Assisted Living in Louisiana

Louisiana has a climate and natural atmosphere common to the deep South, but it may be the most culturally distinct region in the country. The state’s Spanish and French Creole roots still permeate everything from cuisine and music to arts and architecture, and many areas still retain a distinctly Old South charm. Louisiana’s unique culture, coupled with its low cost of living and high-quality healthcare systems make the state a viable option for seniors in search of an assisted living community.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Louisiana

Finding the right assisted living arrangement can be a difficult task. By compiling our data on Louisiana facilities into an easy to use directory, we hope to simplify your research process. In the table below, you will find over 120 facilities listed with important information, such as costs, Medicaid acceptance status, and amenities.

How to Pay for Assisted Living in Louisiana

Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Louisiana and 21 additional cities within Louisiana.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Louisiana

Inflation is affecting assisted living prices in Louisiana. From 2022 to 2023, costs have risen by about 12.5%. The national average has seen a price jump, too, by about 10%. Louisiana’s costs may hold fairly steady in 2024 with a cost increase of less than 0.5%, while U.S. prices may go up by about 8%.

Rate increases in neighboring states vary. Arkansas has seen a price drop of about 3% in 2022-2023, while Texas’ costs have risen by about 6%. Mississippi and Alabama have both seen price jumps to $3,996 and $3,796. Seniors, therefore, must take rising costs into consideration.

Assisted Living Costs in Louisiana's Top Cities

While the Louisiana average cost of assisted living is $3,903 per month, prices vary by city due to differences in cost of living. In Baton Rouge, seniors can expect to pay about $3,569 while New Orleans shows costs of $3,825. Some cities are more expensive for assisted living. Covington, for example, comes in above average with costs of $4,191. Prices in Lafayette rose to $4,493.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

Louisiana seniors should choose their living options based on their care needs and budgets. People struggling with memory loss might choose the 24-hour support of memory care, which runs about $4,607 per month. Those who just need some help with daily living activities or housekeeping may consider assisted living for $3,903. Seniors who feel confident living on their own may choose the independent living option with varying amenities for $2,313.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Louisiana

The Louisiana Personal Care Services Program

Under the state’s Medicaid long-term care program, Louisiana seniors who qualify for an institutional level of care have access to personal care coverage at home or in assisted living facilities (ALFs). Medicaid reimburses personal care providers like assisted living facilities for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). This allows people to stay in their communities when they might otherwise have been forced to live in a nursing home in order to receive Medicaid benefits.

ADLs are activities like bathing, eating, and walking from one place to another, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are also included, such as laundry service and meal preparation. The program does not provide 24-hour care, so recipients must have some limited means of self-care, or must otherwise have a support system of family or friends. The Personal Care Services Program is considered an entitlement, so there are no waitlists or limits on enrollment.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for this program, Louisiana residents must require assistance with at least one activity of daily living and should meet income requirements for the Louisiana Medicaid long-term care program. Qualified recipients are adequately competent to direct their own care, or have a representative who can do so for them.

To learn more about your eligibility for Personal Care Services coverage, view the Personal Care Services fact sheet.

How to Apply

For more information, visit the Department of Health online at ldh.LA.gov. The Louisiana Medicaid long-term care application can be downloaded or printed at ldh.LA.gov/LongTermCare. Interested parties may contact the office of Louisiana Options in Long Term Care at (877) 456-1146. The hearing impaired can reach this office at (855) 296-0226.

The Louisiana Community Choices Waiver

This waiver allows Medicaid recipients who have developed an adult-onset disability to receive coverage without being institutionalized, instead receiving benefits at home or in assisted living. The Community Choices Waiver reimburses for a diverse range of services, such as nursing care and skilled therapy, personal care, and caregiver respite. Coverage amounts are determined based on medical and financial need, and space in the program is limited.

Who is Eligible?

People who meet Louisiana’s Medicaid eligibility requirements may apply for the Community Choices Waiver if they have an adult onset disability and are eligible for an institutional level of care. For more eligibility information, go online to view the Community Choices Waiver fact sheet.

