Life Care Center of Cheyenne is located at 1330 Prairie Ave in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It is a 160 room senior community. With a median per-family income of $68,863, the facility is in a largely middle class area. ...
Assisted Living in Wyoming
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Wyoming
- Assisted Living Directory for Wyoming
- Assisted Living Costs in Wyoming
- Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Wyoming
- Wyoming Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
- Free Assisted Living Resources in Wyoming
Wyoming offers an attractive retirement option for outdoor-loving seniors, with its easy access to natural wonders, such as Yellowstone National Park, and opportunities to enjoy a less hectic rural or small-city lifestyle. Seniors may also appreciate that Wyoming does not levy a state income tax, as well as the lower-than-average rates charged for senior care. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2019 population estimate, 16.5% of Wyoming's approximately 579,000 residents are seniors citizens. In a 2017 news release, the Wyoming Department of Administration & Information's Economic Analysis Division reported that this demographic increased by 25.3% from 2015 to 2016.
The EAD report also projected that by 2030, seniors aged 65 and older will account for one-fifth of Wyoming's total population. As the older adult population grows, the need for senior care is sure to increase as well. Currently, the state is home to 92 senior care facilities, including 39 assisted living communities. According to Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey, Wyoming seniors pay an average of $3,780 per month for this type of senior care, which is $271 below the national median of $4,051.
This guide provides cost details for assisted living in Wyoming, as well as comparisons with other senior living options and nearby states. It includes programs and resources that may help seniors cover their care costs and information about Wyoming's rules and regulations for assisted living facilities.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Wyoming
The SeniorScore rates the livability of a community or state as it pertains to older adults based on over 100 variables in four key categories — Recreation & Leisure, Health & Safety, Finances and General Quality of Life. Wyoming received a score of 66, which is lower than the nationwide average of 72.
SeniorScore™ for Wyoming
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.
66
SeniorScore™ Overview
- Wyoming's SeniorScore™ of 66 is lower than the national average of 72.
48
Health & Safety
- Wyoming has average access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
- Wyoming has a low number of hospitals within the state.
- Wyoming has a very low number of senior living facilities within the state.
- Wyoming has a low number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
- The average life expectancy in Wyoming is 78.3, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- Wyoming has an average overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
- Wyoming has an average overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
48
Recreation & Leisure
- 31% of the population in Wyoming are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
- Wyoming has 46 golf courses in the state.
- Wyoming has an average number of municipal parks throughout the state.
- Wyoming has 529 churches in the state.
80
Finances
- The property taxes average 1.63% of total income in Wyoming, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 0.57% of property value in Wyoming, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The average sales tax in Wyoming is 5.99%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- The average state income tax in Wyoming is 0.00%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 3.38%.
- The mean household income in Wyoming is $71,357, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,580.
- Wyoming's median household income is $58,221, which is significantly higher than the national average of $51,560.
- The average per capita income in Wyoming is $28,919, which is significantly higher than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs in Wyoming average $44,279 per year, which are higher than the national average of $42,700.
- Nursing home costs in Wyoming average $89,159 per year, which are lower than the national average of $92,481.
- Costs for adult daycare in Wyoming average $9,573 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $17,931.
- Costs for home healthcare in Wyoming average $46,507 per year, which are higher than the national average of $46,197.
- The unemployment rate is about 4.68% in Wyoming, which is significantly lower than then national rate of 8.26%.
- The overall cost of living in Wyoming is average compared to national averages.
- 0.94% of the senior population in Wyoming are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
61
General Quality of Life
- Wyoming receives an average of 12.5 inches of rain per year.
- Wyoming has an average annual temperature of 43.7 degrees fahrenheit.
- Wyoming has an average low temperature of 29.1 degrees fahrenheit.
- Wyoming has an average high temperature of 57.3 degrees fahrenheit.
- Wyoming has an average population density of 212 people per square mile.
- Wyoming has a high public school quality ranking.
- Wyoming has a low public school safety ranking.
- Wyoming has a high graduation rate of 91.91%.
The lack of state income tax and a state sales tax rate that is about 1% below the national average helped Wyoming earn an exceptionally high score of 80 in the Finances category. Other financial perks include mean and per capita incomes well above the U.S. averages and significant savings on assisted living, adult day care and nursing home care services.
Wyoming's next-highest score was a 61 in General Quality of Life, partly because of its low population density. The state also enjoys a fairly dry climate with limited rainfall, which is ideal for seniors with allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions. This is offset by relatively low average temperatures year-round.
