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Mississippi is known for its pecans and pine trees, but the state has much more to offer older adults. Retirees in the Magnolia State enjoy a very competitive cost of living that's 20% lower than the national average. Seniors can choose from five major metropolitan areas and dozens of other smaller cities that offer art, culture, entertainment and easy access to quality medical facilities like the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson.
Like other parts of the country, Mississippi's population is aging rapidly. More than 488,000 residents are aged 65 and older, and adults who are at least 60 years of age will represent more than 25% of the population by 2030. As residents' needs change, there's increasing demand for skilled nursing care. Nursing homes cater to adults who have complex medical needs or require ongoing rehabilitation. These services are typically used by people who are leaving the hospital or are unable to live safely at home or in assisted living communities.
This guide includes information about nursing home prices and financial assistance programs. It also touches on Mississippi's nursing home regulations and provides a list of statewide resources that can help seniors and their families navigate the transition to long-term care.
Seniors who are seeking admission at one of Mississippi's 203 licensed nursing facilities should take the time to understand all of their options. According to research from SeniorAdvice, Mississippi's SeniorScore is four points lower than the national average. The state received a score of 68, which means it's slightly less age friendly than other parts of the country. Ratings are based on the state's performance in Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life, which received the highest category score.
The state's General Quality of Life rating of 69 was influenced by average temperatures, annual rainfall and population density. Finances received a favorable score of 68 thanks to the state's low cost of living, even though income levels are lower than the national average when measured per person and by household. However, Mississippi also has skilled nursing and long-term care costs that are far more affordable than the U.S. averages.
Ratings for Recreation & Leisure and Health & Safety trailed behind with 54 and 53 points, respectively. The state has 145 golf courses, more than 1,200 churches and a significant number of parks and green spaces, but there are a few downsides. Seniors represent a smaller portion of the total population than the national average. Crime rates are high, and the life expectancy is 3.6 years shorter than the national average. Older adults in Mississippi should also be aware that health care access is limited in some areas. However, the state has an average number of hospitals, senior living facilities and Medicare-registered physicians.
Situated near by the West Hattiesburg neighborhood of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Forrest General Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit is a 20 bed skilled nursing facility. The community is in a predominantly lower income area, with an average family income of $27,649. ...
Grenada Living Center is a 110 unit senior housing community. It is located at 1950 Grandview Dr in Grenada, Mississippi. The neighboring area has a medium-density population, with roughly 19,000 individuals residing in the 38901 zip code. ...
Lakeland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 105 bed skilled nursing facility. It is located in the East Brooke area of Jackson, Mississippi. The facility is in a mostly middle class area, with a median family income of ...
Tupelo Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 120 unit skilled nursing facility situated in Tupelo, Mississippi. The facility is in a generally middle class area, with an average per-household income of $41,740. With around 18,000 poeple living in ...
Gulfport Care Center is a 90 unit senior community located in Gulfport, Mississippi. The facility is in a mostly middle class area, with a median per-household income of $47,514. It is heavily populated, with around 46,000 individuals residing ...
Highland Home is a 120 unit senior housing facility. It is situated in the Tougaloo Community area of Ridgeland, Mississippi. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with about 26,000 poeple living in the zip code of 39157. ...
Tippah County Nursing Home is a 40 bed nursing care facility. It is located at 1005 City Avenue North in Ripley, Mississippi. The facility is in a generally low income area, with an average per-family income of $31,304. ...
Plaza Community Living Center is a 120 unit senior care facility situated in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The neighboring area has an average population density, with approximately 13,000 poeple living in the zip code of 39581. It is a mostly ...
Located at 6615 P0plar Springs Dr in Meridian, Mississippi, Poplar Springs Nursing Center is a 120 unit nursing facility. The surrounding area has a dense population, with around 21,000 residents in the 39305 zip code. It is a ...
North Mississippi Medical Center Acute Rehab is a 29 unit nursing home facility. It is located at 830 South Gloster in Tupelo, Mississippi. The community is in a largely middle class area, with an average per-family income of ...
Willow Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is an 88 room skilled nursing facility. It is situated near the Heritage Estates neighborhood of Jackson, Mississippi. The surrounding area has an average population density, with about 14,000 poeple living in ...
Located at 1530 Broad Ave in Gulfport, Mississippi, The Boyington Health and Rehabilitation is a 180 unit skilled nursing facility. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with roughly 23,000 residents in the zip code of 39501. It is ...
Oasis Health and Rehab of Yazoo City is located at 925 Calhoun Ave in Yazoo City, Mississippi. It is a 180 room nursing home facility. The facility is in a generally low income area, with a median family ...
