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.

Paying for Assisted Living in Louisiana

The Cost of Assisted Living

According to the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care survey, Louisiana’s median facility cost reflects the state’s relatively low cost of living, with average prices for assisted living at nearly $500 below the national average. Other states in the region, such as Oklahoma and Mississippi, have somewhat lower, though still comparable costs. All states in this region have lower average assisted living costs than the rest of the country.

The cost of the assisted living facility can vary greatly depending on the region – Seattle is by far the most expensive with a monthly median of $5,750. A cheaper alternative, Spokane, has the lowest median of $4,000. The median for other areas of the state varies, with some being closer to that of the overall state median.

In any state, the type of assistance that seniors need will significantly affect prices for their long-term care. Louisiana’s average prices for assisted living are most comparable to the median cost of memory care and home healthcare services. Residence in a Louisiana nursing home is, by far, the most costly long-term care option in the state.

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 Assisted Living Resources in Louisiana

The Adult Day Healthcare Waiver

The Adult Day Healthcare Waiver helps nursing home-eligible people stay in their homes or assisted living communities by offering coverage for adult day healthcare services, including transportation to a daytime care facility. Adult day healthcare offers supervised care for seniors who have diminished functional capacity, providing services like personal care assistance and medication management.

Eligible applicants will be at least 22 or older, nursing home-eligible, and both medically and financially eligible for state Medicaid coverage. As with all Medicaid waivers, space is limited, so interested parties should apply as far in advance as possible. To add your name to the ADHC Waiver Request for Services Registry, contact the office of Louisiana Options in Long Term Care at (877) 456-1146. The hearing impaired may reach this office at (855) 296-0226.

Louisiana 211

211 is a nationally recognized and locally available social services hotline. The goal of 211 information centers is to provide a single point of contact with organizations across the state that can offer their support for everyday needs or for times of crisis. Calling this number can help seniors find free transportation, financial support, and various social services such as counseling and education.

To contact an information center in your area, simply dial 2-1-1. For more information about Louisiana’s 211 centers and what they can offer, visit them online at Louisiana211.org.

Veterans Affairs

Veterans’ Affairs has healthcare systems and support centers throughout the state providing assistance to veterans and their families. To find out about military pensions, additional pension benefits, VA loans, and other supports that may help sustain assisted living, contact the VA Regional Benefits Office.

The New Orleans office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Visit them at 1250 Poydras St. Suite 200, New Orleans, LA 70113, or call (800) 827-1000.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Louisiana Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs maintains the state’s ombudsman programs. Each ombudsman’s office location coordinates volunteers to advocate for the best interests of people in long-term care settings like assisted living facilities. An ombudsman visits with ALF residents to discuss their satisfaction with their facility, and to make sure that the facility maintains the terms set forth in the resident’s service and residential agreements. Consult the table below to find an ombudsman serving your parish.

Area Agencies on Aging

The Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) is a national organization that allows state governments to select regional locations for service to caregivers and the elderly. AAA was established to connect people with aging-related support at the local level, and is often the most comprehensive source of guidance and information for aging populations. The goal of the AAA is to reduce confusion for people seeking elder care options, and to facilitate access to care. Consult the table below to find the AAA office that supports your city or parish.

Social Security Offices

The Social Security Administration keeps multiple office locations in every state across the country. These offices can serve as helpful points of contact where people seeking assisted living residence can discuss their retirement benefits. Most Social Security-related tasks can be performed online at SSA.gov, but local offices can offer a guided exploration of one’s retirement options.

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.

COVID-19 Rules in Louisiana
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?	No (Conditions Apply)
Are loved ones required to wear masks when visiting residents?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors allowed in assisted living communities?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
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: ldh.la.gov www.cms.gov