Nursing Homes in Nevada
Tax savings, a strong economy, warm climate and exciting leisure options are just some of many compelling reasons to spend one’s golden years in Nevada. The Silver State, world-famous for gaming and entertainment and the country’s top gold-producing state, is also among the top retirement destinations for seniors. Around 500,000 or approximately 16% of Nevadans are aged 65 and older, and the 85-plus age group has been increasing at double the national growth rate. This older demographic also has the highest occupancy rate in the state’s nursing facilities.
There are at least 66 nursing homes in Nevada, and they provide 24-hour skilled care services to seniors who may require post-hospital support, short-term rehabilitation or indefinite chronic care but not hospitalization. This guide discusses nursing home care in Nevada, its estimated costs, available financing programs and free resources. An overview of nursing facility regulations is also provided for a better understanding of residents’ rights and what kind of services to expect.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Nevada
Nevada has an overall SeniorScore of 72, which is on par with the national average. This satisfactory rating indicates the area as a favorable place to retire, based on over 100 data points that pertain to matters concerning seniors. These are grouped into four general categories which are individually scored.
Nevada’s General Quality of Life scores the highest 71 for the comfortable year-round climate with average winters and abundant sunshine. The Silver State is also the nation's top state when it comes to overall infrastructure. Recreation and Leisure earned a SeniorScore of 62 for the wide range of recreational options, from state and national parks to sought-after entertainment such as casino gaming, luxury resorts and the arts.
There are plenty of senior care providers, medical facilities and Medicare-accredited physicians in Nevada, giving the state a Health and Safety score of 62. Finances scored the lowest at 61 due to the moderately high cost of living and above-average sales tax rate, but the lack of state income tax can allow seniors to keep more of their retirement income, including Social Security benefits, pensions and IRA withdrawals, which can help offset these factors.
Top Nursing Care in Nevada
The Heights of Summerlin is a 190 unit senior housing community. It is situated near by the Summerlin North neighborhood of Las Vegas, Nevada. The community is in a largely upscale area, with an average per-family income of ...
Kindred Hospital Las Vegas - Flamingo is situated within the Winchester neighborhood of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a 50 unit nursing facility. The community is in a mostly middle income area, with a median per-family income of ...
TLC Care Center is a 255 bed senior care community located within the Whitney Ranch neighborhood of Henderson, Nevada. The encompassing area has a dense population, with about 38,000 individuals living in the zip code of 89014. It ...
Located near by the Winchester neighborhood of Las Vegas, Nevada, Life Care Center of Paradise Valley is a 120 unit senior care facility. The facility is in a largely middle class area, with a median household income of $39,337. ...
Located in the Desert Shores neighborhood of Las Vegas, Nevada, Silver Hills Health Care Center is a 155 unit nursing care facility. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with about 52,000 individuals living in the zip code of 89129. ...
Life Care Center of Reno is a 198 bed senior care community located near the South Reno neighborhood of Reno, Nevada. The encompassing area is densely populated, with around 26,000 individuals living in the 89511 zip code. It ...
Located nearby the Spring Valley area of Las Vegas, Nevada, Advanced Health Care of Las Vegas is a 38 unit nursing home facility. The neighboring area has an average population density, with approximately 20,000 poeple living in the 89118 ...
Royal Springs Healthcare and Rehab is situated within the Desert Shores area of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a 225 bed nursing care facility. The neighboring area is densely populated, with about 25,000 individuals living in the 89134 ...
Harmon Hospital - SNF is a 2 room nursing care facility located near the Winchester area of Las Vegas, Nevada. With an average per-family income of $39,337, the community is in a generally middle income area. It has ...
Silver Ridge Healthcare Center is a 148 room skilled nursing facility. It is located within the Buffalo area of Las Vegas, Nevada. The neighboring area has an average population density, with around 20,000 residents in the 89146 zip ...
