Find the Right Senior Care Type in Washington — Care Finder

1 of 4 What's the main reason you're looking for care? Help with everyday activities Meals, bathing, dressing, medication reminders Ongoing skilled medical or nursing care Recovery after a hospital stay, wound care, IV therapy, etc.

2 of 4 Is memory loss or dementia a primary concern? Yes No, or not sure

3 of 4 Which setting sounds like a better fit? A small, home-like house with a few residents Quiet, intimate, fewer than 6 people A larger community with more amenities and activities Social programs, dining room, common spaces

4 of 4 Will they likely rely on Medicaid (Apple Health) to help pay? Yes, likely Medicaid No — paying privately Not sure yet

The Three Types of Senior Care in Washington State

🏠 Adult Family Home

A licensed private residence that provides personal care, meals, and supervision for up to six adults. Adult family homes offer an intimate, home-like setting and are often run by caregivers who live on-site. They are the most common form of residential care in Washington State and frequently accept Medicaid.

🏢 Assisted Living

A licensed community — typically 10 to 200+ residents — offering private apartments, shared dining, and help with daily activities. Assisted living balances independence with support, and many communities offer memory care wings or Medicaid-funded programs (COPES or PACE).

🏥 Nursing Home

Also called a skilled nursing facility (SNF), a nursing home provides 24-hour medical care supervised by licensed nurses — including wound care, IV therapy, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Most accept Medicare for short-term recovery stays and Medicaid for long-term care.

Compare all three care types in detail — side-by-side table and guiding questions →