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Memory Care in Louisiana

Similar to its average ranking throughout the United States, Alzheimer’s disease comes sixth among the leading causes of death in Louisiana. In addition to more than 2,000 deaths related to this disease, around 20% of the Pelican State’s emergency room cases, rehospitalizations and hospice admissions deal with dementia patients. There are 92,000 Louisiana seniors aged 65 and older who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and the estimated growth of 19.6% in the next five years means there would be 110,000 individuals diagnosed by 2025. These projections suggest the need for a 539% increase in the state’s number of geriatricians by 2050.

For seniors and families burdened by the effects of dementia, there are memory care facilities in Louisiana that offer a community-based alternative to institutional care. These secured, homelike environments provide a comfortable atmosphere for aging in place. Memory care staff members are specially trained in the proper interaction, care and support for individuals with dementia, while memory care residents are offered individualized programs for holistic wellness. These programs may include therapeutic activities, brain-healthy food options, stimulating life journey stations and other nonmedical approaches to dementia care. Memory care costs an average of $4,563 in Louisiana, which is lower than the U.S. average of $5,064 per month.

This guide gives seniors and their loved ones comprehensive information about memory care in Louisiana. It provides information on the state’s SeniorScore, memory care costs and related financial assistance programs, as well as existing government regulations and free resources.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Louisiana



On par with the U.S. average, Louisiana’s general SeniorScore of 73 indicates the state as a favorable place for retirement. A SeniorScore is a data-driven measure that rates a location’s overall performance when it comes to the needs and well-being of aging residents. This index is calculated using over 100 data points from government and private sources, and these variables are grouped into four general categories to further substantiate the state’s suitability for memory care.

Louisiana’s Finances garners the highest score of 73 as older Louisianians enjoy a low overall cost of living, affordable senior care costs and zero tax on Social Security benefits and pensions. The Pelican State’s General Quality of Life gets the second highest score of 68 due to a generally comfortable climate with plenty of sunny days per year. Health and Safety receives a 59, taking into account Louisiana’s high quantity, Medicare-accredited health care facilities, a sufficient number of senior care providers and above-average crime rates. When choosing memory care providers in the state, seniors and their loved ones should consider a facility’s hurricane preparedness and the security systems in place.

Recreation and Leisure in Louisiana earned a score of 58. The state’s unique multicultural heritage offers seniors an abundance of festivals, cuisines, outdoor activities and various social events to enjoy. There are also multiple state and national parks in the Bayou State for nature appreciation, as well as diverse places of worship for spiritual enrichment. Memory care facilities in Louisiana usually hold in-house Mardi Gras parties and may offer residents scheduled outings to local parks, historic sites and entertainment venues.



Top Memory Care Communities in Louisiana



Westwood Manor - Deridder, LA

Westwood Manor

714 High School Dr

Deridder, LA 70634

1-855-224-5130

7 Reviews  

Westwood Manor is a 132 room senior care facility located in Deridder, Louisiana. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with approximately 26,000 poeple living in the zip code of 70634. With an average per-household income of $42,964, ...

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The Cost of Memory Care in Louisiana



Memory care providers in Louisiana may be licensed standalone residential establishments or specialized dementia care units within assisted living facilities. Because no authoritative data currently provides the definite average memory care costs for any state, this type of care is estimated to cost 20% to 30% more than standard assisted living. While each facility varies in cost based on location and pricing structure, the higher price of memory care is normally due to the higher levels of care required for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This type of care requires a higher staff ratio, advanced security systems and tailored wellness programs. 

Compared to the U.S. average of $5,064 per month, memory care in Louisiana is about $500 more affordable at $4,563, according to Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey for 2019. Although the Pelican State is the most expensive area for memory care in the Deep South, it’s $125 less costly than neighboring Texas which has an average of $4,688. Alabama and Arkansas are the most affordable nearby states with costs close to $4,000, saving seniors $500 to $600 per month compared to Louisiana. Mississippi is also affordable at $4,405, nearly $160 cheaper than the Bayou State.

  • Louisiana: $4,563
  • National: $5,064
  • Arkansas: $3,969
  • Alabama: $4,063
  • Mississippi: $4,405
  • Texas: $4,688

The Cost of Memory Care in Louisiana’s Top Cities

Ranging from $3,700 to $5,900 per month, Louisiana’s memory care costs generally vary by location with most of the bigger cities bearing the highest costs. New Orleans, the state’s largest city, has the steepest average cost at $5,875. Shreveport in Northwest Louisiana comes second at $4,654, but it’s more affordable by about $1,200 than New Orleans. Baton Rouge, the state capital, is among the least expensive areas for memory care at $4,141. In the Acadiana region, Lake Charles and Lafayette are considered midrange with respective average monthly costs of $4,385 and $4,556. 

