Finding LGBTQ-Friendly Senior Housing & Care Options in Washington State
Choosing the right retirement or care community is a big decision for anyone—but for LGBTQ+ people, it can feel even more complicated. You want to know that you’ll be safe, respected, and welcomed no matter where you live, who you love, or how you identify.
The good news: Washington State has resources and communities that are actively working to be inclusive. This guide will help you understand where to look, what to ask, and who can support you along the way.
Know You’re Protected
In Washington, it’s against the law for a retirement community, assisted living, adult family home, nursing home, or hospice to discriminate against you because of your sexual orientation or gender identity. That means you have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, to have your chosen family visit you, and to be yourself openly.
If you ever feel you’re being treated unfairly, you can always call:
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-562-6028
- State complaint line: 1-800-562-6078
Get Free Help Navigating Options
Finding the right place can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. These free resources can point you toward LGBTQ-friendly options:
- Washington 211: Dial 211 anywhere in the state for a live operator who can connect you with housing, health, and aging resources.
- Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs): Each region of Washington has an AAA that provides advice and support. In Seattle/King County, call Aging & Disability Services at 1-844-348-5464.
- Community Living Connections (King County): Free, confidential help with exploring care options.
Where to Find LGBTQ-Friendly Providers
Here’s how to start your search, depending on the type of care you’re looking for:
- Retirement & Assisted Living Communities: Check the Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI).
- Hospitals & Clinics: Use the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI).
- Doctors & Therapists: Try the GLMA Provider Directory, OutCare Health, or the LGBTQ Healthcare Directory.
- Adult Family Homes & Nursing Homes: Use the state’s Adult Family Home Locator or Find a Nursing Home tool.
- Hospice & Palliative Care: The Washington State Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (WSHPCO) has a directory.
Local LGBTQ+ Aging Resources In addition to the NW LGBTQ+ Senior Care Providers network
Washington has strong LGBTQ+ community organizations that focus on aging and health. They’re great places to start if you want referrals or social connection:
- GenPride (Seattle)
- Pride Place (Seattle)
- AgePRIDE Healthy Generations (University of Washington)
- Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center (Formerly Gay City)
- Rainbow Center (Tacoma)
- Spectrum Center (Spokane)
- PFLAG Chapters (statewide)
Questions to Ask When You Visit a Community
When you tour a community, don’t be afraid to ask:
- Do you have a written policy that protects LGBTQ+ residents?
- Do staff get training on LGBTQ+ issues?
- How do you make sure residents’ names, pronouns, and families of choice are honored?
- Are there LGBTQ-focused activities or partnerships?
- How do you support transgender or nonbinary residents?
Protecting Your Wishes
One of the best ways to make sure your wishes are respected is to have clear paperwork in place:
- Advance Directive and Health Care Power of Attorney
- End of Life Washington offers free forms and support.
Quick Resource List
- Find care: WA 211, Area Agencies on Aging, Community Living Connections
- LGBTQ+ friendly providers: LEI, HEI, GLMA, OutCare, LGBTQ Healthcare Directory
- Community hubs: GenPride, Pride Place, AgePRIDE, Rainbow Center, Spectrum Center, PFLAG
- Advocacy: Long-Term Care Ombudsman (1-800-562-6028)
Final Thought
Whether you’re planning ahead for retirement, helping a loved one, or making a sudden decision after a health event, you deserve care that affirms your whole identity. Washington has made big strides in building LGBTQ-friendly options—use these resources, ask the right questions, and don’t settle until you find a place where you truly feel at home.