Home Care in Louisiana
Thanks to its unique location where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana is a state unlike any other. Residents and visitors enjoy scenic bayous and cypress groves as well as cosmopolitan cities that offer a distinctive blend of Cajun-American culture.
The Pelican State is home to 739,000 senior citizens over 65, which is about 16% of the total population. Louisiana is a relatively senior-friendly location thanks to its reasonable cost of living, which is about 15% lower than the national average, and favorable tax policies that benefit retirees. Residents also enjoy a mild coastal climate. Winter lows hover around 40 degrees, and despite high annual rainfall, the state receives 216 days of sunshine annually.
These features, among others, have earned Louisiana a SeniorScore of 73, which is one point higher than the national average. Seniors who want to age in place may appreciate the state's low long-term care costs and competitive tax rates. Other positive features include Louisiana's moderate population density, high number of home health providers and impressive number of golf courses, parks and churches.
This guide explores average home care costs in Louisiana and provides information about a variety of government agencies and free resources that can help residents pay for the services they need to age in place.
Top Home Care Agencies in Louisiana
National Home Care Services is a home health care provider located in Shreveport, Louisiana at 4211 Youree Dr. They provide personal home care services and also in-home health care for senior clientele. They have been in business in Shreveport ...
Located in Shreveport, Louisiana at 7600 Fern Ave Ste 400, Home Instead Senior Care is a home healthcare service provider offering in-home nursing in addition to in-home care. They provide multiple personal services such as help with preparing meals, social ...
Located at 2017 Hudson Ln in Monroe, Louisiana, Stat Home Health North is a senior in-home care service provider that offers in-home nursing care in addition to personal care. They have been serving customers in Louisiana for 35 years. They ...
St Tammany Hospital Home Health & Hospicer is a senior home health care service provider located in Covington, Louisiana at 725 West 11th Ave. They offer in-home nursing care and home care for seniors. For almost 34 years, they ...
Key Home Health Care is a home healthcare service provider located in Hammond, LA at 16030 Lamonte Drive Suite A. They provide in-home personal care services in addition to in-home health services to senior clients. Since 1995, they have ...
Pinnacle Home Health is a senior home health care provider located in Baton Rouge, LA at 5627 South Sherwood Forest Blvd Ste A. They offer personal care and also in-home nursing care for senior clients. They have been providing ...
Located in Coushatta, LA at 1810 Front St, Advantage Home Health Care, Inc is a home care service provider that offers personal care and in-home health services. For almost 31 years, they have been helping customers throughout the Coushatta area. ...
Located in Leesville, Louisiana at 213 Alexandria Hwy, Vernon Home Health is a senior home healthcare company offering in-home nursing services along with personal home care. Since 1991, they have been helping clients throughout the Leesville area. They provide ...
Located in Hammond, Louisiana at 42078 Veteran's Ave Suite B, Modern Home Health is a home care company that offers home health care along with in-home care. They have been in operation in Louisiana since 1994. They can provide various ...
Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana at 4626 Jamestown Ave Ste 6, Comfort Keepers is a senior home healthcare service provider offering home health care in addition to personal care. They can provide a variety of personal services such as personal ...
Located at 2013 Oak Park Blvd, Suite 200 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Home Health Care 2000-Lake Cha is a senior home healthcare service provider that offers in-home personal care services and also in-home health services. For nearly 28 years, they ...
Amedisys Home Health Care is a senior home care service provider based in Hammond, Louisiana at 1007 W Thomas Street,suite L. They offer in-home care and also in-home medical care for senior clientele. Since 1987, they have been providing ...
Located in New Orleans, Louisiana at 1929 Hickory Ave, Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services is a home care provider offering in-home health care as well as home care services. They offer various personal services like transportation help, assistance with mobility, ...
Located at 902 C M Fagan Dr Ste I in Hammond, LA, Home Instead Senior Care is a in-home care service provider that offers home health care as well as personal home care services. They offer multiple personal services such ...
Located at 760 W Tunnel Blvd in Houma, LA, Terrebonne Homecare, Inc is a home health care service provider that offers home care services as well as in-home nursing services. They have been providing care in the area for 25 ...
Located in Bossier City, Louisiana at 1701 Old Minden Road, Ste 33-b, Red River Home Health Care is a senior home care company that offers in-home medical services and personal home care. For almost 7 years, they have been helping ...
Located in Shreveport, Louisiana at 6039 Five Oaks Dr Ste B, Comfort Keepers is a home healthcare company offering personal home care along with in-home nursing services. They offer different personal services such as general chores, help with personal hygiene, ...
Located in Basile, LA at 1424 Fuselier Ave, Evangeline Home Health is a home health care provider that offers in-home health care as well as personal care services. For nearly 46 years, they have been providing care to customers in ...
