Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana, represents the best of southern culture. With a warm climate and a quick 90-minute drive from New Orleans, Baton Rouge provides a mix of colorful urban living with natural surroundings and a high quality of life.
Seniors and their families who are looking for independent living will find a range of options in our partner network. Independent living facilities offer secure, comfortable accommodations alongside life-enhancing social activities and amenities, as well as additional care options should their needs change.
In this guide, you will find six in-network listings of independent living facilities within a 10-mile radius of the Baton Rouge downtown area. You will also find information about local transportation, healthcare, and activities, as well as advice for understanding and paying for independent living options.
10 Best Independent Living Communities in Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge, the capital city of Louisiana, represents the best of southern culture. With a warm climate and a quick 90-minute drive from New Orleans, Baton Rouge provides a mix of colorful urban living with natural surroundings and a high quality of life.Read more
Seniors and their families who are looking for independent living will find a range of options in our partner network. Independent living facilities offer secure, comfortable accommodations alongside life-enhancing social activities and amenities, as well as additional care options should their needs change.
In this guide, you will find six in-network listings of independent living facilities within a 10-mile radius of the Baton Rouge downtown area. You will also find information about local transportation, healthcare, and activities, as well as advice for understanding and paying for independent living options.
Baton Rouge Independent Living Facilities | 274 Reviews
Great people, great atmosphere. Thank you for giving me resources!
All the employees we spoke to were very nice and would answer any questions we had. My mother loves her apartment and has made new friends. She enjoys going down to meals and they have activities daily if...
The staff at Holly Court really care about their residents. The residents often complain of being bored. the food is often served cold. I would recommend this facility to others.
I would say the community is very welcoming, and very friendly. The residents genuinely seem happy there. I would definitely recommend it. If there are any negatives, it would be that the food is sometimes...
The Claiborne is a beautiful but huge facility. It offers a lot for the independent. Residents have to be able to walk a good distance just to eat. We had to get her a scooter. It's also on the higher end...
Love everything about Garden View Assisted living. The food ,the care, people working there. [name removed] is so happy there. We love Garden View
We were very pleased with the level of care my mom received while at Sunrise. The staff were friendly and caring. The food service was a little spotty at times (they ran out of some menu items) and if you...
I highly recommend Magnolia Brook. My mom is 73 with newly diagnosed Alzheimer’s, she is young, vibrant, healthy, and very active. We had her a facility previously, which was not working well. We moved her...
Mom has settled in well at Southside Gardens and is making new friends. She enjoys the patio home type atmosphere and the smaller number of residents on site.
This community is absolutely wonderful. My cousin was very happy while they were there. I heard about checker and chess games from my loved one along with the other activities while she was there. I...
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The Haven community is very clean, and the staff members are super friendly. The care services are good and the food was great, our loved one really enjoyed all of the meals. We also thought the value for...
The director, [name removed], has a positive attitude, and made the place wonderful. He was very good to work with. The food was good the few times I ate with my loved one. They were willing to...
This facility is phenomenal- we are unbelievably happy with our choice. My mom loves it there and we feel good knowing she's safe, cared for, and happily involved with a community of new friends. The staff...
Our mother has been in independent living for three years and is thriving. Some areas are a little worn but they've been continually redoing areas. It's very clean. Until Covid restrictions she took...
Both of my parents ([names removed]) have been living in Maison de Fleur's Assisted Living facility in Denham Springs, LA since [date removed] since my dad's stroke. It took them about 2 months to get...
