Portland, Oregon, is appealing to coffee addicts, art lovers, and nature enthusiasts. The city is ideal for seniors because it offers an easygoing climate and quality health care. It also offers numerous senior care options, including nursing homes. “Nursing home” is often used as an umbrella term for a variety of senior care facilities. However, a nursing home or skilled nursing facility is where seniors with serious medical conditions receive 24-hour medical care and supervision, hospice care, and rehabilitative services.
While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with stand-alone skilled nursing facilities, we do partner with an array of assisted living, memory care, and residential care facilities in Portland. These senior care facilities offer some on-site nursing services, and are more suitable for seniors who don’t require 24-hour medical care. Our partnering assisted living and memory care facilities offer personal care and supportive services, as well as daily meals, activities, and social programs to help seniors lead fulfilling lives.
This guide provides access to valuable information about senior care facilities in Portland, including exclusive proprietary data on their features, facility regulations, and financial resources to help seniors pay for care. You can also discover senior-friendly activities and transportation options available in the city. We also include some financial resources and facility regulations for Washington residents, because Portland borders the Washington state line.
10 Best Nursing Homes in Portland, OR
Portland, Oregon, is appealing to coffee addicts, art lovers, and nature enthusiasts. The city is ideal for seniors because it offers an easygoing climate and quality health care. It also offers numerous senior care options, including nursing homes. “Nursing home” is often used as an umbrella term for a variety of senior care facilities. However, a nursing home or skilled nursing facility is where seniors with serious medical conditions receive 24-hour medical care and supervision, hospice care, and rehabilitative services.Read more
While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with stand-alone skilled nursing facilities, we do partner with an array of assisted living, memory care, and residential care facilities in Portland. These senior care facilities offer some on-site nursing services, and are more suitable for seniors who don’t require 24-hour medical care. Our partnering assisted living and memory care facilities offer personal care and supportive services, as well as daily meals, activities, and social programs to help seniors lead fulfilling lives.
This guide provides access to valuable information about senior care facilities in Portland, including exclusive proprietary data on their features, facility regulations, and financial resources to help seniors pay for care. You can also discover senior-friendly activities and transportation options available in the city. We also include some financial resources and facility regulations for Washington residents, because Portland borders the Washington state line.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Portland, OR
Overall, it's been a decent transition for my loved one. There was literally no one to welcome her or show her around or introduce her to other residents she might bond with. Sales people have not been in...
Overall experience is definitely a 5 . All of the rest are also a 5. This facility is run with teamwork and good support with laundry and housekeeping too.
We have been happy with Washington Gardens and would recommend it to other families. I like that it's a single level and more like a Community. They also have single rooms with a private bathroom.
The reason I gave Experience & Staff 4's Is because as with all other care facilities this one seems short staffed. I understand many work places are short staffed right now.
I'd say it was clean and set up well for its purpose. We chose this community because it's close to us, the prices are decent, they had an immediate opening and they run a memory care facility right next...
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...
Staffing issues have caused dining room to be closed on many weekends so residents have to have meals delivered to their apartments. This needs to be resolved. Friendly staff and residents, beautiful...
I would say as long as your family doesn't need memory care it would be ok. They need better training for handling memory care residents.
I'm very impressed with the facility staff and services.Had to place my mother who was diagnosed with dementia a month ago.was introduced to man named [name removed] with there resource department...He has...
I gave the cleanliness a 4 only because it is an older building and could stand an update to the walls (paint), floor and carpet as well. And food, sometimes limited options are not to my liking. Not that...
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So far all has been positive with Senior Haven. The only negative we have had, is sometimes it is hard getting someone to answer the phone during the regular hours
MorningStar is a beautiful facility with a capable and responsive staff. The memory care (called the "Reflections Community") rooms are extremely nice compared to those I saw in other facilities. Everything...
The staff is amazing. Very engaging and personal. Yes I would highly recommend to others. There are both internal and external decks on multiple levels. A very good restaurant. A café on a different floor...
