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Arkansas is filled with attractions that may appeal to seniors. A multitude of museums and parks are located in this state, including the Mid-America Science Museum and Withrow Springs State Park. Arkansas has a total population of just over three million, and 17% of these residents are aged 65 and older. The population has grown by an estimated 3.5% since 2010, according to U.S. Census data. There’s an AARP state office in Des Moines that provides valuable resources and information for senior citizens.
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Arkansas is $3,175, as reported by the Genworth 2019 Cost of Care Survey. The U.S. average for monthly assisted living costs is $4,051, which makes Arkansas a comparatively affordable place to live for retired seniors.
This guide contains assisted living cost comparisons with other care types and states. There’s also general information about assisted living, along with information regarding assisted living regulations in Arkansas. Financial assistance programs and resources for seniors are also included.
SeniorAdvice’s Guide to Assisted Living in Arkansas
Arkansas has a SeniorScore of 69%, which is only slightly lower than the national average score of 72%. This score is calculated through an analysis of over 100 variables, including finances and health and safety. The data reported by SeniorScore can be used by Arkansas seniors in assisted living who want to compare the benefits and drawbacks of various U.S. locations.
The general quality of life score for Arkansas is 68%. This score is on par with neighboring states such as Louisiana, which also ranks at 68%. Mississippi has a similar general quality of life score at 69%. Arkansas has a mild average annual temperature of 60.3 degrees F, so seniors in assisted living can enjoy ample outdoor activities. The population density is 174 people per square mile, which may appeal to seniors who prefer a less populated locale.
Arkansas has a relatively high sales tax average of 9.24%, which is offset by lower property taxes as compared to the U.S. average. The cost of living in Arkansas is below the national average, which may help seniors in assisted living manage monthly expenses.
The general quality of life score for Arkansas is also affected by the senior population, which is slightly higher than the national average. Fitness and leisure also factor in — the state has 161 golf courses for seniors to enjoy. There are also 1,442 churches in Arkansas, which may appeal to seniors interested in attending devotional services
The Cost of Assisted Living in Arkansas
The monthly assisted living cost in Arkansas is $3,175 per month, which is significantly lower than the national average of $4,051. It’s also less expensive than several neighboring states — Louisiana’s monthly assisted living cost is $3,650 while Mississippi’s is $3,524. Oklahoma has a more expensive assisted living cost than Arkansas at $3,518, as does Tennessee at $3,900.
- Arkansas: $3,175
- United States: $4,051
- Louisiana: $3,650
- Mississippi: $3,524
- Oklahoma: $3,518
- Tennessee: $3,900
The Cost of Assisted Living in Arkansas’ Top Cities
Arkansas assisted living costs vary depending on the city. Little Rock is the most populous, with a monthly assisted living cost of $4,783. Both Fayetteville and Springdale have an estimated assisted living monthly cost of $3,611. Jonesboro’s assisted living cost is $3,200. Although Fort Smith is the second-most-populous city in Arkansas, it has a comparatively low monthly assisted living cost of $2,925.
- Little Rock: $4,783
- Fort Smith: $2,925
- Fayetteville: $3,611
- Springdale: $3,611
- Jonesboro: $3,200
Senior Cost Comparison in Arkansas
There are five categories of senior care in Arkansas with varying monthly costs. Assisted living is in the middle of the spectrum at $3,175, while adult day care is the most affordable at $1,948. Nursing home care is the most expensive at $5,505, while home health care and adult day care come in at $3,623 each per month.
- Assisted Living: $3,175
- In-Home Care: $3,623
- Home Health Care: $3,623
- Adult Day Care: $1,948
- Nursing Home Care: $5,505
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Arkansas
Medicaid Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) Level II Program
Address: Donaghey Plaza, P.O. Box 1437, Little Rock, AR 72203
Phone Number: (501) 682-1001
Website: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/about-dhs/daabhs/aging-and-adult-services/long-term-services-and-supports-ltss-medicaid-assistance
One of the programs available to help seniors handle the costs of assisted living is Arkansas Medicaid Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) Level II program. According to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, a level II facility provides assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) to individuals who are age 65 or older, blind or physically disabled. Residents of a level II assisted living facility may be eligible for this program, which includes full Medicaid benefits. Although room and board costs are not part of the coverage, the program may still help seniors offset their monthly assisted living costs.
Eligibility for this program depends on income and resource limits. The income limit for the Medicaid ALF waiver is three times the SSI Standard Payment Amount (SPA) at $2,250 per month. The resource limit for this waiver per individual is $2,000. Only the individual applicant’s income and resources are counted for eligibility purposes. Individuals who are over the income limit can establish an Income Trust, which may help them become eligible for Medicaid.
Medicaid Nursing Facilities Program
Address: Donaghey Plaza, P.O. Box 1437, Little Rock, AR 72203
Phone Number: (501) 682-1001
Website: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/about-dhs/daabhs/aging-and-adult-services/long-term-services-and-supports-ltss-medicaid-assistance
Arkansas Medicaid also has a nursing facilities assistance program for residents in assisted living who require rehabilitation services or skilled nursing care. Seniors who qualify for this program receive complete Medicaid benefits; in addition, Medicaid also covers some or all the monthly facility payment based on the resident’s monthly income.
