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Nursing Homes in Louisiana

Louisiana, home to The Big Easy and the exuberance of Mardi Gras, is also a top spot for some retirees looking for an affordable option for long-term care. While New Orleans is one of the most famous destination spots in the state, what draws seniors statewide is the exceptional weather, which includes more sunny days than most places in the country and no snow. 

The low cost of living is also a solid draw, since Louisiana residents save an average of 13.1% on daily expenses compared to the rest of the country. Louisiana is particularly affordable for housing, which is 37.9% less expensive than the national average. Long-term care facilities match that low price with an average cost that's 28.6% below the national median. 

Easy access to doctors and long-term care services may also play a role in senior decision-making about where to retire. Louisiana is home to 277 nursing home facilities, providing plenty of options for seniors who may need health services in addition to a helping hand. In this guide, seniors and their families can find cost comparisons for senior care, information on available aging-related resources in the state and financial programs that can help cover the cost of long-term care.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Louisiana



Louisiana is a great place for seniors to spend their retirement according to research from SeniorAdvice. The state earned a SeniorScore of 73, which is just one point higher than the national average. SeniorAdvice bases this score on more than 100 data points and breaks it down into four, senior-centric categories: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life. 

While Louisiana scores relatively low in Health & Safety and Recreation & Leisure with 59 and 58, respectively, it has much higher scores in Finances and General Quality of Life. With an above-average number of hospitals and Medicare-registered doctors, Louisiana seniors have easy access to healthcare, although high crime rates drive down the score for the Health & Wellness category. In Recreation & Leisure, scores are highly dependent on the local area. While Shreveport, a city in northwest Louisiana, scores a 65 and New Orleans comes in at 68, more rural areas score much lower at 61. 

Louisiana received a 68 for its General Quality of Life, largely due to its mild winters, warm summer weather and average population density. The state earned its highest category score in Finances with a 73. Low property taxes and low tax rates on income combine with affordable costs for senior care services to make Louisiana a destination to consider for anyone in need of long-term care. 



Top Nursing Care in Louisiana



The Guest House - Shreveport, LA

The Guest House

9225 Normandie Dr

Shreveport, LA 71118

1-855-241-4685

9 Reviews  

The Guest House is a 177 room senior care community situated within the Jenkins Pinecroft Subdivision neighborhood of Shreveport, Louisiana. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with around 26,000 people residing in the zip code of 71118. ...

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The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Louisiana



At an average of $5,536 per month, the cost of nursing home care in Louisiana is well below the national average of $7,756. This equates to savings of $2,220 per month. Costs for this level of care vary in the surrounding states. While costs are slightly less in Texas and Oklahoma, where the respective averages are $5,019 and $5,323 per month, they're somewhat higher in Arkansas ($5,931). In Mississippi, the median is $7,057 per month, which is $1,521 higher than in Louisiana. 

  • Louisiana: $5,536
  • United States: $7,756
  • Texas: $5,019
  • Oklahoma: $5,323
  • Arkansas: $5,931
  • Mississippi: $7,057

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Louisiana's Top Cities

Monthly nursing home costs in Louisiana's largest cities are fairly consistent, ranging from a low of $5,536 in Shreveport to a high of $5,931 in New Orleans. In Baton Rouge, this level of care costs an average of $5,597, while in Lafayette, seniors can expect to pay $5,627. The cost of care in Lake Charles is about $50 less than in New Orleans, at an average of $5,880 per month.

  • New Orleans: $5,931
  • Baton Rouge: $5,597
  • Shreveport: $5,536
  • Lafayette: $5,627
  • Lake Charles: $5,880

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Louisiana

Nursing home facilities are typically the most expensive senior care option nationwide, since these providers offer the most comprehensive level of care to residents. However, in Louisiana, nursing home care costs an average of $5,536 per month, which is just $987 more than the average paid for memory care ($4,549). For seniors who don't need skilled nursing care, standard assisted living and in-home and home health care services offer even lower costs of $3,639 and $3,241, respectively. Adult day care is the most affordable option at $1,408 per month.

  • Memory Care: $4,549
  • Assisted Living: $3,639
  • In-Home Care: $3,241
  • Home Health Care: $3,241
  • Adult Day Care: $1,408
  • Nursing Home Care: $5,536

Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Louisiana



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 Louisiana.



Medicaid in Louisiana


Medicaid is the health insurance program offered by the federal government to low-income adults and children. It's administered at the state level and many states, Louisiana included, have expanded eligibility for Medicaid to provide coverage to more adults. As of 2019, almost 1.3 million Louisiana residents were enrolled in Medicaid, or about 28% of the state's population. Medicaid covers health care services for eligible seniors, as well as nursing home care and other long-term services and supports. The vast majority of the nursing facilities located in the state accept Medicaid, giving state residents about 277 options to choose from. 

Medicaid Eligibility in Louisiana

Medicaid's eligibility rules are set by Congress at the federal level, and additional requirements are established by the Louisiana Department of Health. To qualify, applicants must meet basic residency and financial guidelines. In addition, to qualify for long-term care services in Louisiana, seniors must meet a functional needs requirement. Some of the eligibility requirements for Medicaid coverage for nursing home care include:

  • Applicants must be at least 65 years old or disabled as per Social Security Administration standards.
  • Only United States citizens or legal residents can apply.
  • The income limit for Medicaid eligibility is three times the current federal benefit rate, which is calculated on an individual basis for married couples applying together.
  • Seniors are limited to no more than $2,000 in countable assets per person. A personal vehicle, a primary home and some other assets are excluded and don't count toward the asset limit.
  • Applicants must have a demonstrated functional need for an institution-level of care as determined by a doctor or multidisciplinary team

Applications for Louisiana Medicaid can be completed and submitted online. Alternatively, seniors and their families can visit the nearest Medicaid regional office. To get help determining eligibility or to apply by phone, seniors can call Medicaid customer service at (888) 342-6207.



