Lake Charles is located on the banks of the Calcasieu River near Lake Charles and Prien Lake. The city is home to an estimated 81,000 people, 15.9% of whom are aged 65 years and over. Its low cost of living, including housing and utilities, makes it a popular destination for retirees, while its warm and temperate climate, which offers long, hot summers and short winters, makes it possible to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
Assisted living facilities help seniors with the tasks of daily living, such as grooming, meal preparation and transportation. They’re ideal for older adults who cannot live independently but don’t need the intensive medical care that nursing homes provide. Seniors in assisted living facilities in Lake Charles pay an average of $4,000 per month, which is about 6% higher than the average Louisiana cost of $3,748.
This guide provides an introduction to assisted living in Lake Charles. It offers information on average assisted living costs, the advantages and disadvantages of retiring in the city and free resources available to older adults.
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 Louisiana. 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.
The cost of assisted living in Lake Charles is $4,000 per month; however, costs can vary depending on location, amenities and the services available at various facilities.
Assisted living in Lake Charles costs $4,000 per month, which is slightly more than the statewide cost of $3,748. It’s also $500 lower than the national average of $4,500.
There’s some disparity in the costs of assisted living across Louisiana. East of Lake Charles, Lafayette has an average assisted living cost of $3,850, while Shreveport, near the state’s northern border, has a median of $3,870. Alexandria, in central Louisiana, has a lower average of $2,900. It’s just $250 more than Monroe, which is the most affordable option in the region. On the southeastern end of Louisiana, New Orleans has a care cost of $3,973, while neighboring Baton Rouge is slightly more expensive at $4,125 per month. Houma, on the southernmost end of the state, has the region’s highest assisted living prices at $4,800.
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 Louisiana.
Resource | Contact | Service |
Lake Charles Senior Center | (337) 433-0805 | The Lake Charles Senior Center offers residents a wide range of activities and services on weekdays. Older adults can take part in various arts and crafts classes, such as ceramics and quilting. The center also offers health screenings, recreational activities and games. |
Calcasieu Council on Aging | (337) 474-2583 | This regional council on aging seeks to enhance seniors’ quality of life through the development and delivery of essential services. Assistance is free of charge for those who qualify, and the organization provides prescription medication assistance to help those with chronic medical conditions. It offers a Medicaid enrollment center for individuals aged 60 and older as well as legal assistance and representation. |
Douglas Fournet Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic | (337) 475-9500 | The Douglas Fournet Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic offers VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits through monthly payments that are added to VA pensions. Veterans and survivors must meet the qualification criteria by either requiring assistance with the activities of daily living, needing to spend a significant portion of the day in bed due to illness or being a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities. |
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (225) 342-9723 | This organization investigates complaints on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities. It works to resolve problems and protects the rights of seniors by communicating with families, community organizations and long-term facilities. It also assists by identifying suitable communities for older adults. |
Calcasieu Transit Services | (337) 721-4030 | Calcasieu Transit Services offer a curbside transportation service for both urban and rural residents. The service can be used for a variety of purposes, such as medical and health care appointments, shopping trips, classes and educational opportunities. Rides must be scheduled in advance, and seniors are offered special rates. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Lake Charles 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.