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Assisted Living in Louisiana
The state of Louisiana ranks 17th overall and fourth in senior living and housing according to our 2024 Senior Living Report. This is good news for seniors aged 65 and older who make up 15.9% of the state’s population, which is about average for the country. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that residents aged 60 and over will make up 25% of the population by the year 2030, increasing the need for assisted living facilities in cities throughout the Pelican State.
The average cost for assisted living in Louisiana is $3,748 per month, which is well below the national average. The overall cost of living in the state is 13.1% lower than the national average. These low costs make Louisiana very attractive to families with limited incomes. Families can also benefit from great hospitals in the state, including Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans and Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport.
Below we inform you what you need to know about the cost of assisted living in Louisiana as compared to neighboring states and cities within the state, getting help paying for assisted living through Medicaid and Medicare, free and low-cost resources in the state, and rules and regulations assisted living facilities are bound to follow.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Louisiana
When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of assisted living in Louisiana and its 21 cities.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Louisiana's Top Cities
Assisted living prices vary across Louisiana. While the average cost is $3,903 per month statewide, typical fees can be as low as $2,625 in Hammond. Facilities in Sulphur are also relatively affordable, averaging $3,075, and in Gonzales, many communities charge just $3,483 per month. In Ruston, however, many assisted living communities have fees of $4,445, making it one of the more costly areas of Louisiana.
Louisiana
$3,903
Gonzales
$3,483
Sulphur
$3,075
Ruston
$4,445
Hammond
$2,625
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Louisiana
The cost of assisted living in Louisiana has been impacted by inflation, going up 12.6% between 2022 and 2024, compared to 17.9% nationwide. Communities in other nearby states have also been affected by inflation, although to varying degrees. In Arkansas, assisted living fees have increased by just over 12%, but in Mississippi and Texas, assisted living fees have increased by just 5% and 11%, respectively. Oklahoma has seen one of the largest price increases out of the nearby states, with fees rising by just over 27% in two years.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $3,473 | $3,903 | $3,913 |
| U.S. Average | $4,070 | $4,459 | $4,802 |
| Arkansas | $3,960 | $3,840 | $4,439 |
| Mississippi | $3,693 | $3,996 | $3,881 |
| Texas | $3,134 | $3,312 | $3,481 |
| Oklahoma | $3,173 | $3,789 | $4,035 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Senior care costs vary depending on the level of care provided. Independent living communities for active seniors are the least costly, charging $2,313 per month on average. Assisted living communities typically charge around $3,903 per month for room and board, plus help with the activities of daily living. In contrast, memory care communities where seniors are supported by dementia-care-trained staff 24 hours a day are more costly, averaging $4,607 monthly.
Assisted Living
$3,903
Memory Care
$4,607
Independent Living
$2,313
Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Louisiana?
No, Medicaid does not directly cover the costs of room and board at assisted living facilities in Louisiana. Medicaid can cover the cost of some long-term care services but only if the recipient requires a nursing home level of care. Seniors living in assisted living who are transitioning to a nursing home within 120 days may qualify for some Home and Community-Based Services while still residing in their current residence.
There are three programs that may cover services in assisted living for some residents: Community Choices Waiver, Long Term Care Personal Care Services and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). These programs cover personal care services, transportation and care coordination.
What Assisted Living Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Louisiana?
The services covered by Louisiana’s Medicaid waiver programs include care coordination, transition, home modifications, nursing, home-delivered meals, assistive devices and some specialty medical services. Waivers can cover personal care services such as light housekeeping, bathing and grooming, toileting and eating. Physical, occupational and speech therapies may also be available to those who qualify.
