. The Medicaid patient must meet criteria including but not limited to the following:

This waiver helps Washington seniors stay in their home of choice for longer, so they don’t need to move to a Medicaid-contracted nursing home. This program helps senior residents of memory care communities if they ever need more health care services than their current memory care community offers. Some of the home health care services that these waivers can provide include the following:

  • Round-the-clock medical care
  • Assistive devices
  • Skilled nursing care
  • Specialized supplies or equipment
  • Specialized therapies

Oregon residents age 65+ or who have a disability may also have access to HCBS waivers. Waivers are distributed through the Oregon Department of Human Services. Reach out to the Oregon Health Plan department with their contact information below for more details.

Oregon Health Plan (OHP)

Through OHP, seniors with disabilities may be eligible for the following home health care services in their residence of choice, like their preferred memory care community:[08]

  • Home health care aide services
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech-language pathology
  • Wheelchairs or oxygen equipment (as medically necessary)

Medicaid eligibility and enrollment can be confusing. To combat this confusion, Oregon has coordinated care organizations (CCOs) that work with OHP as an all-in-one resource for residents. They can help with questions about health care services, appointment scheduling, and general navigation through Oregon’s health care systems. To secure your Medicaid benefits or access advocacy, an OHP ombudsman is available for Oregon residents.

Medicaid benefits counseling in Portland, Oregon

Oregon also has the following public services to help guide Portland seniors through the process:

  • The Community Services and Supports Unit (CSSU). This is Oregon’s Area Agency on Aging. They can help connect your loved one to the best services by location.
  • The Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC). This organization offers free services and valuable resources for seniors and people with disabilities.
Apple Health for Washington seniors

Seniors on the Washington side of Portland’s suburbs get Medicaid benefits through Apple Health. If you’re in Vancouver, you may be eligible for these Apple Health services:[09]

  • In-home care services
  • Payment support for health care costs and Medicaid premiums
  • Prescription medications
  • Medically necessary lab services
  • Transportation to and from medical appointments
Medicaid benefits counseling in Vancouver, Washington

Additional ways to get answers about Washington Medicaid include the following:

Portland resident Medicaid resources

Medicaid for Oregon residents — Oregon Health Plan (OHP)

Oregon OHP Ombudsman Program
500 Summer St. NE, E20
Salem, OR 97301
Phone message line: 877-642-0450
Email: oha.ombudsoffice@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Washington Area Agency on Aging

Clark County Area Agency on Aging for Washington residents
201 NE 73rd St., Suite 201
Vancouver, WA, 98665
Phone: 360-735-5720

Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors. Medicare may be used to cover some costs of medically necessary senior care services, such as in-home health care. While some Medicare plans are all-inclusive, other plans offer more specific a la carte coverage, such as doctors’ visits or medical equipment. Seniors with AIDS or HIV may be eligible for pharmaceutical help through either Oregon’s CareAssist program or Washington’s Early Intervention program.

Medicare Savings Programs may apply toward an Oregon senior’s Medicare premiums if the person has Medicare Part A and if their income falls within a certain limit. Note that Medicare programs do not cover room and board in our Portland memory care partner facilities.

Apply for Medicare Savings Programs online to see which of Oregon’s Medicare programs best fit your needs.[11] Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) services are also available to residents in both Oregon and Washington. A Medicare program with a Medicaid service option, PACE bridges some gaps in Medicare Parts A-D. You can explore details on the state websites in the resources below.

PACE coverage might include the following:

  • Prescription drugs
  • Primary care
  • Transportation to appointments
  • Medically necessary therapies

Seniors can apply for Medicare online through the Social Security Administration application website. Portland’s local Social Security Administration office can offer assistance with Medicare benefits and Medicare Savings Programs. You can also connect with your county’s long-term care ombudsman. In addition to addressing consumer concerns with Medicare benefits, an ombudsman can help seniors and their loved ones understand Medicare rights and serve as advocates for Portland area residents.

Seniors in Oregon also have access to Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA). Washington residents have similar access to Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (also called SHIBA). Both SHIBA programs offer seniors a local network of volunteers, trained and dedicated to educating and advocating for Oregonians and Washingtonians who have or who need Medicare.

Portland resident Medicare resources

Medicare and Social Security

Social Security Administration
Portland Social Security Office
1538 SW Yamhill St.
Portland, OR, 97205
Phone: 888-632-6990
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Health insurance benefits assistance

Understand Oregon and Washington laws and regulations for memory care facilities

In Oregon, memory care facilities serving six or more residents are licensed and regulated by the state’s Office of Safety, Oversight, and Quality. Note that Portland also offers memory care facilities known as adult family homes, serving fewer than five seniors.

Also known as care homes, adult family homes are regulated by the same governing body. You can learn more about the stringent regulations for adult care homes in Multnomah County on their website.

