The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Idaho Falls, ID for 2023

The small city of Idaho Falls is nestled in southeastern Idaho’s Bonneville County, just a short drive away from Pocatello. While only 13.7% of its approximately 64,820 residents are seniors, Idaho Falls was recently named one of the best places to live and retire. Its retiree-friendly features include its interesting museums and its beautiful outdoor scenery, such as its namesake waterfalls and the Snake River.

Assisted living is a senior living option for adults who can no longer live on their own but who don’t need the round-the-clock medical care provided by nursing homes. Staff members are available to help with personal care and other daily tasks, as needed. This type of care costs an average of $3,500 per month in Idaho Falls, though prices may vary from one facility to another.

This guide provides an introduction to assisted living in Idaho Falls. Keep reading to learn why seniors may choose to retire here and how care costs compare to other cities in Idaho.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare licenses assisted living facilities in Idaho Falls and the rest of the state. Its Residential Assisted Living Facilities (RALF) team conducts regular unannounced inspections of licensed facilities. RALF personnel also conduct complaint investigations, as needed.

• Idaho Falls may appeal to seniors who want to stretch their retirement savings. The city’s cost of living is 12.3% lower than the national average and 10.2% lower than the Idaho norm. Groceries, transportation and assisted living care are just a few of the items that cost less in Idaho Falls.
• Retirees in Idaho Falls may see some savings on their taxes. The state doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, and it offers a generous tax deduction for retirees with eligible public pensions, such as military and federal government retirement plans. The state also offers a grocery tax credit of up to $120 which could help seniors supplement their assisted living menu.
• Public transit options are limited in Idaho Falls. The city’s fixed-route bus service ceased in May 2019, but a new provider, Greater Idaho Falls Transit, plans to start service in Spring 2022. Seniors who don’t have access to a car may prefer an assisted living community that provides transportation for residents.
• Despite its small size, Idaho Falls is well-served by healthcare resources. It’s home to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, a 330-bed facility that offers a number of specialty services for the region, including neurology and oncology. Seniors can also visit the physician-owned Mountain View Hospital.
• Crime rates in Idaho Falls are high compared to other cities in Idaho. At 4.49 per 1,000 residents, the city’s violent crime rate is about 86% higher than the state average. Its property crime rate, at 17.77 per 1,000 residents, is about 61% higher. However, this doesn’t mean Idaho Falls is a dangerous place to live. Its crime rates, while high by Idaho standards, are comparable to national figures.
• Seniors who enjoy variety may appreciate the four-season climate in Idaho Falls. Temperatures range from a low of 13 degrees in January to a high of 86 degrees in July. Spring weather tends to be mild and rainy, while in the fall, conditions may be chilly and dry.

The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey revealed that seniors in Idaho Falls pay an average of $3,500 per month for assisted living care. This is nearly 9% lower than the statewide average of $3,838 and 22% lower than the national average of $4,500.

Care costs vary throughout Southern Idaho. Idaho Falls offers the region’s lowest care costs at $3,500, though Boise City isn’t much higher at $3,586. Seniors in Twin Falls pay an average of $3,820 for assisted living care. Meanwhile, in Pocatello, costs are the region’s highest at $4,206 per month.

Homemaker services, which provide help with everyday household tasks, cost an average of $5,720 per month in Idaho Falls. This is on par with the cost of basic medical care provided by home health aides. Assisted living care is much more affordable at $3,500 per month. Seniors who need a higher level of care than an assisted living facility can provide may consider nursing home care, which costs $9,186 per month, on average.

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 Idaho page.