Assisted Living Waiver Programs in Louisiana
Louisiana Medicaid has three waiver programs that may help seniors pay for some care services in assisted living in some circumstances. None of these programs will pay for every aspect of assisted living.
| Program | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Community Choices Waiver | (877) 456-1146 | The CCW program may help seniors in assisted living who require a nursing home level of care. Services include support coordination, transition services, medical devices, nursing services and personal assistance services. Since this waiver program has limited resources, you or a loved one may be put on a Request for Services Registry (RFSR) after you apply. Priority is given to seniors who have suffered abuse and are not receiving help from other waiver programs. |
| Long Term Personal Care Services Program (LT-PCS) | (877) 456-1146 | LT-PCS covers assistance with activities of daily living, such as eating and bathing. It can also cover activities such as shopping and local transportation. It does not cover any medical services, including medication reminders and rehabilitative services. The recipient must be able to direct their own care or have a representative who can competently direct their care, and they must be likely to need nursing home admission within the next 4 months. |
| Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) | Greater New Orleans (504) 945-1531 Baton Rouge (225) 490-0604 Lafayette (337) 470-4500 | PACE is a comprehensive care program that helps adults at-risk of nursing home placement remain in the community. The program covers almost any kind of care that helps reach this goal, including specialty medical services, inpatient hospital care, assistive devices and restorative therapies. Once you or a loved one enter the PACE program, Medicaid will not pay for any other services. PACE is only available in Greater New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette. |
How To Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Louisiana
If you are a Louisiana resident, you qualify for Medicaid automatically if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) benefits. If you are aged 65 or older, you may also qualify for Medicaid if you have a disability, take care of a person with a disability and meet the income and asset requirements.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $2,000 | |
| Two People | 1 | $32,904** | $2,000 | $128,640 |
| Two People | 2 | $65,808 | $3,000 |
*Depending on the facility setting, a recipient may not be able to keep income up to this level.
**Income limit is for applicant only.
How To Apply for Medicaid in Louisiana
There are a variety of ways to apply for Medicaid benefits in Louisiana. You can:
- Call Louisiana Options in Long Term Care at (877) 456-1146 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Call your local PACE provider listed above.
- Fill out the Louisiana Medicaid Online Application (OLA).
- Visit a Louisiana Medicaid Application Center. There are locations throughout the state.
- Print and fill out an application and mail it to a Medicaid location.
Information You Will Need
Medicaid applications require extensive personal and financial details, including:
- Personal information, such as your Social Security number, address and citizenship status
- Financial information, such as your income, annuities and benefits payments
- Asset information, such as bank accounts and equity holdings
- Real estate holdings, trusts, vehicles, life insurance and other non-liquid assets
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
If you need assistance filling out an application or determining which program is right for your situation, you can contact one of the following organizations for help.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Law Help | Feedback Form | This nonprofit statewide organization provides free legal information for seniors and families who may need help with the Medicaid system in Louisiana. It offers links to free legal services that may be available near you. |
| Healthy Louisiana | (855) 229-6848 | The Louisiana Department of Health operates Healthy Louisiana to assist seniors and families with benefits applications, including Medicaid waiver programs. It can also connect you with service providers in your area. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman | List of Offices | In addition to addressing reports of abuse inside long-term care settings, Louisiana ombudsmen can help residents in assisted living solve issues related to Medicaid, including denied applications and claims. |
Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living in Louisiana?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Louisiana. Assisted living facilities are considered to be a “residential setting” and not a “clinical setting,” (think nursing homes). While Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of care received in an assisted living community, it does still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.
For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for senior living in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Louisiana.
Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Louisiana
Any low-income senior who is eligible for SSI payments and resides in an assisted living community that accepts Medicaid can apply for supplemental SSI payments through the state to cover monthly living expenses. While SSI payments are handled through the federal government, Louisiana's Bureau of Health Services Finances and Contractors takes applications for supplemental SSI payments.
