If you've been researching senior care in Washington, you've probably run across adult family homes — and wondered what else is out there. The good news: there are several solid options, and the right one depends on your parent's needs, budget, and personality.
Here's a practical look at the main choices, plus when each makes sense.
Adult family home (AFH)
A licensed home for up to 6 residents, with caregivers who provide daily support and, through RN delegation, medication administration and other clinical tasks.
- Best for: seniors who need hands-on help and supervision but not 24-hour skilled nursing.
- Cost: roughly $5,000–$10,000/month.
- Catch: in Washington, a licensed RN must complete a pre-placement assessment before move-in.
Assisted living
A larger, community-style facility with apartments or private rooms, shared dining and activities, and care available on demand.
- Best for: seniors who want social connection and some independence with support close by.
- Cost: roughly $4,500–$8,500/month.
- Note: memory care units within assisted living run higher.
Memory care
Specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or other dementias — secure environments, structured routines, and staff trained in dementia care.
- Best for: seniors who wander, get confused, or need specialized behavioral support.
- Often delivered within an assisted living facility or dedicated memory care residence.
Skilled nursing facility (nursing home)
A medical facility with licensed nurses around the clock.
- Best for: complex, unstable medical conditions, rehabilitation, or round-the-clock nursing care.
- Cost: commonly $9,000–$14,000+/month.
In-home care
Caregivers come to the family home to provide support and (with RN delegation) clinical tasks while the senior stays put.
- Best for: seniors who can safely remain at home with part- or full-time help.
- Cost: varies widely with hours; can be comparable to a facility for full-time care.
- Note: in-home care also relies on nurse delegation for medication administration.
How to choose
Start with level of care, not cost:
- Does your parent need round-the-clock nursing? → skilled nursing facility
- Does your parent have significant dementia behaviors? → memory care
- Can your parent manage at home with help? → in-home care
- Does your parent need daily support but want to stay in a homelike setting? → adult family home
- Does your parent want a community with more independence? → assisted living
For a deeper comparison of the two most common choices, see AFH vs Nursing Home and AFH vs Assisted Living.
If you choose an adult family home
The last step before move-in is the mandatory RN assessment, which confirms the home can safely meet your parent's needs. Seattle Nurse Delegation provides the pre-placement assessment at a flat $450 with a written report within 48 hours — so the process doesn't stall your move-in timeline.