10 Communities in Little Rock, Arkansas

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,975 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 10 Assisted Living Communities in Little Rock and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Little Rock, AR

• Assisted Living: $3,975
• Nursing Home Care: $5,779
• In-home Care: $3,623
• Adult Day Health Services: $2,080

The Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study found that assisted living costs in Little Rock average $3,975 a month. This is nearly on par with the U.S. average of $4,000. However, at nearly $1,000 higher than the Arkansas average, Little Rock assisted living facilities are the most expensive in the state.

Assisted living prices can vary significantly, even within the same geographical area. Pine Bluff is not far from Little Rock, but it’s much more affordable at just $2,350. Another central Arkansas city, Hot Springs, is almost as costly at $3,950 per month.

Little Rock seniors may encounter vastly different prices for services, depending on the type of care they need. At the top end, nursing home care costs $5,779 per month for a semiprivate room and $6,692 for a private room. While these numbers may seem high, they’re both significantly lower than the national average. At $3,975 monthly, assisted living facilities are about two-thirds the cost of nursing homes. In-home services are even less expensive at $3,623. Seniors who choose to remain at home should remember to account for additional expenses, such as mortgage payments, utilities, property taxes and meals, when comparing senior living options. These costs are typically included with assisted living and nursing home facilities.

 

Medicaid is a national program that helps low-income Americans pay for necessary health care services. In Arkansas, Medicaid is called ARMedicaid, and it pays for doctor’s visits, emergency care, hospital stays and other medical services. The state Medicaid plan may pay for long-term care, including assisted living facilities, through its waiver programs.

To receive coverage, Little Rock residents must earn less than the Medicaid income limits:

• $16,146 annually for a one-person household
• $21,892 annually for a two-person household

Resource limits also apply to Medicaid. The limit is $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a couple. Some assets are counted towards the resource limit, while others are exempt. Cash, checking and savings accounts, stocks and bonds are usually counted. Exempt assets include a primary residence, household belongings and one car.

People who receive Supplemental Security Income automatically receive ARMedicaid and don’t need to apply. Others can apply in person at the county Department of Human Services office or visit Access Arkansas to apply online.

For more information about Medicaid coverage, call the ARMedicaid Support Center at (800) 482-8988.

Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver

Seniors who require care in an assisted living community may be eligible for the Living Choices Assisted Living waiver. The waiver may pay for a variety of services, such as nonmedical transportation, medication administration, therapeutic care and limited nursing services, as well as recreational and social activities. Seniors can also receive assistance with daily activities, such as eating, drinking or toileting. Room-and-board costs are excluded from the waiver.

To be eligible for the Living Choices program, seniors must earn less than 300% of the current SSI benefit, or $2,313 per month. They’re also subject to the same resource limits as Medicaid participants ($2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple).

In addition to meeting financial requirements, seniors must need an intermediate level of nursing home care as determined by a licensed medical professional’s assessment. Seniors who require skilled nursing aren’t eligible.

To learn more about the Living Choices waiver, call the Division of Aging and Adult Services at (501) 682-2441.

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Some seniors only require help paying for assisted living for a short period. This may be the case for seniors who are planning a home sale or waiting for benefits approval. A short-term loan can help bridge these funding gaps.

When seniors are approved for a bridge loan, the money is sent right to the assisted living community. Loan terms of up to 24 months are available, which gives seniors time to arrange a more permanent source of funding.

To apply for a bridge loan, call Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500 or complete a quick online application. Applicants should be prepared to explain how they’ll repay the loan, but they don’t need to qualify on their own. Up to six borrowers are allowed per application, and they don’t have to be related.

Veterans Aid and Attendance

Little Rock veterans who receive a basic VA pension may be able to receive additional money from the VA to help pay for assisted living costs. The VA offers a top-up benefit called the Aid and Attendance pension. It’s available to veterans who need another person’s help performing activities of daily living, such as getting dressed, eating or bathing. Veterans can also qualify if they’re confined to bed due to a disability, legally blind or a resident in a nursing home.

Senior veterans who aren’t receiving a VA disability pension can apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit by:

• Filing a request in-person at the local regional benefit office

• Sending a written request to the St. Paul Regional Pension Management Center

Applicants should submit documentation supporting the need for the benefit, and if possible, a written doctor’s report. For answers to questions about this pension or other VA benefits, call the VA at (844) 698-2311.

The Little Rock area offers many resources for veterans. Eligible seniors can visit either of the area’s VA hospitals for medical care. The Little Rock Vet Center provides referrals to VA benefits and services, as well as individual and marriage counseling. Seniors who have questions about their VA pensions or other benefits can visit the Regional Benefit Office.

John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital 
4300 W 7th St, Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 257-1000

Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center 
2200 Fort Roots Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72114
(501) 257-1000

Little Rock Vet Center 
2200 Fort Roots Dr, Bldg 106, North Little Rock, AR 72114
(501) 918-1800

North Little Rock Regional Office 
2200 Fort Roots Dr, Bldg 65, North Little Rock, AR 72114
(800) 827-1000

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.