Oregon has been gaining popularity amongst older adults who are looking for a place to enjoy their retirement. The state exempts Social Security Income from state income tax and does not impose any form of sales tax. Additionally, it is known for its geographical beauty, low crime rates, and temperate climate. Oregon stands out for its sustainable living with Portland being ranked as one of the greenest cities in the world.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Oregon
When researching assisted living facilities for yourself or a loved one, you must consider the financial assistance accepted at the facility in addition to the amenities offered and the quality of care. The directory below lists information on 358 assisted living facilities in the state of Oregon.
Find Assisted Living in Your Area
Showing of Communities
Get personalized guidance for free.
Call Now
How to Pay for Assisted Living in Oregon
Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Oregon and 33 additional cities within Oregon.
How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Oregon
From 2022 to 2023, inflation saw the cost of assisted living in Oregon rise from $4,681 to $5,580. This 19% increase is significant compared to the U.S. average, which rose 10%. Neighboring states experienced hikes in assisted living prices ranging from 4% in Nevada to 14% in Washington. However, costs in California and Idaho are lower than those in Oregon at $4,946 and $4,388, respectively.
Current trends show that prices will continue to rise in 2024, with the Oregon average reaching $5,942 and the U.S. average reaching $4,802. This is why financial planning is crucial for those entering long-term care.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
| Oregon | $4,681 | $5,580 | $5,942 |
| U.S. Average | $4,070 | $4,459 | $4,802 |
| Washington | $4,156 | $4,743 | $5,051 |
| California | $4,625 | $4,946 | $5,221 |
| Idaho | $3,864 | $4,388 | $5,122 |
| Nevada | $3,586 | $3,716 | $3,957 |
Assisted Living Costs in Oregon's Top Cities
The location of the assisted living community can significantly impact the cost of care. Many cities in Oregon have costs that are lower than the state average. In Newport, seniors pay just $2,814 monthly for assisted living care. Prices are also lower than average in Salem and Eugene, with costs of $4,883 and $4,998, respectively. Portland’s costs are higher than the Oregon average, sitting at $5,806 monthly.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living
Older adults in Oregon may wish to explore other senior living programs to find the option that best suits their budget and care needs. Costs vary depending on the amenities offered and the care provided. Memory care includes specialized dementia services and carries a higher cost of $7,501. More affordable than memory care, assisted living provides personal care and costs $5,580. Independent living is less expensive at $2,731 monthly as it doesn’t include senior care.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Oregon
Oregon Health Plan
The Medicaid program in Oregon is called the Oregon Health Plan and is administered by the Oregon Health Authority. The program has strict financial eligibility criteria and offers the Community First Choice plan to provide financial assistance to elderly who need long-term institutional care apart from nursing homes. Since the Community First Choice Plan is directly offered by Oregon’s Medicaid program, the plan is an entitlement allowing all eligible applicants with access to Medicaid benefits.
Who Is Eligible
Applicants for the Oregon Health Plan must be 65 years or older, U.S. citizens, and residents of Oregon. The state limits Medicaid benefits to individuals whose monthly income does not exceed $2,250 and whose assets are not higher than $2,000.
Oregon’s Medicaid program evaluates individuals on the level of care needed on a scale from 1 – 18. Individuals who need skilled nursing care and complete assistance with daily living activities are considered to be at Level 1, while individuals who only need a structured community environment with little or no assistance with activities of daily living are assessed to be at Level 18. Medicaid benefits are available to applicants who fall in the Level 1 to Level 13 range.
How To Apply
Applicants who receive medical assistance through Oregon Health Plan can apply for the Community First Choice program through the local Area Agency on Aging or Seniors & People with Physical Disability office. Individuals can apply online on the Oregon Health Plan website. A paper application can be requested by the customer service at 1-800-699-9075.
More Ways to Finance Assisted Living
- Veterans Benefits: Veterans can take advantage of several different pension programs to help cover the cost of assisted living. For more information, see the article on benefits.va.gov.
