Current Count of Skilled Nursing Facilities
Official counts for skilled nursing facilities in Washington State vary slightly depending on the reporting source and its specific criteria. A recent report from ProPublica, citing federal data, indicated 194 total nursing homes in Washington as of mid-2025. Other sources, such as nursinghomes.com and U.S. News, have reported similar numbers in the range of 193 to 198. These facilities are distinct from other long-term care options and provide the highest level of care outside of a hospital setting.
Why the Number of Nursing Homes Fluctates
Several factors contribute to the slight variations in reporting and overall market trends affecting the number of available nursing homes. A key trend is the significant shift away from institutional care towards home and community-based services, as shown by state-supported caseload data.
- State Policy Shift: Washington state policies and funding, including Medicaid, increasingly favor home and community-based services (HCBS). This has led to a decrease in the number of state-supported nursing home residents over the past decade.
- Demographic Changes: While the population of older adults, especially those over 85, is growing, many are opting for non-institutional care options that offer more independence.
- Market Dynamics: The number of facilities can change due to closures, acquisitions, or new construction. Furthermore, data can differ depending on whether a source is tracking all licensed facilities or only those with specific federal certifications.
The Difference Between Nursing Homes and Other Senior Care Options
It is crucial to understand that not all senior living communities are nursing homes. Washington State offers a diverse continuum of long-term care options. The main types include:
- Skilled Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes): Designed for individuals with complex, round-the-clock medical needs. They provide skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and 24-hour supervision. Residents may be long-term or short-term for rehabilitation after an illness or surgery.
- Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs): Cater to seniors who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management, but do not require the constant medical supervision of a nursing home. Residents typically live in their own apartment-style units.
- Adult Family Homes (AFHs): Smaller, private residences licensed to care for a small number of residents (typically 2 to 6). They provide personal care and supervision in a more home-like setting.
Comparison of Long-Term Care Facility Types
| Feature | Skilled Nursing Facility (Nursing Home) | Assisted Living Facility (ALF) | Adult Family Home (AFH) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level of Care | High; 24/7 skilled medical care, physical/occupational therapy. | Moderate; assistance with daily activities and medication management. | Low-to-moderate; personal care in a residential setting. |
| Resident Needs | Complex medical conditions, rehabilitation from surgery or injury. | Help with daily living but desire independence. | Needs assistance in a smaller, family-like environment. |
| Environment | More clinical, hospital-like setting. | Residential, apartment-style living. | Private, residential home setting. |
| Staffing | Licensed nurses (RNs, LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) on staff 24/7. | Staff available 24/7, but not necessarily licensed medical professionals. | Live-in or rotating staff for a small group of residents. |
How to Find a Nursing Home in Washington State
Finding the right facility for a loved one is a crucial decision that requires thorough research. Here are several steps and resources to guide you through the process:
- Assess the Level of Care Needed: A physician's evaluation can determine if the individual requires skilled nursing care or would be better suited for assisted living or an adult family home.
- Use Official Resources: Utilize federal and state databases. The Medicare.gov Care Compare tool is a highly valuable resource for finding and comparing facilities based on ratings, health inspections, and staffing levels. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) also provides resources for finding long-term care options.
- Consult Community Living Connections: For personalized guidance and access to a wide range of public and private long-term service options, contact the Community Living Connections website or toll-free number.
- Check Inspection Reports: Reviewing recent inspection reports is a critical step in assessing a facility's quality of care. The Medicare.gov website includes this information.
- Visit and Ask Questions: Schedule tours of potential facilities and prepare a list of questions about staffing, resident-to-staff ratio, cleanliness, activities, and communication protocols.
State-Level Quality and Staffing in Washington
When it comes to long-term care, Washington has made significant strides in ensuring high standards. According to a 2021 report, Washington ranked 9th in the nation for the highest levels of direct care staffing in its skilled nursing facilities. This was 12% higher than the national average, with 73% of facilities rating four stars or better for staffing levels on the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rating system. The state also mandates a minimum of 3.4 hours of direct care per resident day. However, staffing shortages remain a critical challenge for the entire long-term care workforce, not just nursing homes, and can affect service delivery.
For more information on comparing care options, visit the official government resource at Medicare.gov Care Compare.
Conclusion
While pinpointing an exact, constantly updated number of nursing homes can be challenging, reliable federal data indicates approximately 194 licensed skilled nursing facilities currently operate within Washington State. The state has a robust, though evolving, long-term care landscape that includes numerous other options like assisted living and adult family homes, which now serve a larger proportion of the elderly population. When beginning your search, it is essential to understand the distinct levels of care each facility type provides and to use trusted resources like Medicare.gov and Washington DSHS to make an informed decision for your loved one's needs.
