Assisted Living in Lake Charles, LA

Assisted Living Costs in Lake Charles

Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study shows that the average monthly cost of assisted living in Lake Charles, Louisiana ($3,125), is one of the lowest in the state next to Monroe’s average cost of $2,950, and it’s less expensive than those in larger cities, such as Shreveport ($3,393) and New Orleans ($3,610). The most expensive city is the state capital of Baton Rouge, where the cost is equal to the national average of $4,000. 

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Lake Charles: $3,125
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,550
• Monroe: $2,950
• Alexandria: $3,401
• Houma area: $4,325
• Baton Rouge: $4,000
• New Orleans area: $3,610
• Shreveport area: $3,393

Care Cost Comparison

Depending on the level of care needed the monthly cost of assisted living in Lake Charles is comparable to that of home health care, which is higher than homemaker services ($2,955), although slightly lower than the average monthly cost of a home health aide ($3,241). However, additional costs of living at home, such as utilities, rent or mortgage payments, should be considered when comparing costs to those in an assisted living home, where these costs are typically included. If more intensive services are needed, nursing home care is over $2,000 more expensive per month than assisted living, with monthly costs averaging over $5,000 for both private and semiprivate rooms. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,125
• Homemaker services: $2,955
• Home health aide: $3,241
• Adult day health: n/a
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $5,171

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Lake Charles

Medicaid in Louisiana

In Louisiana, health care assistance is available to low-income individuals and those with disabilities through the statewide Medicaid program. While many care services focus on family planning and children, seniors can apply for a long-term care assistance program which provides support to those requiring help with activities of daily living (ADLs). Services include assistance with personal activities such as bathing, dressing, walking, laundry and transportation to medical appointments. 

To qualify for long-term care assistance, applicants must:

• Be over age 65 or disabled
• Live (or plan to live) in a nursing facility, state development center or home for individuals with developmental disabilities 
• Receive SSI assistance
• Reside in Louisiana
• Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien with permanent residency
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Earn less than $2,200 in monthly income, and have no more than $2,000 in countable resources (individual)
• Earn less than $4,399 in monthly income, and have no more than $3,000 in countable resources (couple)

Those who make more than the income limits (but meet all other Medicaid requirements) may still be eligible for services through the Medically Needy Spend-Down Program. For more information, call (800) 230-0690.

Also available to seniors with Medicaid is a Medicare Savings Program that may provide cost reductions, through Medicaid, to Medicare premiums and other health care costs. To be eligible as a Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), individuals must have a monthly income of no more than $1,061 and countable resources less than $7,700, and married couples must have no more than $1,430 in monthly income and less than $11,600 in countable resources. To apply, seniors should complete this application and submit it online or mail it to MSP Processing Office, P.O. Box 91278, Baton Rouge, LA 70821.

Community Choices Waiver

The Community Choices Waiver provides services to individuals in assisted living that otherwise may be an out-of-pocket expense. Although it doesn’t help with costs for room and board, it does offer personal assistance services for tasks such as eating, dressing and bathing as well as nursing services, assistive devices, medical supplies, adult day health care services, home delivered meals and housing transition and stabilization services.

Qualifications for the Community Choices Waiver include an income limit of $2,313 for an individual ($2,000 resource limit) and $4,626 for a couple ($3,000 resource limit) when both receive care. If only one member of a married couple requires long-term care, the couple’s resources can total up to $126,420.

Because it’s not an entitlement, there is a wait list for those wishing to obtain these services. For more information about Louisiana Medicaid or the Community Choices Waiver registry, seniors can call (877) 456-1146. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Seniors and their families in Lake Charles can apply for a line of credit to help pay for assisted living through Elderlife Financial bridge loans. Seniors can have as many as six people cosign on the loan, and funds generally become available quickly for those approved. The money can then be used in the short term (up to one year) to pay for rent or move-in fees at an assisted living home or home care agency. 

Because of the short-term nature of these loans, seniors and their families should have a plan for long-term care in place before applying. To determine eligibility, Elderlife Financial considers credit scores, income, home equity and liquid assets. Because multiple family members can apply together, one person’s low credit score may not lead to disqualification. To apply, complete an online form at Elderlife Financial Services or call (888) 228-4500.

Veterans Aid and Attendance

Veterans and their surviving spouses who are over the age of 65 and require assistance with activities of daily living can receive payments in addition to their pension through the Veterans Aid and Attendance program (A&A).

To Qualify for A&A, veterans must meet one of the following conditions:

• Require assistance from a person to perform ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, adjusting prosthetic devices and feeding 
• Be Bedridden
• Live in a nursing home due to physical or mental inabilities
• Be legally blind

Income limits include $22,577 in annual income for a veteran with no dependents and $26,765 for a veteran with a spouse or child. To calculate income, the program allows applicants to deduct unreimbursed medical expenses. A net worth limit, which includes annual income but excludes the value of homes or vehicles, also exists of up to $126,000 for both single and married applicants. 

To apply, Lake Charles residents can write to their regional pension management center or visit their local benefit office. 

Assisted Living Resources in Lake Charles

Veteran’s Resources

Several resources are available to veterans in the Lake Charles area, including an outpatient clinic that provides mental health and dental services, an office of veterans affairs that assists veterans with obtaining their entitled benefits and a home where services include skilled nursing and long-term care.

Lake Charles Outpatient Clinic
3601 Gerstner Memorial Drive, Hwy 14, Lake Charles, LA 7060
(337) 475-9500

Calcasieu Parish Department of Veterans Affairs
Courthouse Ground Floor, 1000 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 491-2309

Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home
1610 Evangeline Rd, Jennings, LA 70546
(337) 824-2829

Senior Centers and Assistance Programs in Lake Charles

Lake Charles is home to several senior centers and a parish Council on Aging that provide various resources and activities to help keep seniors engaged and a part of the community. Along with social gatherings and games, services for members can include health screenings, home delivered and congregate meals, transit services and ombudsman and prescription assistance programs.

Calcasieu Parish Council on Aging
3950 Highway 14, Lake Charles, LA 70607
(337) 474-2583

Moss Bluff Senior Activity Center
2868 N. Hwy. 171, Moss Bluff, LA 70611
(337)217-0500

Lake Charles Senior Center
1530 5th St., Lake Charles, LA
(337) 433-0805