As a less-urbanized state, it is not surprising that Wyoming garnered a 48 in both the Recreation & Leisure and Health & Safety categories. Residents have only average access to Medicare-registered health care providers and a low number of hospitals. Although crime rates are moderate, there are just 46 golf courses and 529 churches statewide and an average number of municipal parks.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Wyoming
Life Care Center of Casper is located at 4041 South Poplar St in Casper, Wyoming. It is a 120 room senior care facility. The community is in a primarily middle class area, with an average household income of ...
Located at 1325 Sage St in Rock Springs, Wyoming, Sage View Care Center is an 82 room senior care community. The facility is in a generally middle class area, with an average per-family income of $72,663. With around ...
Goshen Healthcare Community is a 50 bed skilled nursing facility located in Torrington, Wyoming. With a median per-household income of $42,940, the facility is in a largely middle class area. It has a medium-density population, with approximately 11,000 ...
Located at 1851 Big Horn Ave in Sheridan, Wyoming, Sheridan Manor is a 128 unit senior care facility. With about 1,000 poeple living in the zip code of 82801, the encompassing area has a sparse population. It is ...
Westview Health Care Center is located at 1990 West Loucks St in Sheridan, Wyoming. It is a 102 room nursing care facility. The community is in a generally affluent area, with an average household income of $81,981. ...
Laramie Care Center is located at 503 S 18th St in Laramie, Wyoming. It is a 105 bed senior care community. The surrounding area has a medium-density population, with about 21,000 individuals living in the 82070 zip code. ...
Shepherd of The Valley Healthcare Community is a 192 room nursing care facility. It is located near by the Red Butte area of Casper, Wyoming. With a median household income of $61,844, the facility is in a primarily ...
Mission at Castle Rock Rehabilitation Center is located at 1445 Uinta Dr in Green River, Wyoming. It is a 59 room nursing facility. The neighboring area has a medium-density population, with about 14,000 residents in the 82935 zip ...
New Horizons Care Center is located at 1111 Lane 12 in Lovell, Wyoming. It is an 85 bed senior housing facility. The surrounding area has a sparse population, with approximately 5,000 individuals residing in the zip code of ...
Crook County Medical Services District is a 32 unit senior community. It is located at 713 Oak St in Sundance, Wyoming. The neighboring area is sparsely populated, with about 3,000 people residing in the zip code of ...
Worland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center is an 87 bed nursing care facility located in Worland, Wyoming. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with a median per-family income of $49,831. It has an average population density, ...
Powell Valley Healthcare is located at 777 Avenue H in Powell, Wyoming. It is a 100 bed skilled nursing facility. The facility is in a mostly middle class area, with an average per-household income of $47,867. It ...
Located at 542 16th St in Rawlins, Wyoming, Kindred Nursing and Rehabilitation - Rawlins is a 62 room nursing home facility. With approximately 11,000 individuals living in the zip code of 82301, the surrounding area has a medium-density population. ...
Green House Living For Sheridan is a 48 unit senior care community. It is located at 2311 Shirley Cove in Sheridan, Wyoming. With roughly 1,000 people residing in the 82801 zip code, the surrounding area has a sparse ...
Located at 4350 East Lincolnway, Whispering Chase is a senior housing facility serving Cheyenne, Wyoming. The encompassing area is densely populated, with about 36,000 individuals living in the zip code of 82001. It is a largely middle income ...
Located at 320 S Gillette Ave Ste B, TenderCare is a senior housing facility in Gillette, Wyoming. The facility is in a mostly middle class area, with an average household income of $67,575. It has a medium-density population, ...
Brookdale Sugarland Ridge
1551 Sugarland Dr
Sheridan, WY 82801
Located at 1551 Sugarland Dr in Sheridan, Wyoming, Brookdale Sugarland Ridge is a senior housing community for people over 55. The facility is in a largely well-to-do area, with a median family income of $81,981. It has a ...
Agape Manor
820 N Main St
Buffalo, WY 82834
Located at 820 N Main St, Agape Manor is a senior care community serving Buffalo, Wyoming. The community is in a mostly middle income area, with an average per-household income of $45,525. It has a medium-density population, with ...
Garden Square Assisted Living of Casper
1950 South Beverly St
Casper, WY 82601
Located at 1950 South Beverly St, Garden Square Assisted Living of Casper is a senior community serving Casper, Wyoming. The surrounding area is densely populated, with approximately 28,000 residents in the 82601 zip code. It is a generally ...
The Cost of Assisted Living in Wyoming
Genworth Financial's Cost of Care Survey 2019 shows that assisted living in Wyoming costs $3,780 per month, on average. This is about $300 below the $4,051 national median and the $4,095 paid in neighboring Colorado. Costs in Montana average just $40 more, at $3,820 per month, while the monthly norm in Idaho is about $50 less, at $3,728. Average assisted living rates are even lower in Utah at just $3,400 per month.
