With lower-than-average health care costs and no state income tax, Nevada is ideal for older adults who want to stretch their budgets. The Silver State also has a pleasant climate and plenty of recreational activities for people at all activity levels.

This guide provides an introduction to assisted living in Nevada, including a description of what services it offers and how assisted living compares to other types of senior care. It also contains a list of resources to help older adults address health and legal issues.

Nevada Assisted Living: Types Of Senior Housing Options

Nevada has housing options for older adults with a wide variety of personal needs. Assisted living is one of the most popular choices, but they also have access to in-home care, adult day care, and several types of residential care.

Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs)

When a loved one can no longer live independently, an assisted living provider can be a good option.  Assisted living residences are for residents who would like to, and can, maintain some independence but need help with meals, housekeeping, and some of the activities of daily living (ADLs), such as showering, getting dressed, or personal hygiene.

Assisted living is a community-based residential setting that provides services to help older adults maintain their quality of life. In addition to room and board, assisted living facilities in Nevada typically provide housekeeping, laundry services, and personal care. Residents have access to recreational activities to help them stay active and give them additional opportunities to socialize with others.

Under Nevada law, assisted living communities must be licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services. Each license must contain the name and address of the community, the administrator’s name, the maximum number of residents, and the type of residents permitted to live in the community. If an assisted living community has more than 11 beds, the owner must submit a plan for approval before any new construction or remodeling. Facilities can’t transfer licenses between owners, but it’s possible for an organization to purchase a licensed ALF if it meets all relevant state requirements.

Difference Between Assisted Living and Residential Care Home

Homes for individual residential care are licensed to provide food, shelter, assistance, and supervision for no more than two aged, infirm, intellectually, or physically disabled persons.  There are no public funds available for these homes, so private funding is required.  

Independent Living Communities

Independent living communities are a good housing option for seniors who can still live independently but want to downsize. Each resident or couple lives in a private unit, and most communities offer social programs so residents can meet their neighbors. Housekeeping, chores, and some meals may be provided, although these may incur an additional cost. Unlike the care given in an assisted living community, assistance with activities of daily living and medication management aren’t available in these communities. 

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes offer the highest level of care of all senior living options. These communities provide around-the-clock supervision, skilled nursing care, and available medical help. Generally, people in nursing homes have complex medical issues or need more residential care than is offered in an assisted living facility. Nevada has skilled nursing facilities (SNF) for people who require 24-hour care and intermediate care facilities (ICF) for people who don’t need as much medical care.  The average cost of nursing home care in the state is $9,216 for a semi-private room and $10,007 for a private room.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)

Many seniors prefer to choose a community that will continue to meet their needs in the future. Often, CCRCs are bigger than ACHs, as they encompass more care options. Continuing care retirement communities have independent living, assisted living, and nursing home facilities on the same property or owned by the same community. This model allows seniors to stay near their friends in familiar surroundings, even as their needs change. The care provided in the assisted living section is the same as in an assisted living community. The difference is that residents can quickly move to a skilled nursing room if required. 

Supportive Housing

Supportive Housing is a residential facility designed for older adults or persons with disabilities who cannot live independently.  These individuals need help with toileting, bathing, dressing, medication management and administration, assistance with meals and housekeeping, and other activities of daily living.  These individuals do not need regular nursing care.  Several housing options are available that range from living in a facility to residents living in their own home or apartment, with community-based support services.

Adult Day Care

Adult day care is a community-based program that helps older adults with services like recreational activities, meals, personal care, medication management, and assistance with activities of daily living. Some adult day care centers also provide health monitoring, nursing care, physical therapy, counseling, and other optional services.

The main difference between assisted living and adult day care is that adult day care services are only available during daytime hours. Older adults who receive these services typically return home in the evening, while those in assisted living maintain full-time residence in their communities. As a result, adult day care costs less than assisted living, at an average of $1,788 per month in 2021.

In-Home Care

There are two types of in-home care available in Nevada: homemaker services and home healthcare. Homemaker services generally provide personal care and may also help with errands, chores, and housekeeping. Home healthcare can deliver these services and offer medical care such as skilled nursing and medication management. Unlike assisted living care, in-home care is provided to people in their homes, making it a good choice for those who prefer to age in place. However, it doesn’t give seniors access to social and recreational programming for assisted living communities. The average cost of homemaker services and home health aides is $5,148 per month.