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.

Louisiana Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations



The Louisiana Department of Health is responsible for regulating and licensing nursing homes across the state. It also maintains and distributes information surrounding infectious diseases and prevention to nursing home staff in an attempt to minimize senior's risk of contracting illnesses such as the flu. Here are some of the rules and regulations Louisiana nursing homes must follow to obtain and maintain a license:

Scope of Care

Nursing homes offer an institutional level of care and provide constant access to skilled medical services. While some nursing homes may allow seniors to continue seeing their own primary care doctor, many facilities have doctors on staff, along with registered nurses and aides who deliver care on a daily basis. Rehabilitative therapy is often one of the service available to nursing home residents, particularly for those who are recovering from surgery or hospitalization. 

Care Planning

Louisiana nursing facilities must complete a comprehensive needs assessment of new residents within 14 days of admission. The facility then has an additional seven days from the completion of the needs assessment to create a personalized care plan for a resident. A care plan must be completed and on file for a resident within 21 days of their admission. Care plans must be updated as needed and reviewed at least once a year by a licensed, direct-care staff member. 

Pharmacy Services

While many nursing homes have an in-house pharmacy and licensed pharmacist on staff, it's not a licensing requirement. Facilities may opt to use a third-party service and consult with a pharmacist on a regular basis. Consultant pharmacists must devote a minimum of one hour each quarter to inspecting patient charts for potential drug interactions and other review activities. Staff nurses must conduct reviews of resident medications on a monthly basis.

Staff Screening

All staff at a nursing home must have a statewide background check on file at the time of hiring which doesn't include any prior incidents of elder abuse or related crimes. Medical professionals must have a current license to practice in Louisiana and those credentials must remain current throughout their employment, and their credentials must be verified annually. 

Staff Training

Louisiana requires all nursing homes to offer orientation upon hiring and continuing education to direct-care staff. It should cover the common concepts related to senior care, including the resident bill of rights. Nurses aides must complete a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education on senior care topics each year. 

Medicaid Coverage

Louisiana Medicaid offers coverage for nursing home care to qualified applicants. Home and community-based waivers may pay for some or all of the costs of alternatives to nursing home care for seniors who meet physical and financial eligibility requirements. 

Reporting Abuse

When someone suspects abuse or neglect of a nursing home resident, complaints can be submitted to the LDH Health Standards Section at P.O. Box 3767, Baton Rouge, LA 70821 or by calling (888) 810-1819. Complaints may also be made at any local law enforcement agency.


Free Nursing Home Resources in Louisiana



Louisiana Nursing Home Association

The Louisiana Nursing Home Association is a nonprofit organization that works with more than 250 nursing homes throughout the state to ensure the highest possible quality of care. Through public policy advocacy, LNHA promotes education and government participation in care improvement initiatives. The LNHA also provides professional development and educational programs to facility direct care staff and family or friends of individuals living in long-term care facilities. The association's website features a find-a-facility search function to assist seniors and their family members seeking a nursing home.

Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs

The Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs administers the 34 Area Agencies on Aging that serve senior citizens throughout Louisiana. Since 1956, this office has acted as the focal point through which seniors can access public health and safety services, including benefits such as supplemental nutrition programs or free or low-cost transportation services. It's also the first point of contact for seniors seeking free or low-cost legal services, personal care assistance or other long-term supports. 



Louisiana Agencies


Louisiana Department of Health 

Address: P. O. Box 629, Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Phone Number: (225) 342-9500
Website: ldh.la.gov/

The Louisiana Department of Health administers the state's Medicaid program and acts as the licensing board for nursing homes located throughout the state. Seniors interested in a variety of programs, including nutrition benefits, transportation assistance or long-term care programs must apply through the LDH. 

Senior Health Insurance Information Program

Address: P.O. Box 94214, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone Number: (800) 259-5300
Website: ldi.la.gov/consumers/senior-health-shiip

SHIIP offers free counseling services to help seniors and their families navigate the complex medical benefits available through Medicare and Medicare partners. In addition to explaining the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Part C plans, these counselors may also help determine Medicaid eligibility for seniors seeking nursing home coverage. 

Louisiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Address: P.O. Box 61, Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Phone Number: (225) 342-7100 or (866) 632-0922
Website: goea.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&pid=107&pnid=2&nid=15

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides assistance to seniors throughout Louisiana. It acts as an educational resource for those interested in learning more about resident rights in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. It also provides a safe and anonymous place to file a complaint about a facility. The ombudsman can help resolve disputes between facilities and residents and their families. 



Area Agencies on Aging in Louisiana


Louisiana has 34 Area Agencies on Aging located throughout the state. These agencies can connect seniors with local support services such as congregate meals, transportation assistance, legal services, insurance counseling and in-home care providers. AAAs may have access to resources only available to seniors living in the immediate area. Seniors can visit the Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs website to find their local AAA office. 



Veteran Affairs Office in Louisiana


The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs offers a variety of services to honorably discharged service members. Veterans assistance counselors can help determine which benefits are available to a senior veteran or their surviving dependents, including pensions and pension supplement programs such as Aid and Attendance benefits that may help pay for nursing home or other long-term care costs. These counselors can assist with the original benefits application and with filing any needed appeals. Military members or their dependents can visit the LDVA online to find a VAC in their area. 



Social Security Offices in Louisiana


The federal Social Security Administration handles a variety of programs that are of critical importance to seniors. All Social Security payments are processed through the SSA, including both retirement and disability benefits. Medicare enrollment is also handled by the SSA, and it provides information about the various types of Medicare a senior can enroll in. Eligible seniors eligible can also apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits through their local SSA office. 

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