- Wyoming: $3,780
- United States: $4,051
- Colorado: $4,095
- Montana: $3,820
- Idaho: $3,728
- Utah: $3,400
The Cost of Assisted Living in Wyoming's Top Cities
The average costs for assisted living in Wyoming's largest cities are significantly higher than the $3,780 median for the state as a whole. In Cheyenne, Wyoming's capital and largest city, the average amount paid for assisted living is $4,540 per month. In Casper, the state's second-largest city, the price drops slightly to an average of $4,425 per month.
- Cheyenne: $4,540
- Casper: $4,425
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Wyoming
The average rates for senior care differ greatly within Wyoming, largely because of factors, such as the level of care and where it is received. Average costs range from a low of $1,560 for weekday-only adult day care, to a high of $7,346 for 24-hour skilled care in a nursing home. In-home and home health care services are priced similarly, with average rates of $5,339 and $5,384, respectively. At $3,780 per month, the midrange average for assisted living is more than double the cost of adult day care but almost half that of nursing home care.
- Assisted Living: $3,780
- In-Home Care: $5,339
- Home Health Care: $5,384
- Adult Day Care: $1,560
- Nursing Home Care: $7,346
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Wyoming
Community Choices Waiver Program
Phone Number: (855) 203-2936
Website: health.wyo.gov/healthcarefin/medicaid/programs-and-eligibility
Wyoming Medicaid covers the full cost of nursing home care for seniors in need of long-term care. The Community Choices Waiver offers an alternative to nursing home placement for seniors who prefer to remain in their community and enjoy a less restrictive lifestyle. The waiver covers case management, nonmedical transportation and various supportive services in an assisted living facility, such as personal care, 24-hour supervision and medication management. Skilled nursing services are also covered if prescribed by a participant's physician. Room and board fees are not covered under the program and are the enrollee's responsibility. The CC Waiver is not an entitlement program, so enrollment is limited. Eligible applicants may be placed on a waiting list depending on the number of participants statewide.
The CC waiver program is open to Wyoming residents aged 65 and older, and disabled residents aged 64 and younger. Applicants must require a nursing home level of care and meet Medicaid's financial criteria, which includes an income of up to 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate and no more than $2,000 in countable assets.
VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Allowance
Address: Department of Veterans Affairs Pension Intake Center, P.O. Box 5365, Janesville, WI 53547
Phone Number: (800) 827-1000
Website: va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound
Senior veterans who receive a VA pension and have increased care needs may qualify to have an extra amount added to their monthly pension payment through the VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound Allowance programs. To qualify for one of these programs, a senior must have been honorably discharged after serving a minimum of 90 days of active duty, which includes one or more days during wartime. Applicants may not be receiving a VA disability pension and must have an annual income of $22,577 or less. To be eligible for the housebound allowance, a veteran must be largely confined to their home due to a disability. To qualify for the A&A benefit, they must meet one or more of these conditions:
- Require daily help with basic self-care activities, such as bathing, dressing and eating
- Have a physical or mental impairment and currently live in a nursing home
- Be bedbound due to a chronic illness
- Have a visual field that has contracted to 5 degrees or less, or vision of 5/200 or less in both eyes while wearing corrective lenses
For help completing and filing an application for A&A or housebound benefits, senior veterans can contact the State Veterans Service Officer serving their county.
Wyoming Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
In Wyoming, assisted living facilities are licensed by the Department of Health, Office of Healthcare Licensing and Surveys. Division representatives perform an initial survey as part of the licensing process, as well as annual surveys at renewal. Facility surveys are also conducted on an as-needed basis to investigate complaints. The following table offers an overview of Wyoming's ALF rules and policies, which are contained in the Wyoming Department of Health, Department of Health Quality's Administrative Rules, Chapters 4 and 12.
