Louisiana Assisted Living for Couples

Assisted living in Louisiana for couples

Assisted living facilities offer more than housing to senior adults. ALFs are supportive communities in which one can thrive at senior age, with access to healthcare, general services, and amenities. The typical age for acceptance is around 60, but there are facilities that might accept people of younger age, with a limit of 55. Another thing to consider is that ALFs accept couples, allowing spouses to live together, for as long as it is possible.

How many ALFs are there in Louisiana? In the state of Louisiana, there are about 130 assisted living facilities. These senior living centers can be found in the following locations: Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, Shreveport, Lake Charles, and Monroe. All the senior living facilities receive their license from the Louisiana Department of Health, which is also responsible for their regulation. According to the local laws, ALFs are Level 3 facilities, and they have to comply with specific regulatory standards.

After being accepted into the respective facility, senior adults must go through an interview. A plan of service will be developed as a result, covering all the resident's needs and ways in which these will be met. Residents are also given an occupancy agreement, which will specify everything about their rights and obligations. Couples will be informed about their mutual occupancy, and what will happen should they require a higher level of care.

Financing and costs of assisted living in Louisiana

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Louisiana is around $3,500. By comparison, the national median is of $4,000. From all the neighboring states, only Texas has higher costs. Mississippi and Oklahoma have comparable rates, while Arkansas has the lowest fees, with an average of $3,000 per month.

Within the state of Louisiana, the costs of ALFs vary considerably from one region to the other. The most expensive assisted living facilities are located in Seattle, with an average going over $5,700. On the other hand, Spokane offers more affordable prices, with a median of $4,000. The lowest fees are found in Monroe. Assisted living is has similar costs with other long-term care solutions, such as memory care and in-home healthcare. Nursing home care, however, is more expensive.

Senior adults who have a low-level income and cannot afford the high cost of assisted living should consider financial assistance solutions. The Louisiana Personal Care Services program helps senior adults cover the necessary costs of assisted living. Eligibility criteria regard the level of independence and regular income.

Another solution would be the Louisiana Community Choices Waiver, which often has limited availability. National programs, such as PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), are available in the state as well. Acceptance criteria regard residency, Medicaid policy, nursing home eligibility, and age. The costs of assisted living can also be covered through: reverse mortgages, veterans benefits, long-term care insurance, and life insurance policies.

Assisted living costs in Louisiana

Assisted living facilities have been developed for seniors who need adapted housing, specialized healthcare, and assistance with ADLs. These communities are able to offer all these benefits and even more, with trained personnel and comfortable amenities. They do not provide skilled nursing care or offer this service for a limited period of time, for maximum three months. In the paragraphs below, you will find detailed information on the costs of assisted living in Louisiana, along other facts that might help you find the right community for you or your loved one.

Average costs of assisted living and memory care in Louisiana

How much does assisted living cost in LA? In the state of Louisiana, the average cost of assisted living is $3,700 per month or $44,000 per year. This is considerably lower than the national median of $4,500 per month or $54,000 per year. Within the state, the most expensive assisted living communities are found in Houma, averaging at $4,850 per month or $58,000 per year. On the other hand, Monroe has the most affordable facilities of this kind, with an average cost of $2,650 per month or $31,000 per year.

How much does memory care cost in LA? When it comes to memory care, the average cost is $4,600 per month or $55,000 per year. This is significantly lower than the national median of $5,600 or $67,000 per year. Within the state, the most expensive memory care communities are located in Houma, averaging at $6,000 per month or $72,000 per year. Monroe has the most affordable facilities of this kind, with an average cost of $3,300 per month or $39,000 per year.

Assisted living costs more than adult day health care, but it is more affordable than home care, home health care, and nursing home care. Memory care costs more than adult day health care, assisted living, home care, and home health care. It is only surpassed by nursing home care, which averages at $6,000 per month or $72,000 per year.

What goes into assisted living costs?

All residents who are interested in moving into an assisted living community have to cover a deposit fee, which is returned when the residential stay begins. These facilities only have monthly fees to be paid, there are no entrance fees to worry about. The overall costs are influenced by the following: available amenities and services, care, marital status, underlying health conditions, living unit type and size. Residents have access to utilities, as well as meal plans, laundry and linen service, general maintenance, and housekeeping. Additional services might be offered at extra cost.