The amount of monthly supplemental SSI payments vary depending on your total monthly income. To determine if you're eligible for supplemental SSI payments, the amount of your monthly SSI payments and any other monthly income you have is deducted from the standard income amount determined by the state. If your income is still below the state's standard after your monthly income is deducted, Louisiana gives you supplemental SSI payments.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Receive monthly SSI payments
- Fall below the state's preset monthly income standards
- Reside in an assisted living community that accepts Medicaid.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, contact your nearest Bureau of Health Services Finances and Contractors office or your local Social Security office.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It's important to note that not all assisted living communities in Louisiana accept the same forms of payment. You should check with your community before applying for assistance to determine what type of payments they accept. You should also check with your assisted living facility to see if they offer discounted rates to low-income seniors.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Louisiana
Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Assisted Living affordable.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Assisted Living. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Assisted Living. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Assisted Living. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Assisted Living will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Louisiana
There are many resources in Louisiana that assist seniors in their retirement. caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Area Agencies on Aging | Louisiana's Area Agencies on Aging manage an array of supportive programs and services geared toward helping seniors remain as independent as possible. Advisors connect seniors and their loved ones with diverse organizations for vital in-home and community support, including those related to benefit assistance, legal advice, health insurance counseling, advocacy, nutrition and transportation. Support groups, companionship programs and exercise classes promote senior well-being. Individuals can access direct services, congregate dining and enrichment activities through a statewide network of senior centers. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Louisiana provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Louisiana seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Community Choices Waiver (CCW) | 877-456-1146 | The Louisiana Community Choices Waiver, administered by the Louisiana Department of Health's Office of Aging and Adult Services, offers a variety of in-home services for seniors and adults with disabilities. Individuals eligible for the program must be Medicaid-eligible, 21 years of age or older and in need of a nursing facility level of care. Services include nursing and skilled therapy services, personal care assistance, home modifications, home-delivered meals and assistive devices and medical supplies. |
| Louisiana Long-Term Personal Care Services | 877-456-1146 | The Long-Term Personal Care Services program provides financial assistance for services such as bathing, grooming, transferring, housekeeping and medication management. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Louisiana seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) | 800-522-3333 | The Louisiana Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides low-income Louisiana seniors with healthy food options. Eligible seniors must be age 60 or older and meet income guidelines. Qualifying seniors receive one food box per month that includes foods such as canned meats, fruits, vegetables, cheese, cereal, pasta, shelf-stable milk, peanut butter and beans. Participants also receive nutrition education, including recipe ideas using commodity foods. Delivery of the monthly food boxes may be available for homebound seniors. |
| Louisiana Meals on Wheels | Louisiana Meals on Wheels delivers meals to senior residents throughout the state. To be eligible, seniors must be at least 60 years old and unable to purchase or prepare their own food. Different local agencies coordinate the program, which means meal availability and style vary throughout the state. Some programs offer hot, nutritionally sound foods 7 days a week; others deliver frozen meals for reheating. Program participants can also request meal boxes that include milk, fruit and bread. | |
| Louisiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 888-524-3578 | The Louisiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps bolster food budgets for state seniors. SNAP benefits are deposited directly into a bank account connected to a government-provided debit card. To qualify for the program, seniors must demonstrate limited income and resources, although resources gained from other assistance programs are generally exempt. Seniors who are already on SSI may qualify for LaCAP, a simplified version of the SNAP program that provides between $82 and $220 in food benefits every month. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Louisiana collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN) | Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network Device Loan Program provides assistive devices and equipment. Items can be borrowed for up to 35 days for a small fee. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Louisiana have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants | 318-473-7920 | Low-income seniors who own a home can apply for financial assistance to keep their homes safe by removing health and safety hazards.To find out if your home is eligible, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website. |