- What families are saying about independent living in Baton Rouge
- Costs of independent living in the Baton Rouge area
- How people pay for independent living in Baton Rouge
- Understand Baton Rouge laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Get to know independent living in Baton Rouge
- Types of independent living in Baton Rouge
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Baton Rouge? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about independent living in Baton Rouge
Recent reviews for independent living in Baton Rouge
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Costs of independent living in the Baton Rouge area
The average cost of independent living in the Baton Rouge area is $2,750. This figure is based on proprietary data and includes service fees and add-ons.[01]
The cost of independent living includes:
- Room and board
- Associated services like security and building maintenance
- Additional amenities like meal preparation and social activities
- Add-on services may include nurse care and pet facilities
The following figures represent average baseline costs, without taking account of any add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Baton Rouge, LA vs. nearby cities
Baton Rouge, LA
How people pay for independent living in Baton Rouge
Most seniors use a combination of personal savings, investments, pensions, and benefits in order to afford to live in an independent living community.
While the cost of an independent living community is not covered by programs like Medicaid and Medicare, your health insurance may help you pay for care that you need while staying there; medically necessary in-home treatment is eligible for assistance from these programs.
In this section, you will find advice for using private pay, housing assistance, VA benefits, and other means to cover the cost of independent living.
You may choose to pay privately for independent living; income sources like savings, Social Security benefits, work and personal pensions, and investment returns could be used or combined to cover the costs of room, board, and any extra amenities or services you may need.
Seniors and their families could also consider the following:
There are thousands of veterans living in and around Baton Rouge, and the city is well set up to help veteran seniors with their needs, whether that’s with independent living, healthcare, or finding legal or community assistance.
The VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit can be especially helpful for seniors with a war-related disability. While Aid and Attendance won’t cover rent or utilities, it does come into effect when a senior with war-related injuries or a chronic condition requires home care or a living adjustment to improve their quality of life.
In Baton Rouge, seniors have many places to go to seek help and advice. From the local VA offices of East and West Baton Rouge to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapter, seniors can find assistance in applying for benefits, joining programs, and connecting to other veterans.
Below are some of the main veteran resources you’ll find in the Baton Rouge area.
Number of veterans who live in Baton Rouge
Percent of veterans in Baton Rouge that are 65+
Resources for Baton Rouge veterans
East Baton Rouge Parish VA Office
1755 Florida Blvd., Third Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 225-342-5248
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., by appointment only
West Baton Rouge Parish VA Office
West Baton Rouge Courthouse Annex
883 Seventh St.
Port Allen, LA 70767
Phone: 225-342-6686
Hours: Wednesday, 8.30 a.m. – 4 p.m., by appointment only
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs
602 N. Fifth St.
Galvez Building, Second Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 225-342-6686
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8.30 a.m. – 4 p.m., by appointment only
Local VFW chapter
10185 Mammoth
Baton Rouge, LA 70814
Fax: 225-925-5095
Contact:
State Adjutant – Precilla Wilkewitz: lavfw@aol.com
Administrative Assistant – Tori LeBlanc: lastatevfw@yahoo.com
Local DAV Chapter
602 N. Fifth St.
Galvez Building, Room 226
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 225-219-1046
Louisiana Medicaid does not cover independent living for seniors, but it may still come in handy for eligible seniors to help cover medical needs. Eligible seniors can apply for Medicaid to cover medically necessary care in the home. Seniors can qualify for it via a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver, and there are four different categories that make up this program, including PACE, the program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, and the Community Choices waiver, which helps people in the community with daily activities. If you don’t qualify for full Medicaid, you can submit an application for the Louisiana Health Access Program. This program is limited to those under the age of 65.
Louisiana Medicare can also help low-income and disabled seniors with prescriptions and other medical expenses such as hospital stays, although Medicare does not directly cover independent living costs. The local Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) offers information and advice for seniors looking to qualify for Medicare, and eligible seniors could also lower their premiums and get prescription assistance by applying to the local Pharmaceutical Assistance Program or Medicare Savings Program.
For help understanding both Medicare and Medicaid in Baton Rouge, the local Agency of Aging is there for you as a resource, as is your community ombudsman.
