Assisted Living in New Orleans, Louisiana : Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask
In the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, Residential Assisted Living offers a unique blend of Southern charm and high-quality care, creating an inviting atmosphere for those over 55. This city is renowned for its warm community and rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal choice for seniors seeking a supportive and engaging environment. Louisiana, with its commitment to quality senior care, ranks impressively in assisted living services, ensuring residents receive top-notch assistance and amenities tailored to their needs.
Some are available for private pay, and others for Medicaid-paid residents. Assisted Living provides protective oversight, personal services, social care needed because of impaired capacity to live independently, and regular supervision on a 24-hour basis.
Assisted Living Communities near New Orleans, Louisiana
About Assisted Living in New Orleans, LA
In New Orleans, Louisiana, residential assisted living is defined as a personalized care approach that combines comfortable living with essential support services for individuals over 55. These facilities prioritize creating a homelike environment while offering a range of services such as meal preparation, medication management, and personal care assistance. Additionally, residents can enjoy various social and recreational activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The aim is to provide a balance of independence and assistance, ensuring each resident’s needs are met with dignity and respect. This model of care in New Orleans is particularly noted for its emphasis on cultural richness and local charm, resonating with the city’s vibrant spirit.
Considerations when looking for senior housing in New Orleans, LA
There are 25 assisted living communities in New Orleans, Louisiana. As of 2024, the population of New Orleans, Louisiana, is approximately 358,655. Within this population, there are about 58,202 seniors over the age of 55+. In New Orleans, the summers are long, hot, and oppressive; the winters are short, cool, and windy; and it is wet and partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 47°F to 92°F and is rarely below 35°F or above 97°F.
Cities Near New Orleans, LA
- Jefferson: Northeast, approximately 0.54 miles away.
- Metairie Terrace: Northwest, about 1.42 miles distant.
- Bridge City: Southwest, around 1.94 miles away.
- Elmwood: Southwest, nearly 1.98 miles distant.
- Harahan: Southwest, approximately 3.05 miles away.
Pricing and How to Pay for Assisted Living in New Orleans, LA
The average cost of assisted living in New Orleans, Louisiana, is approximately $4,722 per month. Which is slightly higher than the state and national average but varies depending on the specific facility and the level of care required.
You want to consider your payment options for assisted living, memory care, and care homes. For these services, Medicare is NOT an option for payment.
The most common payment for these services would be out of pocket Private Pay and assessing a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
Medicaid can also be an option, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
Long-Term Care insurance is also a possible option in cases of chronic conditions, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
For our Veterans and spouses of veterans, be sure to assess Veteran Aid and your eligibility for these benefits.
Medicare – NO:
- Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
Private pay – YES:
- Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.
Medicaid – MAYBE:
- Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
- Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
- Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
- National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
- The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.
Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:
Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.
- Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.
Questions to Ask
Finding an assisted living community can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:
- Make sure the facility is clean and well maintained. You can tell a lot about the operation by noting what is clean and maintained. Are doorknobs loose or damaged? Do you see any frayed carpet or trip hazards?
- Visit during lunch hour to observe what the residents are eating. Ask questions about the nutrition program. Is there diversity in meals, healthy fruits and vegetables served at all meals, drink options?
- Speak to residents and/or family members to learn their perspective.
- Ask about staff and resident engagement. Get a feel for how staff interact with residents.
- Ask about the life enrichment programs. Activities are crucial when it comes to quality of life and play a key role in care for older adults.
- And finally (along with a plethora of more things to consider), get to know the leadership in the building. If you feel good around the Executive Director, Head Nurse, Lead Activities Director and even the Chef or Janitor, it is a good sign you can trust them with the care of your loved one.
Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in New Orleans, LA
- Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans
- Address: 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121
- Phone: 504-842-3000
- University Medical Center New Orleans
- Address: 2000 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
- Phone: 504-702-3000
- Touro Infirmary
- Address: 1401 Foucher St, New Orleans, LA 70115
- Phone: 504-897-7011
- New Orleans East Hospital
- Address: 5620 Read Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127
- Phone: 504-592-6600
Resources and Links – Louisiana
Adult Protective Services Adult Protective Services (APS) is responsible for investigating reports and arranging for services to protect vulnerable adults ages 18-59 and emancipated minors who are at risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation or extortion.
Louisiana Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs/HCBS Administer and operate programs for persons 60 and older. Referrals to AAA, COA, and others.
Louisiana State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program The vision of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is that citizens living in nursing facilities, residential care facilities, assisted living facilities and adult foster care homes deserve quality care. They should enjoy freedom from abuse and neglect and the freedom to make choices about their care.
Elderly Protective Services Hotline to report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation for anyone 60 years and older.
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.