Louisiana has over 1/2 million seniors that make up about 12% of the population. Life In Louisiana has changed significantly since Katrina so it has been hard to get accurate up-to-date numbers. Louisiana ranked the 19th cheapest state to live in 2007 with an overall cost of living index of 95 (national average = 100). Utilities (90) and housing (93) are both below average and so is health care (94) while groceries are at 98. Although the main impact of Katrina was centered around New Orleans and the coast, the entire state has seen financial impact. The state is starting to rebuild but choosing a Louisiana assisted living facilities can still be challenge. One important question to ask any potential assisted living facility is exactly what is their evacuation plan. In general, the options for assisted living, independent living, Alzheimer's care and nursing homes is best in Baton Rouge, Shreveport and Lake Charles. Since the population of the state has been shrinking over the past few years, it is more difficult to get current information about every assisted living facility.
Louisiana's Department of Social Services conduct annual assisted living facility inspections. The get a copy of inspection reports, call the Department of Social Services at 225-922-0015 or check on line at www.dss.state.la.us. Complaints are also listed on the website. If you wish to file a complaint, contact the Department of Social Services at 225-922-0015. You may also add your feedback to this site by creating a review and noting that a formal complaint has been generated.
This directory includes 806 assisted living options for Louisiana. Use the "Advance Search" to find the nearest 40 senior services based on your desired location or select a city and then choose a tab to see different types of senior care including nursing homes, Alzheimer's care centers, CCRCs, independent living, in-home and hospice care.
Here are the direct links to Alexandria Nursing Homes, Baton Rouge Nursing Homes, Lake Charles Nursing Homes, Monroe Nursing Homes, New Orleans Nursing Homes, Shreveport Nursing Homes, or use the advanced search and limit your results to Nursing Homes.
Balancing these factor is different for every senior and area. Try to visit as many assisted living facilities as possible and speak to the staff and residents to get a feel life in the facility.