On the banks of the Vermilion River in south Louisiana, Lafayette is well-known for its thriving cultural scene, which places a major focus on music, food, and art. Lafayette’s cost of living sits below the national average, with housing, utilities, and food coming in at reasonable prices. And with the warm climate, including mild winters, the city has plenty to recommend it to active seniors.
When considering a move later in life, many independent seniors look at senior apartments because these communities tend to limit their populations to those 55+ and offer amenities that seniors find convenient. We’ll take a look at senior apartments within a 10-miles radius of downtown, which includes Milton, Youngsville, and Broussard.
In this guide to Lafayette senior apartments, we use our 20+ years of senior living knowledge to help seniors find their ideal living spaces in Lafayette Parish. We’ve used our proprietary data and resident reviews to compile costs of living accommodations, information on payments, senior apartment features, state and local regulations, and more.
Senior Living Apartments in Lafayette, LA
On the banks of the Vermilion River in south Louisiana, Lafayette is well-known for its thriving cultural scene, which places a major focus on music, food, and art. Lafayette’s cost of living sits below the national average, with housing, utilities, and food coming in at reasonable prices. And with the warm climate, including mild winters, the city has plenty to recommend it to active seniors.Read more
When considering a move later in life, many independent seniors look at senior apartments because these communities tend to limit their populations to those 55+ and offer amenities that seniors find convenient. We’ll take a look at senior apartments within a 10-miles radius of downtown, which includes Milton, Youngsville, and Broussard.
In this guide to Lafayette senior apartments, we use our 20+ years of senior living knowledge to help seniors find their ideal living spaces in Lafayette Parish. We’ve used our proprietary data and resident reviews to compile costs of living accommodations, information on payments, senior apartment features, state and local regulations, and more.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Lafayette, LA
The staff is extremely friendly - they check on the in laws multiple times a day. The housekeeping is good - laundry is done once week unless you pay more for it. This has been an issue, it would be nice if...
My mother-in-law is in good hands & well taken care of. Thank you for all you do
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- Compare local facilities
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- What families are saying about senior apartments in Lafayette
- Costs of senior apartments in the Lafayette area
- How people pay for senior apartments in Lafayette
- Understand Louisiana laws and regulations for senior apartments communities
- What to expect from senior apartments in Lafayette
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Lafayette? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about senior apartments in Lafayette
Recent reviews for senior apartments in Lafayette
Courtyard Retirement and Assisted Living in Lafayette, LA
Costs of senior apartments in the Lafayette area
Location, size, and amenities can greatly impact the cost of senior apartments in Lafayette, Louisiana. In Lafayette, the average cost of a senior apartment is $1,172, and prices range from $688 at the low end to $1,409 at the high end.[01]
The prices given below are the base rental rates for senior apartments in the area, and they do not include any fees or additional services and facilities.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Lafayette, LA vs. nearby cities
Lafayette, LA
How people pay for senior apartments in Lafayette
Because senior apartments don’t provide services like meals or personal care, they are designated as general housing rather than senior care communities. For this reason, long-term health insurance doesn’t contribute to expenses related to senior apartments as it does to other types of care communities.
Most Lafayette senior apartment stays are bankrolled by personal finance sources, but various housing assistance programs and veterans and disability benefits can help low-income seniors handle living costs. For example, if the senior ever requires medically necessary in-home health care within the confines of their apartment, the care may be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, veterans benefits, or other long-term care insurance programs listed below.
Seniors often begin with their savings and income resources — investments, savings accounts, Social Security benefits, and pensions — to pay rent on a senior apartment. Additional payment options include a combination of the private sources listed below.
Number of veterans who live in Lafayette
About 49% of Lafayette veterans are 65+
Lafayette veterans have access to a variety of benefits that can help them fund a senior apartment lifestyle. Those who were honorably discharged and meet these eligibility requirements can apply for a VA Pension. The Aid and Attendance benefit is also a generous offering that can be used to pay for anything that improves the quality of life. You can apply for VA benefits online or visit the local Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.