Oregon has an essential layer of qualifications that any residential, assisted living, or nursing facility serving six or more residents must meet before they can offer memory care. These facilities must submit to an initial on-site inspection to become endorsed memory care communities by the Department of Human Services, Aging, and People with Disabilities Program.

To be endorsed, communities must meet design standards backed by research to improve the lives of residents with dementia. Follow-up endorsement inspections and renewals take place as the facility’s business license gets renewed.

In Washington, memory care and assisted living facilities are licensed and regulated by the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration office (ALTSA), specifically its Residential Services branch. This branch regulates care for facilities serving seven or more residents.

At minimum, facilities offering memory care in both Oregon and Washington must provide services such as the following:[10,11]

  • Three nutritious daily meals and snacks
  • Social and recreational activity programs daily
  • Laundry services
  • 24-hour services to help with activities of daily living (ADLs)
  • Medication administration
  • Transportation for medical and/or social appointments
  • Supportive medical care, such as visiting therapists and specialists

Additionally, facilities in both states must adhere to outdoor and indoor regulations, such as the following:[10,11]

  • Memory care facilities must take measures to prevent pests.
  • Facility grounds must be free of litter.
  • Thresholds must be maintained with easy wheelchair use in mind.
  • Facilities must be free of unpleasant odors indoors and must be kept clean.

Regulations specific to Oregon

Sample requirements from Oregon-endorsed memory care facilities include the following:[12]

  • Artificial lighting must be minimal to allow residents to experience natural daylight cycles; necessary artificial lighting must be indirect or diffused.
  • Facilities must have large and fence-secured outdoor recreation areas for residents to enjoy.
  • Indoor common areas must have windows or skylights equivalent to 12% or greater of the common area’s square footage.

In addition to these memory care specific requirements, memory care and assisted living facilities must give residents a homelike dwelling with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. Portland memory care facilities must also be equipped to coordinate a range of supportive services, including a calendar of social events and help with activities of daily living (ADLs). Staff must also be available to residents on a 24-hour basis.[13]

Regulations specific to Washington

Washington requires memory care facilities to assume general responsibility for the safety and proper care of their residents. They may offer the following services:[14]

  • Personal care assistance
  • Medication administration
  • Occasional nursing care

For more information on Washington memory care regulations, visit our informative guide.

Disability accommodations in Oregon and Washington

Facilities providing memory care in Oregon and Washington must accommodate people with disabilities, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By design, reasonable accommodations and modifications are to help provide equitable opportunities for people with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may include the following:[15]

  • Installing grab bars or widening doorways
  • Altering due dates to align with a resident’s income assistance schedule
  • Allowing service animals even if the facility does not allow pets

In situations of disability law advocacy while a loved one is in memory care, you can contact Fair Housing Center of Washington in Clark County or the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) in Multnomah County. Additionally, you can look up reports on Portland area assisted living and memory care facilities using the following sites:

Oregon Department of Health contact information

North Mall Office Building
725 Summer St. NE, Suite B
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-986-2000
Email: hcs_housing.info@hcs.oregon.gov

Washington Department of Health contact information

Phone: 360-236-4501
Find an office near you

COVID-19 regulations for Portland memory care facilities

Facilities in Oregon are required to take COVID-19 precautions, such as posting notices at entrances and exits if a staff member or memory care resident has a suspected or reported case of COVID-19. Indoor visitation is allowed in Oregon and Washington, so long as visitors and residents follow precautionary steps, such as social distancing and masking.[16,17]

An illustration of a syringe

Vaccinations.

Portland seniors and staff are encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted.

An illustration of a protective breathing mask

Masking.

Masks may be required in most health care facilities. Some memory care facilities may have additional requirements.

An illustration of a broom

Facility cleanliness.

Communities should be sanitized at regular intervals to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

An illustration of two people with a double-sided arrow beneath them indicating distance

Social distancing.

In Washington, social distancing is recommended to reduce the spread of COVID-19. To support this effort, residents can enable WA Notify, which tracks reported exposures. By enabling WA Notify, you can get notifications if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19. This can help residents clarify whether they need to social distance to reduce the spread of infection.

Get to know memory care in Portland

80Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
35% of our partner memory care communities in Portland offer pet-friendly services
38% of partner communities in Portland offer Hoyer lifts
41% of memory care community partners in Portland offer enclosed walking spaces
29% of our partner memory care communities in Portland offer Kosher dining
6800
Number of people we referred in-market in 2022-2023
81
Average age of residents we referred in Portland
Gender split: 63% female, 37% male

What to expect from memory care in Portland

In many cases, memory care in Portland is offered through a couple different types of facilities:

  • Assisted living with designated memory care sections
  • Adult care homes

Assisted living with memory care in Portland

Portland is home to many memory care facilities that qualify as both an assisted living facility and a residential care facility. Should you encounter one or the other in your search for Portland memory care, the main differences between the two, while not mutually exclusive, are listed below:

  • Assisted living facilities offer fully self-contained individual living units
  • Residential care facilities offer homelike facilities with shared or individual living units

A major benefit to assisted or residential care facilities is that residents in memory care have ready access to explore many more spaces. Exploration and freedom to wander is particularly helpful for people with dementia. Because of this, many of our memory care partners in Portland put an emphasis on calming colors, lots of natural light, and easily navigable walking environments, both indoors and outdoors.

