Louisiana is rich in French colonial, native Creole and American southern culture, and many of the state’s 739,000 seniors enjoy its influential music, world-class cuisine and classic architecture. This rich culture in cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge is complemented by low costs of living and friendly tax policies for senior citizens. 

Many of Louisiana’s active seniors reside in independent living communities. These facilities resemble regular apartment complexes or residential neighborhoods but are exclusively for seniors. Residents in these communities require little or no help with daily activities, but some may hire some type of home care. Seniors in independent living often have access to shared activities and social events in recreation centers, and some communities have tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness centers and golf courses.  The average cost for independent living in Louisiana is estimated at $2,365 per month, well below the national average of $2,795. 

This guide contains more detailed information about independent living in Louisiana, including estimated costs, financing strategies and links resources available to seniors in the state. 

The Cost of Independent Living in Louisiana

Note: Seniors who would like to live among people their age but don’t need supportive care may enjoy an Independent Living setting. There’s no universal cost data available for Independent Living, but it’s usually cheaper than Assisted Living by 30%-40%. To determine the estimated cost of Independent Living, we decreased the average cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey by 35%.

The average cost of Independent Living in Louisiana is nearly $500 less than the national average and cheaper than most surrounding states. Louisiana’s cost is $163 less per month compared to Texas and $70 less than Oklahoma, but it’s only $8 cheaper than Arkansas. Mississippi is the only adjacent state with a lower Independent Living cost. It costs $161 less per month in the Magnolia State.

$2436

Louisiana

$2925

The United States

$2599

Texas

$2506

Oklahoma

$2444

Arkansas

$2275

Mississippi

Many popular cities in Louisiana are higher in cost than the state average, including the state’s capital. Baton Rouge has one of the highest average costs for Independent Living at $2,681 per month. Seniors can expect to pay an average of $2,582 in New Orleans — the most populous city in the state — $2,516 in Shreveport and $2,503 in Lafayette. Some cities have a much lower cost compared to the state average, including Alexandria at $1,885 and Monroe at $1,723.

$2681

Baton Rouge

$2582

New Orleans

$2516

Shreveport

$2503

Lafayette

$1885

Alexandria

$1723

Monroe

Independent Living is ideal for seniors who don’t require supportive care. Aging adults who do have several options in Louisiana. Adult Day Health Care offers the lowest level of care at an average cost of $1,788, and Nursing Home Care has the highest level of care at an average cost of $5,759 for a shared room or $6,060 for a private room. Assisted Living provides a mid-level range of care and averages $3,748 in Louisiana, or seniors can opt for In-Home Care at about $3,623 per month or Home Health Care at $3,718.

$2436

Independent Living

$3748

Assisted Living

$1788

Adult Day Health Care

$3623

In-Home Care

$3718

Home Health Care

$5759

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

$6060

Nursing Home Care (private room)

Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Louisiana?

Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Louisiana.

Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.

Paying for Independent Living in Louisiana

Louisiana seniors can access several sources of funding to help pay for independent living. According to the United States Census Bureau, the state’s rate of homeownership is 69%, meaning many families can get cash out of their homes through a sale, renting or an equity loan. Reverse mortgages provide monthly payments based on the value of the property without having to sell. In some cases, long-term care insurance can pay for some aspects of independent living, and cashing out whole life insurance may provide a substantial lump sum. Seniors who’ve put money into retirement accounts or other investments over a lifetime of work can use that money to pay for independent living as well.

Independent Living Resources in Louisiana

Louisiana seniors have many government and community resources to help them as they age, including those for healthcare, legal assistance and transportation. 