How to Apply

For more information, visit the DHS Office of Adult and Aging Services online at ldh.LA.gov. To apply for coverage, potential recipients must be entered into the Community Choices Waiver Request for Services Registry. To begin the registration process, call the office of Louisiana Options in Long Term Care at (877) 456-1146. The hearing impaired may reach this office at (855) 296-0226.

PACE

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly is a national program with service locations in most states. The goal of PACE is to provide complete coverage of all medical expenses for a limited number of especially frail seniors, allowing them to avoid or delay being institutionalized and improving their quality of life. The list of medical and functional services covered under PACE is considered comprehensive for most people. Programs in most areas can support between 150 to 300 recipients at a time, so it is advised that those seeking coverage under the program apply as far in advance as possible.

Who is Eligible?

PACE can cover residents who live in selected service areas, which in Louisiana include greater New Orleans, Lafayette, and Baton Rouge. Medicaid recipients in these areas who qualify for a nursing home level of care may be eligible for PACE if they are 55 or older.

Citizens who are not currently enrolled in Medicaid may also be eligible if they meet the above requirements and the financial eligibility requirements of Louisiana’s Medicaid program for long-term care. Eligible applicants have an income of no more than 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate per year. For the year 2019, the FBR is set at $771 for individuals and $1,157 for couples. A fee-for-service model of coverage is available for eligible, non-Medicaid recipients.

How to Apply

For more information, view the Louisiana Department of Health’s PACE fact sheet online.

To begin the application process, the state’s Medicaid customer service can be reached at (888) 342-6207. For the hearing impaired, customer service can be reached at (800) 220-5404. The office of Louisiana Options in Long Term Care is also available to help at (877) 456-1146, or (877) 544-9544 for the hearing impaired.

More Ways to Finance Assisted Living

Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits: Veterans can take advantage of several different pension programs to help cover the cost of assisted living. For more information, see the article on benefits.va.gov.

• Life Insurance Policies: Even if a spouse or loved one hasn’t died, certain types of life insurance policies can be used to pay for assisted living. More information is available at longtermcare.acl.gov

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance policy that pays for long-term care when it becomes necessary, including the cost of assisted living. For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of this financing method, visit longtermcare.acl.gov.

• Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow seniors to access the equity from a home that they own, and these funds can be used to pay for assisted living. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a federally insured reverse mortgage program.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Louisiana

There are many resources in Louisiana that assist seniors in their retirement. Assistedliving.org 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Louisiana

The residential care facilities of Louisiana are licensed and regulated by the Department of Health, and they are required by law to meet certain regulatory standards. Louisiana has three levels of residential care, and in each, requirements may differ. Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are considered Level 3 facilities, with Levels 1 and 2 providing lower-cost, congregate housing. This section will explore regulations and licensure for Level 3 assisted living facilities.

Assisted Living Service Plans

Within the first month of moving into an assisted living facility, new residents will meet with facility administrators for a mutual interview to establish a plan of service and a residential agreement. The service plan document will include all physical and medical needs of the resident and their facility’s proposed methods of meeting those needs. The residential agreement is intended to demonstrate that new residents have been informed of all costs, rules, rights, and provisions that they can expect at the facility. These documents are kept on file by administrators and a copy is given to residents for their own files.

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Louisiana ALFs can accommodate people who have significant physical impairments, though there are limitations. Full-time nursing care cannot be provided by ALFs in this state, effectively excluding people from residence if they have certain health conditions, such as level 3 or 4 pressure ulcers or the need for total assistance with breathing apparatus. Permanently bedridden or comatose individuals can also not be accommodated, and an individual may be considered ineligible for residence if they present a danger to themselves or others.

In cases of less significant medical need, assisted living residents may procure services with home health agencies to provide aid that would otherwise be beyond the level of care that an assisted living facility is equipped to provide.

Assisted Living Scope of Care

Personal care services must be provided at all Louisiana facilities, which can include assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating, and bathroom use, and instrumental activities of daily living, like meal preparation and laundry service. In addition, facilities are responsible for providing access to social and recreational activities, as well as general transportation and housekeeping.