Scope of Care | Licensed Wyoming assisted living facilities may provide limited nursing, boarding home and personal care for persons unrelated to the owner. Facilities are required to offer specific core services, which include, but are not limited to, 24-hour monitoring of residents; partial assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing and mobility; limited incontinence and catheter care; transportation services and assistance with obtaining dental, optometric and medical care. ALFs are also required to provide residents with three nutritious, palatable meals per day. ALFs licensed to provide secured memory care must offer additional services, including monitoring residents' nutrition and hydration, enhanced assistance with ADLs and continence and a dementia-specific activity program. Facilities may also offer or arrange access to other supportive services, such as beauty/barber services, hospice care and Medicare/Medicaid home health care. |
Care Plan Requirements | An RN assessment to determine the needs of each new resident must be performed no more than one week before admission, using Long-Term Care 102 Form. ALF staff must then develop a care plan for the resident that details the type, duration and frequency of services to be provided, along with the expected outcomes. Residents and/or their representatives must participate in the plan development, and it must reflect the individual's decisions and choices. Each resident's plan must be updated after any significant change in their condition or at least annually. |
Medication Management Requirements | ALFs are required to employ an RN to handle medication administration management and supervision. Medication reviews must be performed for each resident every two months and when medications are changed or newly prescribed. If deemed safe by the staff RN, residents capable of self-medicating may store prescriptions in their rooms. ALF staff must provide assistance with self-administration of oral medications if residents cannot do so due to functional disability. |
Staff Screening Requirements | Before having direct contact with residents, all ALF staff must successfully pass a Department of Family Services Central Registry screening and a Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation fingerprint background check. |
Staff Training Requirements | ALF managers must pass a test on the state's assisted living rules and regulations. They must also have two years of related experience or have completed 48 semester hours of relevant postsecondary education. ALF administrators must complete a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education annually. New ALF staff members must receive an orientation that covers emergency/evacuation procedures and resident rights. Staff must also receive supervision and ongoing training with the goal of improving resident care. |
Medicaid Coverage | Wyoming Medicaid does not cover the full cost of assisted living as an entitlement. The state does offer the Community Choices Waiver that pays for various care and support services provided in licensed assisted living facilities. This waiver does not pay residents' monthly room and board fees. |
Reporting Abuse | Witnessed or suspected abuse or neglect of a Wyoming assisted living resident or misappropriation of the individual's property may be reported to a health surveyor by calling the Healthcare Licensing and Surveys office at (307) 777-7123. Alternatively, a completed complaint form may be submitted by mail or via email. For additional assistance, concerned individuals may contact Wyoming's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program at (307) 777-7123. |
Free Assisted Living Resources in Wyoming
Wyoming Assisted Living Facility Inspection Search
The Wyoming Department of Health's Office of Healthcare Licensing and Surveys offers a search tool that lets seniors and their loved ones access inspection reports for assisted living facilities throughout the state, which may prove to be a valuable resource when comparing facilities.
Contact: For answers to questions or concerns, seniors and family members can contact the OHLS at (307) 777-7123.
Wyoming Aging and Disability Resources Center
The Wyoming ADRC offers older adults and their families an easy way to access information about aging-related programs and services in their local area. Seniors can search the ADRC online database, or speak with a representative by phone to learn about services such as long-term care options counseling, which can help them make informed choices about assisted living and other types of care.
Contact: For personalized assistance, seniors can call (800) 442-2766 to speak with a trained ADRC representative.
Wyoming Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Wyoming Long-Term Care Ombudsman program offers free assistance to seniors living in licensed care facilities throughout the state. Ombudsmen are knowledgeable advocates who can help seniors and their families resolve problems and concerns with their assisted living facilities. Ombudsmen can also answer questions and provide information and referrals for long-term care and various related services.
Contact: Seniors and their family members can call the Wyoming Department of Health's statewide ombudsman at (307) 777-2885 or contact the regional ombudsman serving their area.
Wyoming Agencies
Wyoming Department of Health Aging Division
Address: 2300 Capitol Avenue, 4th Floor, Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone Number: (800) 442-2766
Website: health.wyo.gov/aging
The Aging Division of the Wyoming Department of Health oversees various agencies and programs that provide valuable resources, ensure the safety and promote the independence of older residents, including those receiving or seeking assisted living care. These agencies include Healthcare Licensing and Surveys, Community Living, Community Facilities, the Palliative Care Council and the Senior Services Board.
Area Agency on Aging in Wyoming
Acting under the authority of the Older Americans Act, the Aging Division is also the designated area agency on aging for the state. As such, the division distributes funding to various organizations and plans and implements aging-related programs and services throughout Wyoming, including those that benefit assisted living residents.
Veterans Affairs Offices in Wyoming
Staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs' Cheyenne Regional Office can help senior Wyoming veterans learn about benefits they may be entitled to, which may help them cover the cost of assisted living care. Staff members can also assist veterans with filing applications for pensions and benefits, such as the Aid and Attendance and Housebound programs.
Social Security Offices in Wyoming
The Social Security Administration offers financial resources, such as Social Security retirement and Supplemental Security Income benefits, which may help eligible Wyoming seniors pay for assisted living services. For personalized information and help filing an application for benefits, seniors can call or visit the most convenient location among the six SSA offices in Wyoming.
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