Jeff Davis Home Health is a home health care company located in Jennings, LA at 1322 Elton Road, Suite B. They provide personal home care and also home health care for seniors. For almost 45 years, they have been ...
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The Cost of Home Care in Louisiana
According to research from Genworth Financial, seniors in Louisiana can expect to pay $3,218 per month for in-home care, which is approximately $1,000 below the national average. Median rates for home health care are slightly higher at $3,241 per month since this option includes medication administration and medical services in addition to personal assistance and help with household chores.
The Cost of Home Care in Louisiana Compared to Nearby States
Home care costs in Louisiana are significantly more affordable than the national average and slightly more affordable than neighboring states on the Gulf Coast. In Texas, home care costs approximately $4,000 per month followed by Arkansas at $3,623. Rates are even lower in Mississippi at $3,432 - $3,527 and Alabama at $3,394 - $3,432. Depending on geographic location, seniors in Louisiana pay anywhere from $175 to $800 less per month for care than their regional counterparts.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Louisiana | $3,218 | $3,241 |
The United States | $4,290 | $4,385 |
Texas | $3,956 | $4,004 |
Arkansas | $3,623 | $3,623 |
Mississippi | $3,432 | $3,527 |
Alabama | $3,394 | $3,432 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in Louisiana
Long-term care in Louisiana tends to be significantly more affordable than in other parts of the country. Rates for adult day care are on par with the national average of $1,625 per month. With a median monthly cost of $3,650, assisted living is $400 lower than the national average of $4,051. Even nursing home residents save over $2,000 per month compared to other parts of the nation. However, for many seniors, home care is the most appealing option. It's relatively affordable and gives seniors maximum independence.
- In-Home Care: $3,218
- Home Health Care: $3,241
- Adult Day Care: $1,625
- Assisted Living Facility: $3,650
- Nursing Home Care: $5,435
The Cost of Home Care in Louisiana's Top Cities
The average cost of home care and home health care are fairly consistent across Louisiana. Rates are most affordable in Shreveport where seniors pay $3,051 - $3,146 per month of care. In New Orleans and Lafayette, prices are just about even with the state median. In the capital of Baton Rouge, monthly rates are $143 - $166 higher than average, and prices jump to $3,623 in Lake Charles, which makes it one of the state's most expensive major cities. While the cost of home health care is often slightly higher than basic home care, that's not always the case. Rates for both services are even in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Lake Charles.
| Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care |
Louisiana | $3,218 | $3,241 |
New Orleans | $3,194 | $3,241 |
Baton Rouge | $3,384 | $3,384 |
Shreveport | $3,051 | $3,146 |
Lafayette | $3,241 | $3,241 |
Lake Charles | $3,623 | $3,623 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Louisiana
Community Choices Waiver
Louisiana's Community Choices Waiver covers an extensive array of in-home services, including personal assistance, adult day care, accessibility modifications, therapeutic services, skilled nursing and delivered meals. It also pays for respite care and case management. The CCW is available to individuals who are at least 21 years old, require a nursing home level of support and meet Medicaid income and asset limits. Vulnerable populations and individuals with certain medical conditions, such as Lou Gehrig's disease, receive priority consideration.
Contact Information
Individuals can learn more or begin the application process by calling Louisiana Options in Long Term Care at (877) 456-1146.
Long Term-Personal Care Services
Long Term-Personal Care Service helps with the cost of personal care and homemaker services, including cleaning, shopping, errands, meal preparation, transportation and medication reminders. It does not cover home health care, companionship or other skilled services. Individuals must be at least 21 years old, require a nursing home level of care and need assistance with one or more activities of daily living. Additionally, applicants must currently reside in a nursing home or be at risk of nursing home placement in the next 120 days.
Contact Information
Information about this program is available by calling Louisiana Options in Long Term Care at (877) 456-1146.
State Personal Assistance Program
The State Personal Assistance Program helps adults with significant disabilities avoid nursing home placement, leave an institutional setting or enjoy a better quality of life. SPAS pays for in-home personal care, assistive technology and equipment needed to help individuals with activities of daily living. It also helps with home or vehicle modifications, durable medical equipment, dental care and clinical evaluations. Because this program serves individuals with significant disabilities, it accepts individuals with a household income up to 650% of the federal poverty level.
Contact Information
Disabled adults can learn more about this program by calling The Arc of Louisiana at (866) 966-6260.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
Funded by Medicare and Medicaid, PACE combines medical and long-term care with the goal of improving seniors' quality of life and helping older adults age in place. Contracted PACE providers deliver a comprehensive suite of services, including primary and emergency medical care, medications, diagnostic services, home health care and adult day health care. Individuals must be 55 or older, meet Medicaid income and asset limits and live in a qualifying geographic area. PACE services are available in parts of Lafayette, New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Contact Information
Seniors aged 55 and older should contact their local PACE provider for more details. Call (504) 945-1531 (New Orleans), (225) 490-0604 (Baton Rouge) or (337) 470-4500 (Lafayette).
