Senior Living Apartments in Vancouver, WA

Most people pay for their senior apartment using their own income or savings. Programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance don’t cover the cost of senior apartments in Vancouver. However, these funds can be used to cover the cost of in-home medical care. Various payment options are still available to those looking for a senior apartment.

Some seniors may also qualify for housing assistance programs through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or other local organizations. Additionally, veterans may be eligible for VA benefits to help cover the costs of senior apartments. Read on to learn how to pay for your senior apartment using your savings, veterans benefits, and public aid.

Senior apartments in Vancouver offer seniors the chance to live independently in a safe and comfortable environment. Senior apartments in Vancouver and Portland don’t require special licensing apart from the regulations of standard apartment complexes. These include required maintenance and repair of any risks to tenants’ physical health.

However, senior apartments do have added age requirements that typically start at 55. Some low-income senior apartments also have income requirements to offer affordable options for seniors.

Safety standards for Vancouver senior apartments

Owners of senior apartments in Vancouver and Portland must maintain safe and healthy living environments by meeting the following requirements:

• Homes should be completely waterproof and weatherproof
• Each home should have hot and cold water that’s safe to drink
• Homes should be equipped with heat sources capable of heating the whole unit
• Electrical equipment should be installed correctly in homes
• Home appliances must be in good condition and functioning properly
• Appropriate smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed and functioning effectively
• Homes must be clean and pest-free

Vancouver senior apartments follow federal accessibility laws

Senior apartments in both Vancouver and Portland are also required to be compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations and modifications for their tenants. The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing providers (or owners of senior apartments) from refusing residency to individuals based on age, race, gender, or disability. Additionally, laws require housing providers to offer all tenants with disabilities reasonable accommodations and modifications in all housing, programs, and activities.

Housing providers must also pay for property modifications unless it would pose an undue financial burden. Examples of these accommodations and modifications include:

• Assigning a parking spot for easy entry
• Moving a tenant to the ground floor for easier access
• Changing the due date of rent to reflect disability income payment dates
• Installing grab bars in a tenant’s bathroom
• Widening doorways to provide easy wheelchair access
• Lowering countertop height to accommodate a wheelchair user

These types of accommodations and modifications are federally required of senior apartments through the Fair Housing Act, Section 504, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which provide equal housing opportunities to people with disabilities.

Additional details on governing rules and regulations of senior apartments can be found on the City of Vancouver website or in the Portland Elderly and Disabled Density Housing PDF.

Inspections of senior apartment communities

Senior apartments in Washington go through regular inspections. To find inspection reports on senior apartments in Vancouver, Washington, go to the website of the Washington State Department of Commerce Housing and Community Services Division. You’ll find a searchable database of licensed facilities, including senior apartments, with recent inspection reports and other information on the facilities.

For seniors in Portland, navigate to the PortlandMaps website and enter the address of any senior apartment community in the Portland area. This will provide property and inspection information, as well as utility and public safety records.

For senior apartments subsidized and certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Washington State Department of Commerce and the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services perform frequent inspections in Vancouver and Portland, respectively. These inspections ensure that the housing is decent, safe, sanitary, and in good repair.

Additionally, you can contact the Vancouver Housing Authority or Portland Housing Bureau for more information. These organizations manage affordable housing for seniors and may have inspection reports or other information on senior apartments in the area.

Further reading:

• Review tenant and landlord resources in Washington
• Review tenant’s rights, laws, and protections in Oregon

Washington Department of Health contact information

Washington State Department of Health
111 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone Number: 800-525-0127
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Clark County Public Health
1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98661
Phone: 564-397-8000

Oregon Department of Health contact information

Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division
800 N.E. Oregon St.
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: 971-673-1222
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Multnomah County Health Department
619 N.W. Sixth Ave.
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 503-988-3674
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Vancouver senior apartment communities

Washington and Oregon encourage all individuals to follow the CDC guidelines for COVID-19. At this time, there are no specific COVID-19 regulations for senior apartment communities in Vancouver or Portland. That said, both cities recommend that new residents take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and those who also reside in the community.

For more information, check the Clark County website or Multnomah County website for current COVID-19 recommendations.

Senior apartments in Vancouver and the nearby city of Portland are designed for active adults aged 55 and above. For many, senior apartments are more than just a place to live; they offer an active and independent lifestyle with similar peers. Here, older adults can pursue their passions while enjoying the comforts of home. Senior apartments in Vancouver and Portland also have family-like atmospheres that help residents — and their furry friends — feel at home.

Amenities for hassle-free living

In both Vancouver and Portland, senior apartments boast the ease and convenience of hassle-free living. There’s no need to worry about expensive home maintenance, mowing lawns, or shoveling driveways. Seniors can also travel and explore their community without worrying about their home’s safety or unexpected expenses.

Activities and opportunities for socialization

Many senior apartments in Vancouver and Portland boast a wide range of activities that offer residents plenty of opportunities for entertainment and socialization. At some apartment complexes, these amenities include an indoor saltwater pool and spa, fitness center, dog park, game room, craft studio, card room, and much more. Residents can also enjoy spending time outdoors with a community garden and outdoor kitchen.

Some senior apartments even have access to an on-site dog park and dog wash station, which is perfect for seniors who want to have some quality time with their pets. With so many amenities, residents can enjoy their day as they please and stay active within the community.

Floor plans that feel like home

Vancouver senior apartments offer several floor plans to cater to any senior’s lifestyle. Similarly, Portland senior apartment floor plans offer all the amenities and luxuries that help turn a house into a home. All units come with high-speed internet access, Wi-Fi, and cable-ready capabilities, while many also offer satellite TV and surround sound.

