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Memory Care in Louisiana
There are plenty of reasons why more than 730,000 seniors ages 65 and older, nearly 16% of the population, call Louisiana home. Tenth in the nation for Alzheimer’s cases, Louisiana has seen a rapid rise in Alzheimer’s, with numbers increasing by 149% since 2000. In 2020, 92,000 seniors 65 and older had Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to increase to 110,000 by 2025. This is expected to have a deeply significant cost impact for both families and taxpayers alike. Caregivers account for more than $3 trillion in unpaid care, while the cost of providing paid care is expected to top $1.1 trillion by 2050.
With some of the lowest property taxes in the country and an absence of Social Security or public pension taxes, Louisiana offers seniors the ability to keep more of their retirement money. The climate is hot and rainy, but there are no frigid winters to endure, appealing to seniors looking for a more temperate environment. The cost of living is also significantly lower than the national average, and health care costs are slightly lower as well. There are physicians for every 100,000 residents, which is lower than the 210 per 100,000 U.S. average. Seniors pay, on average, approximately $4,685 per month for memory care services.
Memory care can either be offered on its own in a community designed especially for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or, more often, it’s provided as a service in a separate wing of an assisted living facility. Memory care programs are designed specifically for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
As well as an overview of memory care costs, this guide provides a comparison of those costs with other types of long-term care. Memory care financing options, a resource directory and an explanation of state regulations for memory care programs are also included.
The Cost of Memory Care in Louisiana
When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, 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 memory care in Louisiana and its 14 cities.
The Cost of Memory Care in Louisiana's Top Cities
In Louisiana's top cities, the cost of memory care fluctuates widely. While the average cost of care in the state is $4,607, prices are higher in Shreveport, where a month of memory care averages $4,983. In Lafayette, prices increase further, averaging $5,100 monthly. Both Baton Rouge and Lake Charles have similar average monthly costs of $3,997 and $3,902, respectively, making them relatively affordable for the state.
Louisiana
$4,607
Baton Rouge
$3,997
Shreveport
$4,983
Lafayette
$5,100
Lake Charles
$3,902
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Memory Care in Louisiana
While inflation has increased national memory care costs from $4,863 to $5,369 between 2022 and 2023 (10.4%), Louisiana has experienced a decrease in price from $4,884 to $4,607. Neighboring states have experienced an increase in costs. Alabama experienced the highest inflation rate at 7.7%, from $4,428 to $4,769, although it's still cheaper than Louisiana. Mississippi's costs are similar, with a 6.9% increase from $4,376 to $4,679. Meanwhile, Texas offers very affordable care that has increased 4.3% from $3,607 to $3,763. Finally, Arkansas experienced a 2.7% increase in 2023, from $4,922 to $5,056.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $4,884 | $4,607 | $5,349 |
| U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
| Mississippi | $4,376 | $4,679 | $4,931 |
| Texas | $3,607 | $3,763 | $3,836 |
| Arkansas | $4,922 | $5,056 | $5,385 |
| Alabama | $4,428 | $4,769 | $4,972 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Senior living arrangements in Louisiana vary in cost based on the level of care provided. More intensive services typically lead to higher prices, although amenities can also influence rates. Memory care is the most expensive option due to the increased services and specialized caregivers. Assisted living is more affordable than memory care, averaging $3,903. Independent living is the most affordable option, averaging $2,313, but it does not include caregiving services.
Assisted Living
$3,903
Memory Care
$4,607
Independent Living
$2,313
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Louisiana?
Note: For the purposes of this guide, when we say “Memory Care” we are referring to memory care provided in a “social setting,” such as an Assisted Living Facility. This is the most common way to receive Memory Care and is the best fit for all but the frailest seniors. Sometimes the actual service of memory care can be provided in a Nursing Home (“medical setting”), so the financial assistance options will be very different. To learn more about the financial assistance options available for memory care provided in a nursing home, read our guide to Nursing Home Care in Louisiana.
If seniors in need of memory care services also qualify for Medicaid, they can apply for one of the three possible Home and Community-Based Programs: Long-Term Personal Care Services, Community Choices Waiver or the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, available in select counties only. These programs provide a wide variety of services both medical and non-medical.
What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s Home and Community-Based Programs do not cover room and board in residential memory care, services can help support individuals in their home and community through therapies, assistance with daily living activities or respite care for caregivers. These supports are also designed to help delay nursing home placement and provide those living with dementia help with personal care, transportation, meals and other useful services.
