Finding LGBTQ-Friendly Retirement & 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 many 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 (an independent advocate for residents)
- 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), a program that highlights communities with LGBTQ-inclusive policies and staff training.
- Hospitals & Clinics: Use the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) to see which Washington hospitals are rated LGBTQ-friendly.
- Doctors & Therapists: Try the GLMA Provider Directory, OutCare Health, or the LGBTQ Healthcare Directory to find individual LGBTQ-affirming providers in Washington.
- Adult Family Homes & Nursing Homes: Use the state’s Adult Family Home Locator or Find a Nursing Home tool, then call and ask about their experience with LGBTQ+ residents.
- Hospice & Palliative Care: The Washington State Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (WSHPCO) has a directory to help you find local programs.
Local LGBTQ+ Aging Resources
Washington is fortunate to have 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): Offers classes, support, and housing navigation, and partners with Pride Place, Seattle’s LGBTQ-affirming affordable senior housing.
- Pride Place (Seattle): The state’s first LGBTQ+ senior housing community, located on Capitol Hill.
- AgePRIDE Healthy Generations (University of Washington): Provides wellness programs and research-based support for LGBTQ+ older adults.
- Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center: A hub for health services and community connection.
- Rainbow Center (Tacoma) and Spectrum Center (Spokane): Both offer programs, support groups, and resource referrals for LGBTQ+ people, including older adults.
- PFLAG Chapters (statewide): Peer support and advocacy, with local groups across Washington.
Questions to Ask When You Visit a Community
When you tour a retirement, assisted living, or nursing facility, don’t be afraid to ask direct questions. The answers will help you know if they’re truly inclusive:
- Policies: Do you have a written policy that protects LGBTQ+ residents?
- Training: Do staff get training on LGBTQ+ issues?
- Respect: How do you make sure residents’ names, pronouns, and families of choice are honored?
- Community Life: Are there LGBTQ-focused activities or partnerships with local LGBTQ+ organizations?
- Rooming/Privacy: How do you support transgender or nonbinary residents with room assignments or personal care?
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 forms ensure your chosen decision-maker can speak for you if needed.
- Groups like End of Life Washington offer free forms and support, including resources specifically tailored for LGBTQ+ people.
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 (Tacoma), Spectrum Center (Spokane), PFLAG
- Advocacy: Long-Term Care Ombudsman (1-800-562-6028)