Situated in the Green Valley South area of Henderson, Nevada, Delmar Gardens of Green Valley is a 242 unit senior care facility. The community is in a predominantly middle income area, with a median household income of $59,652. ...
Boulder City Hospital is a 47 room skilled nursing facility. It is located at 901 Adams Blvd in Boulder City, Nevada. The facility is in a mostly middle class area, with a median per-family income of $62,219. ...
North Las Vegas Care Center is situated near by the East Las Vegas neighborhood of North Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a 182 unit senior housing community. The community is in a mostly middle income area, with an ...
Marquis Care Plaza Regency is situated in the Michael Way area of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a 188 bed senior care community. With an average family income of $47,423, the facility is in a mostly middle class ...
El Jen Convalescent Hospital and Retirement Center is a 144 room nursing facility. It is located within the North Cheyenne area of Las Vegas, Nevada. With approximately 34,000 people residing in the 89130 zip code, the neighboring area ...
Lake Mead Health and Rehabilitation Center is situated in the Calico Ridge area of Henderson, Nevada. It is a 266 room nursing home facility. With about 40,000 individuals residing in the 89015 zip code, the encompassing area has ...
Ormsby Post Acute Rehab is located at 3050 N Ormsby in Carson City, Nevada. It is a 120 room nursing home facility. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with an average household income of $73,335. ...
Rosewood Rehabilitation Center is situated within the Northeast area of Reno, Nevada. It is a 99 bed nursing facility. The surrounding area is densely populated, with roughly 27,000 people residing in the zip code of 89512. With ...
Life Care Center of Las Vegas is a 239 unit senior community situated within the Michael Way area of Las Vegas, Nevada. With roughly 71,000 individuals living in the 89108 zip code, the surrounding area has a dense population. ...
College Park Rehabilitation Center is a 98 room skilled nursing facility situated in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The community is in a predominantly middle income area, with an average family income of $35,239. With about 55,000 individuals residing ...
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Nevada
Nevada is the Southwest region’s most expensive state for nursing home care with an average cost of $9,262 per month. According to Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey for 2020, costs here are approximately $1,500 over the U.S. average of $7,756. It’s also comparable to the California average of $9,247. Neighboring states Utah and Arizona are significantly more affordable, with respective average costs of $6,388 and $6,844. To the northwest, Idaho at $8,669 is nearly $600 cheaper than Nevada.
- Nevada: $9,262
- United States: $7,756
- California: $9,247
- Utah: $6,388
- Arizona: $6,844
- Idaho: $8,669
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Nevada’s Top Cities
Most areas in Nevada have nursing home costs near the state average, and capital Carson City is the most expensive at $9,612 per month. Reno is the most affordable at $9,095, and comparable to Las Vegas where this level of care costs $9,155. Nearby cities outside Nevada are significantly cheaper, particularly St. George, Utah, at $6,338 per month and Lake Havasu City, Arizona, at $7,437.
- Las Vegas: $9,155
- Reno: $9,095
- Carson City: $9,612
- St. George, UT: $6,338
- Lake Havasu City, AZ: $7,437
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Nevada
Nursing home care in Nevada costs around twice as much compared to most other senior care options. In-home care and home health care cost $4,567 and $4,767, respectively. At $3,595 and $4,494, respectively, assisted living and memory care are considerably more affordable. For seniors who only require weekday care, adult day care can be a cost-effective option at $1,571 per month.
- Memory Care: $4,494
- Assisted Living: $3,595
- In-Home Care: $4,576
- Home Health Care: $4,767
- Adult Day Care: $1,571
- Nursing Home Care: $9,262
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Nevada
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 Nevada.
Medicaid in Nevada
Nevada Medicaid’s Long Term Services and Supports includes nursing facility services as a mandatory Medicaid benefit. Since the state expanded Medicaid coverage in 2013, enrollment had increased over 120% as of November 2020 and as of March 2021, over 800,000 Nevadans or nearly 30% of the state's population are Medicaid recipients. Medicaid covers the cost of care for approximately 57% of the state's more than 5,600 nursing home residents, and Nevada Medicaid is accepted by the majority of the state's 66 nursing facilities.
