New Orleans, affectionally nicknamed NOLA or the “Big Easy,” is a beautiful city in Louisiana with a population of 390,144. Of those, 14.1% are elderly folks above 65 years old. With over 55,000 older citizens in New Orleans, many need assistance to carry out everyday duties. To help these older citizens, there have been some excellent memory care programs established in NOLA. If your loved one living with dementia is thinking of retiring in New Orleans, Louisiana, here are eight reasons to choose a NOLA memory care program.
Weather
Lovely, comfortable temperatures ranging from 92 to 45°F are the norm in NOLA. Sperling’s Comfort Index rates the city a 75 out of 100, a score far higher than the national average of 54! This makes NOLA a perfect location for elderly loved ones who suffer from osteoarthritis or joint soreness.
Things to Do
Most notably, the Mardi Gras Celebrations take place in NOLA every March, where elderly folks and people of all ages can delight in over 70 stunning parades!
Public Transportation
City bus services are available all across the region via the NOLA Regional Transit Authority. Even better, both streetcars and public buses provide discounted fares for retirees 65 and over!
Medical Facilities Nearby
The premier trauma hospital in the area is located in NOLA at the University Medical Center. This world-class facility offers patients the most advanced medical technologies because it is a training hospital. The Lafayette General Medical Center and New Orleans East Hospital are two other prominent medical facilities in NOLA that are very helpful to have quick access to.
General Cost of Living
NOLA’s average healthcare costs are lower than the nation’s average, which is helpful for retirees living on a limited income. Your loved one will also love how tax-friendly NOLA is for retirees. Payouts from retirement funds and private pension allowances are only partially taxed, while public pension allowances and Social Security benefits are completely exempt from taxes!
Cost of Memory Care
According to the Genworth Cost of Care Report in 2021, New Orleans’ average monthly cost for memory care is $4,350, which is a lot less expensive compared to the national average of $5,294 per month. This makes memory care in New Orleans cheaper than in the surrounding Louisianan cities of Metairie, Mandeville, and Slidell, where it costs $4,713, $5,075, and $5,185 respectively.
Alternative Ways to Fund Memory Care Expenses
Though families typically choose to pay for memory care themselves, there are some alternative ways to help fund these expenses. Reverse home loans, veteran pensions, life insurance, and health insurance for long-term care are some other options that can help pay for your loved one’s stay in a memory care community.
Free Assistance and Resources for Memory Care Programs
Many government organizations and non-profit groups in and around NOLA provide free or low-cost assistance to current and future memory care residents. In addition, these groups give guidance on health initiatives, community support through group therapy, legal counsel, property planning, and other topics.
For instance, the Alzheimer’s Association of Louisiana offers a variety of services to elderly people with Alzheimer’s as well as their caregivers. There are many instructional resources available online, including training programs for caregivers. Families can even contact the 24-hour hotline for instant access to important community services and support anytime!