| Louisiana Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) | 225-763-8700 | The Louisiana Weatherization Assistance Program offers home repair and modification assistance for eligible seniors. The Louisiana Housing Corporation, situated in Baton Rouge, manages the service that offers budget-friendly enhancements for increased energy efficiency and comfort. Priority is given to seniors aged 60 and above, individuals with disabilities and those with high residential energy usage who meet income criteria. The most common improvements are insulation installation, roof repair, weather-stripping and duct sealing. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Louisiana seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lousisiana Law Help | Providing free civil legal services relative to elders and long-term care, Louisiana Law Help provides information and links to statewide resources that can assist with common elder care legal issues such as living wills or elder abuse. Families can find a local lawyer in their area that addresses their area of concern by using the online search tool. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Louisiana help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Association Louisiana Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Alzheimer's Association of Louisiana provides a wide number of services and supports for those living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. A number of educational tools are offered online, including courses for caregivers to help them manage the complexities of dementia. Families can call the 24/7 hotline for immediate support and access to pertinent local resources. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Louisiana help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lousiana Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Louisiana resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Louisana Homestead Exemption | 225-219-0339 | The Homestead Exemption enables Louisiana homeowners to reduce their property tax bills. Lowincome seniors aged 65 and older may be eligible for the Special Assessment Level. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Louisiana retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Housing Corporation | 225-763-8700 | Louisiana Housing Corporation offers seniors and residents assistance with their energy expenses through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). |
Veteran's Services
Louisiana retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana VA Benefits and Health Care | Louisiana VA Benefits and Health Care operates VA Medical Centers in New Orleans, Shreveport and Pineville, and senior veterans can also obtain medical care at over 15 community-based outpatient clinics throughout the state. Those who require assistance with benefits and pensions can contact knowledgeable advisors at one of the state's four Vet Centers, located in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport and Alexandria. Louisiana honors deceased veterans at four national cemeteries: Baton Rouge, Port Hudson, Alexandria and Louisiana. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Louisiana
Assisted living facilities in Louisiana comply with regulations set by the Agency for Health Care Administration, Bureau of Health Facility Regulation. These regulations ensure a high standard of care for residents by setting minimum requirements for care, staffing and environmental features.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements | Before any senior can take residence in an ARCP, they must go through a pre-admission screening to determine if the facility can meet their needs. If staff conclude that the senior is an appropriate fit for the community, they conduct a full assessment of the resident's needs and preferences in terms of amenities and accommodations. This information is used to create a comprehensive individual care plan. Care plans can be revised whenever the resident's needs or preferences change. |
| Assisted Living Admission Requirements | ARCPs cannot admit seniors who require more than 90 days of continuous nursing care. Seniors who require temporary nursing care in an assisted living setting can hire a private provider. Behaviors that can disqualify a senior from a community, include violent, aggressive or otherwise dangerous behavior that may harm the resident, staff or visitors. |
| Assisted Living Scope of Care | Assisted living facilities offer personal care services, 24-hour supervision, health-related services and assistance with daily activities, including housekeeping, laundry, chores, dressing, bathing, grooming and eating. Staff can also help residents engage in social activities and remind them of their medications. Transportation to local activities and medical appointments may also be provided. |
| Assisted Living Medicaid Policy | In Louisiana, the state's regular Medicaid program and the Medicaid waiver programs do not help fund room and board for seniors living in assisted living communities or any of the services they receive while in residence. |
| Assisted Living Facility Requirements | The Louisiana Department of Health requires that each ARCP facility houses its residents in apartment-style accommodations with lockable doors. Each of these apartments is required by law to include: - A kitchen with running water, refrigeration, stove or microwave and food storage. - An ADA-compliant bathroom with sink and shower/bath - A bedroom area with a storage closet - An emergency call system that's easy for any resident to access at any time of day - A heating and cooling system that can be controlled by each individual unit - A phone jack |
| Medication Management Regulations | Staff are permitted to remind residents of the medications they can take according to their personal care plan. They can help read labels, open containers, check the dosage and physically assist with taking the medication. Staff are not legally permitted to administer prescription or over-the-counter medications themselves. |
| Staffing Requirements | While Louisiana does not require a specific staff-to-resident ratio for assisted living facilities, each facility is required to have enough staff on hand at all times to meet all resident needs. This includes always having a staff member awake. Each facility must also have at least one director who is always available on call. |
| Staff Training Requirements | Louisiana requires directors of assisted living facilities to complete 12 hours of continuing education related to their management responsibilities. Each staff member who cares directly for residents must complete 5 days of supervised training. All employees must be reviewed for their knowledge of facility policies at least once per year. |
| Background Checks for Assisted Living | Louisiana law requires background checks for all employees at Adult Residential Care Providers as well as the owners and board members. Any reported illegal activity that is relevant to elder care or management of a facility may result in denial or revocation of a license. |
| Requirements for Reporting Abuse | Louisiana's Elder Protective Services department takes reports of all kinds of physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse affecting assisted living residents. Reports can be submitted at any time as soon as someone witnesses abuse. Life-threatening situations should be reported to emergency services. |
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