Baton Rouge resident Medicaid and Medicare resources
Baton Rouge Medicaid Office
2521 Wooddale Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
Phone: 225-922-2988
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Louisiana Medicaid
Louisiana Department of Health
628 N 4th St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 225-342-9500
Medicaid Customer Service: 1-888-342-6207
Baton Rouge Social Security Administration Office
5455 Bankers Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: 1-866-613-3070
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Louisiana Medicare Savings Program
628 N. Fourth St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 225-342-9500; 1-800-633-4227
Louisiana SHIIP program
1702 N. Third St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 1-800-259-5300
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Baton Rouge
7436 Bishop Ott Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: 225-490-0604
Hours: 24 hours a day
Capital Area Agency on Aging
Peggy Essick, Ombudsman Coordinator
6554 Florida Blvd., Suite 221
Baton Rouge, LA 70896-6038
Phone: 225-922-2525 or or (800) 833-9883
pessick@capitalaaa.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Understand Baton Rouge laws and regulations for independent living communities
The State of Louisiana sets out regulations for any facility in which health care is provided. Louisiana facilities also need to be licensed by the Health Standards Section (HHS) of the Louisiana Department of Health. While this doesn’t apply to independent living, it does if it is combined with long-term care, such as memory care facilities.
Additionally, HHS has a federal contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to carry out certification surveys and investigate complaints in programs that have received certification from Medicare and/or Medicaid. Since 1985, DHH and the federal Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have had an agreement in place. As part of this agreement, HSS has been appointed as the “State Survey Agency” in accordance with Section 1864 of the Social Security Act. This section is responsible for licensing and certifying providers for their involvement in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. HSS’s goal is to ensure that healthcare facilities and providers in Louisiana are in compliance with regulatory standards. Some of the complaints investigated are about allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, extortion, and noncompliance with federal and/or state regulations that fall within the purview of the state survey agency.
Some independent living communities may fall under the Adult Residential Care Providers category of these public health regulations if combined with other types of long-term care facilities. Inspections are performed annually, but they can occur more often if it is deemed necessary. These standards require communities that provide care to also establish certain essential things, such as building maintenance, 24-hour operations, the accommodation of residents’ changing needs and preferences, the augmentation of a resident’s autonomy, dignity, privacy, and independence, and the support of family and community participation. Individual communities that do not fall under this category may still operate under their own regulations and standards, and may have an age restriction for residents.
For residents with disabilities, special regulations exist based on the Fair Housing Act, Section 504, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These regulations require sufficient parking spaces, accessibility modifications to entrances and stairways, and the allowance of service animals. You can find a guide to local renting here. For inspection reports on licensed facilities, you must make a public records request through the Louisiana Department of Health.
Louisiana Department of Health contact information
628 North 4th St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 888-342-6207
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Baton Rouge independent living communities
In Louisiana, most COVID regulations for public places have ended, including the mask mandate. However, best practices and guidelines still remain in effect, and for any community delivering medical, nursing, or residential care, the facility reserves the right to re-introduce measures.
Vaccinations. Recommended for all residents, especially for those who work in the caring professions.
Masking. The City of Baton Rouge no longer mandates the wearing of masks.
Facility cleanliness. A high level of cleanliness should always be maintained, especially in a location where care is being delivered to elderly residents.
Social distancing. When in public places and visiting seniors, people are advised to maintain at least six feet of distance.
Quarantining. Self-isolating is recommended for those with symptoms, who have experienced a positive test result, or those who have a close contact with COVID-19.
Get to know independent living in Baton Rouge
Types of independent living in Baton Rouge
Independent living is a modern option for seniors who would like to remain active and sociable within a secure, comfortable, and adaptable setting. Many seniors love the freedom and quality of life that an independent living community offers them.
A range of housing options
In Baton Rouge and the surrounding area, seniors will find many different housing options and formats to suit their lifestyle needs. From studios to one- and two-bedroom apartments, individuals and couples can enjoy comfort and freedom from which to go out into Baton Rouge and explore.
There are also options to fit different budgets, from more luxury accommodations with fine dining to communities with more affordable amenities that are no less comfortable.