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. ...
The Springs is a very nice place for your loved one.
The facility staff is wonderful, but they rely too much on "per diem" agency care-givers to cover various in the schedule. They need to hire & keep more staff care-givers, enough to cover for vacations &...
We were in a bind and needed to quickly move my loved one we picked this community. Everything has been great for her and she really likes all that is here. The meals, activities, and the garden, just to...
Our loved one seems quite content, as much as she can be. She says the staff are very kind and good to her. It's a beautiful place. In that respect I'm happy. Our biggest complaint is that we don't get...
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...
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...
My mother lived at CherryWood Village for three years - first in Independent Living and then in the Royal Anne wing (Assisted Living). We chose CherryWood because my mom used to do visitation there, so she...
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!
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....
We were referred to Revere Court Memory Care facility for our Mother with Alzheimer's Disease. She was previously in Adult Foster Care but her care level needs increased and we had to find a new home that...
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.
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Portland
- Costs of nursing homes in Portland, Oregon
- How people pay for a nursing home in Portland
- Understand Oregon laws and regulations for nursing homes
- Get to know senior living in Portland
- What to expect from nursing homes in Portland
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Portland? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about nursing homes in Portland
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Portland
The Forum at Town Center in Happy Valley, OR
Russellville Park in Portland, OR
SpringRidge at Charbonneau in Wilsonville, OR
Costs of nursing homes in Portland, Oregon
The median cost of a private room in a Portland nursing home is about $11,777 per month.[01] Skilled nursing facilities are significantly pricier due to the high level of medical care and supervision provided within the facilities. The cost of a room in a nursing home in Portland typically includes the following services:
- Housekeeping and utilities
- Three meals and snacks daily
- All medical and rehabilitative care services
- 24-hour supervision
- Some social activities and entertainment
If your senior loved one doesn’t require 24-hour nursing services, they may benefit from more affordable senior options, such as assisted living or memory care. Here are the average monthly costs, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data on what actual families paid in Portland:[02]
- About $5,319 on average for assisted living
- About $5,770 on average for memory care
Aside from a room, these monthly costs typically include the following services and amenities, which are provided at our partnering Portland assisted living and memory care communities:
- Standard maintenance and utilities
- Housekeeping
- Three meals and snacks daily
- Personal care, such as grooming, bathing, or mobility assistance
- On-site activities and amenities
In some communities, seniors can pay extra to have their pet live with them, use transportation services, or use on-site amenities, including a salon or spa.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Portland, OR vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Portland, OR vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Portland vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Portland, OR by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Portland over time
How people pay for a nursing home in Portland
Seniors and their families can pay for Portland skilled nursing and senior care facilities in numerous ways. Most families use a combination of private and public funds to cover long-term care expenses. The financial options available to seniors and their families ultimately depend on their personal history and current financial situation. Some commonly used public programs include VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.
In this section, you’ll learn about various private pay options, the public programs stated above, and how you can use them to cover nursing home and senior care costs in Portland, Oregon. We even include resources and information for Washington because Portland borders the Washington state line.
Private funds are usually acquired over a lifetime and may include savings accounts, retirement pensions, investment returns, and more. Long-term care insurance is another popular payment option, but policies can vary significantly. We recommend contacting your policy provider to understand the specific costs they can cover.
Seniors and their families can also pursue some of the following payment methods:
Number of veterans who live in Portland as of 2022
About 52% of Portland veterans are age 65 or older.
How to use veterans benefits to pay for a nursing home or senior care communities
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) processes and grants veterans benefits and pensions to seniors who served the country. These benefits are also available to veterans’ surviving spouses. Aid and Attendance is especially useful for disabled senior veterans, because it’s the most generous benefit and can be added to any existing VA Pension. This additional income can pay for anything that improves a person’s quality of life — including a nursing home or senior care facility.
