Find Independent Living Communities Near Portland, OR

Most seniors pay for independent living through a variety of public and private funding sources, the same way they might pay for monthly rent or mortgages. This section includes private pay tips and information on veterans benefits to help pay for independent living. We also include tips on navigating the Oregon and Washington Medicaid and Medicare programs to help pay for senior health care services.

Of the 27 independent living communities in the Portland metro, nine offer assisted living in addition to independent living. Seven offer assisted living and memory care in addition to independent living and 11 offer independent living only.

If an independent living community offers assisted living and/or memory care, they may be subject to regulations for assisted living facilities. Such communities are licensed and regulated by either Oregon’s Community-Based Care team or Washington’s Residential Care Services team, depending on where in the metropolitan area that community is located. Note that the extra regulations may only apply to a facility’s assisted living or memory care wings. If a community offers independent living only, they may only have the local standard apartment regulations.

Regulations in multicare facilities

If an independent living community offers assisted living and memory care services, Community-Based Care and/or Residential Care Services regulate the care that independent living facilities are providing in assisted living or memory care wings. This is to ensure that independent living residents are legally protected from potential mistreatment or neglect.

These rules state that higher-care wings are required to comply with regulations, including but not limited to the following:

• Facility management and caretakers may not neglect, financially exploit, or abuse residents verbally, mentally, sexually, or physically.
• Facility management must provide homelike, safe living environment.
• Facilities must have 24-hour awake staff if residents with dementia are present.
• Care providers must observe residents for and report changes in overall functioning if the facility is providing care services.

Additionally, residents in independent living have the following rights, according to these same regulations:

• Residents in independent living should be informed of available care options by their assigned caretakers, and residents should be given the opportunity to select or refuse service, accepting responsibility for the consequences.
• Residents have freedom from retaliation after exercising their lawful rights.

Regulations in stand-alone independent living facilities

In independent living communities without assisted living, more general regulations might apply, like the following:

Residential and disability rights in Portland

Under Oregon and Washington law, tenants’ rights protect them against potentially unsafe or unfair conditions. This means that units should meet the following standards, to name a few:

• Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, creed, race, disability status, or immigration status.
• Buildings must be kept up to code by the landlord, with needed repairs made in a timely manner.
• Landlords must act in accordance with rent raise limitations. For example, they may not be able to raise the rent within the first year or over 10% of your income.
• Landlords must abide by ADA requirements as needed.

These rights are enforced in Portland by Building and Development Services (BDS); concerns of violations or complaints can be directed to their email address or helpline.

For seniors with disabilities, ADA requirements might include the following:

• Landlords must consider disability income payment dates when crafting a payment schedule.
• Landlords must assign an easy-entry parking spot to the dwelling.
• Landlords must allow reasonable modifications to a residential dwelling, which might include specialized smoke detectors, widened doorways, or wheelchair ramps, to name a few.
• Landlords must allow a service animal to live in the residence, even if there’s a no-pet policy in place.

These rights are protected by the Fair Housing Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504.

BDS Property Compliance
Phone: 503-823-2633
Email: codec@portlandoregon.gov

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

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

COVID-19 regulations for Portland independent living communities

In Oregon, long-term care facilities, such as independent living communities, are now required to develop COVID-19 vaccine maintenance programs following completion of statewide vaccine clinics. Additionally, indoor visitation is allowed with some limitations, so long as visitors adhere to the COVID-19 prevention protocols below. Be sure to contact your prospective facility to determine if visitation is allowed.

In Washington, residents or visitors may be required to report suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. You can find the list of notifiable conditions at the Washington Department of Health website.

The Portland metropolitan area is buzzing with life, charm, and endless things to do in the city’s lovely, rainforest locale. A common theme throughout our partner network of independent living facilities is the effort to create a tranquil, homelike place to land amid everything there is to do and enjoy in the city.

While some independent living facilities aim for a bright and airy indoor environment, others lean more toward coziness and warmth. Common spaces feature elements of the surrounding area, such as rustic wood detailing and botanic greenery. From outdoor gardens and walking paths to indoor residences and common areas, there’s an eye for the small details that make a house feel like a home.