Amenities and activities to keep life interesting
Independent living communities offer many activities and events to boost quality of life for seniors and their families. Most communities offer indoor common areas, gardens, on-site libraries, and even swimming pools to help make independent living fun. Take up a new hobby or deepen your skills and interests — many of the independent living communities in the Baton Rouge area have movie rooms, billiards lounges, beauty salons, and barber shops.
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Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Baton Rouge? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Baton Rouge
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Baton Rouge population
Median annual income for Baton Rouge seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Baton Rouge
Residents in the Baton Rouge area are well supported by several hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities, so seniors can feel empowered to choose.
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center
Our Lady of the Lake is the highest-ranking hospital facility in Baton Rouge. It has been rated as “high performing” in 12 specialties, including heart bypass surgery, colon cancer surgery, and stroke.
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is a well-regarded, full-service hospital where seniors can receive emergency care as well as ongoing, surgical, and behavioral treatment. It has been voted as high performing in treating heart failure and kidney failure.
Transportation for seniors in Baton Rouge
Most residents of Baton Rouge use personal vehicles to commute around the city, with driving being the most popular form of transportation. However, some areas are more walkable than others, with Downtown, Garden District, and Mid City South being the most hospitable to walkers, according to WalkScore.[08]
Seniors should also note that the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) provides public transport options, with a variety of schedules and reduced fares for people aged 65 and older.
The scores here are based on a scale of 100 and describe how easily residents are able to travel around Baton Rouge using these methods.
Walk Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Baton Rouge
There are many things to do and see in historic Baton Rouge. Embrace Louisiana’s eccentric and storied past, sample Cajun and Creole culture, learn something new, or experience exciting live music and sporting events throughout the year.
Baton Rouge is a great location to step back in time and explore Louisiana’s past. There are many activities and tours in the area that offer historical insights, from the Rural Life Museum, which re-enacts folk architecture and hosts plantation-era exhibits, to the Louisiana State Museum, which hosts regular events and talks on aspects of Louisiana life. Historic landmarks like the old and new Louisiana State Capitol buildings make for great excursions, and the Shop at the Top of the new capitol (the tallest state capitol in the United States) grants visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River and Baton Rouge’s skyline below while they look for Pelican State souvenirs.
Louisiana is well-known for its cuisine and culinary arts, and Baton Rouge features an eclectic assortment of restaurants that is sure to whet the appetites of food lovers and picky eaters alike. From Cajun crawfish and charbroiled oysters to shrimp creole and spicy jambalaya, your taste buds will make new friends in Baton Rouge.
Love coffee? Sampling Baton Rouge’s local coffee shops becomes a fun challenge with the Baton Rouge Coffee Trail Pass. Download the free pass to your smartphone and check in at each stop to enjoy perks at select locations.
Baton Rouge features several engaging shopping options, from antique stores to the Mall of Louisiana, and the city holds a variety of festivals each year, including Mardi Gras, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, the Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival, the Flower Fest, and many more. If you like getting out and about, “Red Stick” has you covered.
And if you love the excitement of big-time college athletics, Baton Rouge is home to the Louisiana State University Tigers, whose football, baseball, and gymnastics teams are often nationally ranked. Dress up in purple and gold and cheer the Bayou Bengals to victory against Southeastern Conference opponents all school year long! Baton Rouge is also home to the Rougarou, a Texas Collegiate League summer baseball team, and is vying to lure a minor league hockey team to town in the near future.
Many visitor attractions and organizations will be well set up for senior visitors with accessibility and other needs, especially senior centers, where individuals can find a sense of community and participate in activities like crafts and sports. The Ageless Circle Intergenerational Center, for example, connects local young people with local elderly to gain new skills together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunrise of Baton Rouge, Holiday Whealdon Estates and Sunrise at Siegen are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Baton Rouge, LA. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Baton Rouge is 3629.4 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.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Median Income in the Past 12 Months (in 2021 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars) (S1903) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Baton Rouge, LA.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in Baton Rouge.
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