How to qualify for veterans benefits
Veterans benefits have specific eligibility requirements that can be difficult to navigate on your own. For instance, there’s a list of service-connected ailments that are presumed to be due to military service that qualify veterans for benefits. However, it’s not necessary for veterans to provide proof that their service caused the condition. These specific requirements can be tricky, which is why we recommend that families contact a local veterans service organization (VSO) before applying for benefits.
VSOs are nonprofit organizations — often vetted by the VA — to help senior veterans and their surviving spouses obtain benefits. VSOs can help you or a loved one successfully file benefit claims or appeal a denied claim.
Veterans benefits counseling in Portland, Oregon
There are multiple locations in Portland where veterans can receive benefits counseling. You can call the Multnomah County Veterans Services Office or use the county’s online veteran services office locator to find a VSO near you.
Below, we’ve listed the Oregon and Multnomah County veterans services websites and contact information, allowing you to get in touch with a nearby office or benefits counselor. We’ve also included some popular VSOs in the area, along with online guides to help you navigate benefits.
Resources for Portland veterans
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
VA Regional Office
100 SW Main St., Fl 2 Rm 258E
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 503-412-4750
National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. (NABVETS)
Portland Oregon Chapter #0032
100 SW Main St., Fl 2
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 503-412-4159
Email: admin@nabvetsportland.org
Walk-in hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Medicaid is a state and federally funded health insurance program for seniors and individuals with low income. Oregon’s Medicaid program doesn’t cover room and board at our partner senior care facilities, but it may cover a limited number of days at a Medicaid-contracted nursing facility. Medicaid can also cover in-home health care services, such as caregiver assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), at your residence of choice through Medicaid-contracted agencies.
Seniors in Oregon receive Medicaid benefits through the Oregon Health Plan. In Washington, Medicaid benefits are received through the state’s Apple Health program.
Oregon Health Plan (OHP)
Through the Oregon Health Plan, you or your loved one may be eligible for the following services:[04]
- Home health care administered by a registered nurse or health aide
- Physical, occupational, or speech-language therapies
- Caregiver respite care
- Necessary medical equipment, such as oxygen equipment, wheelchairs, or walkers
Seniors may also qualify for a number of government programs and waivers to offset health care costs. Oregon residents over the age of 65 — or individuals with a disability — may have access to home and community based services (HCBS) waivers through the Oregon Department of Human Services, which means they can remain in their residence of choice while receiving care. Be sure to contact the department by email for more information.
Navigating Medicaid and waiver eligibility may be confusing or overwhelming for some seniors and their families. To help navigate health care services, Oregon has Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs). These organizations work with OHP as an all-in-one resource for your health care questions and appointments, and they offer general guidance in Oregon. Additionally, an OHP ombudsman can help you secure Medicaid benefits and advocate for you.
Oregon also offers the following services to guide you through the process:
- Community Services and Supports Unit (CSSU) is Oregon’s Area Agency on Aging. CSSU connects you or your loved one to the most applicable services — like educational resources and aging-friendly programs — by location.
- Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) offers OHP navigation and disability resources, among other free services for seniors.
Apple Health
Seniors in Washington may be eligible for the following health care services through Apple Health:[05]
- In-home health care
- Financial assistance with Medicare premiums, medical expenses, and health care costs
- Prescription medications
- Lab services
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
Additionally, senior care facilities providing Medicaid care in Washington may offer one or more of the following service packages:[06]
- Adult Residential Care (ARC). This package is for those who can take their own medication and care for themselves but who may need help sometimes. Some examples include medication reminders or assistance with activities of daily living.
- Enhanced Adult Residential Care (EARC). This package encompasses everything in the ARC package, along with assistance for individuals who can’t self-administer medication. It also includes provisions for occasional nursing care, if needed.
- Enhanced Adult Residential Care – Specialized Dementia Care Services. This package includes everything in the EARC package, along with memory-care-specific services for individuals with dementia.
