Lafayette is a charming Louisiana town that’s been nicknamed “The Happiest City in America.” It’s known as the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole culture. As Louisiana’s fourth-largest city, Lafayette is a great place for seniors to live, especially when considering the many amenities and health care options available to its aging population. Of Lafayette’s estimated 244,390 residents, 13.8% are over the age of 65. The town’s metropolitan area has 27 care facilities for every 1,000 seniors, and it also averages 282 medical doctors per 100,000 population. A nonprofit agency, the Lafayette Council on Aging, runs a variety of programs for elderly and frail adults in need of assistance. Its services include a meal delivery and nutrition program, transportation to medical appointments and other destinations, and senior centers for socialization, exercise and educational classes.
Living in a nursing home is an option when seniors need 24-hour care but hospitalization isn’t necessary. Costs for nursing home care in Lafayette, however, can be quite high compared to less expensive options, such as home health care or assisted living communities.
Learn more about the costs for nursing homes and alternative senior care types in Lafayette and nearby towns in this guide. Discover ways to pay for nursing care and free resources that exist for seniors in Lafayette.