18 Assisted Living Communities in New Orleans, Louisiana

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,610 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 18 Assisted Living Communities in New Orleans and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $3,610
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $5,627
• In-home care: $3,051
• Adult day health services: $1,235

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the $3,610 monthly assisted living median for New Orleans seniors is nearly $400 less than the national average but slightly higher than the state average. Louisiana cities with similar monthly expenses for assisted living include Lafayette ($3,400), Alexandria ($3,401) and the Shreveport area ($3,393). Baton Rouge assisted living costs equal the national average of $4,000, but seniors in Lake Charles ($3,125) and Monroe ($2,950) pay less than the state and national average.

Median monthly costs for senior care in New Orleans range from $1,235 to $5,931. Part-time services fall on the lower end of the scale, and full-time care ranges from $3,610 to nearly $6,000 per month. While costs for home health aides and adult day care initially seem more affordable than around-the-clock care, home-based seniors may also have living expenses such as mortgages, utilities and groceries. New Orleans seniors with high monthly living costs may find nursing home costs are similar to those associated with aging at home. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,610

• Homemaker services: $3,051

• Home health aide: $3,051

• Adult day health: $1,235

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $5,627

 

Low-income seniors in New Orleans who need long-term care may qualify for Medicaid as well as Medicare. Medicaid is a state-funded medical program that helps participants pay for qualifying medical expenses, including those associated with assisted living. When seniors participate in both Medicaid and Medicare, Louisiana providers treat Medicare as the primary insurance source. Medicaid helps cover costs that remain after Medicare pays approved providers.

Some seniors may qualify for assistance with Medicare premiums through the Medicaid Savings Program. This program also helps with prescription expenses for seniors who participate in the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Information is available via telephone at (888) 544-7996.

Seniors interested in obtaining Medicaid coverage can apply online via the Louisiana Medicaid Online Application. Applications are also accepted via postal mail at P.O. Box 91278, Baton Rouge, LA, 70821-9278, via fax at (877) 523-2987 or in person at local Medicaid offices. Contact the Medicaid hotline at (888) 342-6207 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for questions about the application process or current benefits.

Louisiana Community Choices Waiver

The Louisiana Community Choices Waiver helps New Orleans’ seniors afford costs associated with in-home services or assisted living facilities. The waiver helps postpone or prevent nursing home care by covering medical expenses that help seniors age safely and comfortably with appropriate supports.

Seniors must qualify for Medicaid and meet predetermined income limits prior to approval for the Louisiana Community Choices Waiver. Individuals must have a monthly income at or below $2,313 and assets of $2,000 or less.

The income limit doubles to $4,626 per month for married couples, and the asset limit increases to $3,000. Some property, such as a home valued at $585,000 or less, does not count toward the asset restrictions for single or married applicants. 

Seniors interested in this waiver may also want to consider other financial assistance options for care because the Community Choices Waiver program often has a waiting list.

Senior Bridge Loans

Many seniors pay for assisted living with reverse mortgages, home sales, Medicaid waivers or veterans benefits. However, these earnings and benefits are not always available immediately. When seniors need money for assisted care right away, bridge loans from Elderlife Financial Services provide short-term financial assistance, typically for 12 to 18 months or less, for approved seniors. 

Seniors do not have to qualify alone or with a spouse as Elderlife Financial Services lets up to six family members cosign each loan on behalf of the recipient. Elderlife sends funds to approved senior living facilities rather than to seniors or their loved ones, so there are no delays when paying for assisted care.

Medicaid and Medicare recipients can apply for senior bridge loans. These loans typically do not count against the $2,000 or $3,000 asset requirements because they are distributed directly to approved facilities rather than to qualifying seniors.

SSI State Supplementary Payments

Louisiana offers state-funded benefits to supplement federal Social Security Income benefits. Known as SSI state supplemental payments, this state-funded resource is available for seniors who meet income and asset requirements. Approximately 33,000 seniors age 65 and older receive these benefits.

Seniors can learn more about SSI state supplemental payments online by visiting the Social Security Office of Retirement and Disability Policy.

Veterans centers offer information about medical and financial assistance programs for prior military members. New Orleans residents can seek medical care from approved clinics or request assistance paying for medical treatment at other facilities.

Department of Veterans Affairs
2237 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 412-3700

VA New Orleans Regional Office
1250 Poydras St Suite 200, New Orleans, LA 70113
(800) 827-1000

Veterans Affairs Hospital
119 S Galvez St, New Orleans, LA 70119
(800) 935-8387

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.