- Assisted Living. This package includes a private apartment, along with some occasional nursing care, medication administration, and personal care.
As a Washington resident, you may be eligible for additional programs and waivers. For instance, if a senior prefers to stay in their home or senior care community over an institutional setting, they may be eligible for home and community service (HCS) waivers through Washington’s Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA). The Community Protection Waiver covers many services including the following:
- 24-hour care and skilled nursing
- Specialized health equipment or supplies
- Assistive technology
- Rehabilitative therapies
For more information, check out the home and community services page on the ALTSA website. Additionally, if you have more questions about Apple Health and other health care waivers, you can reference the following resources for answers:
- Connect with the Washington Health Care Authority.
- Check out Helping Elders, the Clark County Area Agency on Aging website.
- See the resources listed below for more information and contacts.
Portland resident Medicaid resources
500 Summer St. NE, E20
Salem, OR 97301
Phone message line: 877-642-0450
Email: oha.ombudsoffice@odhsoha.oregon.gov
Oregon Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
Multnomah County, Disability and Veterans Services (MCADVS)
209 SW 4th St.
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 503-988-3646
Email: adrc@multco.us
Clark County Area Agency on Aging for Washington residents
201 NE 73rd St., Suite 201
Vancouver, WA, 98665
Phone: 360-735-5720
Home and community-based services in Oregon
Email: HCBS.Oregon@odhsoha.oregon.gov
Medicare is a federal health insurance that provides coverage to seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities. It doesn’t cover rent for a senior care facility in Portland, but it can cover medically necessary care costs for seniors. It also helps pay for some skilled nursing or home health rehabilitation services after a hospital stay.[07]
Here’s a breakdown of Medicare parts and what each covers:
- Medicare Parts A and B or Original Medicare. Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and lab tests. Part B covers doctors’ visits and home health care.
- Medicare Advantage or Part C. Part C plans are provided through private insurance companies. Fewer providers may accept Part C, but the benefits are substantial. In addition to everything Part A and B cover, these plans also typically cover prescription drugs.
- Medicare Part D. Part D offers prescription drug coverage, and it’s often added to Parts A and B.
- Medigap. Medigap is a supplemental insurance plan offering extra coverage after Medicare A and B. Medigap plans help with copays and overseas medical coverage.
Save on Medicare
To further save on Medicare, low-income seniors can apply for one of Oregon’s Medicare Savings Programs. These programs can help cover Medicare premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Both Oregon and Washington also offer Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) services. A Medicare program with a Medicaid service option, PACE bridges some of the gaps in Medicare Parts A-D. You can explore details on the state websites in the resources below. PACE coverage might include the following:
- Primary care
- Prescription drugs
- Transportation to appointments
- Rehabilitative therapies
To see which Medicare Savings Programs and PACE services you qualify for, you can reach out to a Senior Health Insurance Benefits counselor. SHIBA counselors can help identify the right program for you and help you apply for Medicare and a savings program.
In the resources section below, you’ll find Medicare applications for Oregon and Washington residents. For additional assistance with your eligible benefits and enrollment, you can contact your local long-term care (LTC) ombudsman. Their role is to advocate for the health care rights of assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facility residents. They also help families learn about local senior care options and payment methods.
Portland resident Medicare resources
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.
Understand Oregon laws and regulations for nursing homes
In Oregon, all long-term care facilities — including skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, and adult foster homes — must be licensed and regulated by the Office of Safety, Oversight, and Quality (SOQ) at the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
The state of Oregon breaks down long-term care communities into four categories:[08]
- Nursing facilities. These facilities offer the highest level of skilled nursing care. They provide short-term, rehabilitative care after a hospital stay along with long-term care for individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities. These facilities must have a licensed nurse and caregivers who are licensed as certified nursing assistants on-site at all times.