Largest Providers Of Assisted Living In Nevada

There are over 200 assisted living communities in Nevada with over 4,000 licensed beds.  Several companies control or manage several assisted living facilities in the state.  Atria has four communities, Pacifica Senior Living has four communities, Revel has three, and Merrill Gardens has 2.

Quality and Safety of Assisted Living Facilities in Nevada

Under Chapter 449 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services has the authority to issue licenses and conduct inspections of assisted living facilities in the state. The BLC also takes disciplinary action against ALFs that violate state regulations. Nevada also has a Long-Term Care Ombudsman to investigate complaints about assisted living communities and other residential settings.

A residential facility must earn an endorsement through the Department of Health and Human Services to offer assisted living services. It adds this endorsement to the facility’s existing license, enabling the operator to increase the number of services provided to residents. If an assisted living community wants to care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, the operator must obtain a separate endorsement for Alzheimer’s care. According to Nevada’s assisted living regulations, each assisted living community must also have an administrator who earned a license through the Nevada State Board of Examiners for Administrators of Facilities for Long-Term Care.

Cost Of Assisted Living Care In Nevada

The average cost of assisted living care in Nevada is $3,750 per month. This cost is $750 lower than the national average of $4,500 per month. The cost of living in Nevada is 10.5% higher than the national average, with healthcare costs nearly 7.6% lower, but the cost of housing is 27.5% more than the national average. The exact price of care differs depending on where in the state you’re located—costs in the state range from $3,650 in Las Vegas to $4,250 in Reno. 

How Costs Compare In Nearby States

If you live close to Nevada’s borders, you may find assisted living in a neighboring state is an affordable option.  Seniors in adjacent states could pay less such as those in Utah, where seniors pay around $3,500 per month.  Seniors in other neighboring states may pay more.  In Idaho, the average cost is $3,838 per month, the price in Arizona averages $4,000 per month.  Seniors in both Oregon and California pay an average of over $5,000 per month.

Paying For Assisted Living Care In Nevada

The average cost of assisted living in Nevada is around $45,000 per year, so you or a family member may be wondering how to pay for care. A range of options is available to fund senior housing in the state. 

Private Funds

Selling a home is a common way for seniors to raise funds for assisted living care. Income from pensions and Social Security may also pay for some care. Other examples of private funds include your retirement accounts, mutual funds, and other investments. 

Nevada Supplement

People who receive benefits through the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program may qualify for Nevada’s SSI supplement, which increases the amount of a beneficiary’s monthly payment. The supplement is available to people at least 65 years of age who already receive monthly SSI benefits. Recipients can use the additional funds to defray the cost of assisted living.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance covers personal care, residential care, and other long-term support and services. Each plan is different; however, most offer a daily amount based on the policy that pays for assistance with activities of daily living. Most people buy a policy in their 50s or 60s and access it when required. If you or your family member has a policy, read it carefully to see what care it covers. 

Programs For Veterans

Nevada has two Veterans Homes, one covering the north of the state in Sparks and one covering the southern end of the state in Boulder City.  These homes provide skilled nursing care to residents of Nevada who served in the military. The state’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs also has offices where team members can help people obtain benefits and services. This includes the Aid and Attendance Benefit, which can help qualified veterans fund personal care. 

Elderlife Financial can help you understand how to pay for assisted living.

What Is Included With Assisted Living Care In Nevada?

The services provided in assisted living communities generally come under three broad categories: personal care, medical care, and amenities. 

Most people move to assisted living communities because they look for easy access to personal care. These services help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, walking, and toileting. Communities also provide supervision and can deliver care for unforeseen needs or in cases of emergencies.  

In Nevada, ACHs must provide care and services in the resident’s care plan. This can include coordinating medical care and appointments. Communities may also deliver health services, with 49% of communities providing skilled nursing. Many have healthcare specialists and on-site services, with 47% of communities offering dental care. In addition, 38% of ACHs have hospice services.

ACHs may provide specialized care for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These special care units have additional security measures to ensure residents don’t wander, a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Typically, they also offer programs designed to improve cognitive function and routines that help lower stress.