For added convenience and reduced hassle, larger facilities also often have on-site amenities, such as snack shops, beauty or barber shops, and postal services. These amenities bring a sense of positive, familiar errand-running for residents but without the fuss of having to leave the assisted living environment.

Prioritizing resident safety

In reviews of Portland facilities, residents’ loved ones consistently praise our memory care partners for how safe they make residents feel. Some communities are able to offer licensed nursing and oversight, while the vast majority of facilities offer 24-hour emergency availability from team members trained in dementia care.

Staff give family members proactive and consistent communication about how their loved one in memory care is faring; the attentive, respectful care that memory care staff give to seniors makes families feel secure in the knowledge that their loved one is in good hands.

Adult care homes in Portland

Adult care homes make up a substantial number of Portland’s senior living facilities with memory care. These communities are good options for seniors who prefer to live in smaller, more intimate settings that remind them of home. While they generally offer the same level of care as larger memory care communities, they tend to be cheaper.

Most care home residents share rooms with another senior. They take three meals a day in a traditional dining room and can enjoy common areas and outdoor yards similar to a private residential home. Though activity offerings aren’t as robust as those offered at larger memory care facilities, residents in these homes gain immediate access to live-in caregivers.

Unfamiliar with Portland? Highlights for seniors

398,000

Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Portland[19]

13%
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Portland population[03]
$67,000

Median annual income for Portland seniors 65 and older[19]

Health care for seniors in Portland

In Portland, seniors with memory care needs have access to a number of excellent health care options. Explore some of the best hospital systems in the Portland metro below.

A graphic of a capital letter H in a circle

Oregon Health & Science University (OSHU) Hospital

OHSU hospital is nationally recognized in several adult specialties and is ranked No. 1 in Portland. The hospital is high-performing in senior health procedures such as pulmonology, orthopedics, and heart conditions.

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Providence St. Vincent Medical Center

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center is high-performing in many cancer procedures and in neurology. The hospital is ranked No. 2 in the Portland metro area.

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Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center

Ranked No. 3 in Portland hospitals, Kaiser Permanente earned excellent ratings in gastroenterology and procedures related to diabetes.

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Transportation for seniors in Portland

In partnering Portland metro memory care facilities, our data indicates that 48% offer complimentary transportation around the city. Our data indicates that 45% of facilities also offer transportation at cost.[01] As it’s unsafe for memory care patients to travel or navigate the city alone, drivers employed by these memory care communities may be charged with keeping residents safe. Caregiver escorts are commonly sent with memory care patients when errands are necessary.

For visiting friends and family, 61% of partner memory care communities are also close to Portland’s plentiful public transit options.[01] Explore some of the best ways to navigate the city below:

  • Bus transportation. Portland has 80+ bus lines servicing the metro area via the TriMet bus system. Additionally, bus trips are a great way to get to and from Portland to cities in the surrounding Pacific Northwest area. Some bus systems in the city include stops in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.
  • Light rail system. Portland’s primary transportation hub, TriMet, offers nearly 100 stops for traveling the city via the Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) light rail. The MAX has reduced fares for seniors 65+, in addition to comprehensive accessibility measures. For more information, review their accessibility features on their website.
  • Streetcar. Portland built the first modern streetcar in the United States. Today, the Portland streetcar still offers transportation at affordable rates to the city’s most popular destinations.

Senior activities in Portland, Oregon

Seniors in our partnering Portland memory care communities have ample opportunity to enjoy fabulous senior-friendly activities and events, both on-site and off-site. Explore some typical on-site happenings at our partner memory care communities and some favored off-site trips, from museums and gardens to dining and social events.

On-site activities in memory care

Memory care facilities in Portland routinely offer a full schedule of fun and sociable activities for residents. Most days include events centered on games, exercise, music, or movies. Recent activities on Portland area memory care community calendars have included the following:

  • Thematic art classes
  • Classic film night
  • Poetry and riddle readings
  • Devotional activities
  • Word and board games

On-location activities also include thorough wellness programs and brain training exercises. Many facilities offer gentle fitness, community libraries, and cooking classes to engage the mind. Classic movies are shown in community theaters, encouraging reminiscence and simple enjoyment. Some facilities even bring in local orchestras or bands and have weekly concerts for residents to enjoy.

