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.
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.
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.
Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)
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.
(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
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 religious services. Williamsburg Senior Living Community is commended for recent renovations to the exterior of the facility, and residents note that it is a pleasure to walk around the beautiful grounds in the evening. Furthermore, visitors are impressed by choir and dance groups that provide entertainment on the weekends. Their loved ones are fond of these performances, and they love making Christmas ornaments with schoolchildren in the wintertime.
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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 religious services. Williamsburg Senior Living Community is commended for recent renovations to the exterior of the facility, and residents note that it is a pleasure to walk around the beautiful grounds in the evening. Furthermore, visitors are impressed by choir and dance groups that provide entertainment on the weekends. Their loved ones are fond of these performances, and they love making Christmas ornaments with schoolchildren in the wintertime.
(read less)
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 spacious. She’s got plenty of room to get around. The dining room is always clean. The food is healthy for the people. You’re allowed to eat with them on occasions. You can pay $5 and you can have lunch with your loved ones, which is very nice. They’re tearing out the concrete on the grounds and replacing it, so it can be a safer area because some of the concrete was breaking, and parking was a little bit tight. They’re doing some reconstruction in there, and they’ve got beautiful flowers planted. There’s a place out there for the residents to go outside and just enjoy the outdoors. They have a lot of activities for the residents to do.
They do bingo and word games. They have somebody that can come and do their hair. They try to accommodate you for any needs that you would have. She doesn’t participate in a lot, but when I’m there, I hear them making announcements that bingo will start at 2:00, and then they have art activities. They teach art there.
The food is pretty good. I like everything that I’ve eaten there. Sometimes, she’s not real fond of what they’re serving, but they always give her options of something else. At dinnertime, she could either get a sandwich, or a salad, or cereal. She doesn’t participate in a lot, but everytime I’ve been there, I’ve seen people participate, so obviously it has been pretty good for them. They offer contracts with other people as the need arises. If you need somebody to come and bathe you, you can add those things to it, but they contract out.
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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 spacious. She’s got plenty of room to get around. The dining room is always clean. The food is healthy for the people. You’re allowed to eat with them on occasions. You can pay $5 and you can have lunch with your loved ones, which is very nice. They’re tearing out the concrete on the grounds and replacing it, so it can be a safer area because some of the concrete was breaking, and parking was a little bit tight. They’re doing some reconstruction in there, and they’ve got beautiful flowers planted. There’s a place out there for the residents to go outside and just enjoy the outdoors. They have a lot of activities for the residents to do.
They do bingo and word games. They have somebody that can come and do their hair. They try to accommodate you for any needs that you would have. She doesn’t participate in a lot, but when I’m there, I hear them making announcements that bingo will start at 2:00, and then they have art activities. They teach art there.
The food is pretty good. I like everything that I’ve eaten there. Sometimes, she’s not real fond of what they’re serving, but they always give her options of something else. At dinnertime, she could either get a sandwich, or a salad, or cereal. She doesn’t participate in a lot, but everytime I’ve been there, I’ve seen people participate, so obviously it has been pretty good for them. They offer contracts with other people as the need arises. If you need somebody to come and bathe you, you can add those things to it, but they contract out.
(read less)
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 kitchenette and a living room. Hallways feature skylights and hanging gardens. Southside Gardens Assisted Living Center offers transportation to all guests, with destinations ranging from the casino to Walmart to shopping plazas in the city. In addition, residents particularly like how the apartment complex has shared and private spaces, indicating this leads to a friendly community where other residents are just doorsteps away.
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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 kitchenette and a living room. Hallways feature skylights and hanging gardens. Southside Gardens Assisted Living Center offers transportation to all guests, with destinations ranging from the casino to Walmart to shopping plazas in the city. In addition, residents particularly like how the apartment complex has shared and private spaces, indicating this leads to a friendly community where other residents are just doorsteps away.
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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 large facility. They have a little chapel for religious services, but it’s too small for Catholic mass, so they have to do Catholic mass out in an open activity room. Overall, it’s OK. The food is good. It’s not an assisted living. It’s a retirement place and they contracted a healthcare company that does the assistance.
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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 large facility. They have a little chapel for religious services, but it’s too small for Catholic mass, so they have to do Catholic mass out in an open activity room. Overall, it’s OK. The food is good. It’s not an assisted living. It’s a retirement place and they contracted a healthcare company that does the assistance.
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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 there too, that were not for seniors. I only met a couple of staff people but they were very nice. They had everything that I wanted, like the exercise room, and I could see that the layout of the building was nice. I didn’t particularly like the parking lot because it was open and there were other apartments adjacent to the building, so if you were coming in at night, that would have been a concern for me. They had a salon, they had an area for the people that live there to gather in the afternoons to watch movies and play games.
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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 there too, that were not for seniors. I only met a couple of staff people but they were very nice. They had everything that I wanted, like the exercise room, and I could see that the layout of the building was nice. I didn’t particularly like the parking lot because it was open and there were other apartments adjacent to the building, so if you were coming in at night, that would have been a concern for me. They had a salon, they had an area for the people that live there to gather in the afternoons to watch movies and play games.
(read less)
14686 Old Hammond Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA, 70816
Independent Living Facilities in Louisiana (9)