- Life Insurance Policies: Even if a spouse or loved one hasn’t died, certain types of life insurance policies can be used to pay for assisted living. More information is available at longtermcare.acl.gov
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance policy that pays for long-term care when it becomes necessary, including the cost of assisted living. For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of this financing method, visit longtermcare.acl.gov.
- Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow seniors to access the equity from a home that they own, and these funds can be used to pay for assisted living. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a federally insured reverse mortgage program.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Oregon
There are many resources in Oregon that assist seniors in their retirement. Assistedliving.org has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
| Oregon Area Agencies on Aging | Area Agencies on Aging in Oregon provide services for older adults that help them stay independent. With 16 agencies supporting older adults, seniors have access to assistance for community-based, home-based and caregiver support. These services include short-term nursing, personal care, such as help with personal grooming needs, home meal delivery and nonemergency medical transportation. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Oregon provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
| Oregon Lifeline | 800-848-4442 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Oregon seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
| Oregon Meals on Wheels | Oregon Meals on Wheels operates independently-run food assistance programs throughout the state. To be eligible, seniors must be aged 60 or over or unable to shop for and prepare their own meals. These nutritious and balanced food choices are served in a congregate setting or delivered to seniors’ doors with safety checks to monitor their well-being. Meals are available on a sliding-fee scale and may be free, depending on individual circumstances. Some locations offer meals that meet ethnic and cultural preferences. | |
| Oregon Food Bank | 800-777-7427 | For those facing hunger, Oregon Food Bank aims to provide access to food across the state by creating food banks and helping to eliminate the root causes of food shortages. The organization lists food banks throughout Oregon, where seniors can pick up food essentials on a regular basis. In addition, it runs a Meals on Wheels service for seniors who are unable to leave their homes or prepare meals for themselves. |
| Oregon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 503-945-5600 | Oregon’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, operated by the Department of Human Services, offers a monthly benefit to help reduce the cost of healthy food. Seniors in the program receive Electronic Benefits Transfer cards that are reloaded with funds each month. SNAP participants can use their EBT cards at grocery stores and farmers’ markets to buy food. Eligibility is restricted to Oregon residents with incomes below $29,160 for individuals. This figure increases for larger households. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Oregon seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
| Oregon Prescription Drug Program | 800-913-4284 | The Oregon Prescription Drug Program transitioned to the ArrayRx Discount Card Program on January 1, 2022. Anyone previously enrolled must re-enroll with ArrayRx.However, it’s still state-sponsored and authorized by the Oregon Health Authority. The program can save participants up to 80% on generic drugs and 20% on name-brand prescriptions at most pharmacies. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Oregon have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
| Oregon Section 504 Home Repair Program | 866-923-5626 | Seniors may apply for a home repair grant yearly through their local RD office. If they qualify, they receive a grant that they must use to make home repairs to remove health and safety hazards. Applicants may only receive a total of $10,000 in housing repair grants during their lifetime. |
| OregonCommunity Builders Program | 503-501-5719 | REACH Community Development is dedicated to helping older adults and disabled individuals age safely in their homes by providing free home repairs. A licensed, bonded and insured general contractor handles home repair projects of qualifying applicants. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Oregon seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
| Oregon Law Center (OLC) | Oregon Law Center is a statewide organization that can provide legal advice and information to seniors and low-income residents in all 36 counties in the state. OLC’s volunteer attorneys assist with civil cases involving landlord-tenant disputes, government housing, financial exploitation and Social Security benefits, among others. | |
| Oregon Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | 800-522-2602 | Oregon’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is dedicated to ensuring that seniors in assisted living facilities receive quality care. Residents or their family members can contact the program’s office with concerns about the care being received in a facility. The ombudsman then investigates the issue and works as an advocate for the resident to get it resolved. Seniors and their caregivers can also contact the ombudsman to schedule a free consultation about their long-term care options in the McMinnville area. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in Oregon bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