Interest-centered, active lifestyles

Independent living facilities in the area may create robust activity schedules, with plenty of things for residents to do. Throughout our partner communities in the Portland metro, there’s an undeniable sense of personalization in these efforts. Residents are offered innovative, interest-centered programming and wellness programs. Programs are designed to help seniors explore new or long-enjoyed hobbies, skills, and entertainment.

Of our partner Portland-metro independent living facilities, these were the most common offerings:

• 77% of communities host gardening clubs, and 70% have raised garden beds for residents to cultivate their own gardens.
• 92% offer devotional activities on-site for those wanting to practice their faith.
• 85% of facilities offer educational speakers and life-long learning opportunities for those wanting to exercise their minds.
• 92% of independent living communities offer art classes and creative enrichment opportunities, while 66% feature a dedicated arts and crafts center.
• 85% of communities host regular live music, dance, or theater performances.
• 74% of partner communities offer happy hours, and 63% feature wine tastings for the sommelier at heart.

Practical and convenient lodgings

Residents in Portland independent living communities love the standard amenities that come in their personal lodgings. Many love the full kitchens present in 70% of independent living communities. Among our partnering facilities, 85% also feature air conditioning in addition to heating elements, readying any abode for cold snaps or heat waves.

For those needing additional accessibility measures, most facilities have accessible showers and ground floor units for easy navigation. Of course, independent living communities are required to make needed modifications according to ADA guidelines. However, in 85% of Portland communities, they’ve anticipated the need and delivered accessible accommodations in advance.

Thoughtful care

The independent living lifestyle in Portland offers a higher quality of life with lower maintenance and hassle. As such, you’ll find thoughtful details in everything from the care offered to the meal planning and the services available to residents.

For on-site care, most facilities employ 24-hour staff that are available in case of emergencies. Everything from massage therapy to on-site nursing is offered in some facilities, though these care types vary greatly, and it’s always a good idea to check with prospective communities to see if they offer the specific services you’re seeking.

Facility menus prioritize healthy, seasonal favorites for residents, based on local availability and time-tested resident favorites. Of the food options available, these options were most common:

• Around 78% of independent living facilities have a professional chef.
• About 63% of communities offer vegetarian fare, while 44% offer vegan options.
• Approximately 48% of Portland facilities provide gluten-free options.

For those who prefer to stay in or cook from the comfort of their own apartments, 78% offer room service and 63% of facilities provide grocery shopping and errands services.

Health care for seniors in Portland

In Portland, seniors benefit from a wealth of excellent health care options. You’ll find some of the top rated hospital systems in the Portland metro area below.

Transportation for seniors in Portland

In Portland, 92% of independent living facilities offer complimentary transportation options, while 48% offer transportation at cost. Meanwhile, 81% of independent living communities are strategically located near Portland’s plentiful public transportation options, which include the following:

• Light rail system. This Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) light rail can be accessed through TriMet, the city’s primary hub for public transportation. The MAX offers 60 miles of track and nearly 100 stops to serve Portland residents navigating the city. The MAX also offers reduced fares for seniors 65+ along with robust accessibility measures. You can review their accessibility features on their website.
• TriMet bus transportation. An excellent way to get from Portland to cities in the surrounding Pacific Northwest area, Portland’s bus system stops in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. Portland has 80+ bus lines servicing the metro area via the TriMet bus system.
• Streetcar. The United States’ first modern streetcar, the Portland streetcar, still offers affordable transportation throughout the city to the most popular stops in town.
• Bicycles. Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities on the planet. As such, the city offers residents extensive bike rental options and bike lanes. Adaptive Biketown also offers options to increase cycling access for people with disabilities.

Portland has an excellent reputation for thoughtful, effective transportation solutions along with a walk-friendly and bike-friendly infrastructure. The scores below are ranked from zero to 100, portraying Portland as one of the West Coast’s most accessible cities.