Located just a short drive north of Portland, Oregon, the "other" city of Vancouver is nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean on the banks of the great Columbia River in southwest Washington. A thriving community of nearly 165,000 residents, Vancouver is the economic and retail hub of Southwest Washington.

Its natural beauty and tight-knit community earned the city the honor of being named an "All-America City" in 1957 and again 30 years later in 1987. Vancouver assisted living seniors never have a shortage of things to do in this vibrant, growing city, which is now the fourth largest in Washington State.

Vancouver Recreation

Shopping at the Westfield Vancouver Mall is a favorite pastime of Vancouver senior living residents. The mall is home to over 120 shops and restaurants as well as a branch of the Vancouver Mall Library, hair salons, dental clinics and more.

Many Vancouver seniors also make the short trip into Portland to the Jantzen Beach SuperCenter where the shopping is tax free. Located just off the main Interstate near the Washington/Oregon border, Jantzen Beach is a convenient place to eat and shop.

Vancouver Activities

Vancouver assisted living seniors have a wide variety of activities to choose from. The Fifty and Better program provides a regular schedule of programs and activities including social clubs, dances, parties and workshops.

Seniors can access these programs at the Luepke Center, situated in Central Park, or at the recently renovated Firstenburg Community Center's Trapedero II Club.

For seniors who wish to explore the city of Vancouver and beyond while meeting new people can participate in any one of scheduled day trips offered by the 50+ Travel Program.

Trips to art galleries, museums, gardens, shopping centers and other events are provided to seniors age 50 and older using city-owned vans and volunteer drivers.

The 50+ travel program is a great way for assisted living seniors to explore all that Southwest Washington has to offer.

Vancouver Medical Facilities

Residents of Vancouver senior living communities have access to some of the best medical care in the state at Southwest Washington Medical Center. Southwest has been serving the greater Vancouver community for over 150 years and has been named a Top 100 HospitalTM an impressive six times.

The Medical Center is the flagship of the Southwest Washington Health System which includes six specialty treatment centers: bone and joint, brain and spine, cancer, heart and vascular, weight management and women's health, as well as outpatient clinics throughout Clark County.

Vancouver Transportation

Seniors can travel from a Vancouver assisted living facility to anywhere within the Vancouver and Portland metro areas on a robust public transportation system. The city is served by C-Tran buses that run along 2000 stops within the city limits. Seniors age 62 and older are eligible for discounted fares on all C-Tran buses.

Vancouver seniors may also connect with Portland's Tri-Met and MAX Light Rail systems at the Portland Mall, a massive transit center served by both C-Tran and Tri-Met. Portland Mall is the gateway to all the excitement Portland has to offer.

Vancouver is a growing city with access to vibrant retail, social and medical services. Find assisted living for your family member or loved one by browsing our directory of Vancouver Assisted Living communities.

Written by senior housing writer Jacqui Tom.
Visit our website for more information on Vancouver assisted living and other senior care options. All Senior Homes is a comprehensive resource for seniors and family members seeking information on care options.