Medicaid Eligibility in Nevada
The Medicaid LTSS program for nursing home placement has certain eligibility criteria and benefit guidelines based on financial, clinical and personal factors. Some of the criteria and guidelines include:
- As of 2021, the income limit for individual long-term care applicants is $2,382 per month. A married applicant earning above the limit may still qualify for Medicaid if half of the couple’s combined countable income is below that limit.
- The limit for countable resources is $2,000 for individual applicants and $3,000 for couples. Conditional exclusions apply for real property, vehicles, life estates, liquidated assets and other similar resources.
- Medicaid-eligible nursing home residents must put their income toward their cost of care, except for a personal needs allowance of $35 per month.
- An institutionalized recipient’s fellow household members may receive monthly community spouse allowances, family allowances and dependent allowances.
- Effective September 2019, nonapplicant spouses can retain joint assets up to the maximum federal standard. As of 2021, the maximum spousal resource share is $130,380.
- Applicants must be Nevada residents aged 65 and older with U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status.
- LTSS applicants must undergo a level of care assessment to establish their need for nursing facility care and identify the possibility of qualifying for community-based waiver programs.
Online prescreening and applications for Medicaid and other social services are handled through Access Nevada. A printable application form is also available for submission to local district offices of the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. Seniors can call (800) 992-0900 to inquire about their application status.
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.
Nevada Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
Nursing homes in Nevada are referred to as facilities for skilled nursing. These establishments are regulated by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH), Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (HCQC). The table below provides an overview of state's regulations for skilled nursing facilities.
Scope of Care | A skilled nursing facility must deliver the necessary services and treatments to meet each resident’s physical, mental and psychosocial needs. Nursing homes are also required to provide dietary and medically related social services, as well as specialized rehabilitation, dental and laboratory/diagnostic services. Special services, which must be provided to residents when needed, include: - Injections
- Respiratory care
- Tracheal suctioning
- Tracheostomy care
- Parenteral and enteral fluids
- Colostomy, ureterostomy and ileostomy care
- Foot care
- Prostheses
|
Care Planning | A comprehensive plan of care for each resident must be developed within seven days after an initial assessment is completed. This plan must be developed by an interdisciplinary team, and the resident and their representative are allowed to participate. Periodic reviews and revisions based on subsequent assessments are also required. Comprehensive assessments must be conducted using a Bureau-certified assessment instrument. An initial assessment must be completed within 14 days after admission, and subsequent assessments must be done at least quarterly or within 14 days after a significant change in a resident’s condition. |
Pharmacy Services | Nursing homes must employ or consult a registered pharmacist to provide recommendations on all matters regarding the facility’s pharmaceutical services, to establish a system of medication records and to perform drug regimen reviews for residents at least monthly. Skilled nursing facilities must ensure that their rate of error in medication administration is less than 5%. Residents can self-administer medication if their responsible care teams deem it safe. |
Staff Screening | Skilled nursing facilities can't employ individuals who've been convicted of patient abuse, neglect or mistreatment and must check for findings in the nursing assistants' registry of the State Board of Nursing. Facilities must also ensure that employees' health records include proof of a skin test for tuberculosis. |
Staff Training | Nursing assistants must undergo performance reviews at least annually and receive at least 12 hours of training per year to ensure their competency. Their training must comply with current requirements by the State Board of Nursing. Employees providing care to residents with dementia are required to receive initial training and continuing education related to dementia, as approved by the occupational licensing board. |
Medicaid Coverage | Nevada Medicaid's Long Term Services and Support covers nursing facility services for seniors who are financially and functionally eligible. This program may also pay for long-term care in home and community-based settings, as well as in certain out-of-state nursing facilities. |
Reporting Abuse | Incidents of patient abuse, neglect, mistreatment, involuntary seclusion and misappropriation of property should be immediately reported to the nursing home administrator, the Bureau and other officials as required by state law. The Health Facility Self-Report Form can be submitted online or faxed to (702) 486-6520. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in Nevada
Nevada Senior Guide
The Nevada Senior Guide is a free resource directory of housing, health, leisure and other service providers, as well as government and nonprofit agencies that particularly benefit older Nevadans. Nursing facilities and other senior care options can be easily searched by location. This publication is updated quarterly, and free physical copies are available in select grocery stores, libraries and hospitals, as well as through the mail by request.
