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Independent Living in Wyoming
Home to points of interest, such as the Center of the West museums, scenic tours and exciting events throughout the year, Wyoming offers a unique cultural experience and is well-suited for active retirees. The state’s overall cost of living is a little below the national average, which may enable older adults to maintain their standard of living throughout their retirement years, and a generally comfortable climate provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy local amenities. Its clean air makes it a great option for those with allergies or cardiovascular or respiratory issues, and world-class medical facilities, such as Aspen Mountain Medical Center in Rock Springs and Campbell County Health in Gillette, provide exceptional care.
Independent living is ideal for older adults who don’t need personal care or skilled nursing services but want a maintenance-free lifestyle with time-saving amenities. These communities are oriented around the interests and needs of residents and typically provide daily meals, social clubs, recreational amenities, housekeeping and grounds services and wellness services. Monthly rates vary depending on the location and amenities offered, but on average, independent living residents in Wyoming pay $2,714 per month for services.
This guide compares Wyoming’s monthly rates to those in nearby states, provides tips on paying for services and highlights some statewide resources available to older adults.
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The Cost of Independent Living in Wyoming
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 Wyoming and its 1 cities.
The Cost of Independent Living in Wyoming's Top Cities
Independent living costs vary from city to city. While Wyoming has the same average price as its capital, Cheyenne, or $2,065 a month, other nearby cities show some diversity of costs. Salt Lake City, UT, averages $2,895 a month for independent living, while Rapid City, SD, is $2,403. Idaho Falls, ID, average costs are significantly higher than the others, at $3,575 a month.
Wyoming
$2,065
Cheyenne
$2,065
Salt Lake City, UT
$2,895
Idaho Falls, ID
$3,575
Rapid City, SD
$2,403
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Wyoming
Inflation has caused price hikes in senior care across America, but independent living in Wyoming is a pleasant exception. From 2022-2024, Wyoming projects an overall fall in the cost of independent care, from $2,723 to $2,200 monthly. This is in contrast to the national average, which is estimated to increase by 18%, and to several other states. Alaska and Nevada both project price increases of 5%, while California anticipates a 10% increase. New Mexico projects a dramatic 61% price increase during the same period, from $1,962 a month in 2022 to $3,154 in 2024.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $2,723 | $2,065 | $2,200 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| Alaska | $4,509 | $4,485 | $4,724 |
| California | $3,481 | $3,556 | $3,823 |
| Nevada | $2,476 | $2,463 | $2,593 |
| New Mexico | $1,962 | $2,961 | $3,154 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Independent living is not the only option for seniors in Wyoming. The closer support and caregiver help in assisted living costs $5,000 a month, which is more than double the $2,065 average for independent living. Memory care is higher still, at $6,020.
Assisted Living
$5,000
Memory Care
$6,020
Independent Living
$2,065
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Wyoming?
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 Wyoming.
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 Wyoming
While independent living is a comparatively affordable arrangement for older adults, it’s important to understand options for covering monthly costs. For many, accessing funds from long-term investments or borrowing from or cashing out life insurance policies provides enough money to cover costs. Homeowners may sell their house and use proceeds from the sale toward living expenses or rent it out for regular passive income. A reverse mortgage, which lets the homeowner borrow against their home’s equity, allows them to keep their home while using it to cover services. While Medicare and private medical insurance doesn’t cover services, other policies, such as long-term care insurance, Medicaid and some Medicare Advantage plans, may provide coverage for services, such as meals, transportation and housekeeping, bringing down out-of-pocket costs.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Wyoming
There are many resources in Wyoming 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Aging Advisory Council | 800-442-2766 | Wyoming's Area Agencies in Aging provide essential care for older adults, including assistance for caregivers, nonemergency medical and nonmedical services, such as home-delivered meals, disease prevention and home care help. Home services include coordination of services, personal grooming assistance and vital homemaker assistance for daily living activities. These services help seniors maintain a good quality of life in Wyoming and age in place. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Wyoming 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming 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. |