- Residential care and assisted living facilities. These communities provide personalized care services to seniors and individuals with disabilities within a homelike setting. The difference between residential care and assisted living facilities is that residential care facilities are allowed to have shared rooms, while assisted living facilities must provide individual apartments with private bathrooms and kitchenettes.
- Adult foster homes (AFH). These homes are single-family residences offering 24-hour care in a homelike setting to five or fewer individuals.
- Endorsed memory care communities (MCC). These communities can be stand-alone buildings or units within another facility. They provide specialized care services to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia in a secure environment. Communities must hold a nursing facility, residential care, or assisted living license as their primary license before adding on a memory care endorsement.
General senior care regulations in Oregon and Washington
At minimum, assisted living and memory care facilities in both states must provide services such as the following:[09,10]
- Three nutritious meals per day, and snacks, seven days a week
- Daily social and recreational activity programs
- Laundry services
- Helping residents with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, etc.)
- 24-hour on-site staff to review the care needs of residents
- Medication administration
- Transportation for medical or social reasons
- Supportive medical care, such as visiting medical specialists
Additionally, assisted living facilities in both states must adhere to outdoor and indoor regulations, such as the following:[09,10]
- The facility must take measures to prevent pests, and the grounds must be free of litter.
- The facility must provide an accessible outdoor recreation area for all residents to enjoy.
- Indoor thresholds must be maintained with easy wheelchair use in mind.
- Indoor facilities must be free of unpleasant odors and must be kept clean.
Nursing home and senior care facility inspections in Oregon
In Portland, skilled nursing and senior care facilities must meet the regulations listed above and undergo inspections in the following time increments to remain licensed:
- Nursing facilities undergo inspections once a year.
- Assisted living and residential care facilities undergo inspections every two years.
- Adult foster homes, otherwise known as care homes, undergo inspections once a year.
- Endorsed memory care communities undergo inspections based on their primary license type.
You can look up Portland-area assisted living facility reports using the following sites:
- Oregon long-term care facility search tool
- Washington assisted living facility search tool
- Look up nursing homes by city, state, or ZIP
Oregon and Washington health departments’ contact information
500 Summer St., NE, E-20
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-947-2340
Email: OHA.DirectorsOffice@oha.oregon.gov
Hours: Everyday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Washington State Department of Health
Phone: 800-525-0127
COVID-19 regulations for nursing homes in Portland, Oregon
Portland is in Multnomah County, which requires all long-term care facilities — including nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care — to implement infection control policies for COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens.[11] For general updates regarding COVID-19 protocols, testing, and vaccines in Portland, you can visit the COVID-19 informational page on the county website.
You can also take a look at some measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Portland long-term care facilities below.
Vaccinations. The COVID-19 vaccine isn’t required for residents or staff members, but it’s highly recommended to prevent infection and serious illness.
Masking. Visitors, residents, and staff are not required to wear masks at all times. However, it’s required for anyone who has COVID-19 or individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19.
Facility cleanliness. Facilities are required to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in common areas at least twice a day.
Social distancing. Visitors, residents, and staff don’t have to social distance unless they’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Get to know senior living in Portland
What to expect from nursing homes in Portland
Portland is known for offering seniors the best of both worlds: gorgeous mountainscapes and stunning waterfront areas. It’s also known for its variety of senior care options, including skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, and residential care facilities.
Learn about nursing homes in Portland and see how they compare to senior care facilities within the city.
Skilled nursing for seniors with serious medical conditions
Portland residents can find skilled nursing services within traditional nursing homes or in a skilled nursing unit in a senior care facility. Stand-alone skilled nursing facilities are the best option for seniors who require 24-hour medical supervision and care for seniors with chronic and serious medical conditions. Oregon doesn’t have many nursing home facilities, but the quality of care provided in nursing homes is among the best in the United States. Nursing homes in Oregon also offer a few social activities in common spaces.
