This page will assist Louisiana residents in exploring the costs associated with senior care throughout the state, including select geographic regions within the state. The cost of living in an assisted living facility, hiring in-home care, and attending adult day care will all be explored. Programs that offer financial and care assistance, both in the home and in residential facilities, will also be discussed.
The compiled list of programs that assist with senior care found below are comprehensive of what the state of Louisiana has to offer. However, it is not inclusive of what is offered at the national level. When searching for elderly care assistance, it is important to explore all options, finding the one that best fits the given situation. To assist in your search of elderly care programs, please use our free Resource Locator Tool.
Louisiana Eldercare Costs for 2023
Assisted Living / Memory Care
In Louisiana, per Genworth’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey, in 2020, the statewide average monthly cost of assisted living is $3,650. In comparison to the national monthly average of $4,051, Louisiana has a low monthly average cost of assisted living. However, within the state of Louisiana, the average cost of assisted living varies, depending on the geographic region in which one resides. The lowest average monthly cost for assisted living can be found in Hammond ($3,003), Monroe ($3,150), Houma ($3,185), and Baton Rouge ($3,313). In Lake Charles, the cost of assisted living is also below the statewide average at approximately $3,508 / month, as well as Alexandria at $3,585 / month and Lafayette at $3,645 / month . It can also be helpful to know the areas of the state with the costliest assisted living per month. These areas include the cities of Shreveport-Bossier ($3,723) and New Orleans ($4,700).
Individuals who are need of Alzheimer’s care, often referred to as Memory Care, in an assisted living facility should expect to pay an extra monthly fee between $750.75 and $1,175. Due to the additional security and specialized care, it is estimated this type of care costs 20% to 30% more than does traditional assisted living.
Home Care
According to the 2019 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, as of 2020, non-medical, in-home care in Louisiana averages $16.88 per hour. As with the cost of assisted living, the hourly rates vary based on the geographic region of the state. The most affordable areas for home care are found in Monroe ($15.75 / hr.), Shreveport ($16.00 / hr.), Hammond ($16.50 / hr.), and New Orleans ($16.75 / hr.). Lafayette and Houma both have average hourly costs nearly consistent with the statewide average at $17.00. The most expensive areas for home care are Baton Rouge ($17.75 / hr.), Alexandria ($18.00 / hr.), and Lake Charles ($19.00 / hr.).
Home health care, where health care providers act as caregivers, is another option for elderly care in Louisiana. On average, the hourly rate for home health care versus home care is approximately the same as non-medical, in-home care. However, in the area of Hammond, the average hourly rate is approximately $1.25 more, and in the area of Shreveport, the average hourly rate is approximately $.50 more.
Adult Day Care
Adult day care in Louisiana, per Genworth’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey, as of 2020, runs residents an average of $75 / day. Again, the average cost for senior care in the form of adult day care varies widely across the state, averaging from $45 / day to $107 / day. Cost saving measures may be made by relocating to an area of the state that has the most affordable cost of care. Adult day care can be found as low as $45 / day in Lafayette, $60 / day in New Orleans, and $60 / day in Alexandria. The areas where adult day care is more costly than the state average is Shreveport ($85 / day) and Baton Rouge ($107 / day).
Louisiana Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs
Medicaid Programs & Waivers for the Elderly
Medicaid, which is a joint partnership between the federal government and the state, offers health care for low-income residents of Louisiana. For seniors and those who are disabled, it also covers nursing home care and limited personal care assistance through the state Medicaid plan.
The Long Term Personal Care Services Program (LT-PCS) provides seniors who need a nursing home level of care with in-home personal care assistance. Supports include assistance with grooming, bathing, toiletry, eating, meal preparation, light housecleaning, medication management, and grocery shopping. There is no wait list for this program, as this is part of the state Medicaid plan, and there are no enrollment caps. To learn more, click here.
Louisiana also offers Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers. They provide long-term care in an individual’s home and community, preventing unnecessary nursing home placements. This is a win-win for the state and the individual: The cost of HCBS is less costly for the state than nursing home care and the individual gets to age in place. Currently, Louisiana offers two HCBS waivers.
