Assisted Living in Idaho Falls, ID

Assisted Living Costs in Idaho Falls

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly assisted living cost in Idaho Falls ($3,213) is well below the national average of $4,000 and somewhat lower than the state average of $3,475. Idaho Falls has the lowest cost of all cities surveyed, followed by Pocatello ($3,350). Lewiston has the highest average monthly cost at $4,306, followed by Coeur d’Alene ($3,750). 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

The type of care required has the biggest influence on the overall cost of senior care in Idaho Falls and throughout the country. The cost of nursing home care is more than double that of assisted living. Home care is $410 to $1,363 more expensive per month, depending on whether a home health aide or homemaker service is required. When comparing senior care costs, it’s important to consider all related expenses. For instance, residents in an assisted living or a skilled nursing facility no longer have the expenses associated with maintaining a home, such as rent, upkeep and utilities.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Idaho Falls

Medicaid in Idaho

Idaho’s state Medicaid plan covers the cost of long-term care in a nursing home for low-income elderly and disabled residents. 

To qualify, Medicaid requires seniors to be 65 years of age or older unless disabled. There are also income and asset limits:

• Maximum monthly income of $2,313 for singles and $4,626 for married couples
• $2,000 in assets for individuals and $4,000 for married couples

Some assets are exempt, such as a home valued up to $878,000, personal belongings and one vehicle.

There are several ways to apply for Medicaid in Idaho Falls, including the online idalink portal and a printable application. You can also apply by phone at (877) 456-1233 or visit the local office at 150 Shoup Ave., Suite 15.

HCBS Waiver

Idaho’s HCBS Aged & Disabled Medicaid waiver gives elderly or disabled adults more choices for long-term care. The waiver does not pay for room and board. However, it does pay for services and support for senior residents at home, in an adult foster care home or in an assisted living facility. If you live in an assisted living facility, you can receive various services including help completing activities of daily living such as:

• Dressing
• Bathing
• Toileting
• Walking
• Brushing your teeth or hair

To be eligible for the program, seniors must require a nursing home level of care and meet certain personal income and asset limits. Specifically, individual income cannot exceed $2,205 per month ($4,410 per married couple). The asset limit is $2,000 for an individual ($3,000 for a married couple).

This is not an entitlement program and spaces are limited, so Idaho Falls seniors may be put on a waitlist if no slots are available. You can talk to the staff at the Idaho Falls Medicaid office or call (208) 528-5750 to apply for the program.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Elderlife Bridge Loans

Elderlife Financial Services provides bridge loans to seniors who need help paying for long-term care. Up to six family members can apply to improve the chance of approval and share the costs. An Elderlife loan is meant as a temporary solution to pay for assisted living, so lenders typically ask for a plan for permanent funding prior to granting a loan. This may be a good option for families waiting for other resources to come through, including VA loans or a reverse annuity mortgage. Repayment schedules are graduated so  payments increase over time, which gives family members an opportunity to absorb the cost or repay the loan once permanent funding is in place. For more information or to apply, call (888) 228-4500.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance is designed to cover services, such as personal and supervisory care, in a number of settings including assisted living. Idaho Falls seniors living at home and in good health may be eligible for long-term care insurance available through a number of carriers. You can use Fidelity’s online calculator to estimate the cost of a policy or call (866) 489-0963 for more information.

Idaho Optional State Supplement

Idaho provides an optional state supplement payment to residents who already receive SSI and live in assisted living communities. The benefit helps pay for room and board, but not every assisted living community is certified for OSS. Seniors can verify whether an individual facility accepts OSS payments.  Call (877) 456-1233 for more information about the program, or apply in person at the Idaho Falls office of the Department of Health and Welfare located at 150 Shoup Ave.

Assisted Living Resources in Idaho Falls

Senior Citizens Community Center

Idaho Falls has an active senior center that provides day services for the elderly. Services and activities include delivered meals, exercise groups, and social functions such as mah-jongg, reading groups and line dancing. There are also free legal and tax preparation services.

Idaho Falls Senior Citizens Community Center
535 W. 21st Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 522-4357

Veterans Affairs

Senior veterans in Idaho Falls can apply for benefits through the Boise Regional Benefits office of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA provides funding for eligible veterans of all ages who need long-term care at home, VA medical centers or in community settings including assisted living.

Idaho Falls VA Clinic
640 South Woodruff Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83401 
(208) 522-2922

Boise Regional Benefits Office
444 W. Fort Street, Boise, ID 83702
(208) 780-1380

Area Agency on Aging 

The AAA advocates for the rights of all seniors, including those in assisted living facilities. Idaho Falls seniors can access information on elder abuse prevention, financial assistance and information about admissions to long-term care facilities via the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Idaho Falls Area Agency on Aging
935 Lincoln Road, Idaho Falls, ID 83401
(208) 522-5391