Trinity Mission Health and Rehab of Great Oaks is a 60 unit nursing facility situated in Byhalia, Mississippi. The surrounding area has an average population density, with roughly 18,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 38611. It ...
Forest Hill Nursing Center is an 87 bed nursing care facility situated in the Sunkist area of Jackson, Mississippi. With a median per-family income of $40,140, the community is in a largely middle income area. It is densely ...
Located at 3068 Nail Road West in Horn Lake, Mississippi, Landmark of Desoto is a 60 bed senior community. With approximately 27,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 38637, the surrounding area is densely populated. It is ...
Manhattan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 180 bed nursing care facility. It is located within the Broadmoor neighborhood of Jackson, Mississippi. The community is in a generally middle class area, with a median per-household income of $38,257. ...
Heritage House Nursing Center is located at 3103 Wisconsin Ave in Vicksburg, Mississippi. It is a 60 unit nursing home facility. The surrounding area has a dense population, with around 34,000 individuals living in the 39180 zip code. ...
NMMC Baldwyn Nursing Facility is located at 739 4th Street South in Baldwyn, Mississippi. It is a 107 room nursing care facility. The surrounding area has an average population density, with about 9,000 individuals residing in the 38824 ...
Care Center of Laurel is a 120 unit senior housing facility. It is located at 935 West Dr in Laurel, Mississippi. With an average per-household income of $29,516, the facility is in a predominantly working class area. ...
On average, nursing homes in Mississippi charge $7,057 per month, which is about 10% lower than the national median. Although rates are competitive, Mississippi isn't the least expensive state in the region. Seniors in Alabama pay $6,540 or about $500 less per month, and the $5,931 average in Arkansas is $1,126 lower. Louisiana is the most affordable nearby state at $5,536, which is $1,521 lower than the average in Mississippi. Nursing home rates in Tennessee average $7,057, which is $15 higher than the Mississippi median.
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Mississippi's Top Cities
Median nursing home prices vary by approximately $1,300 in the state's largest cities. Gulfport and Hattiesburg are the most expensive options with respective average rates of $7,499 and $7,376. Costs in Jackson are the lowest at $6,388 per month. Rates vary similarly in cities beyond Mississippi's borders. The averages are $7,300 in Memphis, Tennessee, and $6,540 in Florence, Alabama. The rate is even lower in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, at $6,183 per month.
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Mississippi
Nursing homes are often a last resort due to the high cost, which averages over $7,000 per month. Skilled nursing provided by home health care providers costs about half as much at $3,527. Homemaker services cost $3,432, and adult day care programs cost $1,354. Seniors may also consider assisted living or memory care, which range from $3,713 to $4,641.
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 Mississippi.
Mississippi Medicaid is an important source of funding for 75% of nursing home residents. This program covers about three-quarters of Mississippi's nearly 16,000 nursing home residents at any given time, and almost all of the state's 203 skilled nursing facilities participate in this program. Medicaid and CHIP currently cover 669,452 low-income adults and children or about 25% of the population. Although the program insures Mississippians at all stages of life, long-term care benefits represent about one-third of the state's total Medicaid spending. Medical also covers home- and community-based services through its Assisted Living and Elderly & Disabled waivers.
Medicaid Eligibility in Mississippi
Eligibility for Medicaid long-term care programs, including assisted living and in-home waivers, is based on medical and financial criteria. Applications must have a preadmission screening of 50 or more to qualify for these services based on a functional needs assessment. Other eligibility requirements include:
The easiest way to apply for Medicaid, including programs for the aged, blind or disabled, is through Access.ms.gov or the federal Healthcare Marketplace at Healthcare.gov. Seniors may mail or fax a paper application, or they can apply in person at one of the state's 30 regional offices. For more details, residents can contact the Division of Medicaid Office of Eligibility at (800) 421-2408.
Nursing facilities are licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health, Division of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification. This regulatory agency licenses providers, certifies facilities that accept Medicaid and Medicare and conducts routine inspections to maintain an appropriate level of care and protect residents from abuse and neglect.
