Assisted Living Communities in Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette is one of the most affordable locations for long-term care in the region. Local prices are about $100 lower than the state median of $3,748 and $650 lower than the national average of $4,500. Seniors in New Orleans pay about $125 more per month. Rates in Lake Charles are $150 higher, and seniors in Baton Rouge pay $4,125 per month, which is an increase of $275.

The median cost of assisted living in Lafayette is $3,850 per month. However, prices may vary, depending on the services and amenities each facility offers.

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 Louisiana page.

Older adults in Lafayette have several senior care options to choose from, depending on their needs. In-home care and home health care both cost $3,813 per month, even though home health care also includes light medical services. Assisted living is a bit more expensive at $3,850, but it also includes housing, meals and many other essential services. Nursing homes charge $5,272 per month, which is about $1,420 more than assisted living, although this is still well below the national average. Although there’s no cost data available for adult day health care, seniors across Louisiana typically pay $1,788 per month for this level of care.

In Louisiana, assisted living facilities are classified as adult residential care providers (ARCPs). The Health Standards Section of the Louisiana Department of Health has several license classifications, depending on the type and size of the facility and the services it provides. All communities must meet minimum standards regarding staffing, accommodations and resident care.

• Lafayette has a moderate cost of living that’s 22% lower than the national average. The costs of housing, health care, utilities and other essentials are all lower than average, which benefits retirees who depend on a fixed income.
• Crime rates in Lafayette are higher than the national average. However, they have declined dramatically since 2010. For added peace of mind, assisted living facilities provide emergency alert systems and a variety of security features to keep residents safe.
• Located just 35 miles from the coast, Lafayette has a very mild climate, with winter lows of around 40 degrees. Summer highs top out at around 90 degrees, and the area receives an above-average amount of rain. These conditions are suitable for most seniors, and assisted living facilities typically provide individual thermostats for added comfort. 
• Health care access in Lafayette is excellent. The area has an above-average number of physicians, along with several medical facilities and rehabilitative care centers, including Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center and the Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.
• Home to the University of Louisiana, Lafayette is known for its educated population, strong economy and low poverty rates, which help to create a community that’s comfortable for seniors. The community has been recognized as one of Louisiana’s most livable cities, and it’s been named the Happiest City in America.
• Seniors who need help getting around town or are no longer comfortable driving long distances can access low-cost transportation through the Lafayette Council on Aging. The Lafayette Transit System offers half-price fares and discounted annual passes for Medicare beneficiaries. It also operates a para-transit service for anyone who has trouble accessing regular bus lines.