Applying for these benefits can be notoriously complicated, so there are plenty of people on standby to help. Veterans service officers are available to help you understand the benefits, eligibility, and application process. You can find these vetted and well-trained officers at VA offices and veteran services organizations (VSOs). We’ll provide a complete list below.
Resources for Lafayette veterans
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs
Officers Paul Fontenot and Nakeisha Foots
2100 Jefferson St., Room 403B
Lafayette, LA 70501
Phone: 337-262-5628
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (by appointment only)
Email: paul.fontenot2@la.gov
Email: nakeisha.foots2@la.gov
Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office
1250 Poydras St.
New Orleans, LA 70113
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9822
100 Van Dyke Court
Lafayette, LA 70503
Phone: 337-278-0807
Disabled American Veterans
201 Energy Parkway, Room 103
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: 337-856-6157
American Legion Post 69
1450 Surrey St.
Lafayette, LA 70501
Phone: 804-724-1618
Catholic War Veterans of the U.S.A.
703 Cobblestone Road
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: 337-237-8282
Blinded Veterans Association
2100 Jefferson St.
Lafayette, LA
Phone: 225-219-5000
The local Medicaid program, Louisiana Medicaid, doesn’t fund senior apartment rent. Still, it can cover some or all of the cost of care, depending on the type of care and the individual’s income. For a full outline of what Medicaid covers in Louisiana, see this Medicaid Services Chart.
Seniors who require assistance with daily living activities in their homes can apply for one of Lafayette’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers to help cover costs. HCBS waivers include a wide range of in-home person-centered care services. The state’s Medicaid services provide two waivers and a couple of programs to assist seniors and disabled people in remaining in their homes:
- Adult Day Health Care Waiver: A non-residential program that can be used as a substitute for nursing home care for adults who do not require care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Community Choices Waiver: This waiver offers elders with home and community-based services who require assistance with everyday activities like bathing, clothing, and meal preparation.
- Long-Term Personal Care Services Program: This program assists people with activities of daily living when they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
- Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): This program coordinates and provides all necessary preventive, primary health, acute, and long-term care services to enable seniors to remain in the community while improving their quality of life. This program offers assistance in all care settings 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Seniors and their families can apply for or find more information regarding state Medicaid coverage through the Louisiana Medicaid Self-Service Portal (SSP). Apply for Medicaid at any time by printing an application and then faxing or mailing in all pages, by calling Medicaid Customer Service at 888-342-6207, by going in-person to your local Medicaid office, or by contacting any Medicaid Acadiana Application Center statewide. Find a full FAQ about Louisiana Medicaid here.
The local Area Agency on Aging or the long-term care ombudsman program can assist seniors and their families in exploring which Medicaid coverage options are accessible. These offices’ contact information can be found in the Medicare resources listed below.
Lafayette resident Medicaid resources
Louisiana Department of Health
628 N. Fourth St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 225-342-9500; 888-342-6207
Fax: 225-342-5568
Email: MyMedicaid@la.gov
Baton Rouge Regional Medicaid Office
117 Production Drive
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: 888-342-6207
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cajun Area Agency on Aging
160 Industrial Parkway
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: 337-262-5990
Fax: 337-262-1365
Email: cajnltc@lusfiber.net
Louisiana Ombudsman Program
Phone: 800-738-2266; 337-572-8940
Email: d.adams@lusfiber.netEmail: n.burch@lusfiber.net
Medicare, a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older and certain disabled individuals, doesn’t cover rent for senior apartments or other non-medical expenses. Medicare covers medical expenses such as hospital stays, doctor visits, and medical equipment. Information about what Medicare covers can be found on its official website, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or by visiting a local Social Security Administration office.
Local savings programs can help defray the costs of Medicare for Louisiana seniors. The Louisiana Medicare Savings Program pays a portion of Medicare premiums for those with limited income. It can also help with deductibles or copays. Apply for this assistance in the following ways:
- Print and fill out an application form, then mail it to the Medicaid Application Office.
