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Assisted Living in Idaho

People aged 65 and over make up 15.9% of Idaho's population, just 0.1% below the national average. However, the senior population is growing at a slightly faster pace within the state and is on track to eclipse that of the country, according to Census data. The state is considered tax-friendly for retirees, with low property and sales taxes and no tax on Social Security benefits. Assisted living residents may continue to benefit from a cost of living that is below average in all categories except housing, as this does not translate directly to a higher cost of residential senior care.

Assisted living is relatively affordable in the state when compared to the national average and most nearby states, according to the Genworth 2019 Cost of Care Survey. Idaho's average cost for this level of care is roughly 8% lower than the United States overall and 32% lower than nearby Washington's average.

This guide is intended to help seniors and family members evaluate the cost of assisted living in Idaho and neighboring states. Information on financial assistance is also included, as well as other useful state and local resources.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Idaho



SeniorScore is an indicator of the strengths and weaknesses of senior life in a particular area. Each state is assessed on four major categories – health and safety, recreation and leisure, finances and general quality of life – and a score is given based on over 100 data points. Idaho's overall SeniorScore is 68%, which is slightly below the 72% average for the United States.



SeniorScore™ for Idaho



The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.

68

SeniorScore™ Overview

  • Idaho's SeniorScore™ of 68 is lower than the national average of 72.
60

Health & Safety

  • Idaho has average access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
  • Idaho has an average number of hospitals within the state.
  • Idaho has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
  • Idaho has an average number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
  • The average life expectancy in Idaho is 79.5, compared to the national average of 78.6.
  • Idaho has an average overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
  • Idaho has an average overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
56

Recreation & Leisure

  • 31% of the population in Idaho are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
  • Idaho has 95 golf courses in the state.
  • Idaho has a high number of municipal parks throughout the state.
  • Idaho has 792 churches in the state.
58

Finances

  • The property taxes average 2.25% of total income in Idaho, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
  • The property taxes average 0.73% of property value in Idaho, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
  • The average sales tax in Idaho is 7.50%, which is higher than the national average of 6.97%.
  • The average state income tax in Idaho is 5.42%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.38%.
  • The mean household income in Idaho is $60,145, which is lower than the national average of $64,580.
  • Idaho's median household income is $47,786, which is lower than the national average of $51,560.
  • The average per capita income in Idaho is $22,766, which is significantly lower than the national average of $25,611.
  • Assisted living costs in Idaho average $41,196 per year, which are lower than the national average of $42,700.
  • Nursing home costs in Idaho average $88,966 per year, which are lower than the national average of $92,481.
  • Costs for adult daycare in Idaho average $26,721 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $17,931.
  • Costs for home healthcare in Idaho average $45,777 per year, which are lower than the national average of $46,197.
  • The unemployment rate is about 7.85% in Idaho, which is lower than then national rate of 8.26%.
  • The overall cost of living in Idaho is average compared to national averages.
  • 0.74% of the senior population in Idaho are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
68

General Quality of Life

  • Idaho receives an average of 15.8 inches of rain per year.
  • Idaho has an average annual temperature of 47.3 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Idaho has an average low temperature of 33.9 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Idaho has an average high temperature of 59.6 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Idaho has an average population density of 290 people per square mile.
  • Idaho has a very low public school quality ranking.
  • Idaho has a low public school safety ranking.
  • Idaho has a high graduation rate of 88.45%.

Idaho has a higher than average number of residential care facilities for seniors, and its residents have a longer life expectancy, with an average of 79.5 years in the state compared to 78.6 in the country.

Crime rates are significantly lower in the state – for both property and violent offenses – which may help seniors feel more comfortable when moving to new surroundings.

Property taxes are low, and only a handful of cities charge sales tax, but the state income tax is higher than average. Therefore, the financial benefits of senior life in Idaho are skewed toward those who have Social Security retirement benefits as one of their main sources of income, as this is not taxed.



