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Nursing Homes in Arkansas

Arkansas provides many reasons for seniors to stay after they retire, particularly for those living in the capital and most populous city, Little Rock. This centrally located city is home to approximately 27,288 seniors aged 65 and over, or 14.1% of its population, while in Arkansas as a whole, seniors make up 17.4% of the population. UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock is one of the best hospitals in the nation for various procedures that affect older residents. UAMS ranks among the top 50 hospitals nationwide in specialties such as colon and lung cancer, and ear nose and throat (ENT) procedures, and ranks above average in cardiology. Arkansas is tax-friendly for seniors and even more so for those in nursing homes, as they generally avoid the state's higher sales and income tax rates while benefiting from the lack of tax on Social Security benefits.

Nursing homes are ideal for older adults who can no longer live independently or with a caregiver in the community for medical reasons. These facilities provide 24/7 care, access to skilled nursing and physicians, as well as personal care and meals. This guide compares the cost of nursing care in Arkansas to the wider region and the United States as a whole, and provides information about nursing facility regulations and helpful resources.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Arkansas



Arkansas has an overall SeniorScore of 69, which is slightly below the nationwide average of 72. The state received its best rating in the General Quality of Life category. The climate of Arkansas is warmer than many other states, with more sunny days and much less snowfall than elsewhere in the country. The temperature very rarely drops below freezing for 10 months of the year, and even the coldest months of December and January are mild compared to many other locations.

The Finances category earned Arkansas its second-highest score, largely due to a healthy rate of population growth, relatively low unemployment and a cost of living that's 21% more affordable than the national average. Housing costs are very low when compared to the U.S. average and nursing home care is also much more affordable. The average cost of health care in Arkansas is significantly lower than the national median — the state's residents pay roughly 14% less — but the number of physicians per capita is below the U.S. average.

For seniors in nursing homes in particular, many of the metrics that prevent Arkansas from scoring higher may have little effect. For example, the state's Health & Safety factors include above-average crime rates, but background checks for nursing staff limit the impact. Arkansas also receives a low score in Recreation & Leisure, but these elements relate to community-based activities and areas, such as golf courses and parks, whereas nursing home residents are provided with activities on-site.



Top Nursing Care in Arkansas



Care Manor - Mountain Home, AR

Care Manor

804 Burnett Dr

Mountain Home, AR 72653

1-855-229-7494

9 Reviews  

Care Manor is located at 804 Burnett Dr in Mountain Home, Arkansas. It is a 104 unit senior housing community. The community is in a largely middle class area, with a median per-household income of $36,192. ...

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Brighton Ridge - Eureka Springs, AR

Brighton Ridge

235 Huntsville Rd

Eureka Springs, AR 72632

1-855-241-4685

7 Reviews  

Located at 235 Huntsville Rd in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Brighton Ridge is a 100 unit senior care community. The neighboring area has a sparse population, with about 5,000 poeple living in the 72632 zip code. It is a ...

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The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Arkansas



The average rate charged by nursing homes in Arkansas is $5,931 per month, according to the Genworth Financial 2020 Cost of Care Survey. The U.S. average for this level of care is approximately 30% higher at $7,756. Mississippi and Tennessee have average costs of just over $7,000 per month, which is significantly higher than in Arkansas but still below the nationwide median. Texas is the most affordable neighboring state, with savings of just over $900 at $5,019 per month, while Louisiana's nursing homes charge almost $400 less than those in Arkansas.

  • Arkansas: $5,931
  • United States: $7,756
  • Louisiana: $5,536
  • Texas: $5,019
  • Mississippi: $7,057
  • Tennessee: $7,072

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Arkansas' Top Cities

When comparing costs in Arkansas cities, the capital is one of the most expensive for nursing home care at $6,083 per month. Pine Bluff is the least affordable, although the average cost is just $250 higher than the state median, while costs in Fayetteville are $76 more than the Arkansas average at $6,007 per month. Jonesboro and Fort Smith have the lowest costs, at $5,779 and $5,551 per month, respectively.

  • Little Rock: $6,083
  • Pine Bluff: $6,183
  • Fayetteville: $6,007
  • Jonesboro: $5,779
  • Fort Smith: $5,551

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Arkansas

Nursing homes offer the most expensive type of care in Arkansas, at $5,931 per month. Memory care is more affordable by $1,556, and assisted living rates are lower by over $2,400. In-home care and home health care both cost an average of $3,813 per month. Adult day care is the least expensive option at $1,820 per month, but it's not suitable for seniors who need nursing care.

  • Memory Care: $4,375
  • Assisted Living: $3,500
  • In-Home Care: $3,813
  • Home Health Care: $3,813
  • Adult Day Care: $1,820
  • Nursing Home Care: $5,931

Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Arkansas



As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.

Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Arkansas.



Medicaid in Arkansas


Arkansas Medicaid is the state health insurance program for low-income seniors, people with disabilities and other vulnerable members of the population. Residents who qualify can receive coverage for medical care, nursing facility and other types of long-term care, prescription drugs, nutrition programs, housing assistance and other health-related services.

About 27% of Arkansas residents in all age brackets are enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). According to Medicaid data reported in November 2020, there were 873,761 residents enrolled in Arkansas Medicaid, and in 2019, more than 17,000 people received care in the 227 nursing facilities throughout the state.

