10 Best Independent Living Communities in Lafayette, LA

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.

Independent living alongside assisted living

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:

• Allow residents to live in the least restrictive environment possible
• Accommodate the changing needs and preferences of residents
• Uphold the dignity, privacy, and independence of residents
• Encourage the involvement of family members

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 contact information

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.

COVID-19 regulations for Lafayette independent living communities

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.

Independent living communities are properly equipped for practical and active seniors

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.

Communities provide a variety of activities

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.

Independent living facilities are close to or offer accessible transportation options

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.

Preparing for a change in needs over time

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.

Health care for seniors in Lafayette

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.

Transportation for seniors 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]

Senior activities in Lafayette

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.