Idaho is known for its beautiful scenery and untouched natural landscape, which makes it an attractive retirement destination for many seniors. Idaho is also ranked higher in medical care than surrounding areas and has a lower cost of living than neighboring states like Oregon and Washington. The cost of assisted living is lower than the national average by over $500 a month and Idaho has many amenities for seniors, like community centers and 30 state parks.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Idaho
It’s important to do as much research as possible about any assisted living community you are considering for a long-term home. See our directory of 144 assisted living facilities in the state of Idaho to start that process. Locate information about amenities, size of the facility, pricing, health insurance, and more using the tool below.
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Call NowHow to Pay for Assisted Living in Idaho
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 Idaho and 16 additional cities within Idaho.
How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Idaho
Idaho experienced significant inflationary pressure from 2022 to 2023, and assisted living now costs 14% more in the state, while the national average increased by a smaller 10% from $4,070 to $4,459. Because trends predict another 17% increase in Idaho’s assisted living prices in 2024, careful budgeting is vital for many seniors. Prices have also increased in other states, with Montana’s rising by $219 and Washington’s by $587. Costs soared 27% higher in Wyoming but may only rise another 6.5% in 2024, while Oregon’s prices jumped 19.5% and will likely hit $5,942 in 2024.
Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
Idaho | $3,864 | $4,388 | $5,122 |
U.S. Average | $4,070 | $4,459 | $4,802 |
Montana | $5,038 | $5,257 | $5,599 |
Wyoming | $3,944 | $5,000 | $5,325 |
Oregon | $4,681 | $5,580 | $5,942 |
Washington | $4,156 | $4,743 | $5,051 |
Assisted Living Costs in Idaho's Top Cities
Not all cities are affected equally by inflation in Idaho, and assisted living prices are also affected by other factors, such as the desirability of a location. Twin Falls is one of the most affordable locations in the state, costing $513 less than average, whereas expenses are typically $1,319 higher in Coeur d’Alene. Monthly costs are slightly below average in both Nampa and Boise at $3,945 and $4,180, respectively.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living
The three main types of senior living feature various levels of support, amenities and staff, and these factors, in addition to differing health and safety regulations, impact the average monthly cost. Assisted living in Idaho costs $4,388, while independent living is less expensive at $2,840 because it mainly provides accommodations and maintenance and does not offer personal care. Memory care is specialized for seniors with Alzheimer’s, resulting in a higher average price of $5,170 monthly.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Idaho
Medicaid Home & Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver
While Medicaid in Idaho doesn’t directly cover the cost of assisted living, there is a waiver program that can assist in paying for care. The Home & Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver helps to cover the cost of care, but it doesn’t pay for room and board.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the HCBS waiver, a person must meet age, income, and special care requirements, including the following.
- Applications must be at least 65 or disabled.
- A single person cannot have income greater than $2,270 a month or assets greater than $2,000.
- A couple may not have more than $4.520 monthly income and $4,000 in countable resources.
- A person must require assistance with at least one activity of daily living (ADL) on a monthly basis.
How to Apply
To get more details about eligibility requirements and start an application, contact your nearest Idaho Department of Health and Welfare office.
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 Idaho
There are many resources in Idaho 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.
Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
Idaho Area Agencies on Aging | Idaho’s senior population can seek answers, advice and support services from six Area Agencies on Aging located throughout the state. These agencies are intended as the first point of contact for seniors (60+), caregivers and family members who need help navigating the various federal, state and local services available. These services include transportation, home-delivered meals, wellness clinics and recreational opportunities. In Idaho, the six AAAs are also the designated Aging and Disability Resource Centers. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Idaho 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 |
Idaho 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. |
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 Idaho seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
Idaho commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) | 208-336-9643 | Idaho Commodity Supplemental Food Program is an initiative providing nutrition assistance to low-income seniors aged 60 and older. The program aims to improve the overall health and dietary intake of vulnerable seniors and reduce the risk of malnutrition. Through CSFP, seniors receive monthly food packages containing nutritious staples, including canned fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and proteins, ensuring recipients have access to well-balanced meals. Shelf-stable items such as ready-to-eat cereals, rice, pasta and peanut butter may also be included. |
Idaho Congregate Meals | Idaho congregate meals are available at senior centers throughout the state, providing food-insecure seniors with access to regular meals. Seniors can visit these sites to enjoy a hot, nutritious meal with other residents. Each senior center follows a different schedule, so interested Idaho residents should contact their local center to learn when meals are available. Many of these programs also offer delivered meals for homebound seniors who can’t easily visit a congregate setting. | |