Air conditioning and heating are also available in each unit, along with a trash compactor and sprinkler system. Storage units are also available, ensuring that residents can store their belongings with ease.

A luxury feel

Inside many units, seniors can find a washer and dryer, a tub/shower combo, and a cozy fireplace. The kitchens are equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a refrigerator, freezer, oven, range, microwave, dishwasher and disposal. Many units also boast hardwood floors or luxury vinyl plank flooring, as well as crown molding and double-pane windows. Walk-in closets provide ample storage space, and many units feature a balcony, patio, or deck for outdoor enjoyment.

Residents can also enjoy community amenities such as a dining room, recreation room, and workshop, making it easy to socialize and stay active. For those with mobility needs, wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. With numerous amenities and accessibility options, these apartments offer an ideal living situation for any senior looking for a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle.

Health care for seniors in Vancouver

There are numerous health care options available within Vancouver and the surrounding areas for seniors. The top-rated facilities are noted below:

Transportation for seniors in Vancouver

Vancouver has a reliable public transportation system, but residents generally get around either by car or by bike. In fact, Bike Clark County offers resources for residents looking to bike as an alternative to other transportation options.

For seniors looking to use public transportation, the best option is often the C-TRAN, which has a total of 27 routes and is accessible for people with disabilities. This service also offers on-demand ride-sharing within Vancouver. Community in Motion is another local service that provides rides for seniors 65 and over at a cost of no more than $2.50 per day or $28 per month to visit the doctor, attend social events, go shopping, and so on.

While many seniors do use public transportation, Vancouver is somewhat walkable, especially in the neighborhoods of Arnada, Hough, and Shumay. Otherwise, most residents are car-dependent. The city has an overall walk score of 41 out of 100 and an overall bike score of 59 out of 100.

Transportation for seniors in Portland

Portland is known for being one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S., with a vast network of bike lanes, bike boulevards, and dedicated bike paths. It scores an 83 out of 100, according to Walk Score. Residents or visitors interested in joining Portland’s flourishing biking scene can learn more on the Bike Portland website.

Seniors and their family members can also get around Portland using public transit. The primary public transportation system in Portland is TriMet, which operates buses, light rail, and streetcars throughout the city and surrounding areas. The MAX light rail system connects downtown Portland with the suburbs, and the Portland Streetcar serves several neighborhoods in the city.

Additionally, many neighborhoods in Portland are highly walkable, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and other amenities located within easy walking distance. However, car-sharing services such as Zipcar are also available. These services allow users to rent cars by the hour or by the day, making it easy to get around the city without owning a car. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also prominent in Portland, providing convenient options for those who prefer not to drive.

WalkScore for Vancouver, Washington

WalkScore rates cities for their walk-ability, bike-friendliness, and public transportation. Each score is out of 100. Vancouver received the following scores:

Senior activities in Vancouver

Vancouver’s natural beauty and entertainment make it a haven for active seniors. History buffs, for instance, might find the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site of interest. The same can be said for the Clark County Historical Museum, Pearson Air Museum, Officers Row, and the Cedar Creek Mill, which is actually an active plant that holds tours for visitors to see the manufacturing process of corn meal, flour, and apple cider. And, of course, no one should miss the Vancouver Land Bridge.

Outdoor attractions

For seniors who enjoy the great outdoors, there’s always Silver Star Mountain for hiking and panoramic views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Saint Helens. Or, the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge to get in a little birdwatching (or a little deer watching, depending on the time of year).

There’s also the John Stanger House, which has an array of flowers and tree gardens for everyone’s viewing pleasure. What’s more, seniors can participate in 50+ Forever Young Hikes, which offers numerous thrilling hiking experiences for any and all hiking background levels.

Entertainment and community

The area is also home to Firstenburg and Marshall/Luepke community centers, both of which offer a wide variety of activities and programs for seniors to remain active. Both centers also participate in the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, Silver&Fit®, and the Renew Active/One Pass Fitness Program. Call360-487-7038 for more information.

If seniors are more in the mood to socialize, the Luepke Center is open for drop-in use to play cards, cribbage, mahjong, and other card or board games. Check out the Firstenburg Community Center for card games and puzzles as well.

Senior activities in Portland

Residents at senior apartments in Portland — or seniors looking to travel just 10 miles away from the Vancouver city center for the day — can enjoy the wealth of experiences and entertainment available in this welcoming West Coast city. Portland is home to a rich history that is reflected in its many historical attractions.

Seniors who are interested in exploring the city’s past may want to visit the Pittock Mansion, a beautiful mansion built in 1914 that offers stunning views of the city and is filled with artifacts from Portland’s history.

The Oregon Historical Society Museum is another great destination, with exhibits that explore the state’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. The Portland Art Museum is also worth a visit, with a collection that includes works by local artists as well as pieces from around the world.

Outdoor attractions

Portland offers a wide range of outdoor attractions that are perfect for seniors who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. One of the most popular destinations is Forest Park, a sprawling park with over 80 miles of trails and accessibility accommodations. Another great outdoor destination is the International Rose Test Garden, which features over 10,000 roses and is one of the oldest rose gardens in the country.

For seniors who enjoy birdwatching, the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination, and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a breathtaking outdoor destination that offers stunning views of waterfalls, mountains, and the Columbia River.

Entertainment and community

Seniors fond of the arts and acting can enjoy performances at Portland Center Stage, which offers discounted tickets for patrons over 65. Portland also has numerous senior centers, such as the Hollywood Senior Center and the Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services, that offer a variety of programs and services.

Seniors can also connect with others through social groups and clubs, such as the Portland Women’s Club or the Rose City Senior Softball Association. Portland is also home to the NBA’s Trail Blazers franchise.