In the heart of the south Louisiana region known as Acadiana, Lafayette is known for its Cajun food and culture, unique music, and lush landscapes. With a cost of living below the national average and a warm climate year-round, Lafayette is an attractive location for active, retired seniors. These seniors may want to remain connected to their hometowns while living in a community with their 55+ peers and therefore seek out independent living communities where they can do both.
These communities typically offer all the amenities that active seniors need in a place to call home: They give seniors access to easy transportation, they’re often pet-friendly, and they come outfitted with social activity hubs like game rooms, movie theaters, TV lounges, and fitness centers.
This guide makes it easier to find the best senior independent living communities. We’ve used our proprietary data and reviews of our partner facilities to compile and share information about the prices, payment options, amenities and services, state and local regulations, and more. Let us help you find the ideal senior living communities in Lafayette Parish.
The staff is extremely friendly - they check on the in laws multiple times a day. The housekeeping is good - laundry is done once week unless you pay more for it. This has been an issue, it would be nice if...
The staff is incredible. They are so kind and patient. A tremendous relief during a difficult period for our family. We are now able to balance work while ensuring our loved one is being cared for in the...
Our loved one is doing well at The Blake at Lafayette community. The staff members are caring and provide good quality of life care. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would absolutely recommend...
I would recommend the facility. Having a loved one with dementia increases the level of concern. I have cameras so I can check on her now, since she no longer will answer a phone.
I would recommend the facility. Having a loved one with dementia increases the level of concern. I have cameras so I can check on her now, since she no longer will answer a phone.
Based off of our personal experience, I would recommend Avanti Senior Living at Lafayette to others looking.
Garden View has been absolutely wonderful, starting with the management, housekeeping, activities provided for residents, meals provided, etc. I can honestly say that we have had absolutely NO complaints...
Mom loves it there! Highest quality of care she has received from the past 3 retirement facilities. Food - not so great. Activities - not much to speak of. But, the friendliness and personal care...
My mother-in-law is in good hands & well taken care of. Thank you for all you do
I love this community, They have a website and post pictures of all the activities they do. They go above and beyond to make sure my loved one is taken care of and I would recommend this community to...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Lafayette community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
The average actual cost for Lafayette independent living is $5,114 among our network of partners, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary research.[01] This cost of independent living reflects what people pay to live in our network’s facilities and includes a variety of floor plans, amenities, services, and other variables.
In general, the cost of living in Lafayette is lower than in many other United States cities, making it a little easier for seniors on a fixed income to afford housing, health care, and other daily needs.[02]
The following chart compares Lafayette and neighboring areas’ baseline and starting rent costs.
Because independent living facilities are not designated as health care, seniors cannot utilize Medicaid, Medicare, or a long-term insurance plan to pay for their living costs (i.e., rent), though they can use these funds for in-home care services they bring to their independent living facilities. Typically, seniors and their families fund independent living stays through a combination of private funds, benefits, and other payment methods.
In this section, we’ll go over how seniors can use private financing and VA benefits to pay for their independent living stays.
Independent living communities are not licensed because they don’t provide any type of personal or health care. Instead, they’re treated more like senior apartments and, therefore, have to adhere to the same standards that apply to any rental property.
To start, that means being in compliance with the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Service dogs must also be allowed (even if there is a no-pet policy) without charging additional fees unless the dog does any damage. You will find more in-depth information in this guide to landlord-tenant laws in Louisiana.
If an independent living facility is combined with assisted living or even a memory care unit, then licensing requirements for Adult Residential Care Providers will apply. The Health Standards Section (HSS) of the Louisiana Department of Health licenses and inspects such facilities.
In Louisiana, Adult Residential Care Providers (ARCP) are classified into four categories depending upon how many residents they’re allowed to service and what level of care they provide. Regardless of level, state law defines all ARCPs as places that provide 24/7 care and supervision for a group of residents, and coordinate a variety of supportive services. The laws also stipulate that all activities and services do the following:
Inspection reports or complaint information is not available online. To get access, you must submit a public records request. Use the online records center and click on the health standards request box.
Louisiana Department of Health
628 N. Fourth St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: 225-342-9500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Lafayette does not mandate any specific citywide COVID requirements, but the state does offer some COVID-19 resources and recommendations.
Independent living gives a carefree existence for seniors who want to enjoy their retirement comfortably with like-minded peers. These communities offer various useful services and amenities, including dining service, access to transportation, fitness centers, and organized social events.
Many facilities focus on creating beauty for their residents, with luscious grounds, high ceilings, original art on the walls, and delicious dining options. Many senior living locations in Lafayette aim to be family-oriented, as some even offer special areas for seniors to take their day visitors and practice arts and crafts.
