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Idyllically situated on northwestern Washington’s Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor offers a combination of relaxed island living and easy access to world-class urban amenities in nearby Seattle. With mild year-round temperatures and lower-than-average amounts of rainfall and snow, Oak Harbor is attractive to retirees who like to pursue outdoor activities all year. Outdoor activities in Oak Harbor include birdwatching, hiking, golfing, fishing and boating. The area is particularly attractive to nature and American history buffs because of Ebey’s Landing Historical Reserve, which showcases the historical traditions of the island’s first residents.
Senior citizens aged 65 and over make up approximately 11.4% of Oak Harbor’s total population of slightly more than 23,500 people. The average cost of assisted living in Oak Harbor is $5,850 per month, although the costs of individual long-term care facilities vary depending on their location within the community and the services and amenities offered.
Note: Data for Oak Harbor was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Mt. Vernon, was used instead.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Oak Harbor ($5,850) is slightly higher than the overall average for the state of Washington ($5,750) but it’s $1,550 higher than the national average of $4,300. Assisted living costs in Washington are also higher than in the neighboring states of Oregon ($4,659), Idaho ($3,675), Nevada ($3,595) and California ($5,000)
The lowest monthly assisted living costs are found in Washington’s southeastern corner in Walla Walla ($3,800). Prices rise significantly in the northeast part of the state in Spokane ($5,084) and fall slightly in the centrally located community of Yakima ($5,000). Prices fall again in Washington’s northwestern corner in Bellingham ($4,738) and rise slightly in Longview ($5,100) in the southwestern part of the state. Costs are highest in the Seattle Metro Area ($6,750).
Qualified seniors may be able to receive assistance with some of the costs of assisted living from Washington’s Medicaid Personal Care Program. Routine activities of daily living such as bathing, showering, basic grooming and dressing are covered under this program. The Community First Choice Option program provides options for those who need a nursing home level of care but would rather retain an independent lifestyle. Our Assisted Living in Washington page has more information about these programs.
| Contact | Description | |
| Northwest Regional Council Aging & Disability Resources | (360) 676-6749 | As the Area Agency on Aging, Northwest Regional Council & Disability Resources provides seniors aged 60 and over, their families and caregivers with a variety of services designed to promote a good quality of life and independence. All services are free of charge and include indirect services such as referrals to relevant programs and assistance navigating program rules and regulations. Direct services include medical screenings for conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, case management and Medicare and Medicaid counseling. The agency also maintains a list of assisted living facilities and other long-term care options in Oak Harbor and surrounding communities. |
| The Center in Oak Harbor | (360) 279-4580 | Those aged 50 and over can enjoy fun, friends and community at The Center in Oak Harbor. Activities include fitness classes, arts and crafts projects, board games, cards, congregate meals and group outings to local festivals, malls, parks and the Skagit Casino. There is a free book table, and Seniors can also receive tax assistance at this location. |
| American Legion Post 129 | (360) 675-2411 | Veterans of any branch of the U.S. Military with an honorable discharge and their families are eligible for membership in the American Legion. The American Legion offers abundant opportunities for members to socialize with other military families through planned events and community-based volunteer projects. Members can also receive assistance identifying service-based benefits to which they may be entitled. American Legion also helps members in filling out the necessary paperwork required to access benefits and programs. In some cases, emergency financial assistance may be available. |
| Island Senior Resources | (360) 678-3373 | Seniors in need of transportation assistance to medical appointments and essential errands can contact Island Senior Resources for access to volunteer drivers. Services are dependant on the availability of drivers, and the service is unable to accommodate wheelchairs. A caregiver, family member or another adult may accompany the rider if advanced notice has been given. |
| Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (800) 562-6028 | Those in assisted living and other long-term care facilities can access advocacy services from the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program to ensure that their legal rights are not violated. All services performed by this office are confidential. |
Long-term care facilities located in Washington state are required to comply with all relevant state and federal rules and regulations. Facilities are overseen by the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. See our Assisted Living in Washington page for more information.
