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Fort Smith was founded as a military post in 1817. Today it’s a thriving city of over 87,000 residents, 14.7% of whom are aged 65 and older, which is a higher percentage than the average U.S. city. The area gets a few more sunny days than the national average, and its winters are cool with minimal amounts of snowfall. The area is a regional shopping destination and home to Central Mall, the largest shopping center in the state. Fort Smith hosts several annual festivals, including the Peacemaker Music Fest, Old Fort Days Rodeo and the Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Fest. The city is also home to several historical landmarks, including the Clayton House Museum, situated in the Belle Grove Historic district.
Assisted living in Fort Smith costs an average of $3,406 per month. While this is lower than both state and national medians, actual costs can vary depending on a facility’s location, amenities and provided services.
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 >
Fort Smith has an average monthly assisted living cost of $3,406, which is lower than the state average of $3,500 as well as the nationwide average of $4,300 per month. Arkansas has one of the lowest assisted living costs in the region, with neighboring Oklahoma averaging $3,750 and Louisiana averaging $3,639. However, costs in Missouri are lower at $3,000 per month.
Assisted living prices in Arkansas can vary, with Fort Smith falling close to midrange. Nearby Fayetteville is more expensive, at $3,900 per month, as is Hot Springs, which averages $3,625. Assisted living in central city Little Rock is more affordable, averaging $3,125. Pine Bluff has the lowest assisted living price in the state, at $2,350 per month, while in the northeastern city of Jonesboro, this level of care averages $3,513.
Arkansas Medicaid offers the Living Choices Waiver, which is designed to help pay for needed care in a senior’s own home or a community setting, such as an assisted living facility. Although the waiver won’t cover room and board fees charged by an assisted living community, it can cover the cost of provided services, such as attendant care and medication management.
To learn more about the waiver’s eligibility requirements and application process, visit our Assisted Living in Arkansas page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Area Agency on Aging of Western Arkansas | (479) 783-4500 | This organization supports the well-being of local seniors with an array of services, such as case management, transportation and care referrals. Health programs include flu shot and blood pressure clinics as well as chronic disease and medication management classes. The AAA’s long-term care ombudsman program advocates for and assists seniors in handling concerns about their rights in assisted living communities and other long-term care settings. |
| Sebastian County Veterans Service Office | (479) 782-3421 | Veteran service officers with Sebastian County’s Veterans Service Office are available to assist senior veterans with applications and appeals for VA pensions, disability benefits and financial assistance programs, such as the Aid and Attendance pension enhancement program. A hotline staffed by crisis management professionals offers emergency mental health assistance, and a resource center connects veterans with trusted service providers in the community. |
| Fort Smith Senior Activity Center | (479) 783-4500 | Open to adults aged 60 and over as well as their spouses, the Fort Smith senior center offers an array of educational and recreational programming, such as exercise and crafting classes. Members can also access congregate meals, wellness clinics, special interest clubs and health care referrals. |
| Project Compassion | (479) 783-2273 | This organization offers active seniors an opportunity to give back to their community by making visits to residents of area nursing homes. Volunteers can provide companionship through one-on-one visits, or take part in group activities, such as games, crafts and music or pet therapy. |
| Center for Arkansas Legal Services | (501) 376-3423 | This nonprofit law firm helps low-income residents of Arkansas with civil legal concerns. CALS has formed a medical-legal partnership designed to ensure equal access to health care, and offers a low-income taxpayer clinic that helps seniors navigate income tax matters. The firm’s self-help center offers resources for addressing civil legal issues, such as identity theft, debt collection, living wills and powers of attorney. |
Assisted living communities in Arkansas must abide by the regulations laid out by the Department of Human Services’ Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance. To learn more about these laws and regulations, visit our Assisted Living in Arkansas page.