In facilities designed for seniors, areas like doorways and showers are designed for accessibility needs so that residents can keep caring for themselves independently. Communities often have fully equipped exercise centers to help with senior wellness. Seniors who have pets can often live with them as well, which can help keep them active and walking.
Many facilities put a focus on fun, engaging social activities, employing activity directors or hosting movie nights for residents. Arts and crafts centers, beauty salons, TV lounges, common indoor and outdoor spaces, walking paths, and gardens are all possible amenities you’ll find. Some facilities offer fitness activities such as yoga; some seniors head to nearby senior centers to take fitness classes, play games like bingo, and socialize. For seniors who are social butterflies, look for communities that host social and educational events to ensure they feel welcome and included.
Seniors in independent living in Lafayette have access to public transportation, including a bus system and resident parking for those who own automobiles. Seniors can often use the communities’ complimentary or at-cost transportation services to run errands and visit doctors.
As in many cities, independent living in Lafayette is often combined with other types of senior living and care. Within 10 miles of downtown Lafayette, A Place for Mom’s partner independent living facilities all also provide assisted living and memory care on the same campus. For forward-thinking seniors who would like to age in place, these combination facilities are excellent options.
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Lafayette has some excellent health care options for seniors. Veterans will find two clinics that are part of the larger VA Alexandria Health Care System. Explore the information offered below to discover more about the best hospitals in Lafayette.
The Lafayette Transit System operates a bus network throughout the city with both day and night service. All the buses in the fleet are ADA-compliant, with preferential seating for disabled people and seniors. The transit system also offers reduced fares for disabled, senior, and Medicare-funded passengers.
For those unable to use regular bus service due to a disability or medical condition, Lafayette Transit has developed a Paratransit Rider’s Guide. The manual explains qualifying conditions, how to organize a ride, and how to apply for the paratransit service. To apply for this benefit, visit the LTS paratransit application website for details. Similarly, Acadiana Transit, a paratransit service, is also available. The organization provides a special occasion charter and shuttle services for seniors as well.
The Lafayette Council on Aging also provides transportation for various purposes, including health care appointments and personal necessities like banking and grocery shopping.
Lafayette residents primarily rely on cars for transportation; however, certain neighborhoods are more walkable and bike-friendly than others. Overall, Walk Score — which rates cities on a scale of 100 for ease of getting around town — doesn’t give Lafayette high marks in either area.[06]
There’s a reason Lafayette is known as the “Happiest City in America.” It’s all about the people and culture that contains a rare joie de vivre. The city is the hub of the Acadiana region, also known as Cajun country, which is obvious everywhere you go, from cafes and dance halls to outdoor excursions. The rich cultural and environmental landscape means seniors can enjoy enlivening indoor and outdoor activities across the city.
For example, the Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folklife Park is an excellent place to get immersed in the culture. Visitors can learn about Acadian, Native American, and Creole cultures at Vermilionville through exhibitions, shows, and live musical acts. The location is wheelchair-accessible, and audio tours are provided for the visually impaired. Another great spot to take in local history is the Acadian Village, which includes authentic 19th-century Cajun Bayou homes and replica buildings to explore.
Seniors who appreciate music, theater, and dance can visit the Acadiana Center for the Arts and the Heymann Center. The Acadiana Center for the Arts has wheelchair-accessible seating and hearing-impaired audio technology. Both locations provide a variety of programs and events for seniors to participate in.
For those who love playing in the outdoors, the Wetlands Golf Course and The Farm d’Allie Golf Club are great places to tee off. Those more in tune with nature can visit the Acadiana Park Nature Station, which offers a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, pathways, educational exhibits, and audio displays for seniors who are visually impaired.
Food is an outsized part of Cajun culture. Those who want to learn to cook Creole meals on their own can attend cooking lessons at one of the numerous local cooking schools, such as the Kitchenary.
The Lafayette area is dotted by several local senior centers, such as the Beau Sejour Estates, Broussard Senior Center, and Carencro Senior Center. These facilities include various events, including social gatherings, bingo games, exercise equipment, and health and wellness programs.
Seniors can express themselves creatively and improve their physical and mental well-being by participating in programs at the Art Studio and Rosehouse. The Rosehouse offers health seminars, exercise equipment, chair volleyball, bingo, line dancing, and exercise classes. In contrast, the Art Studio offers painting, porcelain art, arts and crafts, and a community puzzle table.
Courtyard Retirement and Assisted Living, Brookdale Lafayette and The Blake at Lafayette are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Lafayette, LA. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Lafayette is $4,052 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Payscale. (2023). Cost of Living in Lafayette, Louisiana.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. Census Bureau Tables.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. Census Bureau Tables.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Hospitals in Lafayette, LA.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Lafayette.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Payscale. (2023). Cost of Living in Lafayette, Louisiana.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. Census Bureau Tables.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey. Census Bureau Tables.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Hospitals in Lafayette, LA.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Lafayette.