The 5 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Gulfport, MS for 2024

As people age, they sometimes find it difficult to remain safely in their own homes. Assisted living offers the personal care, medication management and household help these seniors need. Assisted living communities also provide regular activities and opportunities for socialization to combat boredom and loneliness. In Gulfport, assisted living care costs about $3,800 per month, a rate that comes in below the national average of $4,500 but above the Mississippi state average of $3,500.

With this guide, seniors and their families can learn more about assisted living in Gulfport as well as the benefits and drawbacks of the city. They will also receive important information about assisted living costs, payment options and free or low-cost resources.

The Mississippi State Department of Health licenses and regulates assisted living communities. This ensures that facilities provide proper standards of care. Potential residents and their families can access an online directory of licensed facilities to make sure communities are upholding regulations for quality of care and accommodations.

• Gulfport’s overall cost of living is low compared to the national average. On a 100-point scale, with the national average at 100, Gulfport rates 80.6. Transportation, housing, groceries and utilities all fall below the national average as well.
• The winter climate in Gulfport comes in at 7.9 on the 10-point comfort index. January’s low temperatures get down to 42 degrees F, and the city generally has no snowfall. Summer highs are higher than average, but the city receives an average of 219 sunny days, so residents can spend time taking in the breezes at the beach on hot summer days.
• Crime rates in Gulfport are a mixed bag. Violent crime stands at 18.5 on a 100-point scale, with the U.S. average at 22.7. Property crime rates, however, are high at 70.1. While this is a concern, the city’s law enforcement agencies are well aware of the issue and working to diminish the problem.
• Mississippi’s tax laws are friendly to seniors. The state does not tax Social Security benefits, pensions or income from IRA or retirement funds. Property taxes are also relatively low, and seniors can receive homestead exemptions as well.
• Seniors in Gulfport have many health care choices. Memorial Health offers primary care, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, pain management and a number of other specialties. Gulfport residents can also select Singing River Gulfport, which features a Level III Trauma Center, robotic surgery options and a sleep center.

Gulfport’s seniors pay approximately $3,800 per month for assisted living, but this rate varies with the level of care required and the type of accommodations preferred.

Gulfport’s assisted living costs are higher than the Mississippi state average by $300 per month, but come in under the national average by $700. Compared to other major Mississippi cities, Gulfport has relatively low assisted living prices. Hattiesburg’s communities charge $4,124 per month and Jackson’s $4,350. Neighboring Mobile, AL, shows prices lower than Gulfport’s by $377, but New Orleans, LA, offers rates slightly higher than Gulfport’s at $3,973.

Assisted living is among the least expensive senior care options in Gulfport. Some seniors, however, may be willing to pay more to remain in their own homes and receive the personal care and/or light medical services they require. In-home care and home health care run about $395 more per month than assisted living. Nursing home care is much more comprehensive, and its cost of $7,314 reflects that higher level of service.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Mississippi page.