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Independent Living in Mississippi

With its warm tropical climate and low cost of living, Mississippi is an appealing place to retire. In fact, Mississippi has one of the lowest costs of living in the country and also boasts low taxes. Of the state’s 2.9 million people, 16.4% are over the age of 65. Many interesting things to do are found along Mississippi’s vast coastline, and seniors can spend their retirement lounging by the beach along the Gulf Islands National Seashore or seeing the animals at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies.

For seniors who don’t need daily living help, independent living is a good senior living choice. It provides the benefits of community activities, low-maintenance housing and occasional wellness checks without the oversight of assisted living. In Mississippi, independent living is an affordable option, with an average monthly cost of just $2,414, according to data in the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.

This guide explores the costs of independent living and resources Mississippi seniors can tap to make their retirement as independent and carefree as possible.

The Cost of Independent Living in Mississippi

Note: Even though there isn’t a definitive report on how much Independent Living costs in each state, it’s usually 30-40% less expensive than Assisted Living. So we reduced the Assisted Living costs reported in Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey by 35% to calculate the Independent Living costs in this guide.

Mississippi’s average monthly Independent Living cost is just $2,275, which is $650 less than the national average of $2,925. The Magnolia State’s average is lower than all four bordering states, ranging from $2 in Alabama, which averages $2,277 per month, to $393 in Tennessee, which is $2,668 per month. Louisiana and Arkansas share similar costs, averaging $2,436 and $2,444 per month, respectively.

In Mississippi, Independent Living is more expensive in cities than in rural areas. Cities charge between $195 and $553 more than the state average, such as Gulfport, where Independent Living costs $2,470 per month, or Jackson, where it costs $2,828. Independent Living costs in Hattiesburg and Baton Rouge, LA, both average $2,681 per month. Florence, AL, and Memphis, TN, also share similar averages of $2,698 and $2,730, respectively, which is $423 and $455 more than Mississippi’s statewide average.

Gulfport

$2470

Hattiesburg

$2681

Jackson

$2828

Baton Rouge, LA

$2681

Florence, AL

$2698

Memphis, TN

$2730

In Mississippi, Independent Living tends to be one of the most affordable senior care options available. Adult day care is the least expensive option, costing an average of $1,408 per month, $867 less than Independent Living. Home care and Home Health Care costs both average $3,813 monthly. Nursing homes cost between $7,118 and $7,314 per month, depending on whether seniors choose semiprivate or private rooms. Assisted living costs $3,500 per month or $1,275 more than Independent Living.

Independent Living

$2275

Home Care

$3813

Home Health Care

$3813

Adult Day Care

$1408

Assisted Living

$3500

Nursing Home (semiprivate)

$7118

Nursing Home (private)

$7314

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

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 Mississippi.

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 Mississippi

Seniors in Mississippi can find a range of options to pay for independent living. Though this is typically not a covered insurance cost, options like reverse mortgages, long-term care insurance and retirement savings can make it an affordable option. Some seniors can sell or rent out their homes and use the proceeds to pay for their independent living community. Learn more about locations offering independent living, the costs of independent living and your options to pay for this type of care.

Independent Living Resources in Mississippi

Mississippi has a number of services available to seniors. Many of these strive to help seniors maintain their independence as long as possible and are available at little to no charge. 

ResourceContactService
Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services(601) 359-4929Through the Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services, seniors in Mississippi access pension counseling programs and legal assistance. This group also helps protect seniors against abuse and neglect by overseeing independent living communities and ensuring seniors receive adequate care while living in them.
North Mississippi Rural Legal Services Elder Law Project(800) 498-1804Mississippi residents 60 and older can get civil legal services through the North Mississippi Rural Law Services Elder Law Project. These legal services are free of charge and are designed for vulnerable, rural populations. NMRLS Elder Law Project partners with six Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state to give this help to local seniors.
Mississippi Center for Legal Services(800) 773-1737The Mississippi Center for Legal Services provides legal advice and support to people in the state who are considered lower-income, and many seniors qualify for these services. It offers help with elder law issues, federal insurance and income programs, and disability law, among other concerns.
Mississippi Veterans Affairs Office(877) 203-5632The Mississippi VA office is ready to assist elderly veterans with getting the care they earned through their military service. Veterans can contact their local office to learn more about insurance and pension options they may qualify to receive. Mississippi also operates a network of State Veterans Homes that can provide a place to recover after a surgery or illness.
Mississippi State Health Insurance Assistance Program(601) 359-4500Through SHIP, seniors in Mississippi can get counseling regarding health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid from qualified, unbiased counselors. This program, available through local Area Agencies on Aging, makes it easier for seniors to understand their health insurance options and long-term care choices. An appointment with a SHIP counselor can ensure seniors are using all of the potential resources available to them.
Mississippi Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program(601) 359-4500Seniors living in independent living communities can receive advocacy help from the Mississippi Long-Term Care Ombudsman. This program oversees long-term care facilities and protects seniors against abuse and neglect. Those who feel they may not be receiving adequate care can contact the Ombudsman for help.

Directory of Independent Living Facilities in Mississippi

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Independent Living in Mississippi

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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