The low cost of living makes Arkansas a desirable place to retire, and the average monthly cost of assisted and senior living in Arkansas isn’t the lowest in the country, but it’s quite a bit lower than a lot of other states, averaging around $2500 per month.

This figure depends on which city you’re in, which types of care are required, and a number of other factors – please remember it’s just an average, and the best way to find out exactly what it will cost for you is to find a few different places that meet your needs and to inquire. We’ll also include some information about how to find a great place, and information about financial assistance that can put more options into reach for you near the end of this page.

First, let’s go over the basics of senior living in Arkansas like what you can expect, what’s needed in order to live somewhere, what options are available, what the requirements are from their staff members, and more.

Quick Facts about Arkansas

• The cost of living is low, and income taxes are high in certain parts of the State. To compensate for that, VA and social security benefits aren’t taxed, which can help, depending on your situation. Also, Medicaid could help with the costs as well, which we’ll get into later on.
• Arkansas is ranked 33^rd in population, with just under 3 million people. The median household income is just over $40,000, putting it in 48^th place in the United States of America.
• Some of the largest employers in Arkansas are Walmart, Tyson Foods, Dillard’s, and Windstream.
• Little Rock is the state capital, however it has moved several times over the decades.
• There are 8 cities with populations over 50,000.

Assisted Living Options in Arkansas

Facilities exist in Arkansas that can help residents with a variety of needs around the clock. ADL’s, or activities of daily living, are covered on a 24 hour basis. Additional needs and care will be handled based on the patient’s unique needs and the facilities abilities to meet said needs.

Facilities are checked to ensure they have fire alarms and sprinkler systems in accordance with the National Fire Prevention Association’s standards, along with International Building Codes.

There are a variety of options available depending on what you’re in search of, ranging from assisted living facilities in Arkansas, to group homes for senior citizens, to facilities specializing in memory care, independent living, and more. Some facilities can accommodate a variety of the aforementioned needs, while others will focus and specialize in just one or two.

The specific amenities offered will vary from city to city, and facility to facility, so it’s a good idea to dig in a little more in-depth once you’ve decided exactly which city you want to go with.

Facilities will provide three balanced meals per day, 24 hour supervision with staff members always on-site, help with all of a resident’s daily tasks, laundry service, assistance and supervision for recreational time and help with transportation as needed, and around the clock assistance in handling any emergency situations that may arise.

Requirements for Admission into a Group Home Environment

Before being admitted into a care facility in Arkansas, an initial assessment/evaluation is a requirement. The exact process can vary from place to place, and generally speaking it’s a matter of ensuring that you or your love one is going to benefit from being there, in other words they want to make sure that they can accommodate your needs and requirements.

Facilities are classified by Level 1 and Level 2, and either type can accommodate patients who require memory care, however not necessarily, it can vary from place to place. Patients with Alzheimer’s require an additional form prior to admittance which contains information about their required care. Facilities that house residents for memory care will take extra precautions, such as security, for the safety of those living there (To ensure they don’t wander off and get lost, and things like that.) Their staff should also be trained in order to handle the various challenges that can arise from such types of care.

Staff Training and Experience Requirements

Staff who wish to work in facilities in Arkansas must undergo several tiers of training, which are to be completed within certain milestones after their employment begins.

Within 7 days: Within the first week of being hired, staff are required to undergo an initial orientation process to familiarize themselves with the facility as well as their procedures. In additional that, the training covers how to respond to emergency situations, how to report instances of abuse and neglect if they encounter such things, how to handle food safely, how to properly clean and sanitize, various health issues that are common to see in a facility such as this, and understanding the rights of each resident.

Within 30 days: Within the first month of employment, staff members and care-givers (Which includes anyone who is contracted, as well) must undergo additional training in monitoring patients, and being able to assist in medication handling. Additionally, they’ll learn about communicable diseases and best procedures, and finally cognitive conditions.

Medicaid and Additional Information

As far as Medicaid is concerned, personal care services in an assisted living home are eligible for coverage in Arkansas.

For additional information, or to answer any questions that are specific to your care that aren’t covered on this page, please reach out to the Office of Long Term Care at the Department of Human Services.