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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.
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The Cost of Independent Living in Mississippi
When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in Mississippi and its 5 cities.
The Cost of Independent Living in Mississippi's Top Cities
Although the average cost of independent living has risen across the state, certain cities in Mississippi are more affordable than others. For example, the monthly cost in Gulfport is significantly lower at only $840. In comparison, Hattiesburg's average is $2,870, which still falls below the state's average of $3,096. On the other side, Meridian's average cost of $3,327 and Madison's at $3,862 round out the higher end.
Mississippi
$3,096
Gulfport
$840
Hattiesburg
$2,870
Meridian
$3,327
Madison
$3,862
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Mississippi
Inflation often shapes the cost of many daily necessities, including those needed by seniors in independent living settings. However, the impact can vary. From 2022 to 2023, inflation affected the national average cost of independent living communities, which rose by just over 5%. Mississippi felt the brunt, with an increase of nearly 27% during this period, and nearby Arkansas had a hefty upswing of 20%. However, other neighboring states saw decreased independent living costs, including Alabama at 9.7%, Tennessee at 15.8% and Louisiana at 30.4%.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $2,440 | $3,096 | $3,297 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Alabama | $3,050 | $2,754 | $2,735 |
| Tennessee | $3,123 | $2,629 | $2,800 |
| Arkansas | $2,304 | $2,764 | $2,944 |
| Louisiana | $3,321 | $2,313 | $2,464 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Aging adults in Mississippi have different options for senior living depending on their care needs and preferences. Independent living is a cost-effective option at $3,096 per month, but it may not be suitable for seniors who require 24/7 assistance or routine nursing care. Assisted living may be a better option for some, with an average cost of $3,996. Seniors with dementia may require specialized memory care, which costs around $4,679.
Assisted Living
$3,996
Memory Care
$4,679
Independent Living
$3,096
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.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Mississippi
There are many resources in Mississippi that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Area Agencies on Aging | Mississippi's Area Agencies on Aging provide seniors aged 60 and older with access to critical services, helping them maintain a high quality of life. They organize services such as congregate and home-delivered meals, legal assistance and advocacy. Specialists can refer seniors to other assistance programs they may qualify for and discuss long-term care options. AAAs also provide access to home and community-based programs, including case management, home care and respite care, and they coordinate transportation services and caregiver support programs. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Mississippi provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Living
Low-income elderly individuals in senior living communities can access financial assistance through local-run programs. These Mississippi resources offer advice, guidance and support to help older adults pay for the services offered by long-term care providers.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Assisted Living Waiver | 800-421-2408 | The Assisted Living Waiver could help you avoid a nursing home and move into an assisted living facility instead. Depending on your needs, the waiver could provide you with homemaker services, daily living assistance, medication management, transportation and a range of other services. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Mississippi seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Food Network | 601-353-7286 | The Mississippi Food Network, headquartered in Jackson, hosts an Emergency Food Assistance Program that helps local seniors access free food that meets the nutritional requirements associated with aging. Donated food items are distributed via the food pantries, community kitchens and shelters of its many community-based partner organizations. At-risk seniors are eligible for a monthly shelf-stable package delivered through the network's Senior Grocery Program. Inquire online or by calling 601-353-7286. |
| Mississippi Meals on Wheels | Mississippi Meals on Wheels operates congregate meal sites and home-delivered meals throughout the state, ensuring that seniors ages 60 and over receive suitable nutrition. To be eligible, older adults must meet age requirements; the program is focused on those whose limited mobility makes shopping for groceries and preparing meals difficult. Meals are provided based on a sliding-fee scale that takes individual financial circumstances into account. Some community programs offer meals for those with special dietary needs and cultural or ethnic preferences. | |
| Mississippi Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 800-948-3050 | The Mississippi Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps low-income seniors ages 60 and over obtain healthy food for balanced nutrition. Applicants must meet income guidelines before they're administered an electronic benefits transfer card. This card functions like a debit card and can be used at grocery stores, convenience stores and farmers' markets throughout the state as well as on websites that accept EBT. The card can only be used toward food, including bread, meat, fish and poultry, dairy products and produce. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Mississippi collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi START'S Device Reutilization Program | 800-852-8328 | Mississippi's Project S.T.A.R.T. refurbishes donated medical equipment and loans it to the state's disabled and chronically ill residents for free. Wheelchairs, folding ramps and bedside toilets are just a few examples of the types of equipment seniors can borrow for up to 90 days. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Mississippi have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Section 504 Home Repair Program | 601-965-4316 | The U.S.D.A. Home Repair Grant provides the state's seniors with financial assistance for making health and safety repairs to their homes. The maximum grant amount is $10,000. If the home is sold within 3 years, the loan has to be repaid. |
| Mississippi Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) | 800-421-0762 | The W.A.P. enables low-income residents to receive free energy efficiency upgrades, lowering their overall energy costs. Placing insulation in walls and floors, replacing ductwork and repairing furnaces are some of the program's typical services. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in Mississippi bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Division of Aging and Adult Services for Seniors | 800-948-3090 | As part of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, the Division of Aging and Adult Services helps seniors throughout the state in numerous ways, including offering financial assistance programs that can cover some or all of the cost of care. Seniors aged 60+ and their caregivers can seek answers and assistance by contacting one of the ten Area Agencies on Aging located in Mississippi and managed by DAAS. |
Medicaid Resources
Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Mississippi resources help older adults by providing advice on Medicaid options, waiver programs and eligibility criteria to help seniors receive the right health care benefits.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Elderly and Disabled Waiver | 800-421-2408 | The Elderly and Disabled Waiver provides in-home services according to care plans developed by the registered nurse and social worker assigned to each program participant. If you're approved for this waiver, you could receive: • Home delivered meals • In-home respite care • Assistance with personal hygiene • Home health visits • Physical or speech therapies |
| Mississippi Independent Living Waiver | 800-421-2408 | Medicaid's Independent Living Waiver is a Home and Community Based Services waiver. Its main services are case management and personal care assistance, but some seniors can also receive home accessibility modifications and medical equipment. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Mississippi help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Mississippi resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Homestead Exemption | 601-923-7618 | The Homestead Exemption saves seniors money on their property taxes. Those who qualify can exempt $7,500 of value from what it's been assessed. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Mississippi retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | 800-421-0762 | L.I.H.E.A.P. can pay the balance of past due home energy bills, including those with disconnect notices. This program can help you if you're at risk of losing your heating or cooling during the year's hottest days. |
Veteran's Services
Mississippi retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi VA Benefits and Health Care | Mississippi VA Benefits and Health Care services include specialized assistance for senior veterans. For medical, seniors have a wide range of options at the Biloxi and Jackson medical centers, as well as several outpatient locations. Seniors over 65 and those with disabilities may qualify for additional pension funds to pay for in-home care services, such as home health aid costs and skilled nursing. |
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