Assisted Living Facilities in Riverton, WY
Riverton recorded a population of 10,682 in the 2020 census, making it the largest city in Fremont County. The census also found an above-average 17.8% of its residents are aged 65 and older, suggesting Riverton is more appealing to seniors than the typical U.S. city. Many will enjoy the relaxed lifestyle common to all rural communities, but they may also appreciate the city’s very clean air, numerous Medicare-registered health care professionals and a below-average cost of living.
Assisted living facilities can be an ideal solution for seniors who need a little extra help with everyday chores, such as housekeeping and making meals. Their trained staff ensure rooms are clean, meals fresh and nutritious and medications provided on time. The facilities also give seniors plenty of opportunities to socialize with their new neighbors. The average monthly fee in Riverton is $5,550, which is more than the state average of $4,175.
This guide considers the advantages and disadvantages of living in Riverton and typical senior care costs in Wyoming. It also lists some senior-friendly resources.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Riverton, WY
Homestead Living Center
950 Homestead Avenue, Riverton, WY, 82501
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is a Caring Star Community
Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Riverton
The Wyoming Department of Health. is responsible for issuing licenses to assisted living facilities in the state. It only grant’s them to facilities that pass a strict health survey, which involves inspectors making an unannounced visit to ensure the facility is complying with the license’s terms. While holding the license, the facility will be subjected to regular unannounced inspections.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Riverton
- According to Sperling’s Best Places, Riverton has an average health cost index of 131.9, which is slightly above the state average but significantly more than the U.S. average. Although this may concern seniors considering the city as a place to retire, they should also know that the overall cost of living index for Riverton is 93, which is below the state and national averages. Consequently, other costs, such as transportation, can offset the higher health care costs.
- Due to its northerly location, Riverton experiences cold winters, typically six degrees in January, but it also enjoys pleasantly warm summers of 87 degrees and usually gets 26 more sunny days than the U.S. average of 205. Snowfall is above average too, at around 46 inches annually, but rainfall is much lower, at about 10 inches per year. However, that’s enough to keep every street lined with trees and the soil in the surrounding farmland rich with nutrients.
- Drinking water in Riverton is average for the country, at 56/100, which means it’s perfectly safe and pleasant. Air quality, however, is significantly better than average, at 83/100, which will be particularly good news for seniors with respiratory conditions.
- Riverton’s crime statistics do not reflect well on the city, with both property and violent crime being above the state and national averages. However, when viewed closely, it can be seen that most crime occurs in specific areas, particularly the city center. Seniors concerned about these figures should know that the Hudson neighborhood has much less crime and most assisted living facilities have increased security as standard.
- Like most small rural cities, Riverton has one primary medical facility serving the community. SageHealth-Riverton provides everything necessary for the city, including inpatient services, an emergency room and surgical services for outpatients and inpatients. There are also approximately 130 medical professionals in the surrounding area registered to treat Medicare beneficiaries, which is a significant number for such a small community.
Paying for Assisted Living in Riverton
According to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Riverton’s seniors typically pay $5,550 for assisted living. This is $1,375 more than the mean for Wyoming and $1,250 above the national average.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Riverton is the most costly city in the state for assisted living with average fees being $962 per month more than Cheyenne. Moving to the nearest cities outside of Wyoming can be financially beneficial. In Idaho, the cities of Pocatello and Idaho Falls record average fees of $4,425 and $3,673, respectively.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Although assisted living facilities typically charge $450 per month more than home care services in Riverton, they compare favorably with home health care agencies, which charge averages of $6,959 for limited medical care with home care. The Genworth survey doesn’t include adult day care costs, but the state average of $3,250 should give some indication for seniors considering this option. Nursing home facilities have the highest fees at $9,034 for a private room and $8,456 for a semiprivate one.
Note: Care cost data for Riverton was not available, so data for the closest city, Casper, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Riverton
Monthly assisted living expenses are slightly higher in Cheyenne than in other parts of the state so financial assistance can be a welcome asset. The primary route to financial aid for seniors in Wyoming is through Medicaid for all those who meet eligibility requirements.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Wyoming page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
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 Wyoming page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Riverton
Seniors in Riverton can access a number of resources focused on helping them age with dignity. The following list includes some examples of the support available.
Resource
Contact
Service
(307) 856-6332
The center is the hub of the senior community in and around Riverton. There are several activities aimed at improving stamina, balance, and flexibility in the fitness room, such as line dancing, pinochle and tai chi. There are also exercises tailored for seniors with Parkinson's. Standard table games, such as dominoes are popular, and there's bingo several times a week, including evenings. Hot meals are served daily in the dining room for a suggested donation of $5 per meal and the center's curb-to-curb rideshare bus can take seniors anywhere in the city for any purpose. Fares are $2.50 per one-way ride and there's a monthly unlimited pass for $75.
(800) 856-4398
The purpose of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is to resolve complaints made by residential care residents, their families and third parties. These can relate to all aspects of senior care, such as admissions, food quality, transfers and general health services. More serious complaints, such as elder abuse allegations, will be handed on to the proper authorities. The ombudsman can also deal with some problems regarding Medicare and Medicaid payments.
(800) 856-4398
SHIIP counselors provide free information, advice and support to seniors with Medicare and those ready to apply for the insurance. Their purpose is to help seniors understand the various Medicare plans and how they may support their long-term health care needs. Although the counselors may suggest private health insurance, they won't try to sell plans as their services are unbiased. They can also help seniors denied Medicare draft and submit their appeals.
(866) 338-2609
Riverton VA Clinic provides primary, mental health and social work care services for U.S. military veterans, their spouses and dependents. Those in need of services unavailable at the center are referred to other clinics within the VA Sheridan Health Care System. Riverton's clinic is also home to the local veterans' affairs office, which can help vets locate and apply for the state and federal benefits to which they're entitled.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Riverton
Riverton-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Wyoming are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Wyoming page for more information about these laws.