Off-site activities in memory care

Additionally, many facilities have dedicated transportation to shuttle seniors to off-campus events and activities. Favorite off-site activities hosted by partnering memory care communities have recently included the following:

  • Farmers markets
  • Nature day trips
  • Picnics in the park
  • Local museum visits
  • Strolling the Oregon Zoo

Museums and theaters in downtown Portland

Portland is a vibrant place with a thriving arts and culture scene, rich with downtown attractions. Nearby Pittock Mansion is a delight for history enthusiasts looking to either learn more about the area or reminisce over days past. Seniors inclined toward the dramatic arts can enjoy musical performances and classic theater performances at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall or at Roseland Theater.

Family fun for all ages

Portland has plenty to do for any age, so visiting family members will always have something to do with their loved one. For example, animal lovers are sure to enjoy the nearby Oregon Zoo. Featuring numerous exhibits animals from all over the world, the Oregon Zoo brings out the inner child in us all. Conveniently, the zoo is located in Portland’s beautiful Washington Park. This park is an attraction in itself, as it houses the Hoyt Arboretum and the Portland Japanese Garden. The park is a peaceful natural retreat for local seniors.

Additionally, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) offers a fabulous afternoon that many seniors can enjoy. The museum regularly features accessible, curiosity-inspiring events for all ages, focusing on the wonders of the natural sciences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trustwell Living at Kent Place, Canfield Place and Van Mall are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Portland, OR. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.

The average cost of Memory Care in Portland is $5,062 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.

The 123 memory care facilities near you in Portland, Oregon typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Portland, Oregon, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.

Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Portland, Oregon, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.

The cost of memory care facilities in Portland, Oregon ranges from $682 to $10900. The average Memory Care cost in Portland, Oregon is $$5,062. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more. 

The cost of memory care in Portland, Oregon typically starts at $682. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.

References

  1. A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

  2. Payscale. (2023). Cost of Living in Portland, Oregon.

  3. United States Census Bureau. (2023). Population 60 years and over in the United States: Portland city, Oregon (S0102). [Data set]. American Community Survey.

  4. Payscale. (2023). Cost of Living in Vancouver, Washington.

  5. SmartAsset. (2023). Oregon Retirement Tax Friendliness.

  6. SmartAsset. (2023). Washington Retirement Tax Friendliness.

  7. United States Census Bureau. (2023). Veteran status: Portland city, Oregon (S2101). [Data set]. American Community Survey.

  8. Oregon Health Authority. (2023). Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Benefits.

  9. Washington State Health Care Authority. (2023). What are my basic covered services?

  10. Department of Human Services Aging and People with Disabilities. (2022). Residential care and assisted living facilities.

  11. Washington State Legislature. (2022). Assisted living facility licensing rules.

  12. Department of Human Services, Aging and People with Disabilities. (2020). Endorsed Memory Care Communities.

  13. Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. (2023). Assisted living facility services packages.

  14. Oregon Department of Human Services. (2023). Medicare Savings Programs.

  15. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2023). Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications.

  16. Safety, Oversight and Quality Unit Aging and People with Disabilities. (2019). Compliance Framework Guide.

  17. Oregon Department of Human Services. (2023). COVID-19 Information for Long-Term Care Facilities.

  18. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services: Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. (2023). COVID-19 Information for Providers and Long-Term Care Professionals.

  19. United States Census Bureau. (2023). Population 65 years and over in the United States: Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Metro Area. [Data set]. American Community Survey.

  20. U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Oregon.

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The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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1.

A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

2.
3.

United States Census Bureau. (2023). Population 60 years and over in the United States: Portland city, Oregon (S0102). [Data set]. American Community Survey.

4.
5.
6.
7.

United States Census Bureau. (2023). Veteran status: Portland city, Oregon (S2101). [Data set]. American Community Survey.

8.

Oregon Health Authority. (2023). Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Benefits.

9.

Washington State Health Care Authority. (2023). What are my basic covered services?

10.

Department of Human Services Aging and People with Disabilities. (2022). Residential care and assisted living facilities.

11.

Washington State Legislature. (2022). Assisted living facility licensing rules.

12.

Department of Human Services, Aging and People with Disabilities. (2020). Endorsed Memory Care Communities.

13.

Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. (2023). Assisted living facility services packages.

14.

Oregon Department of Human Services. (2023). Medicare Savings Programs.

15.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2023). Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications.

16.

Safety, Oversight and Quality Unit Aging and People with Disabilities. (2019). Compliance Framework Guide.

17.

Oregon Department of Human Services. (2023). COVID-19 Information for Long-Term Care Facilities.

18.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services: Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. (2023). COVID-19 Information for Providers and Long-Term Care Professionals.

19.

United States Census Bureau. (2023). Population 65 years and over in the United States: Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Metro Area. [Data set]. American Community Survey.

20.

U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Oregon.