- Apply over the phone by calling Medicaid Customer Service at 888-342-6207.
- Visit your nearest Medicaid office (find listings of all local offices in Louisiana here) between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Louisiana also offers a pharmaceutical assistance program called the Louisiana Health Access Program (LA HAP) to provide low-cost prescription medications to low-income individuals. Complete instructions for how to apply for LA HAP can be found online.
PACE Lafayette (the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a program that offers health and supportive services to elderly people who want to remain in their communities instead of moving into long-term care. It helps seniors live with dignity by providing professional guidance, physical respite, and emotional support to caregivers while allowing the elderly to stay in their homes.
Get help navigating and applying for benefits
Help is available for navigating these application processes. The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) in Lafayette offers free health insurance guidance to seniors on navigating Medicare, though note that it doesn’t cover any medical expenses.
Contact your local long-term care ombudsman for help with qualified benefits and enrollment. An ombudsman advocates for senior living facility residents’ health care rights and assists families in learning about senior living options and payment methods.
Lafayette resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration
106 Corporate Blvd.
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Medicare Savings Program Mailing and Faxing Information
Medicaid Application Office
P.O. Box 91278
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9278
Fax: 877-523-2987
Louisiana Ombudsman Program
Phone: 800-738-2266; 337-572-8940
Email: d.adams@lusfiber.net
Email: n.burch@lusfiber.net
Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)
1702 N. Third St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 225-342-5301; 800-259-5300
Louisiana Health Access Program
1450 Poydras St., Suite 2136
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: 504-568-7474
Fax: 504-568-3157
Email: lahap@la.gov
PACE Lafayette
501 W. St. Mary Blvd., Suite 200
Lafayette, LA 70506
Phone: 337-470-4500
Low-income seniors frequently rely on Social Security payments and housing assistance programs to help them pay their rent.
In Lafayette, seniors can use their Social Security income to cover any living expenses, including rent, in any senior residence. There are many sorts of Social Security benefits, and the ones you qualify for will be determined by your employment history and current situation. Here’s a quick rundown of each:
- The Social Security Retirement (SSR) benefit requires employment credits, as eligibility is based on work.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) requires both disability and labor credits.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for disabled people who do not have any job credits.
- Social Security Survivors Benefits are intended for widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers.
Contact your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office for further information on retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
Seniors with qualifying incomes can also apply for rent vouchers through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Choice Voucher program. The program provides financial assistance to seniors to pay a portion of their monthly rent, provided that the senior apartment agrees to accept the vouchers. Interested seniors can contact the HUD field office in New Orleans or the Lafayette Housing Authority for more information.
Several groups in Lafayette provide advocacy and support services to elders and people with disabilities. The Disability Rights Office in Lafayette offers legal representation and assistance with Social Security disability applications. The Lafayette Council on Aging provides seniors and caregivers with information, resources, and advocacy. That’s not all; there are quite a few advocacy programs listed in the resources below.
Lafayette resident public assistance resources
Lafayette Housing Authority
155 Kattie Drive
Lafayette, LA 70501
Phone: 337-233-1327
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
HUD New Orleans Field Office
500 Poydras St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504-671-3000
Email: LA_Webmanager@hud.gov
Social Security Administration
106 Corporate Blvd.
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Disability Rights Louisiana
600 Jefferson St., No. 812
Lafayette, LA 70501
Phone: 800-960-7705
Hours: By appointment only
Email: info@disabilityrightsla.org
Lafayette Council on Aging
160 Industrial Parkway
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: 337-262-5990
Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana
114 Exchange Place
Lafayette, LA 70503
Phone: 337-234-5715
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Southwest Louisiana Independence Center
216-A La Rue France
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: 337-269-0027
Email: info@slic-la.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Understand Louisiana laws and regulations for senior apartments communities
Most senior apartments are not regulated in any form, but because they are rental properties, they are subject to state, federal, city, and county housing rules. To ensure access to housing for seniors with disabilities, senior apartments must comply with the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Individuals with disabilities have the same right as other public members to access housing accommodations offered for rent in Lafayette, subject to applicable laws and limitations. Additionally, individuals with disabilities who own or acquire a service dog trained to assist them are entitled to full and equal access to all housing accommodations without additional fees, aside from any damage caused by the dog.