| Oregon Catholic Charities | 503-231-4866 | This nonprofit provides a variety of specialized senior services, including case management and care placement. Mental health counseling services and financial wellness education is available here, as are opportunities for volunteering and community engagement. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Oregon help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
| Oregon Alzheimer’s Disease and Aging | 503-494-7772 | The center consists of a significant number of researchers whose aim is to seek new ways to prevent, cure or improve care for cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer’s. People with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can benefit from the expert knowledge of experienced neurologists working at the OSHU Brain Institute, including the renowned doctor and scientist Doctor Jeffrey Kaye, M.D. A team of specialists meets daily to assess cases, and patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia may be eligible to participate in clinical trials that are conducted occasionally. In addition, there’s also a wide range of support services for patients and families. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Oregon help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they’re entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
| Oregon Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you’ll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Oregon resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
| Oregon Senior and Disabled Property Tax Deferral Program | 800-356-4222 | Senior and disabled homeowners can borrow from the State of Oregon to pay their county property taxes through the Oregon Property Tax Deferral for Disabled and Senior Citizens program. If qualified, the Oregon Department of Revenue pays the homeowner’s taxes on November 15 each year and places a lien on the home. |
Transportation Assistance
Assistance is available for seniors unable to access or use private transportation. These community resources help elderly and disabled residents make journeys in and around Oregon, allowing them to run errands and attend appointments in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
| Oregon Honored Citizen Fare | 503-238-7433 | Those aged 65 and over, Medicare recipients, and disabled individuals can receive discounted transit fares from TriMet, which operates throughout the Portland Metro area. Honored Citizen fares are half the price of regular fares when purchased on an individual basis and less than one-third of the cost when purchased as monthly passes. All Honored Citizen fares require proof of eligibility. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Oregon retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they’re in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
| Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) | 800-453-5111 | OEAP is a low-income electric bill payment assistance program for low-income customers of Pacific Power and Portland General Electric. The goal is to reduce service disconnections for vulnerable customers. The program prioritizes customers in danger of having their service disconnected. |
Veteran’s Services
Oregon retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they’re eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
| Oregon VA Benefits and Health Care | Oregon VA Benefits and Health Care connects qualified senior veterans to the services they earned through their time in the military. This may include health care coverage, income and long-term care help, depending on the veteran’s unique needs and time spent in the service. The VA Medical Center is located in Portland, and the VA has clinics and satellite offices throughout the state. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Oregon
Assisted Living Service Plans
Assisted living facilities in Oregon are required to develop a comprehensive service plan before admitting residents. The service plan will be based on the initial assessment of the resident’s physical and mental condition, preferences, daily living activities, communication, treatment types, and risk indicators. A registered nurse, the resident’s family member or case manager, and the resident’s physician must be involved in developing the service plan.
Assisted Living Admission Requirements
According to the regulations laid by the Department of Human Services, an assisted living facility is not allowed to admit or retain residents who:
- Have needs that exceed the level of assistance with daily living
- Engage in actions that can risk the safety and health of other residents
- Have complex, unstable, or unpredictable medical conditions
- Are not able to cooperate with the facility’s staff in evacuation procedures
Assisted Living Scope of Care
Assisted living facilities offer person-centered care which values a resident’s right to dignity, privacy, and independence. An assisted living facility should provide assistance with:
- Daily living activities
- Medication administration
- Social and recreational programs
- Laundry and housekeeping services
- Social and medical transportation
Assisted Living Medicaid Policy
Oregon Health Plan is the Medicaid program in Oregon. It directly covers the cost of assisted living facilities through its Community First Choice plan. The plan pays for all the services except the room and board expenses. While anyone eligible is entitled to the benefits of Oregon’s Medicaid plan, not all assisted living facilities in Oregon accept Medicaid payments.
Assisted Living Facility Requirements
The Oregon Department of Human Resources specifies the structural requirements for a licensed assisted living facility. Assisted living facilities must conform to the state and federal building codes, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Fair Housing Act.