Top Assisted Living Facilities in Idaho




 
 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Idaho



Idaho has approximately 8% lower costs for assisted living compared to the United States overall, which saves residents over $300 per month on average. Most nearby states are more expensive, and the difference can be quite significant. Washington's average cost is 32% higher and Oregon's is up by 20%, while Montana's average is just 2.5% higher. Nevada has more affordable rates for assisted living, with an average saving of almost 9% compared to Idaho.

  • Idaho: $3,728
  • United States: $4,051
  • Oregon: $4,499
  • Washington: $5,500
  • Montana: $3,820
  • Nevada: $3,400

The Cost of Assisted Living in Idaho's Top Cities

Some areas of Idaho are priced as much as 10% below average for assisted living in the state, with Idaho Falls at an average of $3,350 per month, while others such as Lewiston raise the overall average with costs of almost $5,000. Boise City is marginally more expensive than the norm, with costs of $3,952 per month, while Twin Falls and Pocatello are slightly cheaper at $3,625 and $3,523 per month, respectively.

  • Idaho Falls: $3,350
  • Pocatello: $3,523
  • Twin Falls: $3,625
  • Boise City: $3,952
  • Lewiston: $4,995

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Idaho

Assisted living is more affordable than nursing care and both types of in-home care in Idaho, and only adult day care offers a lower monthly cost. However, the cost alone is not generally the determining factor, as there may be medical or social reasons to choose one type of care over the others. Some seniors may also be eligible for financial assistance to varying degrees based on the type of senior care received.

  • Assisted Living: $3,728
  • In-Home Care: $4,195
  • Home Health Care: $4,290
  • Adult Day Care: $2,275
  • Nursing Home Care: $7,924

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Idaho



Idaho Medicaid Aged and Disabled HCBS Waiver


Address: Directory of local field offices
Phone Number: (855) 944-3246
Website: https://www.yourhealthidaho.org/

The state Medicaid program covers low-income seniors and people with disabilities who need care in a nursing facility, but it doesn't include assisted living by default. Federal guidelines prohibit states from funding assisted living unless the recipient is granted a waiver. These waivers cover what are known as home and community-based services, which include care received in an assisted living facility, and they're intended to help keep Idaho's seniors out of nursing homes.

Applicants for the A&D waiver must be aged 65+ or meet the Social Security standard of disability, and they must qualify based on financial criteria. An individual applicant who requires a nursing level of care is allowed an income of up to 300% of the federal benefit rate, which equals $2,349 per month as of 2020, and $2,000 in countable assets. If the state determines that assisted living is more cost-effective than nursing care for the applicant, then the waiver is granted and funds can be redirected.

Applicants who receive Supplemental Security Income payments are automatically eligible for this HCBS waiver, and they may also qualify for AABD cash benefits.


Personal Care Services Program


Address: Directory of local field offices
Phone Number: (855) 944-3246
Website: https://www.yourhealthidaho.org/

Idaho's Personal Care Services Program is another Medicaid initiative aimed at keeping state residents from being prematurely placed in nursing facilities. This goal is accomplished by covering the cost of personal care received in the home or assisted living facility. Personal care services include assistance with activities of daily living, such as mobility, grooming and hygiene, as well as medication, meals and help with similar everyday tasks.

Applicants for the PCSP must meet the income limit of $836 per month for an individual or $1,195 for couples, which is far less than the A&D waiver allows. They must also meet the standard $2,000 limit on countable assets for an individual or $3,000 for couples.


Idaho Assisted Living Rules and Regulations



Residential care and assisted living facilities in Idaho are regulated by the Department of Health and Welfare to ensure compliance with Idaho Administrative Procedures Act 16.03.22. Below is a short summary of relevant regulations.


Free Assisted Living Resources in Idaho



Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)


Idaho's Department of Insurance is responsible for helping state residents navigate Medicare, supplement policies and long-term care insurance. Volunteers are available to answer questions and give unbiased advice on these topics, free of charge for Medicare members.