Mental health issues are a growing consideration for communities, and services to address these concerns are becoming more common. In Nevada, 67% of communities conduct depression screening, and 63% offer mental health counseling. Social work programs are also found in 56.% of ACHs. Social workers can provide counseling, conduct assessments, and help ensure residents access all their resources.

Amenities refer to other features and services of the community. ACHs offer three meals a day and coordinate activity programs to help residents stay active and connected with families and the community. Nevada facilities must also provide transportation and laundry services and may offer housekeeping services. 

Wellness Resources in Nevada

Nevada Senior Services offers a variety of programs to help older adults manage their health, including educational sessions on improving sleep quality and developing effective coping skills. The Aging and Disability Services Division is also available to help people navigate the state’s health care system and access government benefits to help them pay for medical care.

Renown Regional Medical Center, located in Reno, is the top-ranked hospital in the state. It’s high-performing in eight medical procedures and conditions, giving older adults access to advanced care. State residents can also rely on AMG Specialty Hospital in Las Vegas, Carson Tahoe Continuing Care Hospital, and other hospitals for preventive care, chronic disease management, and care for acute medical conditions.

Mental Health Resources in Nevada

Nevada also has inpatient and outpatient mental health services available to individuals who need counseling, medications, and other services to improve their psychological well-being. Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services has clinics in Las Vegas, Henderson, Laughlin, and Mesquite, while Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services operates out of Sparks.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness has three Nevada chapters: NAMI Southern Nevada, NAMI Northern Nevada, and NAMI Western Nevada. Each chapter offers support groups and other resources to help Nevada residents with their mental health. Older adults in Nevada can also call 211 for information about other mental health resources in the Silver State.

The Transition Into Assisted Living In Nevada

The decision to move into an assisted living community can be difficult. Generally, you’ll notice changes in your loved ones that suggest they need some assistance. Signs that this environment could be beneficial include increased isolation, loss of mobility, noticeable weight loss or gain, and signs that they’re neglecting household chores. 

Your older family member may be the one to start talking about assisted living. For many seniors, moving into a home where cooking, laundry, and other chores are taken care of is appealing. For seniors who realize they need help with daily tasks, the addition of personal care may come as a relief. In Nevada, 17% of residents need help with eating. Other commonly used services include bed transfer (33%), toileting (40%), and walking (58%). Caregivers in ACHs help 50% of residents to dress, and 57% of residents need help bathing. 

If you think your family member would benefit from assisted living, start talking about it openly. Highlight the positives of a move, such as social activities, cooked meals, and easily accessible assistance. Some ACHs provide respite care, which may allow your family member to have a trial run. Remember, this should be a conversation, not a lecture. Stay open to their opinion. If they’re not ready to transition to assisted living, talk about the care they need to stay at home. 

Nevada Assisted Living Oversight

Nevada has strict rules regarding assisted living community operations. These rules protect older adults and ensure they receive high-quality care from trained professionals. Every community must provide details in writing about its services and rates. If it offers additional services, the community must disclose how much these services cost.

The state doesn’t permit assisted living communities to admit residents with certain medical conditions, such as pressure ulcers or unmanageable incontinence. This rule ensures that all residents receive an appropriate level of care. The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for enforcing these regulations, inspecting assisted living communities, and notifying communities when they violate the rules.

Nevada Legal Resources

The term “elder law” is often associated with estate planning, trusts, and help obtaining benefits through Medicare or Medicaid. Unfortunately, the field has grown to include cases involving elder abuse, elder neglect, and exploitation. Skilled attorneys can help older adults affected by these issues. Nevada has several resources available to seniors in need of legal guidance.

The Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada (LACSN) offers free legal assistance to older adults who need help with family law issues, bankruptcy, guardianship, and other civil matters. LACSN attorneys can also provide referrals to private law practices when necessary. The Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division provides grant funding to the Southern Nevada Senior Law Program, which offers free legal services to people aged 60 and over. Attorneys with the Senior Law Program provided advice on estate planning, elder law issues, healthcare directives, real estate transactions, and other civil issues. Nevada Legal Services also offers information on elder abuse, estate planning, advanced healthcare planning, and Medicare benefits.