ALFs also have the option of providing controlled-access dementia care units and financial services for residents. Facilities are ultimately responsible for making sure that residents’ needs are met, even in cases where an individual’s needs require the employment of a third party, such as a home health agency.

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Louisiana ALFs can accept Medicaid reimbursement for services provided to people covered by Medicaid waivers or who are enrolled to receive personal care coverage. To receive either type of coverage, residents must be eligible for a nursing home level of care. Personal care reimbursement would include coverage of assistance with activities of daily living, such as personal grooming tasks or basic mobility. Waiver services may cover a more advanced level of physical assistance.

Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Assisted living in Louisiana requires the provision of discrete apartments for all residents, and no unit can house more than two people. ALFs must maintain an uncompromised home-like setting, and they must adhere to normal building safety codes and fire safety standards, as well as accessibility standards specific to residential care settings.

The square footage requirements for ALFs exclude any extra space needed for storage and bathrooms. Efficiency apartments must have at least 250 square feet of usable space, whereas multi-room apartments will have at least 190 square feet of space in the living room and 100 square feet in each bedroom. Fully functional kitchens, including basic appliances, must be included in all assisted living units. Apartments will have lockable entrances and exits, and fully functional call systems.

Medication Management Regulations

Staff members at Louisiana ALFs may assist residents in self-administering their medications as long as assisting employees maintain a state certification that is updated yearly. Assistance with self-administration includes helping a resident open their medicines or providing reminders to take a medicine, or generally helping residents to read and understand labels.

For people who must rely on others to administer their medicines for them, only staff who are licensed to practice medicine or licensed nurses may do so. Licensed staff may also administer injections, though regulatory limitations are more significant in these cases.

Staffing Requirements

Louisiana ALFs must have a director on the grounds at all times to oversee the facility’s operation. Directors must be at least 21 years old, and they must have a mix of higher education and work experience sufficient to the task of managing an entire facility. At a minimum, this requires a bachelor’s degree plus two years of administrative experience, both of which must be in the fields of health, social services, geriatrics, management or administration.

Staff members will be either recreational/activity staff or direct care staff who work with residents to fulfill their day-to-day needs. Some facilities will also have registered nurses on staff who may administer medications and assist residents with coordination of their medical care.

Staff Training Requirements

All staff members of an assisted living facility require training or certifications in first-aid and CPR, and all direct care staff are trained in the provision of dementia care as well. Upon being hired at an ALF, staff members are given an initial orientation of at least 12 hours, and continued education is required at a rate of 12 hours per year. Included in this training are topics germane to the specific populations being served at the facility, as well as safety procedures for various emergency situations.

Facility directors must also take orientation training on entering their position at a facility. Like direct care staff, directors must be given 12 hours per year of continued training. Whereas direct care staff are given in-service training related to resident interaction, the topics addressed in a director’s coursework are more specific to the overall management of a facility. A director’s training must consist of material approved by a state-sanctioned regulatory body, such as the National Center for Assisted Living.

Background Checks for Assisted Living

Both state and federal background checks are required for all staff, directors, and board members associated with Louisiana ALFs. If a background check returns information on past convictions or substantiated accusations of any form of abuse, or any behavior that could be harmful to an elderly assisted living resident, then employment cannot be offered to that individual. A substantiated accusation is a case wherein allegations of abuse, exploitation, or neglect have been investigated, and credible evidence was found to support the accusation. In these cases, a conviction is not necessary to effectively disqualify a person from future employment at an assisted living facility.

Reporting Abuse

The Louisiana state government provides different resources for the reporting of elder abuse and rule-breaking by long-term care facilities.

When reporting a long-term care facility, the Department of Health suggests that ALF residents first approach facility administrators with their grievances. If no satisfactory resolution can be reached, a report may be filed online with the DOH. A complaint form can be downloaded from ldh.LA.gov. For more information, visit the Louisiana DOH website.

Elder abuse can include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, theft, and exploitation. Reports of elder abuse can be filed with the Department of Health by contacting Adult Protective Services. They can be reached confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling (800) 898-4910.

Louisiana COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living Facilities

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/8/22. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your assisted living facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.

Sources: ldh.la.gov www.cms.gov