Resource 
Contact 
Service 
(866) 542-8167 
The American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP, is the nation’s leading organization for those aged 50 and over. This nonprofit agency advocates on behalf of older adults and provides up-to-date information on laws and policies that affect seniors. Through AARP’s website, individuals can get information on events in their community such as defensive driving courses, free tax preparation and informational seminars. The AARP provides access to information on recreational and educational happenings via regular newsletters and its calendar of events. 
(800) 243-5463 
The Alabama Department of Senior Services administers a broad array of programs for older adults in the state. It oversees Alabama’s network of 14 Area Agencies on Aging, which receive government funding to provide supportive services to those aged 60 and over, as well as the Aging and Disability Resource Centers, which offer a single point of contact to help seniors obtain services in their communities. The department operates the statewide Medicaid waiver programs, which may help cover independent living services, and it oversees the Alabama State Independent Living Council. It also provides free health insurance options counseling and information to help older adults protect themselves from Medicare fraud.
(800) 942-2677 
RSVP is a nationwide program that provides volunteer opportunities to those aged 55 and over. Through this program, older adults donate their time and talents to charities and nonprofit organizations in their local community. Specialists provided one-on-one assistance to participants to help them find volunteer opportunities that fit their interests and experience, including placement in volunteer positions in hospitals, museums, performing arts centers, senior centers, schools and food banks. In exchange for their time, volunteers receive supplemental liability insurance, transportation reimbursement and recognition at appreciation events. 
(334) 242-5077 
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs helps veterans in the state access the benefits they’re entitled to. Through the state’s 60 veterans service offices, veterans can apply for pension programs and disability compensation, which pays out monthly benefits that can be used toward independent living expenses. Local offices can also help veterans access services in the community such as transportation, social clubs and healthcare services.
(866) 456-4995 
Legal Services Alabama is a nonprofit organization that provides free civil legal advice, assistance and representation to those aged 60 and over. It has eight offices throughout the state and offers in-person and over-the-phone assistance with issues such as Social Security overpayment, denied health insurance claims and consumer debt problems. It can also help older adults understand independent living contracts and payment obligations. 
2-1-1 
211 Connects Alabama provides free assistance with accessing resources in communities across the state, including transportation, health and wellness programs, veterans’ services and financial assistance. Callers get confidential one-on-one help with finding services and supports in their local community to meet their needs.

COVID-19 Rules for Independent Living in Louisiana

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including ldh.la.gov). These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/8/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Rules for Louisiana Communities

Are loved ones allowed to visit to provide emotional support?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are relatives allowed to visit for end-of-life care?

Yes

Are residents required to quarantine after visiting with a loved one?

No (Conditions Apply)

Are visitors required to wear PPE (including masks) in order to visit residents?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are non-medical contractors (such as hairdressers and entertainers) allowed in senior living facilities?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are visitors required to answer questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?

Yes

Outings & Social Activities

Rules for Louisiana Communities

Are residents allowed to leave (errands, visiting family, etc.) for non-medical reasons?

Yes

Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they return?

No (Conditions Apply)

Are senior living communities required to cancel all group outings?

No

Are residents allowed to eat meals together in a common area?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are residents allowed to gather in common areas for group activites?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Rules for Louisiana Communities

Are staff members regularly required to do a temperature check?

Yes

Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are staff members members regularly required to do a health and safety screening, including questions about travel, contact with positive cases, etc?

Yes

Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms?

Yes

Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Find Independent Living Communities in Louisiana

Use the tool below to find Independent Living Communities near you – if you’d like to search in a specific city in Louisiana, simply put that in the search bar below.

Directory of Independent Living Communities in Baton Rouge, LA

Williamsburg Senior Living Community

5445 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA, 70806

Williamsburg Senior Living Community is located in the heart of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, adjacent to a school and library. Guests have constant access to a laundry room, hairdresser and chapel for reli … (read more)
Williamsburg Senior Living Community is located in the heart of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, adjacent to a school and library. Guests have constant access to a laundry room, hairdresser and chapel for reli … (read more)

Holiday Whealdon Estates

8680 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA, 70809

My aunt is in Holiday Whealdon Estates. The staff members are very caring, considerate, and ready to help you at any time you need any help. You could tell they love their clients. Her room is very sp … (read more)
My aunt is in Holiday Whealdon Estates. The staff members are very caring, considerate, and ready to help you at any time you need any help. You could tell they love their clients. Her room is very sp … (read more)

Southside Gardens Assisted Living Center

4604 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge, LA, 70808

Southside Gardens Assisted Living Center is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a few minutes away from Burden Botanic Gardens. Visitors are delighted to know that each studio is equipped with a kitche … (read more)
Southside Gardens Assisted Living Center is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a few minutes away from Burden Botanic Gardens. Visitors are delighted to know that each studio is equipped with a kitche … (read more)

Lakewood Sherwood Village

4101 Plaza Tower Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70816

My mother has moved into Lake Sherwood Village. It wasn’t a great match, but it’s in our budget and it’s adequate for what we needed. The layout is nice. It’s pretty spread out, but it’s a fairly larg … (read more)
My mother has moved into Lake Sherwood Village. It wasn’t a great match, but it’s in our budget and it’s adequate for what we needed. The layout is nice. It’s pretty spread out, but it’s a fairly larg … (read more)

2022

The Claiborne at Baton Rouge

9511 Creekview Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70836

I visited The Claiborne at Baton Rouge. I liked the layout, but I didn’t particularly like the fact that it was behind the mall and so close to the interstate. There were some other apartments around … (read more)
I visited The Claiborne at Baton Rouge. I liked the layout, but I didn’t particularly like the fact that it was behind the mall and so close to the interstate. There were some other apartments around … (read more)

Colonial Care Retirement Center

14686 Old Hammond Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA, 70816