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As the fifth-largest city in Arkansas, Jonesboro is home to an estimated 78,397 residents, and 12.5% of these are seniors aged 65 and older. Weather in Jonesboro is generally pleasant all year long, with warm, dry summers and very little snowfall in the winter months. The 692-acre Craighead Forest Park is a local favorite, featuring miles of wooded trails, RV campgrounds and a fishing lake stocked with trout, tilapia and bass. Seniors can watch an exciting college football game at Arkansas State’s Centennial Bank Stadium, which is home to the Red Wolves, or enjoy a meal or attend an art show in the city’s historic downtown.
On average, the cost of assisted living in Jonesboro is $3,513 per month. Prices will vary depending on a facility’s location, amenities and services provided.
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 >
Jonesboro’s assisted living cost of $3,513 is roughly on par with the Arkansas state average of $3,500. This is almost $800 cheaper than the national average, making the city a solid choice for budget-conscious retirees. Rates are less expensive in Arkansas than in neighboring Tennessee, where seniors pay $4,039, but about $500 pricier than in Missouri. Assisted living also costs more in Oklahoma ($3,750) and Mississippi ($3,713).
Assisted living costs can vary considerably across Arkansas. Prices in Fayetteville are among the highest in the state, costing seniors approximately $3,900. In the capital city of Little Rock, prices fall to $3,125. Assisted living costs are about $100 less than Jonesboro in Fort Smith, and about $100 more in Hot Springs. The cheapest assisted living rates are found in Pine Bluff, where residents pay just $2,350.
Arkansas’ Medicaid program offers the Living Choices Waiver, which pays for the cost of care at an approved assisted living community for seniors aged 65 and up, and those younger than 65 who have a physical disability. This waiver is available to seniors who require a nursing home level of care and meet Medicaid’s financial guidelines.
Learn more about Living Choices and other programs, eligibility requirements and the application process at our Assisted Living in Arkansas page.
| Contact | Description | |
| East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging | (800) 467-3278 | East Arkansas’ AAA provides free care coordination services that can help seniors understand their assisted living options, Medicare coverage and public benefits they may qualify for. The AAA also coordinates wellness programs and long-term care ombudsman services. |
| St. Bernard’s Senior Life Center | (870) 207-7611 | At the St. Bernard’s Senior Life Center in Jonesboro, residents can enjoy a variety of social services, physical fitness activities and educational classes. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Transportation is provided to and from the Senior Life Center for residents in the service area. |
| JET Paratransit Service | (870) 935-5387 | JET Paratransit is aimed at seniors with functional mobility limitations who have difficulty getting to a bus stop on their own. Unlike JET’s fixed routes, this service picks seniors up at their home or assisted living community and transports them to almost any specific destination, such as the doctor’s office or grocery store. |
| Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs | (501) 683-2382 | Arkansas residents who served in the military can find benefits and tax exemptions they may qualify for on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ website. Disabled veterans can receive discounted hunting and fishing licenses, as well as reduced camping fares at any Arkansas state park. Veterans who struggle with mental health concerns can call the 24/7 crisis line to get support from a qualified responder. |
| Legal Aid of Arkansas | (870) 972-9224 | Low-income Craighead County residents can receive free legal aid, including full court representation, from this organization’s volunteer attorneys. Some of the civil concerns attorneys may be able to help with are IRS tax disputes, wills and estates, bankruptcy and powers of attorney. Generally, seniors must have a household income at or below 125% of the poverty level to qualify for aid. |
| UAMS Centers on Aging | (870) 207-7600 | As part of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, the Centers on Aging operates a number of educational programs about topics relevant to older adults. It offers fitness and cooking classes, as well as the A Matter of Balance falls prevention program. The DEEP program teaches seniors with diabetes how to manage their condition, read food labels and plan healthy meals that meet their dietary needs. |
Assisted living communities in Arkansas are regulated by the Department of Human Services and are required to comply with all state laws and regulations for staffing, safety and general long-term care. See our Assisted Living in Arkansas page to learn more.