The financial eligibility for this program is the same as the ALF Level II program. Assisted living resident income cannot exceed $2,250 per month and resources cannot exceed $2,000. As with the ALF program, assisted living residents whose income exceeds the limit may qualify for Medicaid by setting up an Income Trust.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Address: Donaghey Plaza, P.O. Box 1437, Little Rock, AR 72203
Phone Number: (855) 207-7500
Website: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/about-dhs/daabhs/aging-and-adult-services/long-term-services-and-supports-ltss-medicaid-assistance
The Arkansas PACE program is designed for seniors aged 55 in assisted living facilities who require primary or preventative care. The medical services provided by PACE are provided at locations called PACE Centers. Although this program doesn’t pay for monthly assisted living costs, it may help seniors more effectively manage assisted living costs by lowering medical costs.
The income limit for the PACE program is $2,250 per month. Resources cannot exceed $2,000 per month. Seniors in assisted living whose income exceeds these limits may still be eligible for Medicaid by establishing an Income Trust. Contact Arkansas Human Services at (855) 207-7500 for information about eligibility and the location of PACE Centers.
Arkansas Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
Assisted living facilities (ALFs) in Arkansas are licensed and regulated by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Medical Services, Office of Long-Term Care. These facilities fall into two categories: Level I and Level II. Each type of facility provides assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) in a homelike residential setting. Each ALF resident must be provided with an independent apartment that includes a kitchen. For more information about ALF regulations and licensing, visit the Office of Long Term Care’s website or call (501) 682-1001.
| Scope of Care | Assisted living facilities (ALFs) in Arkansas provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for four or more residents. This may include bathing, toileting and mobility assistance, among other services. Care is provided by on-site staff on a 24-hour basis. |
| Care Plan Requirements | Upon admission, a needs assessment must be performed for every resident to determine what kind of care plan is required. Reassessment is required annually, or whenever there are changes in the resident’s care needs. Before admission or on the day of, the resident and ALF must complete an occupancy admission agreement that defines the core services that are to be provided. Other information including medication and financial policies are also part of this agreement. |
| Medication Management Requirements | Residents of Level I ALFs must be able to self-administer medication. Staff may assist by taking medication from the storage area and handing the container to the resident. Staff is not permitted to administer medication to residents. Level II ALFs can administer medication to residents who are unable and must have a pharmacist available for consultations. |
| Staff Requirements | Assisted living facilities in Arkansas are required to have a full-time certified administrator on-site during regular business hours. If the administrator leaves the premises during this time they must delegate facility management authority to a qualified staff member. The minimum number of required direct care staff varies according to the number of residents and time of day. There must be staff on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
| Staff Training Requirements | Upon hire, all staff members must receive orientation on facility policies, along with information about resident rights and reporting senior abuse. Staff must also be trained in fire and safety procedures. Facilities that administer medication to residents must provide annual training. In addition, all personnel of Arkansas assisted living facilities must complete 6 hours per year of ongoing education. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Arkansas Medicaid covers assisted living personal care services for facilities licensed as level II ALFs. In order to qualify for coverage, seniors must meet income and resource limit requirements. The income limit for eligibility is $2,250 per month, while the resource limit is $2,000 per month. |
| Reporting Abuse | Incidents or suspicion of elder abuse should be reported to the Arkansas Department of Human Services Adult Maltreatment Hotline at (800) 482-8049. |
Free Assisted Living Resources in Arkansas
Division of Aging, Adult, & Behavioral Health Services
The Division of Aging, Adult & Behavioral Health Services is part of the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Seniors age 65 and older may be eligible for the programs and resources provided by this department. Aging and Adult Services helps support the physical and mental well-being and safety of senior Arkansas residents.
Contact: Call (501) 682-1001 during normal business hours to find out more about the resources available.
Arkansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Arkansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for seniors in assisted living facilities. The office provides valuable resources for residents, families, facility staff and the community. In addition, it advocates for seniors’ quality of life. Investigation and resolution of assisted living resident complaints is also handled by the Ombudsman office.
Contact: Call (501) 508-8857 for more information about Ombudsman services and for a referral to the appropriate county office.
Arkansas Agencies
Area Agencies on Aging in Arkansas
Arkansas has eight Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), which operate under the Arkansas Department of Human Services. These agencies refer seniors in assisted living to programs that may include transportation assistance, meals-on-wheels programs and other resources that promote a positive quality of life. Some programs may even include financial counseling or other finance-related resources to help seniors effectively manage assisted living costs.
The AAA has a webpage where seniors can find their local agency. Visit the AAA website, or call the Arkansas Department of Human Services at (501) 682-1001 for more information.
Veterans Affairs Offices in Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) oversees multiple Veterans Affairs (VA) offices around the state. These offices are responsible for dispersing pension benefits to veterans of all ages, including retired seniors. Also offered by the VA are employment services, which may help seniors on a budget pay for the monthly costs of assisted living. Mental health services, food services and other resources may also be available from the VA. The ADVA website can direct seniors to their local VA office; they can also call (501) 683-2382 for information about benefits and resources or to file a claim.
Social Security Offices in Arkansas
There are numerous Social Security offices in Arkansas. The SSA provides Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to seniors age 65 and older. This income can be used to pay for assisted living costs. Seniors may also find information about applying for Medicaid through their SSA office, in addition to other programs and services that may be of assistance. Seniors can find the nearest Social Security office to them on the website. In addition, seniors can apply for SSI benefits on the site or by calling (800) 772-1213.
This article provided by https://www.senioradvice.com/assisted-living/arkansas.
To see more helpful resources on assisted living in Arkansas visit the link for the full article!