Although Medicare coverage is more readily available in cases where skilled nursing and occupational or physical therapies are required, it may still cover various elements of assisted living. Eligible residents in assisted living may be covered for preventive medical services, prescription drugs, transportation for medical purposes, wellness and fitness programs.

Contact: Seniors can call (800) 247-4422 to speak with a benefits advisor or email [email protected].


Idaho Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program


State and local ombudsmen provide advocacy and counseling to residents in Idaho's assisted living and nursing facilities. Residents can learn more about their rights, submit complaints of abuse, financial misdealing or other exploitation, or raise issues about staffing and quality of life at their facility.

The LTC Ombudsman program may also mediate with outside agencies and systems, such as Idaho Medicaid and various licensing agencies, on behalf of the resident. Services are free of charge for long-term care residents.

Contact: Seniors can call or visit a local Area Agency on Aging or use the current Ombudsman email address listed on the website.


Idaho Agencies


Idaho Commission on Aging (ICOA)

Phone Number: (208) 334-3833
Website: https://aging.idaho.gov/

ICOA oversees the Area Agencies on Aging in Idaho and partners with many other services providers on the federal, state and local levels. Seniors can receive free information and referrals for governmental, faith-based and community services and benefit from ICOA's connections that include AARP, the Alzheimer's Association and the federal Administration for Community Living.

Residents are encouraged to contact the Area Agencies on Aging for general inquiries and assistance, as noted below. Contact details for specific ICOA teams and staff members can be viewed on the official website.


Area Agencies on Aging in Idaho

Idaho is served by six Area Agencies on Aging that receive state and federal funding to help seniors, family members and caregivers through information and services. The overall goal is to help older residents avoid institutionalization, which is accomplished through health and nutrition, education and assistance, and case management. Staff can answer questions about assisted living at the county and city level and discuss other local issues related to long-term care.

AAAs also help connect vulnerable seniors with legal assistance through contracts with Idaho Legal Aid. Attorneys can provide legal advice, counseling and representation on various aging-related issues, such as long-term care, housing, health care and defense of guardianship.


Veteran Affairs Offices in Idaho

Idaho's veteran community is served by the Office of Veterans Advocacy. OVA staff members are trained to help veterans and their families receive all of the benefits and entitlements they should be getting from Veterans Affairs. Veterans who currently receive the VA pension may be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, and this large increase to the monthly pension can be spent on assisted living or other care.

The qualified benefits specialists at the OVA can also help assess other state or federal financial assistance programs and provide counseling or referral services. OVA services are available during regular weekday business hours and are free for veterans and family. The individual staff members can be contacted by phone or email if preferred, and the list of contacts is available on the website.


Social Security Offices in Idaho

Seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income payments have a more straightforward path to eligibility for various benefits in Idaho. The associated benefits of the Aged and Disabled waiver and AABD cash assistance, as detailed in this guide, can cover some of the cost of assisted living.

The Social Security Administration website has more details about SSI, although applications cannot be submitted online at this time. However, residents can manage their account and apply for other programs, such as Medicare or Disability, and also appeal decisions. Applicants can use the SSA office locator tool to find the closest location in Idaho.

 

Other Cities in Idaho

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Scope and Responsibilities

Residential care and assisted living facilities are to provide a safe, home-like environment for people who require personal care and assistance with activities of daily living. These facilities must also promote choice, dignity and independence where possible and employ staff with the appropriate knowledge and experience to serve its residents.

Admission Policies

Licensed facilities must maintain written admission policies and procedures. This must include a general outline of services available, the quantity of services and their intended purpose, and any conditions based on religious or philosophical reasons. The policy must also include a description of fees and how they're handled at the facility.

Activity Policies

Licensed facilities must develop policies that assist and encourage resident participation in planned activities, recreational and otherwise, with the goal of maintaining and growing their potential for independent living.

Care Plan

The methods of care and the staff required to provide necessary services must be documented. This care plan covers issues such as assistance with activities of daily living, dietary needs and food in general, medication assistance, privacy, dignity and supervision.

Emergency and Abuse Policies