1) The Adult Day Health Care (ADHC) Medicaid Waiver provides adult day care services to seniors and individuals who need a nursing home level of care. Additional supports one might receive while in adult day care include personal care assistance, nursing services, medication management, and meals. Currently, there is a wait list to receive services via this waiver. For more information and to see eligibility requirements, click here.
2) The Community Choices Waiver (CCW), which replaced the Elderly and Disabled Adult Waiver, provides support in the home and community to prevent or delay nursing home placements. Supports include adult day care, personal care assistance, respite care, temporary skilled nursing, and home modifications. A unique benefit of this program is the option for Monitored In-Home Caregiving, which is similar to adult foster care. There is a wait list for this waiver and the highest priority is given to those with the greatest need. For eligibility information and additional supports, click here.
Medicaid Eligibility
In order to be eligible for Medicaid in the state of Louisiana, there are functional limitations that must be met, as well as income and asset restrictions. Make note, there are different income requirements for the state Medicaid plan for long-term in-home care services versus nursing home care or a Medicaid waiver.
In 2023, single senior applicants must not have a monthly income greater than $914 a month for state plan in-home care services, and income no greater than $2,742 a month for Medicaid Waivers or nursing home care.
Applicants, regardless of applying for the state plan, a waiver, or nursing home care, must not have liquid assets in excess of $2,000. (Liquid assets are those that are easily converted to cash). However, several assets are exempt and include an individual’s home (if the individual lives in the home, or has an “intent” to return to it, and the home is valued under $688,000 OR if the individual has a spouse living in it), one vehicle, and personal effects. The eligibility guidelines are different for married couples where both spouses are applying for the state Medicaid program, as well as married couples with just one spouse applying for a Medicaid waiver or nursing home care. Due to the complicated nature of applying for Medicaid, it can be helpful to contact a professional Medicaid planner for assistance.
Louisiana Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs
The state of Louisiana also offers one non-Medicaid assistance program that is relevant to seniors. The Louisiana Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program offers affordable housing for low-income individuals, with four of the residences deemed as elderly housing. Select locations also offer other supports, such as medication management and transportation. Click here to see more services and eligibility requirements.
In addition, seniors may find other options for non-medical assistance via the Older Americans Act (OAA) through the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in their parish. The services available will likely vary based on the area in which one resides and the AAA office in that area. Find your local AAA here.
PACE Programs in Louisiana
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a joint initiative between Medicare and Medicaid to help seniors get the care and services they need in the community rather than transitioning to a nursing home for care. Because Medicaid differs in each state, PACE eligibility varies between states.
PACE covers all Medicaid and Medicare services to help seniors live at home instead of in a nursing facility. The goal is to enhance the quality of life and create individualized care plans for each participant. PACE covers medical support services needed to live at home. To receive PACE services, Louisiana seniors must meet the following criteria:
- Be age 55 and older
- Live in the PACE provider’s service area
- Financially eligible for Medicaid long-term care
- Meet the medical need for nursing home care
How To Get Started With PACE in Louisiana
To learn more about PACE in Louisiana, visit the state’s Medicaid website. Families and seniors can also get help through the PACE providers in the chart below:
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PACE Provider
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Contact
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Areas Served
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PACE Baton Rouge
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(225) 490-0604
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East Baton Rouge and West Baton Rouge Parish
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PACE Greater New Orleans
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(504) 835-0006
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Greater New Orleans area
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PACE Lafayette
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(337) 470-4500
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Lafayette, Carencro, Breaux Bridge, Broussard, Youngsville, Scott, Duson, Ryne and Sunset
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Other Financial Options for Care
In addition to the state specific programs that assist in covering the cost of elderly care in Louisiana, there are also federal and non-profit programs available. In order to find other programs that assist in paying for care or reduce your out-of-pocket cost, make sure to use our Resource Locator Tool. This tool makes it easy to locate and consider all of your options and choose the program that best fits the circumstances. Eldercare loans and programs that aid veterans with assisted living are other available options.
Finding Affordable Care in Louisiana
To best assist you in your search for affordable senior care, we have partnered with other organizations to assist in matching your care needs and budget with providers in your preferred geographical location. Due to the wide range of cost for senior care in Louisiana, it’s important to check with multiple providers when seeking care assistance. To find affordable care, click here to get started.