Nevada Legal Services - Elder Law
NLS provides free civil legal aid to low-income Nevadans, including eligible seniors. Assistance is available on elder law matters such as nursing home issues, Medicare, wills, probate and garnishments. The nonprofit organization has five offices throughout the state, and offers an online intake process to help seniors determine their eligibility for free legal counsel and representation.
Nevada Agencies
DHHS Aging and Disability Services Division
Address: 3416 Goni Road, Suite D-132, Carson City, NV 89706
Phone Number: (775) 687-4210
Website: http://adsd.nv.gov/
A division of the Department of Health and Human Services, the ADSD promotes the dignity and quality of life of older Nevadans through a comprehensive range of senior programs. It primarily administers home and community-based care programs that benefit seniors at risk of institutionalization. Additionally, the ADSD also sponsors the Senior Rx pharmaceutical assistance program, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for the rights of nursing home residents. It also provides free, confidential counseling through the Nevada State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) on Medicare/Medigap benefits and long-term care insurance options, as well as assistance with related claims and appeals.
Nevada Care Connection
Address: 3416 Goni Road, Suite D-132, Carson City, NV 89706
Phone Number: (775) 687-4210
Website: https://nevadaadrc.com/
As the Silver State’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), Nevada Care Connection operates with a No Wrong Door policy to help seniors navigate available long-term services and supports. Its provides one-on-one assistance in accessing appropriate services and resources on matters such as healthcare, veterans' programs, financial support and long-term care options. The Nevada Care Connection network includes Nevada 211, which provides referrals on health and human services programs.
DHHS Division of Welfare and Supportive Services
Address: 2533 North Carson Street, Suite 200, Carson City, NV 89706
Phone Number: (800) 992-0900
Website: https://dwss.nv.gov/
The DWSS determines the eligibility of seniors applying for Medical Assistance to the Aged, Blind and Disabled (MAABD). Its Access Nevada portal features a convenient prescreening tool and online application platform for Medicaid MAABD and other state benefits. This portal also lets seniors check their application status and report changes in their circumstances.
Area Agencies on Aging in Nevada
Nevada’s four Aging & Disability Services Offices are the designated Area Agencies on Aging. They include the ADSD administrative office in Carson City and regional offices located in Las Vegas, Reno and Elko. The ADSD's community focal points are primarily senior centers, which may serve as local SHIP counseling sites and provide information and assistance on available long-term care services and supports. The ADSD offices also implement community-based programs mandated by the Older Americans Act.
Veteran Affairs Office in Nevada
The Nevada Department of Veterans Services has VA-accredited Veterans Service Officers who can provide free assistance to senior veterans with filing benefit claims and appeals. VSOs may be contacted online or through Veterans Advocacy and Support Team (VAST) offices for help applying for benefits such as compensation, pensions, health care and life insurance. The NDVS also runs state veterans homes in Boulder City and Sparks, which provide 24-hour skilled nursing care to qualified vets, spouses and Gold Star parents.
Social Security Offices in Nevada
The Social Security Administration offers various programs that may benefit seniors in Nevada. Seniors may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income payments, which can also qualify them for Medicaid and other public benefits. Nevada’s optional state supplementation may benefit nursing home residents for whom Medicaid pays less than 50% of the cost. Seniors can submit applications for SSI/SSDI and Medicare online or at their local SSA field office. The SSA also offers a Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (SSA BEST) to help seniors determine the benefits they qualify for.