Care fees have to be covered for the daily living activities seniors receive assistance with. Assisted living facilities offer different care packages, which might include daily planned activities, emergency response systems, physical and occupational therapy, scheduled transportation, and medication management. Second occupancy fees are paid by couples who want to live together. Some facilities require additional payments for certain utilities, such as the Internet and cable access. Limited healthcare might be offered by third-party providers, at extra cost as well.

What goes into memory care costs?

Dementia seniors can be accommodated into memory care communities, where they benefit not only from adapted housing, but also from healthcare, monitoring, and support. The access to various services and amenities is also included. The personnel cater to the specific needs of those who are in different stages of dementia, with consideration to the challenges experienced. Care packages are developed in accordance with the type of dementia and the illness stage. Safety features are chosen with care, helping residents feel less confused and reducing the risk of injury or wandering at the same time. Assistance with ADLs is offered as well, in accordance with one's level of independence.

Memory care facilities also provide seniors with access to various therapies, helping them work on their speech, memory, and cognitive skills. The access to general services is guaranteed, with options including: scheduled transportation, laundry and linen service, meal planning and preparation, housekeeping, and general maintenance. Care-related services are also available, such as mobility assistance, incontinence care, wound care, and diabetes care.

Senior living in Louisiana - cost comparison with other states

The average cost of assisted living in Louisiana is well below the national median. Louisiana is more expensive than Mississippi, but more affordable than Texas and Arkansas. The costs are as follows: Mississippi - $3,500 per month or $42,000 per year; Texas - $4,000 per month or $48,000 per year; Arkansas - $3,700 per month or $44,000 per year.

With memory care, the average cost is also well below the national median. Louisiana is more expensive than Mississippi, but more affordable than Texas and Arkansas. The costs are as follows: Mississippi - $4,300 per month or $51,000 per year; Texas - $5,000 per month or $60,000; Arkansas – $4,700 per month or $56,000 per year.

Finding the best senior living facility in Louisiana for your needs

It is never easy to reach the moment when your loved one requires long-term care. Whether you are interested in assisted living or memory care, please remember that the costs vary from one facility to the other, in accordance with the services offered. To save both energy and time, you can use the Internet and compare various options. The sooner you will find a good option, the sooner you will be freed from the burden of caregiving, which is a significant advantage to consider.

Give us a call and we will offer all the necessary details on the costs of each senior living facility in Louisiana.

Services provided to married couples by assisted living facilities in Louisiana

Couples who apply for admittance to an ALF will be presented with an occupancy agreement. Under this agreement, senior couples will find the services provided by the respective facility. Among the general services, the following are usually included: housekeeping, laundry and linen service, general maintenance, Internet and telephone, emergency response system, errand running, shopping, meal planning and preparation, 24/7 security, schedule transportation, etc.

Assistance with daily living activities is offered in all Louisiana-based facilities. Senior adults are helped with ADLs, including bathing, getting dressed, toileting, grooming, and eating. Depending on their needs, they might be helped with oral hygiene, treatment (diabetes care), and even to take part to social and recreational activities. However, it is expected for them to maintain a part of their independence, requiring minimal assistance.

Many assisted living facilities choose to welcome residents who suffer from dementia, providing them with housing in memory care units. Memory care units assume the responsibility of meeting the complex needs of such residents, often accepting third-party providers, such as home health agencies. Nonetheless, the costs for third-party services have to be covered by the resident.

Medication management is available to all senior adults who live in the respective facility. ALF residents may be assisted by the staff while taking their medication. The staff might offer reminders, monitor the treatment and ensure the correct dosage has been taken, or help residents open bottles/blisters. Label reading might be provided as well. Licensed nurses can administer the respective treatment, including injections, with consideration to regulatory limitations.

Amenities for couples moving to an assisted living in Louisiana

Residents, couples included, live in apartment-style units. A maximum number of two residents is allowed for each unit. All units in assisted living centers have a home-like setting, with accessibility features and must comply with building safety standards, including fire safety. Apartments in assisted living communities feature a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and a fully-functional kitchen. Extra storage space is available and additional features include: basic appliances, keyed entries, and emergency response systems.

When it comes to spending one's time, there are a lot of excellent amenities available. Senior adults can take part in social and recreational activities, practice swimming or take yoga classes. Fitness centers are available in most ALFs, as well as art studios, fine dining restaurants, and social clubs. Some assisted living facilities organize weekly religious services and many of them accept pets. Dementia residents might have access to specific amenities, including memory gardens and learning centers.