Lafayette senior apartment laws demand adherence to tenant rights and responsibilities, including Department of Housing and Urban Development requirements for Section 8 vouchers.
The Lafayette Permits and Codes division inspects senior apartments to determine whether the housing is suitable, safe, sanitary, and in good condition. Learn more about the building codes in Lafayette, and access public inspection records by submitting a record request through the Louisiana Department of Health website.
For more details about the regulations around senior apartments, read this Lafayette-specific renter’s guide.
Louisiana Department of Health contact information
Louisiana Department of Health
628 N. Fourth St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 225-342-9500
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Lafayette senior apartments communities
Lafayette doesn’t currently follow any specific COVID regulations; however, some buildings and facilities may have their own rules set in place.
The Louisiana Department of Health manages the delivery of COVID-19 vaccination in the state. It also recommends the following best practices for dealing with the novel coronavirus.
Vaccinations.
Maintain an updated COVID-19 vaccine status, including required booster doses.
Masking.
The health department advises wearing masks indoors in all public places, especially indoors in private settings if gathering with those who are at high risk.
Facility cleanliness.
Health officials recommend that facilities continue to improve ventilation inside, especially if the building is congested.
Staff safety.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol after being in a public area. Other than that, keep clean before touching surfaces often handled by others, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and before touching your face or eating.
Social distancing.
When possible, maintain a physical gap of six feet between yourself and others.
What to expect from senior apartments in Lafayette
Lafayette has a lower cost of living than many other U.S. cities, making housing and health care more affordable for seniors on fixed incomes.[04] Senior apartments offer independent seniors accessible living spaces outfitted with elevators and wide doorways, but they do not provide health care or daily support. Here’s what to expect from senior living communities around Lafayette:
Apartments come with necessary amenities
Seniors apartments are often designed for those grappling with the natural symptoms of aging. For example, senior apartment layouts frequently include grab bars in restrooms, ramps in high-traffic areas, elevators, and railings. Apartments typically have full kitchens, and most units are equipped with a washer and dryer. Personal patios and walk-in closets are also common amenities in these living spaces.
Senior living communities offer access to varied activities
Lafayette is home to several programs and services designed exclusively for seniors, including transportation options, senior centers, and recreational activities. The city of Lafayette offers residents a strong feeling of community tied to a rich cultural past, which is essential for active and social seniors seeking a place to live.
Apartments can be pet-friendly
Not all senior apartments allow pets to be kept on the premises, but service dogs can accompany residents. Senior living communities in the area typically feature outdoor areas where seniors can walk their pets or exercise alongside them.
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Unfamiliar with Lafayette? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Lafayette
Median annual income for Lafayette seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Lafayette
Lafayette has numerous well-known hospitals and two VA clinics that are part of the VA Alexandria Health care System, with the main Medical Center being in Pineville, Louisiana. However, there are no VA hospitals in the Lafayette area, though there are VA clinics (Lafayette Campus B VA Clinic and Lafayette VA Clinic). Below, learn more about Lafayette’s finest health care options.
Ochsner Lafayette General
Lafayette General Medical Center is a facility that provides general medical and surgical care. It has also been named a top performer in three adult procedures and conditions by U.S. News and World Report.
Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center
Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center is a comprehensive general medical and surgical center. It has also been named a top performer by US News and World Report in six adult procedures and conditions.
Transportation for seniors in Lafayette
Lafayette residents rely heavily on vehicles for transportation, though neighborhoods vary in walkability. Happily, residents have a number of public transit options for getting around town.
