Nursing homes and assisted living in Oregon

Oregon has many care options outside the home, from small homes with just a few residents to large communities with nursing care. Here we explain the names you'll hear, how Medicaid can help and who you can call for free guidance.

What care settings are called here

In Oregon, the Department of Human Services (ODHS) is the agency that licenses almost all care settings for older adults. These are the official names:

• Adult Foster Home: a licensed family home where older adults or adults with physical disabilities get care 24 hours a day. It's what many people call board and care. Depending on the person's needs, it offers anything from room and board to full help with personal care.
• Assisted Living Facility: this is assisted living. The person usually has their own apartment and gets help with meals, medicines and daily tasks.
• Residential Care Facility: a residence with services similar to assisted living, often with rooms instead of apartments.
• Memory Care Community: a place that specializes in people with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia.
• Nursing Facility: a nursing home with nursing care, for people who need constant medical attention.

The ODHS Community-Based Care unit licenses assisted living, residential care and memory care. Adult Foster Homes for older adults are also licensed by ODHS.

How Medicaid helps in Oregon

Oregon's Medicaid is called the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). For people who meet the income, asset and care-need requirements, Medicaid can pay for long-term care at home or in a care setting, not just in a nursing home. For Medicaid to pay, the place must have a contract with Medicaid, so it's a good idea to ask on your first visit.

You can apply in three ways:

• By phone, through the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC): 1-855-673-2372.
• Online, at ONE Oregon, by creating an account.
• In person, by making an appointment at a local ODHS office. The benefits line is 1-800-699-9075.

How much care costs in Oregon

According to the CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025 (tables published March 2, 2026), the median costs in Oregon are:

• Assisted living (private one-bedroom apartment): $6,875 a month.
• Nursing home, semi-private room: $551 a day (about $16,760 a month).
• Nursing home, private room: $607 a day (about $18,448 a month).
• In-home caregiver (non-medical): $40 an hour.
• Adult day center: $200 a day.

Each place sets its own prices. Nursing home costs in Oregon are among the highest in the country, so it's worth comparing them with the other options.

Who to call

• Oregon ADRC: 1-855-673-2372. It gives you guidance on care options and Medicaid in your area.
• 211info: dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211.
• Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-522-2602 (in Salem, 503-378-6533). The ombudsman is a free advocate for residents of nursing homes, assisted living and Adult Foster Homes. They help resolve questions and problems.
• Eldercare Locator (national): 1-800-677-1116.

Tips for your family

• Look up the license with Oregon's official search tool. There you can see the license type, whether the place accepts Medicaid and its inspection reports. Inspections are routine reviews, and they help you choose with peace of mind.
• Consider Adult Foster Homes. They are small homes with a family feel, and they can be a good option if your loved one feels better in a quiet place.
• Ask about language. Many families prefer a place where someone on staff speaks Spanish. Ask about it directly during your visit.
• Confirm the details with ODHS or the ADRC, because Medicaid rules change. This page is for information only and does not replace advice from a professional.

Below, you can see care facilities in Oregon on hogaresparamayores.com and compare options near you.