  • Baton Rouge: $4,141
  • Lake Charles: $4,385
  • Lafayette: $4,556
  • Shreveport: $4,654
  • New Orleans: $5,875

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Louisiana

Memory care may be among the costliest senior care options in Louisiana at $4,563 per month, but it saves seniors nearly $900 over nursing home care, which has an average cost of $5,434. The higher level of support offered by memory care makes it a comparable amount more expensive than standard assisted living, which costs $3,650. In-home and home health care have comparable average costs within the $3,200 range, which is approximately $1,300 cheaper than memory care that includes accommodations, meals and around-the-clock support. Adult day care is the least expensive senior care option at $1,625 per month, and is ideal for those with dedicated family caregivers at home.

  • Memory Care: $4,563
  • Assisted Living: $3,650
  • In-Home Care: $3,218
  • Home Health Care: $3,241
  • Adult Day Care: $1,625
  • Nursing Home Care: $5,435

Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Louisiana



Community Choices Waiver

Address: 628 North 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone Number: (877) 456-1146
Website: https://ldh.la.gov/assets/docs/OAAS/publications/FactSheets/CCW-Fact-Sheet.pdf

Louisiana Medicaid’s CCW program provides a flexible range of home and community-based services for qualified seniors and persons with disabilities. Some of the covered services that may benefit individuals requiring memory care include case management, nursing services, personal care and skilled therapy services, as well as assistive devices and medical supplies. Each qualified participant receives an individualized service package based on a standardized assessment.

Eligible CCW recipients must need a nursing facility level of care and be financially qualified based on required maximum income and resources. The program has a waiver spend-down option for those earning above the set income limit. Priority for program participation is given to applicants who are victims of abuse and neglect and referred by Adult Protective Services, those diagnosed with ALS, current beneficiaries or qualified candidates for State of Louisiana Permanent Supportive Housing and/or current nursing facility residents solely funded by Medicaid. Qualified Long Term Personal Care Services waiver recipients may also receive CCW services.


Long Term - Personal Care Services Waiver

Address: 628 North 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone Number: (877) 456-1146
Website: https://ldh.la.gov/assets/docs/OAAS/publications/FactSheets/LT-PCS_Fact_Sheet.pdf

The LT-PCS waiver is a Louisiana Medicaid program that supports eligible participants who need assistance with activities of daily living. These forms of ADL support cover self-care tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing and toileting. Other services may include mobility assistance, medication reminders, light housekeeping, shopping and help with medical appointments. These services are not provided as 24-hour-per-day supports.

To be qualified for LT-PCS, applicants must be Medicaid-eligible, require a nursing facility level of care and need at least limited assistance with one ADL. Individuals with mild cognitive impairment who are still fully functional may be eligible if they are able to direct their care independently or through a trusted representative. Eligible applicants must also be at risk of institutionalization, able to be discharged from a nursing facility or currently attended to by a primary caregiver who is disabled or at least 70 years old.


Louisiana Memory Care Rules and Regulations



In Louisiana, assisted living facilities are called Adult Residential Care Providers, and are classified into four levels based on resident capacity and scope of services. ARCPs that provide memory care services must offer Specialized Dementia Care Programs. These facilities are regulated by the Health Standards Section of the Louisiana Department of Health through a distinct set of licensing standards.

Scope of Care

All ARCPs are required to provide or coordinate the following services as needed by each resident: 

  • Assistance with activities of daily living and instrumental ADLs
  • Meals
  • Laundry services
  • Social opportunities and regular access to community resources
  • Transportation
  • Essential housekeeping services
  • Recreational programs

Optional services may include medication administration, financial management and specialized dementia care programs.

Care Plan Requirements

A person-centered service plan (PCSP) must be developed for each resident based on an assessment and shall include the following:

  • The resident’s required services to address individual needs
  • Scope, frequency and duration of such services
  • The extent of monitoring to be provided
  • Responsible persons for providing in-house and contracted services

Medication Management Requirements

Medication administration shall be done only by registered nurses, licensed nursing practitioners and state-licensed individuals practicing medicine or osteopathy. Only Level 4 ARCPs (permitted to provide intermittent nursing services) may do staff-administered intravenous therapy on a time-limited basis, and this must be under supervision by a registered nurse, licensed physician or advanced practice nurse.