Idaho Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) | 208-375-7382 | In coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture, Idaho’s Emergency Food Assistance Program provides food for low-income seniors and others in the state who meet certain annual and monthly income limits. Food is delivered at a local level through Emergency Feeding Organizations at food banks, soup kitchens and pantries. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have an income that is 250% or less than the federal poverty line. Each local agency may have its own documentation requirements. |
Idaho Meals on Wheels | Idaho Meals on Wheels is a volunteer-supported organization that provides home-delivered meals to seniors throughout the state. Volunteers deliver hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors Monday through Friday, with additional frozen meals available for the weekend. Homebound seniors ages 60 and older can apply for meals through their local Meals on Wheels organization or Senior Services Agency. | |
Idaho Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 877-456-1233 | Idaho Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps Idaho seniors and low-income families obtain healthy food. Formerly known as food stamps, this program provides seniors with an electronic benefits transfer card loaded with money from their SNAP account to purchase eligible food items, including bread and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and poultry and dairy products. Eligibility for SNAP is based on residency, income and assets. Immediate food assistance is available within 7 days for those who are eligible. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Idaho 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 |
Idaho Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP) | 800-432-8324 | IATP facilitates the Idaho AT4ALL Exchange, which allows people to buy and sell used equipment. The program lists some available equipment for free. The organization also loans equipment and has financial loans available to help people finance DME purchases. |
Idaho Living Independence Network Connection (LINC) | 208-336-3335 | LINC mainly offers equipment loans for a wide range of products, including wheelchairs, walkers and bath seats. It may also provide a free option for some people and can help individuals access loans and financing. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Idaho seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
Idaho Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) | 800-247-4422 | SHIBA is a free program managed by the Idaho Department of Insurance that provides seniors in Sandpoint with information and advice on various health insurance options. Those old enough to apply for Medicare can get detailed information from the advisors, who can also suggest suitable private health insurance to cover any shortfalls in their state health insurance plans. As the advisors are unbiased, seniors needn’t worry about being sold policies. The advisors can also support those denied Medicare by helping them draft and submit their appeals. |
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 Idaho have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
Idaho Rural Development State Office | 800-292-8293 | The Section 504 Repair Program provides single-family housing repair and loans and grants. It’s offered in rural Idaho by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Low-interest loans of up to $40,000 are available, but people aged 62 and over may qualify for a grant of up to $10,000. Recipients can combine grants and loans to provide $50,000 in funding. |
Idaho Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) | 877-375-7382 | WAP is another program offered by local CAPs. Qualified homeowners and renters can get a range of repairs and improvements to enhance the energy efficiency of their home, including insulation installation, heating system testing and minor repairs. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Idaho 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 |
Idaho Commission on Aging | 877-471-2777 | The Idaho Commission on Aging administers a wide range of programs to promote healthy, safe aging. These include senior nutrition services, congregate meals, transportation, case management, legal advice and relief services for unpaid caregivers. Adult Protective Services are available to those who have experienced abuse or neglect, and Senior Medicare Patrol helps beneficiaries combat fraud and billing errors. Many of these programs are administered by the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers and Area Agencies on Aging. |
Idaho Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) | 208-454-8555 | The Senior Community Service Employment Program connects low-income adults 55 and older with training and employment opportunities should they wish to reenter the workforce. The program connects them to the training they need to gain real-world work skills. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Idaho 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 |
Idaho 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 Idaho 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 |
Idaho State Tax Commission | 208-334‑7736 | Idaho’s Property Tax Reduction program is also known as the Circuit Breaker program. It reduces property taxes for eligible homeowners by up to $1,500, depending on income. Idaho also has a property tax deferral program, allowing people to defer taxes on property and up to one acre of land. The participant must pay these taxes when the property ownership changes or it no longer qualifies for deferral. |
Veteran’s Services
Idaho 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 |
Idaho Veteran Services | Idaho Veteran Services offers specialized health care and social assistance for seniors aged 65 and over. Senior veterans in Idaho can receive quality care through outpatient locations and clinics in Kootenai, Mountain Home and Salmon, as well as at a full-service medical center in Boise. The agency offers funding for in-home care, support with daily living activities, visiting nurses and skilled nursing and memory care placement. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Idaho
Definition of Assisted Living
In Idaho, assisted living facilities are also referred to as “residential assisted living facilities” or RALFs. RALFs serve the same functions as assisted living facilities in other states, offering help with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, eating, and laundry.