Memory Care Waiver Programs in Louisiana
Beneficiaries of these programs can receive supportive care services either at a private residence or an adult daycare facility. Most are designed to help recipients stay in their homes and delay nursing home placement and include assistance like companionship, personal care services or skilled nursing care.
| Program | Contact | Service provided |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Personal Care Services | (877) 456-1146 | Available to Medicaid recipients 65 and older who meet nursing home admission criteria, Long-Term Personal Care Services helps seniors with basic personal care, assistance with eating and food prep, transportation and grocery shopping. The LTPCS program supplements other community supports, and the number of services will depend on an assessment that determines how much assistance is needed with daily living tasks. |
| Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly | (504) 945-1531 | Provided by an interdisciplinary team of health professionals, PACE is provided to those Medicaid recipients living in the New Orleans area. Recipients need to be 55 and older and require a nursing home level of care. Home health, respite services, transportation and more are included in the PACE program. |
| Community Choices Waiver | (877) 456-1146 | The Community Choices Waiver differs from the LTPCS program in that beneficiaries create individual service packages using the provided budget. The wide array of services includes home modifications, including assistive technology and monitoring systems, personal care and caregiver respite. |
How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Louisiana
Beneficiaries of these programs can receive supportive care services either at a private residence or an adult daycare facility. Most are designed to help recipients stay in their homes and delay nursing home placement and include assistance like companionship, personal care services or skilled nursing care.
2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Louisiana
| 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
Applications for Medicaid in Louisiana can be completed online, through the Louisiana Medicaid Online Application, at one of the statewide Medicaid Application Centers, or by downloading, printing, and bringing a completed application to Medicaid as directed on the form. Help completing the forms is available online or at your local Medicaid office. Assistance is also available by calling the Medicaid hotline at (888) 342-6207, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Information You Will Need
When preparing your Medicaid application, you will need proof of income and assets from the past five years, which includes all opened or closed bank and investment accounts, a Social Security award letter, any Veterans benefits, and all other forms of income.
In addition, you will need to include:
- Government ID such as driver’s license to verify residency status and citizenship
- Home appraisal
- Income tax returns from the previous five years
- Any vehicle or home titles
- Any prepaid funeral or burial arrangements
- Will, power of attorney or other documents pertaining to your estate or care
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
Seniors applying to Medicaid in Louisiana have access to help with completing their applications or general questions either online, by phone or in-person, at their local Medicaid office.
| Program | Contact | Service provided |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid Regional Offices | Varies by location | Staff is available to answer questions in person during weekday normal operating hours. |
| Medicaid Toll-Free Hotline | (888) 342-6207 | Agents are available weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to help with application questions. |
| Medicaid Online Question Form | Online | Applicants can complete a short questionnaire including contact information so staff can contact them with more information about Medicaid and Medicaid-related programs. |
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Louisiana?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Louisiana. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will 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 Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Louisiana.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care 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 Memory Care 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 Memory Care. |
| 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 Memory Care. 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 Memory Care. 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 Memory Care will not typically be eligible to sign up for an 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. |
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Louisiana
Assisted living facilities in Louisiana are referred to as Adult Residential Care Programs, and those that provide memory care services are designated with Specialized Dementia Care Programs. These facilities are licensed by the Health Standards Section of the Louisiana Department of Health and have their own general provisions.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Care | Upon request by the public, Adult Residential Care Providers with specialized dementia care programs shall provide written information on the following:
|
| Care Plans | Within 30 calendar days of a resident’s admission, an ARCP shall develop a Person-Centered Service Plan based on the resident’s assessment. |
| Medication Management | Medication administration may only be performed by registered nurses, licensed nursing practitioners and those licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy. Intravenous therapy by staff from select ARCPs is permitted on a time-limited basis and must be under the supervision of a licensed RN, physician or advanced practice nurse. |
| Staffing | ARCPs shall have sufficient and trained direct care staff at all times to meet the residents’ scheduled and unscheduled needs. Within the first 90 days of employment, all ARCP employees must receive dementia training based on dementia-specific training curricula approved by the LDH. In addition, direct care staff shall receive at least eight hours of dementia-specific training annually, while non-direct care employees who have regular contact with residents require at least two hours annually. All other employees shall receive written general information on interacting with residents with dementia. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Residents enrolled in home and community-based services waivers should have comprehensive care plans developed in accordance with Medicaid’s or the LDH’s policies and procedures. These care plans may substitute PCSPs for reimbursement purposes. However, a PCSP must be coordinated if a resident needs services beyond what the comprehensive plan of care provides. |
| Reporting Abuse | ARCPs shall report suspected incidents of abuse, neglect, injuries of unknown origin and misappropriation of personal property to the HSS. An initial report shall be submitted within 24 hours of occurrence or discovery of the incident, and a final report must be submitted within five business days regardless of the outcome. |
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