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Along the banks of the Missouri River is Bismark, North Dakota’s capital city and home to approximately 12,000 seniors aged 65 and older. Although North Dakota is most famous for its very cold winters, for retirees it offers a number of benefits including affordable living costs and low taxes (despite a lack of tax breaks for retirement income, its income tax rates are among the lowest nationwide). Assisted living care costs are also lower than the national average. Plus, Bismarck has a number of attractions to enjoy, including the Dakota Zoo and performances at the Dakota Stage as well as parks, such as Keelboat Park with views of the Missouri river, boating, picnicking and walking paths.
Seniors looking for assisted living facilities have many options in Bismarck, ND. Assisted living is ideal for seniors who are largely independent but need daily support with tasks like bathing or grooming. According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors can expect to pay $3,710 per month for assisted living in Bismarck, approximately $320 more than the state average but well below the national average of $4,500.
This guide offers information and resources for seniors as they look for assisted living facilities in Bismarck.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in North Dakota. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Assisted living in Bismarck costs $3,710 per month on average.
In Bismarck, the average monthly cost for assisted living is $3,710 per month. This is over $300 higher than the state average and almost $800 lower than the national average.
Those living in Fargo, in eastern North Dakota, can expect to pay a similar rate to seniors in Bismarck at $3,840 per month. Seniors in Grand Forks, in the southern part of the state, pay over $1,500 less per month than those in Bismarck. The average cost for assisted living facilities in Rapid City, SD, is similar to Bismarck at $3,914 monthly, while seniors in Sioux Falls, SD, pay $2,910 on average per month.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in North Dakota.
| Contact | Description | |
| Adults and Aging Services | (855) 462-5465 | As a part of the North Dakota Division of Human Services, Adults and Aging Services provides support and information regarding services for seniors throughout the state. In addition to its Family Caregiver Support Program, AAS has information about assisted living services and advocacy through its long-term care ombudsman program. |
| Burleigh County Senior Adults Program | (701) 255-4648 | The Burleigh County Senior Adults Program is the central hub for all senior-related services, programs and events in the Bismarck area. Congregate meals are served for weekday lunches and there’s a shuttle service available for a donation. At the Senior Center, where meals and most activities are offered, two licensed nurses are on staff, providing blood pressure screenings, foot care and more. A variety of events, from crocheting and exercise to themed activities, are also available for seniors to participate in. |
| Burleigh County Veterans Service Office | (701) 222-6698 | At the Burleigh County Veterans Service Office, senior veterans and their loved ones can receive information, counseling and support applying for and receiving the benefits to which they’re entitled. Claims for pension, health insurance, life insurance and more can be discussed with staff who can walk through the application processes with seniors in a one-on-one appointment. |
| Legal Services of North Dakota | (866) 621-9886 (over 60) | As a non-profit organization, Legal Services of North Dakota helps low-income Bismarck seniors with a variety of legal matters. Individuals can call the Senior Legal Hotline, where legal experts will assist them with issues ranging from Social Security Income and Medicaid to problems involving debt or nursing home transfer and discharge. |
| Bisman Paratransit Program | (701) 258-6817(701) 323-9228 | The Bisman Paratransit Program, part of Bismarck’s public bus transportation, offers door-to-door services for seniors aged 70 and older. Applications must be submitted by mail or in-person to the Transit Office, where assistance with completing the application is available. |
| Lutheran Social Services RSVP Program | (701) 223-1510 | The federally-funded Lutheran Social Services RSVP Program allows seniors aged 55 and older to give back to their communities in ways that are both meaningful and productive. Individuals are connected to local agencies, where opportunities include food delivery, transportation, companionship and food pantry support. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Bismarck area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