The city’s bus network, the Lafayette Transit System, is accessible for disabled and senior citizens with low ramps and chair lifts. The system offers various routes throughout the city for fares ranging from 50 cents to $1, depending on the rider’s age and eligibility. All the buses in the fleet are ADA-accessible and offer priority seating for disabled riders and seniors. The system offers seniors discounted fares or special services like the Day Pass at 50 cents. There’s also a discounted yearly pass at $12.50 for seniors, veterans, and those under Medicare.
Lafayette Transit has also created a Paratransit Rider’s Guide for those who cannot use regular bus service due to a disability or medical condition. The guide outlines eligibility requirements, how to arrange a ride, and how to apply for the paratransit service. Approved customers can book rides up to 14 days in advance for any reason. To apply, use the paratransit application link and include “Paratransit Application” as the subject line if emailing the application
Acadiana Transit, a paratransit service operated by Lafayette Transit, is available to those who can’t ride the regular bus. The service also offers a charter/shuttle for seniors to use for outings.
The Lafayette Council on Aging offers transportation services for health care appointments, therapy sessions, group restaurant visits, and personal needs such as banking and grocery shopping. They use wheelchair-accessible vans equipped with two-way radios for dispatch and emergency communication. The service operates from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There’s no available transit score for Lafayette, but these scores are based on public density, walking routes, public transportation alternatives, bicycling paths, and other factors. The WalkScore runs between 0 and 100 to assess transportation options around town.
Walk Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Lafayette
Lafayette offers Southern charm, Cajun food, nature escapes, restaurants, parks, and various other indoor and outdoor activities all around the city. It’s at the heart of Acadiana, also known as the Cajun Country, the official name given to the French Louisiana region of Lafayette Parish and several neighboring parishes. Lafayette is not only the epicenter of traditional Cajun cuisine, but it’s home to Zydeco music, unique hospitality, and lush landscapes.
In the outdoor realm, the Acadiana Park Nature Station and Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folklife Park are two accessible places to visit in Acadiana. The Nature Station has a boardwalk and trails that are wheelchair-accessible, with educational exhibits and audio displays for visually impaired seniors. At Vermilionville, visitors can learn about the Acadian, Native American, and Creole cultures through exhibitions, shows, and live musical acts; audio tours are available for the visually impaired. Both locations are wheelchair-accessible. Visit the Cypress Island Preserve or take in the beautiful scenery at the Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site.
Those who want to be more active can play golf at The Wetlands Golf Course and The Farm d’Allie Golf Club. These are just two of Lafayette’s senior-friendly golf courses.
The Acadiana Center for the Arts and Heymann Center are two performing arts venues that are fun for seniors who enjoy music, theater, and dance. The Acadiana Center for the Arts provides wheelchair-accessible seating and audio equipment for the hearing-impaired. Both venues offer various programs and events for seniors to participate in.
For some food and entertainment options, visit the Big Easy Casino, a well-liked spot among seniors who enjoy gambling for a few hours while feasting on some culinary delights.
Interested in whipping something up on your own? Take a cooking class at one of the many local cooking schools, including The Kitchenary. Here, seniors can acquire new culinary skills and kitchen techniques.
The Lafayette area is home to several senior centers, including Beau Sejour Estates, Broussard Senior Center, and Carencro Senior Center. These centers offer programs such as social meetings, bingo, exercise equipment, and health and wellness exams. Broussard Senior Center serves congregate meals and provides educational, recreational, and physical activities. Carencro Senior Center offers various activities, including art lessons, computer classes, and fitness programs.
The Art Studio and Rosehouse offer activities for seniors to express themselves creatively and improve their physical and emotional well-being. The Art Studio provides painting, porcelain art, arts and crafts classes, and a community puzzle table. On top of that, the Rosehouse offers health seminars, exercise equipment, chair volleyball, bingo, line dancing, and exercise classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Courtyard Retirement and Assisted Living, Evangeline Village Apartments and Evangeline Apartments are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Lafayette, LA. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Lafayette is 3400 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. Census Bureau Tables
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. Census Bureau Tables
Payscale. (2023). Cost of Living in Lafayette, Louisiana
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Hospitals in Lafayette, LA
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