Assisted Living Communities in Reno, NV

Reno is the most expensive city for assisted living in the state of Nevada, according to data from the Genworth Cost of Care Survey for 2021. The median price in Las Vegas is $3,650, and the average rate in Carson City is $3,820. These numbers help explain why Reno’s average cost for this type of long-term care is $500 more than the state average. Across the border in California, the average cost in Yuba City is $4,658. Assisted living in Reno is $250 less per month than the state average of $3,750.

To pay for assisted living in Reno, seniors typically combine public benefits and private funds, and many local facilities also accept veterans’ benefits. Understanding the various payment options for long-term care services can help seniors plan for monthly expenses.

• Medicaid Nevada’s Medicaid program administers the Waiver for the Frail Elderly based on an applicant’s income and functional needs. Benefits include medical and nonmedical personal care, socialization, meals and personal emergency response systems.
• Medicare: Medicare doesn’t cover assisted living, which includes nonmedical custodial services. However, seniors can reduce their care expenses by using their Medicare plan to pay for home health care services they receive in assisted living.
• VA Benefits: The VA helps qualified veterans fund assisted living services through three programs, including Aid and Attendance, Housebound benefits and the Geriatrics and Extended Care program. Each program has unique eligibility criteria and can help veterans pay for housing expenses, nutrition services, personal care and transportation.
• Private payments: Residents can pay for all assisted living expenses through private payments, which may come from their income, savings or long-term care insurance. Assisted living facilities accept private payments for room and board, meal services and personal care.

Before choosing a senior living option, consider the level of care required. Assisted living typically costs around $4,211 per month, for which seniors receive room and board, plus help with personal care tasks. Memory care is slightly more costly, at $4,832 for 24-hour care and supervision delivered by dementia-care-trained providers. Independent living communities aimed at healthy, active seniors are a relatively inexpensive option, typically costing $3,333 per month in Reno.

• Nevada doesn’t have a state income tax, meaning seniors in Reno keep more of their retirement benefits. This helps many seniors afford local assisted living services. 
• A long-time member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network, Reno offers a favorable environment for retirees and assisted living residents. It has taken steps to improve access to affordable housing, increase volunteer driving networks and expand the number of senior caregivers in the city.
• The Reno region has poor air quality, earning failing scores across all metrics the American Lung Association measures. Fortunately, assisted living facilities offer indoor activities throughout the year to support the health and comfort of those with heart or lung conditions.
• Reno’s climate brings warm, dry conditions throughout the year, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 90 degrees Fahrenheit in July to 43 degrees in December. Assisted living residents typically benefit from all-inclusive pricing, sparing them from high utility bills during extreme temperatures.
• Reno reports an annual crime rate of around 34 incidents per 1,000 people, with property and violent crime frequencies outpacing national norms. To promote residents’ peace of mind, many assisted living facilities offer professionally monitored security systems.
• Although the cost of living in Reno runs 8% higher than the U.S. norm, many assisted living facilities promote affordability by accepting the Medicaid FE Waiver.