Skilled nursing units within a senior care facility may be a better option for seniors who need a place to recover after a hospital stay. Seniors usually stay in these units for a short period of time — a couple of weeks at most. These units provide more comfort to seniors who already reside in senior care facilities, as they can easily transition without traveling and receive care from trusted caregiving individuals. Although most of our partner network of senior care facilities in Portland don’t have a skilled nursing unit on-site, a select few do.
Assisted living and memory care for seniors without 24-hour medical needs
For seniors who need daily assistance with activities of daily living, but don’t require round-the-clock medical care, assisted living or memory care may be a better option. Some of our partnering senior care facilities in Portland offer a variety of care and nursing services including:
- Medication reminders
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Disease management for common conditions (diabetes, arthritis, etc.)
- Urinary or bowel incontinence management
- Vitals monitoring (body temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, etc.)
Our partnering senior care facilities also offer an impressive, rotating calendar of events and activities along with some enticing amenities:
- Fitness classes and centers
- Art classes and crafts centers
- TV lounges and movie theaters
- Game rooms and game nights
- Holiday and birthday celebrations
Our memory care partners in Portland offer all of the above and more. These memory care communities offer specialized activities and common spaces to accommodate individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Activities enable residents to reminisce and create new, meaningful memories.
Residential care homes for seniors who seek familiarity and comfort
In Oregon, most of our partnering senior care communities are residential care homes. These homes are referred to as “adult foster homes” in Oregon. They offer most of the care services found in senior care facilities to a maximum of five seniors at a time within a homelike environment. Care homes are often located in residential neighborhoods and are more comfortable for seniors who are reluctant to live in larger community settings.
Care homes mimic a family home and don’t offer many of the luxuries found in typical assisted living and memory care facilities. However, they still offer some group activities and shared spaces or activities, like trivia nights, holiday celebrations, fitness classes, living spaces, and outdoor yard areas. These homes are also built with safety and accessibility features like grab bars in showers, widened doorways, and emergency help buttons.
Explore senior care with confidence
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Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Portland? Highlights for seniors
Health care for seniors in Portland
In Portland, seniors have access to a range of quality health care options. Explore some of the top-rated hospital systems in the Portland metro area below.
Oregon Health & Science University (OSHU) Hospital
OHSU hospital ranks No. 1 in Portland and Oregon, and is nationally recognized in six specialties. The hospital is high performing in senior health procedures such as heart conditions, pulmonology, and orthopedics.
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center ranks No. 2 in Portland and Oregon. It’s rated highly in geriatrics, orthopedics, cancer procedures, heart conditions, and pulmonology.
Providence Portland Medical Center
Providence Portland Medical Center ranks No. 3 in Portland and Oregon. It’s rated highly for cancer procedures, gastroenterology, and diabetes care.
Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center
Kaiser Permanente ranks No. 4 in Portland and No. 6 in Oregon. It’s rated highly for procedures like stroke care, diabetes care, and heart conditions.
Transportation for seniors in Portland
It’s not recommended for seniors in skilled nursing facilities to use public transportation or leave without a caregiver, so most nursing homes don’t provide transportation services. However, seniors can leave under supervision when their medical care team allows.
Seniors in assisted living and memory care can get around safely using on-site transportation services. Nearly 65% of our partnering Portland senior care communities offer complimentary transportation services to residents around the city.[02] Some communities limit rides to medical appointments, while others allow personal rides. Some assisted living communities also offer resident parking for licensed residents who own a car and drive.
Seniors without access to transportation services in their senior care community can use Ride Connection. This transportation service offers bus routes and door-to-door rides to older adults and individuals with disabilities in the Portland metro area and Washington County.
Public transportation for visiting loved ones
For visiting friends and family, most of our partner communities are also close to stops across Portland’s fantastic public transit system. Explore some of the main ways to get around town below:
- Light rail system. The Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) light rail is offered through TriMet, the city’s primary public transportation hub. The MAX has nearly 100 stops to help Portland residents navigate the city. They offer reduced fares for seniors 65+, as well as comprehensive accessibility measures. Review their accessibility features on their website for more information.