| Wyoming TANF/POWER | 307-856-6522 | Wyoming TANF/POWER assists low-income seniors who are primary caregivers of minors. The program's benefits include free child support assistance, monthly cash payments and help finding employment and other forms of financial stability. To apply, seniors must be responsible for children under 18, and households must meet specific income requirements. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, legal aliens or qualified aliens. Wyoming TANF/POWER also supports those who need interim help while recovering from illness. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Wyoming seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Community Choices Waiver | 800-510-0280 | The Community Choices Waiver is a Home and Community-Based Services Waiver that covers the cost of personal care assistance, skilled nursing and other support for seniors. |
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 Wyoming seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Food Bank | 877-265-2172 | Wyoming Food Bank works with partner agencies and programs in every Wyoming county to distribute food parcels to eligible seniors. As part of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program that aims to improve seniors' health by supplementing their nutrition, the food bank provides low-income adults over age 60 with monthly home deliveries containing nonperishable protein, fruits, vegetables, milk and other shelf-stable foods. Seniors may also be eligible to receive fresh produce, dairy and bread. |
| Wyoming Meals on Wheels | Meals on Wheels is a food assistance organization that helps homebound older adults meet their nutritional needs with regular meal delivery. Planned by registered dietitians, provided entrees may improve seniors' health and sense of independence. This organization operates throughout Wyoming via individual programs designed to assist those aged 60 and over in their local communities. Interested seniors must apply and undergo an assessment of need. Some programs may require referrals from doctors or social workers. | |
| Wyoming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 307-777-5846 | The Wyoming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a monthly benefits program designed to help low-income adults aged 60 and older buy food. Eligible seniors receive electronic cards that they can use to purchase food at stores across Wyoming, including Walmart. To be considered, applicants must have less than $3,750 worth of resources unless they receive Supplemental Security Income or POWER/Tribal TANF. Seniors can apply by completing and submitting an application at their local DFS office. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Wyoming 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Life Resource Center | 800-294-1888 | The Center maintains a library of durable medical equipment and therapeutic devices. All Wyoming residents are welcome to make use of the library. Financial donations are welcomed but not demanded |
| Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources | 888-989-9463 | The University of Wyoming maintains a durable medical equipment closet that is open to all residents. Seniors can request loans of wheelchairs, walkers and other assistive devices. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Wyoming seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Medication Donation Program | 855-257-5041 | The Wyoming Medication Donation Program serves low-income individuals in the state. It works like a mail-order pharmacy, filling prescriptions for eligible individuals using donated medications. Pharmacists process donations to ensure they're safe and suitable to be passed on to those in need. |
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 Wyoming have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Section 504 Home Repair Program | 307-233-6799 | Low-income homeowners in Casper, WY, can benefit from the Section 504 Home Repair Program run by the USDA Rural Development Department. The program provides loans and grants to help seniors remain in their own homes. These loans can be used to repair houses, address health hazards or improve curb appeal. To qualify, individuals must be 62 or older, reside in their own homes, be unable to obtain credit and have an income that falls below the county's limit. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Wyoming 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Veteran's Property Tax Exemption Program | 307-777-5200 | This program is run by the local county assessor and is funded by the state of Wyoming. This property tax assistance is the state of Wyoming's way of recognizing and helping those who fought for the United States. Honorably discharged military veterans who served during the Korea, Vietnam, WWI and WWII wars may qualify for property tax exemption. Disabled veterans, surviving spouses and those who received campaign medals during armed conflict in countries other than the United States also qualify. |
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. Wyoming 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) | 800-246-4221 | The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides support for families who are struggling to cover their utility bills during the coldest months of the year. The program also offers emergency financial assistance for families that are at risk of having their utility supply cut off or have already been disconnected. |
Veteran's Services
Wyoming 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming VA Benefits and Health Care | Wyoming VA Benefits and Health Care ensures senior veterans in Wyoming get access to the specialized veterans' support they need. Cheyenne and Sheridan have VA Medical Centers providing specialist health care, alongside outpatient clinics located throughout the state. The Cheyenne Vet Center offers confidential help to senior vets, including counseling for mental health issues such as depression and PTSD. Eligible veterans can also contact the VA benefits administration for access to adaptive equipment and housing. |
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