For families in Kirkland, Bonney Lake, and surrounding areas in Washington navigating elder care decisions, the biggest question often comes down to this: What makes more sense – assisted living or staying at home?
It’s not just a financial decision. It’s emotional. It’s complex. It’s wrapped in love, guilt, and an overwhelming fear of making the wrong call.
Let’s walk through this as if you’re sitting down with a cup of coffee and someone who truly understands what you’re going through.
We Want to Keep Dad at Home… But Is It the Right Move?
You’re not alone. Most adult children especially those in the “sandwich generation” want to keep their aging parent at home as long as possible.
But behind closed doors, the reality can look very different
And emotionally? You may be:
I found Mom in the kitchen at 2 AM. The stove was on, and she didn’t remember turning it on.”
“Dad fell again last week. He says he’s fine, but he’s been limping ever since.”
“We’ve hired caregivers, but the cost is adding up… and I still don’t sleep at night
Sound familiar? Then continue reading as this blog post has those complex answers you have been looking for.
The Real Cost: Assisted Living vs. In-Home Care
Let’s talk numbers; not just the ones you expect, but the ones that sneak up on families trying to manage care at home.
Assisted Living (Adult Family Homes in Kirkland & Bonney Lake)
- Starting cost: $6,500/month (based on Caring Arms Adult Family Homes)
And this costs include:
- 24/7 personal care & supervision
- Meals, laundry, housekeeping
- Social activities & companionship
- Medication management
- Support with bathing, grooming, dressing
- Specialized care levels: Memory care, Parkinson’s, Stroke care, Respite care, Hospice support
Wondering what’s included at $6,500/month ?
Talk to our team we’ll walk you through the real value of Assisted Living & Memory Care
Staying at Home (In-Home Care Model)
Here’s what families often don’t factor in when comparing:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (Monthly) |
| In-home caregiver (8 hrs/day, 7 days/week) | $6,700 – $8,500+ |
| Home modifications (grab bars, ramps, medical bed) | $2,000 – $10,000 (one-time) |
| Transportation & errands | $300 – $600 |
| Medication reminders / oversight | Often missed or inconsistent |
| Emergency help (e.g., after a fall) | Costly and delayed |
| Care coordination | You (or a family member) becomes the unpaid care manager |
In-home care often exceeds the cost of assisted living, especially for seniors who need round-the-clock help. And choosing a private assisted living facility for your seniors over in-home care can be more affordable and bring peace of mind knowing there is someone always available with them, and your loved ones always have access to trusted people and services they need for quality senior living.
“But What If We’re Not Ready Yet?”
And if you are not ready for assisted living yet and cannot decide, its totally normal. This is a major shift – emotionally and logistically. But remember: choosing care is not giving up. It’s giving your loved one a better, safer quality of life.
Let’s break down some common concerns:
Objection: “Mom said she’d never go into a facility.”
Reframe it:
You’re not sending her away. You’re giving her a home with trained caregivers, social interaction, safe surroundings and giving yourself time and peace of mind.
“Our assisted living facilities don’t feel like institutions. They feel like home. Private rooms, backyard gardens, home-cooked meals, and laughter at the dinner table.”
Objection: “Can we even afford it?”
Let’s talk options:
- We accept private pay help families access veteran benefits, long-term care insurance, and Medicaid eligibility (if applicable).
- Many families sell a vehicle, rent out the family home, or use equity to make it work.
- And with our all-inclusive pricing, there are no surprise costs later on.
Objection: “But we’re doing okay right now.”
Are you really?
Most families wait until a crisis forces the decision: a fall, a hospitalization, or burnout from caregiving. Planning ahead means control, options, and less emotional strain.
The Hidden Costs of “Staying Home” compared to “Staying in a Assisted Living Home like Caring Arms”
We often hear: “We’ll figure it out as we go.”
But here’s what families regret not planning for:
- Caregiver burnout (especially spouses or adult children)
- Loneliness and isolation for seniors stuck at home
- Emergency costs after preventable accidents
- Untrained care that leads to medication mistakes or poor hygiene
- Disjointed care from multiple uncoordinated providers
Why Families Choose Caring Arms for Assisted Living & Memory Care
At Caring Arms Adult Family Homes, we serve families across Kirkland, Bonney Lake, and surrounding communities with:
- Warm, home-like assisted living
- Personalized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery
- Respite stays for short-term relief
- Long-term care and hospice care with dignity
- Transparent pricing starting at $6,500/month
You’re not just choosing a place. You’re choosing peace of mind, safety, and a new chapter filled with compassion.
Real Stories of People Who Choose Assisted Living Facilities
My grandfather was a resident here and really enjoyed the staff and the food. He needed 24/7 care and the staff and management are very accommodating. Residents here have alot of fun and are treated like family.
My Father lived there for 3 years and was very happy and well cared for.
We moved my dad from a local memory care facility to Caring Arms a month ago and the level of care and personal attention as well as the warm positive environment has done wonders for my dad. Arman and Ruby are caring, thoughtful, and so supportive and knowledgeable. We cannot thank them and their caregivers enough! They have made a difficult and emotional transition so much easier and continue to go above and beyond !
Ready to Talk?
We know this isn’t easy. That’s why we’re here not to push, but to help.
Let’s talk through your options, even if you’re just exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Assisted Living Facilities in Washington
What is the average cost of assisted living in Washington, WA?
Our private assisted living homes cost around $6,500/month that includes everything.
Click on the links below to exlore our assisted living homes and personalized senior care in Washington:
– Assisted Living Home in Bonney Lake, WA
– Assisted Living Home in Sumner, WA
– Assisted Living Home in Kent, WA
– Assisted Living Home in Puyallup, WA
– Assisted Living Home in Kirkland, WA
– Assisted Living Home in Shoreline, WA
– Assisted Living Home in Federal Way, WA
– Assisted Living Home in Des Moines, WA
Is in-home care cheaper than assisted living?
It depends. For limited hours, yes. But for full-time care needs, in-home care often ends up costing more, especially once you add night shifts or weekend care.
What’s included in the monthly cost at Caring Arms?
- 24/7 staff and supervision
- All meals, laundry, and housekeeping
- Daily assistance with personal care
- Medication management
- Activities and emotional support
- Specialized care for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, hospice
Can you help us understand financial aid options?
Yes, we guide families with private-pay planning and paying through VA benefits, Medicaid (if eligible).
Ready to Talk? Let’s Take the First Step Together
If you’re ready to explore, or just want a better picture of what care could look like, we’re just a call away.
Let’s talk; because you deserve clarity, peace, and a care decision you feel good about.
We are located at:
11617 NE 139th St, Kirkland, WA 98034, United States