- Bus transportation. Bus trips are a great way to get from Portland to cities in the surrounding Pacific Northwest area. Some bus systems in Portland include stops in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. Portland offers 80+ bus lines servicing the metro area via the TriMet bus system.
- Streetcar. Portland famously built the first modern streetcar in the United States. Today, the Portland streetcar still offers affordable transportation to the city’s most popular destinations throughout the famous Pearl District.
Senior activities in Portland
With a local mantra like “Keep Portland Weird,” the city is bound to have a world of activities and sights for seniors to enjoy. The city offers incredible mountain views and water activities. There’s also a handful of senior-friendly excursions and attractions that provide senior discounts and disability accommodations.
Check out some of Portland’s senior-favored activities below.
Immerse yourself in the culture
- Pittock Mansion. This fun, historic house museum teaches visitors about how Portland transformed from a small, pioneer town into a modern, industrialized city. Most areas are accessible by wheelchair, but disabled seniors may have to switch to a smaller wheelchair available at the museum on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Portland Art Museum. This vibrant art museum displays an array of artwork from a variety of time periods. View historic, timeless pieces or walk through futuristic, cutting-edge exhibits. The museum is easily accessible for seniors with disabilities and offers equipment like rentable wheelchairs and walkers, as well as assistive technology, including magnifiers, flashlights, audio guides, and much more.
- Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. This traditional concert hall hosts a variety of musical events — from classical and jazz to pop and rock. Seniors can also attend lecture series, symphonies, and theatrical performances. The hall prides itself on its disability accommodations with options for individuals with mobility, hard of hearing, visual impairments, sensory needs, and more.
Explore the outdoors
- Gardens in Portland. Portland is sometimes referred to as the “city of gardens” due to the plethora of stunning, unique gardens. Seniors can enjoy afternoons browsing all types of gardens, including tranquil gardens from around the world, like the Lan Su Chinese Garden or Portland Japanese Garden. And guests particularly interested in horticulture can explore the expansive Portland Botanical Garden.
- Portland parks. Portland has more than 300 beautiful parks scattered throughout the city, and seniors can use this online search tool to find one near them. Many parks have gorgeous trails, bodies of water, fountains, picnic spots, and more for visitors to enjoy.
- Beaches in and near Portland. The city itself has some beaches — in fact, Poet’s Beach is within walking distance of downtown and is a popular place for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Many Portland residents also drive out to the coastal Cannon Beach, which is only an hour and a half away. It’s the perfect getaway for visiting families and active seniors.
Shop and dine
- Portland shops. Because Portland has no sales tax, it’s every shopaholic’s dream. All over the city, seniors can browse vintage clothing shops, thrift stores, malls, luxury stores, and the basics.
- Portland restaurants. Portland is known for its mouthwatering food and coffee. Whether you’re looking to meet friends for brunch, enjoy a five-course meal at an award-winning restaurant, or try authentic cuisines from around the world, Portland offers it all.
- Pioneer Courthouse Square. Known as “Portland’s Living Room,” this urban park hosts over 300 events a year, including concerts and holiday festivities. Seniors can shop the bazaar, eat at pop-up food stalls, or participate in seasonal competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Portland, OR. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Portland is per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Genworth. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Portland city, Oregon.
Oregon Health Authority. (2023). Oregon Health Plan (OHP) benefits.
Washington State Health Care Authority. (2023). What are my basic covered services?
Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. (2023). Assisted living facility services packages.
Oregon Department of Human Services. (2023). Long-term care options.
Safety, Oversight and Quality Unit Aging and People with Disabilities. (2019). Compliance framework guide.
Department of Human Services Aging and People with Disabilities. (2022). Residential care and assisted living facilities.
Washington State Legislature. (2022). Assisted living facility licensing rules.
Multnomah County. (2023, June 5). Long-term care facilities COVID-19 guidance.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Portland, OR.
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