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Independent Living in Louisiana
Louisiana is rich in French colonial, native Creole and American southern culture, and many of the state’s 739,000 seniors enjoy its influential music, world-class cuisine and classic architecture. This rich culture in cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge is complemented by low costs of living and friendly tax policies for senior citizens.
Many of Louisiana’s active seniors reside in independent living communities. These facilities resemble regular apartment complexes or residential neighborhoods but are exclusively for seniors. Residents in these communities require little or no help with daily activities, but some may hire some type of home care. Seniors in independent living often have access to shared activities and social events in recreation centers, and some communities have tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness centers and golf courses. The average cost for independent living in Louisiana is estimated at $2,365 per month, well below the national average of $2,795.
This guide contains more detailed information about independent living in Louisiana, including estimated costs, financing strategies and links resources available to seniors in the state.
The Cost of Independent Living in Louisiana
When trying to decide how to pay for independent 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 independent living in Louisiana and its 4 cities.
The Cost of Independent Living in Louisiana's Top Cities
The difference between the cost of independent living in Louisiana's Top Cities varies by as much as $1,169. Shreveport's prices are the most affordable at $1,809, while Mandeville's are the most expensive at $2,978, exceeding Louisiana's average of $2,313 by $665. Averaging $2,664, the cost of independent living in Baton Rouge is also above the state norm. Meanwhile, in Kenner, provider prices average a more affordable $2,257.
Louisiana
$2,313
Shreveport
$1,809
Baton Rouge
$2,664
Kenner
$2,257
Mandeville
$2,978
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Louisiana
Louisiana is one of the few states in which independent living costs didn't increase between 2022 and 2023. In fact, average prices in the state during that period fell by a massive 30.4%, from $3,321 to $2,313. Nationwide, inflation caused price rises of 5.2%, taking the U.S. average to $2,955.
In nearby states, inflation's impacts between 2022 and 2023 on independent living costs varied. In Oklahoma and Texas, prices increased by 3.8% and 5%, respectively, while Arkansas' prices experienced a 20% increase, reaching $2,764. Meanwhile, prices in Mississippi rose by an eye-watering 26.9% to $3,096.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $3,321 | $2,313 | $2,464 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Mississippi | $2,440 | $3,096 | $3,297 |
| Texas | $2,354 | $2,472 | $2,435 |
| Arkansas | $2,304 | $2,764 | $2,944 |
| Oklahoma | $2,284 | $2,370 | $2,667 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Louisiana's senior living prices depend on the type of care on offer. Independent living is the most affordable at $2,313. Assisted living is nearly $1,600 more at $3,903, while memory care is almost double the price at $4,607. Factors impacting these prices include staff-to-resident ratios, amenities and the availability of specialized care. Given these wide price variations, identifying senior living options best matched to care needs and lifestyle preferences is imperative.
Assisted Living
$3,903
Memory Care
$4,607
Independent Living
$2,313
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Louisiana?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Louisiana.
Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.
Paying for Independent Living in Louisiana
Louisiana seniors can access several sources of funding to help pay for independent living. According to the United States Census Bureau, the state’s rate of homeownership is 69%, meaning many families can get cash out of their homes through a sale, renting or an equity loan. Reverse mortgages provide monthly payments based on the value of the property without having to sell. In some cases, long-term care insurance can pay for some aspects of independent living, and cashing out whole life insurance may provide a substantial lump sum. Seniors who’ve put money into retirement accounts or other investments over a lifetime of work can use that money to pay for independent living as well.
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. |
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