Scope of Care | Institutions for the Aged or Infirm, commonly called nursing homes, provide room, board and personal care for four or more unrelated persons. Mississippi requires facilities to employ sufficient licensed staff to provide at least 2.8 hours of daily nursing care to each resident. In addition to assisting residents with activities of daily living, they must provide physician services, meals, activities, rehabilitative care and psycho-social therapies to support residents' health and well-being. |
Care Planning | Residents must undergo a comprehensive physical exam 30 days before admission and every year thereafter. Reports must document the resident's medical history, mental and physical condition and current diagnoses. Physicians' orders must outline recommendations for treatment, activities and nutrition. Residents must be fully informed of their health conditions and given an opportunity to participate in the development of their plan of care. |
Pharmacy Services | Nursing homes must provide all routine and emergency medications to residents through a licensed in-house pharmacy or contracted provider. Facilities must establish policies for acquiring, receiving, dispensing and administering prescription and over-the-counter medications. They must maintain adequate records and follow appropriate protocols for storing, labeling and disposing of pharmaceuticals. The state requires facilities to hire a qualified pharmacist to establish a recording-keeping system, review patient records every 30 days and report any irregularities. Nursing home residents have a right to choose their own pharmacy provider. |
Staff Screening | Mississippi requires a comprehensive criminal background check and fingerprint screening for all direct-care employees hired after July 1, 2003. Employees must undergo a routine health evaluation and tuberculosis screening to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. |
Staff Training | In Mississippi, certified nurse aides must complete at least 75 hours of classroom training and labs, and must have at least 16 hours of clinical work experience. Facilities are required to provide an orientation as well as ongoing in-service training for direct-care employees and support staff, and they must maintain records of all training activities. |
Medicaid Coverage | Mississippi Medicaid covers the cost of nursing home care for some beneficiaries. Seniors must meet financial and medical eligibility criteria and be assessed as needing a nursing home level of care to qualify for long-term care benefits, including Medicaid waivers. |
Reporting Abuse | Concerns regarding the quality of care provided by a nursing facility should be reported to the Mississippi State Department of Health. Complaints can be made online or by calling the intake hotline at (800) 227-7308. Reporters can remain anonymous, but they won't be notified of any results or contacted if the state needs additional information. |
Mississippi Health Care Association
The Mississippi Health Care Association has represented members of the state's nursing home and long-term care industry for more than 65 years. It advocates for members' interests in the legislative system, develops educational programs for long-term care professionals and encourages workplace safety. The organization also provides information about the state's nursing homes and offers tools for families who need help with long-term care planning. The Mississippi Health Care Foundation also offers a medical and personal needs grant for seniors who need help purchasing glasses, hearing aids or dentures.
Mississippi Center for Legal Services
The Mississippi Center for Legal Services provides free legal information and representation to seniors and low-income residents in 43 counties. It operates five regional offices that serve clients across central and southern Mississippi. Elder law and senior rights are among the organization's areas of focus. Staff members help with healthcare access, nursing home admissions and applications for government benefits such as SNAP, SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance. Other areas of focus include estate planning and advance directives.
Mississippi Access to Care Network
Sponsored by the Division of Aging and Adult Services, Mississippi Access to Care is a no-wrong-door information and referral agency that connects residents to social services. MAC centers provide person-centered counseling and coordinate Medicaid needs assessments, which are required for home- and community-based service waivers and long-term care benefits. The state operates five regional MAC locations in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Greenville and Pontotoc. Seniors can access assistance by phone or arrange an in-home consultation for added convenience.
Mississippi Division of Aging and Adult Services
Address: 200 South Lamar St., Jackson, MS 39201
Phone Number: (601) 359-4915
Website: https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/adults-seniors/
The Mississippi Division of Aging and Adult Services manages a number of important programs that are delivered through Area Agencies on Aging and other community-based partners. DAAS is home to the state's Adult Protective Services division and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. It manages the Family Caregiver Support Program, and it funds a number of home- and community-based services that are available to seniors who require a nursing home level of care. Seniors can also contact DAAS to learn more about Medicare.
Mississippi has 10 Area Agencies on Aging located in economic planning and development districts across the state. These nonprofit organizations plan, coordinate and administer government-sponsored programs that benefit seniors and their families. AAAs connect residents aged 60 and older to transportation, companionship programs, low-cost meals and in-home assistance. They offer long-term care case management services to identify residents' needs and arrange adequate supports. Seniors and their loved ones can find their nearest AAA through the Mississippi Department of Human Services website.
The Mississippi VA provides benefits assistance and manages a top-rated network of veterans homes that have provided skilled nursing care for more than 30 years. Veterans and their dependents can contact the state's VA office for help applying for benefits and appealing decisions related to health care, disability payments, pensions and personal care supplements such as Aid & Attendance, which can be added to a regular VA pension. For a complete list of veterans service officers in state and county field offices, seniors can visit Mississippi State Veterans Affairs online.
The Social Security Administration handles employment-based retirement benefits and many other financial assistance programs. Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income are available to disabled adults regardless of how long they've worked. The SSA also handles Medicare enrollment and collects Part B insurance premiums. Seniors can contact their local office or use the agency's website to manage benefits, set up an appointment or request more information about representative payee options, survivor's benefits and other services. Mississippi residents can find their local office at SSA.gov.
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