Assisted Living Negotiated Service & Admissions Agreements
Prior to admission, a negotiated service agreement must be completed with every resident. Information in this agreement includes:
- Initial Uniform Assessment findings such as height, weight, and medications
- Levels of care needed in ADLs
- Frequency and scope of needed care
- Habitation and staff training needs, i.e. dementia care
- Identification of specific behavioral symptoms, triggers, and intervention methods
- Physicians’ and other providers’ signed and dated orders
- Management of resident’s funds and possessions
- Discharge and transfer plans
- Family and outside support identification
- Residents desires
- Other identified needs
Residents and facility staff and support will be involved in the creation of this plan. A review of this plan is required at least every 12 months.
In addition to the negotiated service agreement, residents must complete an admissions agreement the day before moving into the facility. A list of all services to be provided and the prices of those services are to be included in this agreement, as well as the resident’s responsibilities, advance directives, and restrictions on service providers.
Assisted Living Admission Requirements
Assisted living and residential care facilities in Idaho are unable to accept residents who are in need of 24-hour skilled nursing. Additionally, any person with unstable mental health issues that would negatively impact other residents, or residents with the potential to become violent may not be admitted.
Assisted Living Scope of Care
Assistance with ADLs such as dressing, light housekeeping, medication management, and travel arrangements are all services provided by assisted living facilities in Idaho. While some nursing services are available periodically, skilled nursing isn’t available 24/7.
Residential Assisted Living Facility Requirements
Residential assisted living facilities in Idaho may provide residences that are apartment-style or bedrooms which offer single- or double-occupancy, but each resident must have their own bed. Every unit needs to have walls from floor to ceiling, a door that locks with a key, a bathroom (one for every 6 residents minimum), a thermostat which the resident can adjust, and a kitchen area. Kitchens must include a sink, a cooking appliance, and counter space.
Medication Management Regulations
Residents must be able to self-administer all of their medications, including insulin injections, or an RN must be provided to administer their medications. Family and spouses are not allowed to assist with medications unless specified in the service plan.
An RN must be available to provide injections and medical services and can delegate medical services to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) if that RN is able to train and declare competency of the LPN or UAP. Assistance with medication certification takes a minimum of 8 hours of education in addition to the annual 16 hour-education requirement for care staff of assisted living facilities.
Staffing Requirements
Each assisted living facility must have one administrator to schedule the direct care staff. There is no minimum staffing requirement, but there must always be at sufficient staff available to care for all residents. At all times, there is to be at least one CPR and First Aid certified direct care staff member.
In Idaho, it is required for an RN to be on-call 24/7 in an assisted living facility. In a facility with 15 or fewer beds, night staff may sleep through the night unless there is a resident with night needs or who cannot call for assistance. Larger facilities must have at least one direct care staff awake at all times. Multi-building facilities are required to have one skilled staff member available at all times.
Staff Training Requirements
All residential care providers are required to meet training requirements or demonstrate competency. Staff are required to undergo 16 hours of training before they can work unsupervised. Direct care staff need an additional 8 hours of education annually, and directors need 12 hours of annual training. Training topics include illness and disability symptoms, new resident adjustment, ADLs, promotion of independence, and stress reduction.
Background Checks for Assisted Living
Background checks and criminal history screens are mandatory for all residential facility staff, direct care, or service providers in Idaho. Drug screening is not mandatory but many facilities choose to test employees for drug use.
Requirements for Reporting Abuse
Assisted living and residential care facility administrators are required to be informed of and investigate any complaints within 30 days. Residents must be protected throughout the course of this investigation. The person reporting the abuse must receive a written report on the resolution of the complaint or reason why the complaint was not resolved within 30 days. In the event of an incident that is reportable to the licensing and survey agency, this report must be made within 24 hours.
If you or your loved one is suffering from abuse at the hands of residential care staff, call 1-800-677-1116. The ElderCare Locator will direct you to the local agency nearest you.
Idaho COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living Facilities
Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/7/22. 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.
COVID-19 Rules in Idaho | |
---|---|
Are loved ones allowed to visit residents in their assisted living community? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Are residents required to quarantine after their loved ones visit? | Not Available* |
Are loved ones required to wear masks when visiting residents? | Yes |
Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors allowed in assisted living communities? | Yes |
Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures before entering the assisted living community? | Yes |
Are residents allowed to leave the assisted living community for non-medical reasons? | Yes |
Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they get back to the assisted living community? | No (Conditions Apply) |
Are assisted living communities required to cancel all group outings? | No |
Are assisted living communities allowed to host group activities within the community? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Are staff members regularly checked for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms? | Yes |
Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Sources: coronavirus.idaho.gov www.cdc.gov
*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.
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