Staff Screening Requirements

Prior to making employment and third-party contract offers, ARCPs must conduct criminal history and security checks on all unlicensed potential personnel who would provide supportive assistance, nursing care and other health-related services. These procedures should include checking with the national sex offender public registry and the state’s direct service worker registry.

Staff Training Requirements

All ARCP employees require dementia training using dementia-specific curricula approved by the LDH. Direct care staff and employees who have regular contact with residents must receive dementia training upon employment and continuing education annually. All other employees shall at least be given written general information on interacting with residents with dementia.

Medicaid Coverage

For ARCP residents participating in home and community-based services waivers, their comprehensive care plans shall be prepared based on the policies and procedures of Medicaid or the LDH, substituting PCSPs for reimbursement purposes. For residents who need services beyond what their comprehensive care plans provide, PCSPs must be coordinated with these plans.

Reporting Abuse

Suspected incidents of neglect, abuse, injuries of unknown origin and misappropriation of personal property shall be reported by ARCPs to the HSS. Initial reports must be submitted within 24 hours of occurrence or discovery of the incident, and final reports must be submitted within five business days.


Free Memory Care Resources in Louisiana



Senior Health Insurance Information Program

Louisiana’s SHIIP offers free, unbiased counseling about Medicare benefits and coverage options, helping elderly beneficiaries make informed decisions regarding health care and choose insurance plans. SHIIP counselors are available in various partner locations throughout the state, and they can provide guidance via telephone or in-person meetings.


Alzheimer’s Association Louisiana Chapter 

The Louisiana chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves all parishes in the state, offering local support groups, educational programs and free online tools and resources, as well as research and public policy initiatives for the benefit of seniors and families dealing with dementia. In addition to its main location in Metairie, this agency has office locations in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette and Lake Charles.



Louisiana Agencies


Office of Aging and Adult Services

Address: 628 North 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone Number: (866) 758-5035
Website: https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/subhome/12

Operating under the Louisiana Department of Health, the OAAS offers long-term care programs that support the choices of seniors and individuals with adult-onset disabilities, such as memory loss. It administers the state’s home and community-based services through Medicaid waiver and state plan programs, helping recipients delay institutionalization and remain independent in their chosen residential settings. The OAAS has nine regional offices, each one serving a group of parishes.


Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs

Address: 525 Florida Street, 4th Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone Number: (225) 342-7100
Website: http://goea.louisiana.gov/

As the State Unit of Aging for Louisiana, the GOEA administers seniors programs mandated by the Older Americans Act. It provides a comprehensive range of services through a network of Area Agencies on Aging, Parish Councils on Aging, senior centers and various service, advocacy and volunteer organizations. In addition to long-term services and supports, other services that may benefit memory care recipients include wellness programs, support groups, legal assistance, material aid and the Elderly Protective Services program.



Area Agencies on Aging in Louisiana


The AAAs in Louisiana are contracted by GOEA to coordinate a broad range of community-based and long-term care resources for seniors in their service areas. Priority for these services is given to those with the greatest social and economic needs, those who are severely disabled and individuals at risk of institutional placement. All 64 parishes in the state have dedicated Councils on Aging, and around half of these COAs are also designated as AAAs. In addition, several of these AAAs function as regional Aging and Disability and Resource Centers and SeniorRx program centers, providing information and assistance in navigating available long-term care and pharmaceutical aid programs.



Veteran Affairs Offices in Louisiana


The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs helps veterans and their dependents obtain state and federal benefits they’re entitled to receive. Its accredited Veterans Assistance Counselors provide free assistance in identifying necessary proof to improve the likelihood of claim approvals, in monitoring the processing of claims and interceding with issues that may arise and in going through the appeal process on denied claims. Such benefits may help Louisianian veterans augment their budget to pay for memory care. Veterans and their families may contact or visit their nearest LDVA office location for further information and assistance.



Social Security Offices in Louisiana


The Optional State Supplementation program of Louisiana provides monthly cash assistance to eligible aged, blind and disabled residents who reside in nonpsychiatric Medicaid long-term care facilities. These OSS payments are intended to pay for services that meet the recipients’ personal care needs. OSS applicants may contact the nearest local SSA field office in the state for inquiries.

 

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