An assisted living facility in Oregon must have:
- Individual apartments that can be shared based on the resident’s choice
- A kitchenette equipped with a sink, refrigerator, cooking appliance, a place for food preparation, and a storage space
- A private bathroom with a toilet, sink, and a curbless shower area
- Escape windows that open directly onto the public street, yard, or exit court
Medication Management Regulations
Assisted living facilities are allowed to administer medications to residents. The medication administration system must be approved by a registered nurse or a physician. Medication can be administered by the direct care staff if they are trained to do so safely without supervision. Most residents of assisted living facilities self-administer medications. The facility must evaluate all prescription medications for safe self-administration.
Staffing Requirements
Every assisted living facility should employ:
- A full-time administrator to oversee the functioning of the facility
- A full-time or contract-based licensed nurse
- Adequate number of caregivers to provide resident-focused assistance with daily activities, medical administration, and supervision
- Adequate number of universal workers for housekeeping, laundry, janitorial, and food service
- An attendant awake at all times to respond to the needs of the residents
Staff Training Requirements
The Oregon Department of Human Resources has specified the orientation and training programs for staff members of assisted living facilities. Before beginning their work with the residents, staff members must receive an orientation on the rights of a resident, abuse and reporting requirements, standard precautions for infection control, and fire safety and emergency evacuation. Assisted living administrators are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education while caregivers should complete 12 hours of in-service training per year.
An assisted living facility must train its staff members in:
- Assisting residents with activities of daily living
- Understanding and identifying changes associated with normal aging
- Identifying conditions that require assessment, treatment, or reporting
- Understanding the resident’s actions and behaviors as a form of communication
- Understanding and supporting residents with dementia
- Food safety, service, and sanitation
- Use of abdominal thrust and first-aid
Background Checks for Assisted Living
Every staff member of an assisted living facility must clear a background check as per the state’s prescribed process. Any staff member convicted of felony or crime related to the abuse of the elderly or vulnerable cannot be employed at an assisted living facility. A fingerprint check is required to carry out a national criminal background check. Oregon allows public access to criminal record information in specific situations. An online request can be filed with the Criminal Justice Information Services at oregon.gov.
Requirements for Reporting Abuse
The Department of Human Services investigates all types of complaints related to elder abuse in long-term care facilities including assisted living. Any behavior, including caregiver- or self-negligence, that inflicts harm on the physical, emotional, financial, mental well-being of an adult aged 65 or above is termed as elder abuse.
Any case or suspicions regarding elder abuse can be reported to the Adult Protective Services by calling the statewide Abuse Reporting hotline 1-855-503-7233. Any suspicious financial abuse by assisted living facilities should be reported by calling the Medicaid fraud hotline 1-888-372-8301 or by filing an online report with the Department of Human Services.
If an assisted living facility is suspected to violate any rule and regulation laid down by the state, a complaint should be reported to the Community-Based Care Licensing Complaint Unit at 1-844-503-4773.
Oregon COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living Facilities
Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/13/22. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your assisted living facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.
| COVID-19 Rules in Oregon | |
|---|---|
| Are loved ones allowed to visit residents in their assisted living community? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Are residents required to quarantine after their loved ones visit? | No |
| Are loved ones required to wear masks when visiting residents? | Yes |
| Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors allowed in assisted living communities? | Yes |
| Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures before entering the assisted living community? | Yes |
| Are residents allowed to leave the assisted living community for non-medical reasons? | Yes |
| Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they get back to the assisted living community? | No (Conditions Apply) |
| Are assisted living communities required to cancel all group outings? | No |
| Are assisted living communities allowed to host group activities within the community? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Are staff members regularly checked for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
| Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms? | Yes |
| Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
| Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Sources: www.oregon.gov www.cdc.gov
Learn More About the Best Assisted Living Communities in Wyoming's Top Cities
We’ve compiled a list of the best assisted living facilities in each the cities featured below using our unique methodology. View images, base pricing, room types, and more information about these communities by clicking on the links below.