Nursing Home in Louisiana
Quality Reality Check
It’s tough to navigate nursing home care, and understanding the quality landscape in Louisiana is a critical first step. Out of Louisiana's 266 nursing facilities, a significant number fall into the lower star ratings. Specifically, 94 facilities are rated 1-star and 55 are rated 2-stars, meaning 56% of nursing homes in the state are rated poorly (1 or 2 stars) by CMS. This is considerably higher than the national average, where more than one-third (39%) of nursing homes have overall ratings of 1 or 2 stars. The average rating for Louisiana nursing homes is 2.4/5 stars. When it comes to staffing, a crucial indicator of care, Louisiana facilities average just 0.32 Registered Nurse (RN) hours per resident per day. This is well below the national average of 0.68 RN hours per resident per day reported in 2019, and falls short of the new federal minimum of 0.55 RN hours per resident day that facilities will eventually need to meet. Families should be vigilant about staffing levels, as inadequate staffing can lead to neglect and poorer outcomes.
Will Medicaid Cover It?
Navigating Medicaid in Louisiana for nursing home care can feel overwhelming, but it's often essential given the costs—around $7,707/month for a semi-private room and $7,832/month for a private room. To qualify, a single applicant in 2026 must have a monthly income no greater than $2,982 and countable assets of $2,000 or less. For married couples where both are applying, the combined income limit is $5,964/month and the asset limit is $3,000. If only one spouse is applying, the non-applicant spouse can retain up to $162,660 in assets through the Community Spouse Resource Allowance, and their income is not counted towards the applicant's eligibility. Louisiana operates a "spend-down" program, meaning if your loved one's income exceeds the limit but is less than the cost of nursing home care, they may still qualify after using their excess income for medical expenses, including the nursing home bill itself. Assets over the limit can also be "spent down" on non-countable items like prepaying funeral expenses or paying off debt. You can apply for Medicaid online through the Louisiana Department of Health, by calling 1-888-342-6207, or by visiting a local Medicaid Application Center.
Finding the Right Facility
To find a nursing home in Louisiana that fits your family's needs, start with Medicare's Care Compare tool, which provides detailed information on every Medicare and Medicaid-certified facility. While some regions, like parts of the New Orleans area, show varying occupancy rates that suggest availability, it’s always wise to call facilities directly to confirm current openings. When reviewing a facility's inspection report, pay close attention to the overall rating, but also dive into the specifics: look for the quantity and types of violations, especially those related to safety, sanitation, and staff training. The promptness with which a facility corrects deficiencies is a good indicator of their commitment to care. Be particularly wary of deficiencies indicating "immediate jeopardy," which means residents were at risk of serious injury, harm, or death. These reports, combined with a visit and your own observations, will help you make an informed decision.
Last updated: March 2026. Sources: CMS Nursing Home Compare, BLS, Genworth 2024.