Medicaid Eligibility in Arkansas

Arkansas's Medicaid program covers long-term care in nursing facilities for residents who meet certain functional and financial criteria. Some the guidelines are:

  • Individuals applying for long-term services and supports in a nursing facility can have an income of up to 300% of the SSI standard payment amount (SPA), which equates to $2,383 per month for 2021.
  • Individuals must have $2,000 or less in countable assets, while couples can have up to $3,000 if both are applying for coverage.
  • If only one spouse applies, the nonapplicant may keep up to $123,600 in assets and a portion or all of the applicant's monthly income. The exact amounts are determined according to the spousal resources rule.
  • To qualify for coverage in a nursing facility, an applicant must be aged 65 or older, or blind or disabled, and require a certain level of medical care, as determined by the Office of Long Term Care.
  • An applicant must be a United States citizen, national, permanent resident or other lawfully admitted person as well as a resident of Arkansas.

Seniors and people with disabilities who meet the income requirements to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible for Medicaid regardless of their living arrangement.

Applications for Medicaid can be filed online, and Arkansas residents can ask questions about eligibility and other concerns by calling (800) 482-8988. Seniors or their representatives can also apply in person at a DHS office in the same county as the nursing home where they're seeking placement.



Additional Financial Assistance Options


  • Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
  • Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
  • Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.

Arkansas Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations



The Office of Long Term Care (OLTC) is the division of the Arkansas Department of Human Services that's responsible for licensing and inspecting nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. The OLTC regulations for nursing facilities can be viewed online, and the table below summarizes important points.

Scope of Care

A state-licensed physician must recommend admission to a nursing home for any new resident. Two of the key provisions are that the individual's admission is medically necessary and the admitting facility is capable of providing the required care. All nursing home residents must be provided with accommodations, meals, personal care and a safe living environment.

Care Plan Requirements

Facilities are required to check each new resident's history and perform a physical examination within 72 hours of admission if these steps weren't completed within the prior 15 days. Administrators must keep records of all examinations, recommendations, progress updates and post-hospitalization summaries. If a resident's physical or cognitive needs change and a nursing home can no longer provide the required care, they must be transferred to an appropriate facility.

Medication Management Requirements

Medications and treatments must be ordered in writing by a physician or dentist, and must be administered according to these orders. Residents must be identified prior to administration and each must have a medication record. Dosage must be recorded, and the medication must be administered by the same person who prepared the dose. Self-administration of nonprescription medications by residents is permitted in some circumstances.

Staff Screening Requirements

Nursing home administrators must keep a record for each employee, noting relevant information such as education, employment history, licenses, registrations and certifications, as well as criminal and other background checks.

Staff Training Requirements

Job orientation and in-service training must be provided for all staff, relating to their specific role, the physical layout of the facility and disaster plans. All such orientation and training must be documented. Ninety percent of personnel on each shift must receive quarterly training on fire-fighting equipment and resident evacuation. State regulatory bodies may inquire or inspect nursing homes at any time to ensure trained personnel are on duty and that procedures are in place to cover planned and unplanned absences of staff.

Medicaid Coverage

Arkansas Medicaid covers the cost of nursing home care for eligible state residents, as mandated by federal law. The Medicaid section of this guide provides further details on eligibility and the application process.

Reporting Abuse

Nursing homes must have formal policies and procedures in place to minimize the likelihood of abuse, neglect, accidents and exploitation. Alleged or suspected abuse and theft from residents must be reported by staff to the OLTC no later than the next business day. Residents, family members and the general public can file a complaint by phone, fax, email or postal mail. The Complaint Unit can be reached by calling (800) 582-4887.


Free Nursing Home Resources in Arkansas



Legal Aid of Arkansas

This nonprofit organization helps residents in 31 counties who need civil legal services. There's no cost for eligible individuals, and eligibility is primarily determined by income, which must be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level (FPL). As of 2021, this works out to $16,100 per year. Available services include document preparation, negotiation and representation in court or another venue.

Medicaid Options Counseling

Seniors who are eligible for Medicaid and would prefer not to enter a nursing home or assisted living facility, as well as newly admitted residents of such facilities, can request counseling through Arkansas Department of Health program. The DOH's Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance is required to provide this service to eligible residents, which offers information and guidance on alternative types of long-term care that may be available.



Arkansas Agencies


Arkansas Department of Human Services

Address: Donaghey Plaza, P.O. Box 1437, Little Rock, AR 72203
Phone Number: (501) 682-1001
Website: humanservices.arkansas.gov

The Arkansas DHS has dozens of local offices throughout the state, with contact information for each available online via the county map. It also operates several nonemergency helplines, including Adult Protective Services and Access Arkansas, which handles enrollment for the state Medicaid program. As detailed in this guide, Medicaid provides financial assistance for eligible nursing home residents, as well as seniors and people with disabilities living in the community.



Area Agencies on Aging in Arkansas


Arkansas residents aged 60 and over, people with disabilities and family members can contact their local AAA with questions, concerns and requests for senior-related services. Those who are unsure of what may be available and which services or programs to apply for are also encouraged to reach out to AAA staff in their county for free information and advice. The Division of Aging, Adult & Behavioral Health Services (DAABHS) oversees the Area Agencies on Aging located in each county of Arkansas. Contact information for local agencies is available online.



Veteran Affairs Office in Arkansas


The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) employs knowledgeable fellow veterans who help those who served, their eligible dependents and survivors through advocacy, support and assistance in obtaining available benefits and financial assistance through the VA. Most counties in Arkansas have dedicated veteran service officers and those that don't are served by the District Veteran Service Officer. Contact information is available on the ADVA website via the county map and search function.



Social Security Offices in Arkansas


The Social Security Administration oversees various programs that benefit Arkansas seniors, including Supplement Security Income (SSI) and Social Security retirement and disability benefits. The SSA handles enrollment in these programs and Medicare. Seniors can contact the SSA to check their eligibility for available programs and receive assistance completing applications. Inquiries can be made by calling 800-772-1213 or by visiting a local SSA office. 

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