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
Louisiana Home Care Rules and Regulations
Home health agencies in Louisiana are licensed by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Health Standards Section. This agency is responsible for overseeing in-home health care providers and establishing regulations regarding their services and conduct.
Scope of Care | Home health agencies provide physician-directed care in the recipient's private residence. These services include skilled nursing and home health aide services as well as social work and physical, speech or occupational therapy. |
Care Planning | Home health agencies must prepare an initial plan of care within seven days of the service start day. This document must be prepared by an RN or therapist, kept in the patient's clinical records and reviewed by the attending physician at least once every 60 days. |
Medication Management | Home health aides are not permitted to administer medications except for suppositories and similar items. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs may be administered by a licensed practical nurse or other skilled professional. |
Staff Screening | Louisiana requires home health agencies to conduct criminal background checks on all personal care attendants, home health aides and nonskilled workers hired after August 1, 2019. |
Staff Training | In accordance with federally mandated minimums, home health aides in Louisiana must pass a 75-hour training program that includes at least 16 hours of clinical work. Additionally, they must complete 12 hours of continuing education per calendar year. |
Medicaid Coverage | Louisiana offers several Home- and Community-Based Services waivers to individuals who meet income or asset limits and/or have severe disabilities. |
Reporting Abuse | Reports of abuse, neglect or misconduct involving a home health agency can be made to the Department of Health HHS Complaint Program Desk. Documents can be mailed to P.O. Box 3767, Baton Rouge, LA 70821 or faxed to (225) 342-5073. Individuals may also contact the appropriate complaints section by phone. |
Free Home Care Resources in Louisiana
Seniors in Louisiana have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Senior Health Insurance Information Program
Sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Insurance, this state agency provides informational resources and free, unbiased consultations to help residents understand Medicare and select the best plan for their needs. These services are ideal for anyone who is joining Medicare for the first time or wants to change plans during open enrollment. Consultations are available by phone and in person.
Contact Information
Seniors can call (800) 259-5300 or find their regional SHIIP office online.
Area Agencies on Aging
Louisiana has 36 Area Agencies on Aging and 64 Parish Councils on Aging. These nonprofit organizations function as a single point of contact for an extensive array of senior services, including transportation, delivered meals, personal care and in-home services. They also offer legal and informational assistance, referrals and services for family members and caregivers.
Contact Information
Seniors and caregivers can find their local AAA or COA by visiting the Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs or Eldercare.acl.gov.
Louisiana Homestead Exemption
Seniors who are 65 or older and choose to age in place may be eligible for a property tax exemption on their primary residence. The state exempts the first $75,000 in improvements, which equates to a $7,500 discount on the assessed value. Seniors may also be eligible for an assessment freeze that can stabilize their future tax bills. An additional $7,500 exemption is available in some parishes.
Contact Information
Additional information about the homestead exemption is available by calling the Louisiana Tax Commission at (225) 219-0339.
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs serves the state's 281,000 veterans as well as their spouses, dependents and survivors. It helps qualifying residents access medical and long-term care and apply for benefits, including grants, loans and emergency financial assistance. Trained staff members can provide information about pensions, disability payments and Aid & Attendance supplements that can help with the cost of in-home care.
Contact Information
Veterans can find their local office online or reach the LDVA headquarters at (225) 219-5000.
Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs
Founded in 1956, the GOEA is responsible for managing the state's senior services delivery network. It works in partnership with the state's COAs and AAAs to provide programs sponsored by the Older Americans Act. It funds the state's 139 senior centers, which offer congregate meals, legal assistance, social activities, wellness clinics and services to help seniors age in place. The GOEA is home to the state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and Elderly Protective Services division.
Contact Information
To learn more about these programs, seniors and caregivers can call the GOEA at (225) 342-7100.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP is a federal grant offered by the Louisiana Housing Corporation and a statewide network of community partners. It can help seniors and low-income residents with their heating or cooling bills, and it also offers emergency assistance to residents who are facing a disconnect notice. To qualify, utility customers must earn no more than 60% of the state median income.
Contact Information
To learn more or to apply for benefits, individuals can call the LHC at (888) 454-2001 or locate their community agency online.
Senior Home Repairs
Seniors and disabled adults who need help with home repairs, maintenance or accessibility modifications can receive assistance through the Louisiana Housing Corporation and nonprofit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity and Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana. Local programs are also available in many major cities, including Alexandria, Bossier, Houma, Jefferson Parish and Monroe.
Contact Information
Further information about local and statewide programs is available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or by calling 211.
Other Cities in Louisiana