Nevada Assisted Living
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.
The typical resident population in Nevada's assisted living communities is 70% female. Overall, 82% of residents are ages 75 and older, with 38% of residents ages 75 to 84 and 44% ages 85 and older.
The Division of Health in Nevada licenses residential facilities for groups that care for the elderly or individuals with physical disabilities. In order for a facility to provide assisted living services or special services for residents with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia, they must receive an additional endorsement on their license. They must follow additional requirements, including evidence of relevant training in caring for the residents.
Adult foster care is a home that provides care, food, shelter, assistance, and supervision for up to two persons who are aged, infirm, disabled, or intellectually disabled. There is no public funding available for these homes.
A residential facility for groups provides food, shelter, assistance, and limited supervision to persons who are aged, disabled, or have a chronic illness. Assisted living facilities (ALFs) fall into this definition. ALFs are designed to provide for the needs of their residents as their condition changes with age without the need for them to move out of the facility.
Resident agreements must provide information about the basic services and rates included, as well as the services and charges for optional services the resident will require. The agreement must also include payment and refund policies.
ALFs must provide written disclosure of the available personal care services and their cost.
Residents in ALFs are assessed as either ambulatory (Care Category 1) or non-ambulatory (Care Category 2). Category 1 residents have the ability to move from an unsafe area to an area of safety within four minutes without requiring the assistance of another individual. In order to admit a Category 2 resident, the facility must follow specific fire and safety building standards.
Facilities cannot admit bedridden individuals or those who require 24-hour skilled nursing or medical supervision unless that resident is in a hospice program. Facilities cannot admit an individual who needs to be restrained.
Certain health conditions forbid an ALF from admitting or retaining a resident. Residents with pressure ulcers, diabetes, and unmanageable incontinence cannot be retained. Conditions that require catheters, colostomies, enemas, oxygen, or wound care can prevent an individual’s admission and retention.
ALF services include personal care, a minimum of 10 hours of social or recreational activities per week, protective supervision, laundry, dental, optical, and social access, and related services as needed by residents.
Services provided to residents must be arranged according to a health professional's assessment of their needs. Residents may contract directly with licensed home health and hospice agencies to provide services.
ALFs must provide three nutritious meals a day. These meals must be suitable for the residents are prepared according to the resident's religious requirements and personal preferences. Snacks must be available between meals except for residents who are prohibited from snacking based on directions from their physician. Special diets ordered by a physician or dietician may be provided.
Each facility must have an administrator who oversees operations and directs staff to ensure that the needs of the residents are fulfilled. The State Board of Examiners must license administrators for Administrators of Facilities for Long-Term Care. Caregivers provide personal care services to residents and may assist with medication services as long as they have received the required training.
Facilities licensed for 20-49 residents must have one staff member designated to organize, conduct and evaluate activities. Facilities with 50 or more residents must have a full-time person to assist with activities.
There are no minimum staffing ratio requirements in Nevada. Facilities must maintain staffing levels that are sufficient to meet the care needs of the residents. There must be at least one caregiver on-site if at least one resident is present. Facilities with more than 20 residents must always have one awake staff member on duty.
Apartment-style units are not required. Facilities are permitted to offer private or shared rooms. No more than three residents may share a room. One toilet and sink are required for every four residents, and a bathtub or shower is required for every six residents.
Residents of communities that provide assisted living services reside in their own units, which must include a sleeping area and toilet facilities. Up to two residents may share units by mutual consent.
There are several requirements that each assisted living community must provide for its residents. The facility must offer both general observations and health supervision to assist in identifying each resident's health condition and ability to function. The facility must assist residents with all ADLs and medication services and assess the need for medication attention or nursing services.
In Nevada, ALFs 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 health care specialists and on-site services, with 47% of communities offering dental care. In addition, 38% of ALFs have hospice services.
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 screenings, and 63% offer mental health counseling. Social work programs are also found in 56% of ALFs. Social workers can provide counseling, conduct assessments, and help ensure residents can access all the resources they need.
Some assisted living residents live with various medical conditions. In Nevada, 41% have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. In addition, 45% have high blood pressure, 30% have heart disease, 19% have depression, and 11% have diabetes.
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.
Residents that are capable may self-administer their medications. Unlicensed staff may administer medications after completing a 16-hour medication course. Four of those hours must be hands-on training. This staff must complete eight hours of continuing education annually and pass an examination. Licensed staff that manages this unlicensed staff must take a 16-hour medication course and eight hours of annual continuing education.
ALFs cannot admit or retain residents who require injections unless the individual, a medical professional, or a licensed practical nurse administers the injection. Owners who are nurses and nurses employed by the facility are prohibited from administering these medications.
A primary service of assisted living that benefits residents is receiving help with activities of daily living (ADLs). These are fundamental tasks that a person must do regularly to sustain life and general health, including toileting, bathing or showering, dressing, transferring (getting in and out of bed or a chair), ambulating (walking), and eating. Signs that a person may benefit from living in assisted living include increased isolation, loss of mobility, noticeable weight loss or gain, and/or neglect of household chores.
Residents in Nevada’s assisted living facilities often receive help with their ADLs. In Nevada, 23% of residents need help eating. Other commonly used services include bed transfer (40%), toileting (43%), and walking (46%). Caregivers in ALFs help 48% of residents dress, and 59% need help bathing.
The average cost of assisted living care in Nevada is $4,105. This cost is $395 lower than the monthly national average of $4,500 per month. The cost of living in Nevada is less than the national average by 11.0%, with health care costs less than the national average by 8.8% and housing costs less than the national average by 20.7%.
The level of care a person requires impacts the cost of care, as does where you live. The cost of assisted living ranges from a low of $3,215 in the Clarksville area to a high of $4,835 per month in the Cleveland area of Nevada.
If you live close to one of Nevada’s borders, you may find assisted living in a neighboring state is an affordable option. Seniors in neighboring states could pay less such as those in Utah, where seniors pay around $3,500 monthly. Seniors in other neighboring states may pay more. In Idaho, the average cost is $3,838 per month, and the cost in Arizona averages $4,000 per month. Seniors in both Oregon and California pay over $5,000 per month on average.
How to Pay for Assisted Living
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.
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.
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.
The term "elder law" is often associated with estate planning, trusts, and help to obtain 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.
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.
The typical resident population in Nevada's assisted living communities is 70% female. Overall, 82% of residents are ages 75 and older, with 38% of residents ages 75 to 84 and 44% ages 85 and older.
Assisted Living Facility (ALF) Definitions
The Division of Health in Nevada licenses residential facilities for groups that care for the elderly or individuals with physical disabilities. In order for a facility to provide assisted living services or special services for residents with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia, they must receive an additional endorsement on their license. They must follow additional requirements, including evidence of relevant training in caring for the residents.
Adult foster care is a home that provides care, food, shelter, assistance, and supervision for up to two persons who are aged, infirm, disabled, or intellectually disabled. There is no public funding available for these homes.
A residential facility for groups provides food, shelter, assistance, and limited supervision to persons who are aged, disabled, or have a chronic illness. Assisted living facilities (ALFs) fall into this definition. ALFs are designed to provide for the needs of their residents as their condition changes with age without the need for them to move out of the facility.
Resident Agreements and Disclosures
Resident agreements must provide information about the basic services and rates included, as well as the services and charges for optional services the resident will require. The agreement must also include payment and refund policies.
ALFs must provide written disclosure of the available personal care services and their cost.
Assisted Living Admission and Retention
Residents in ALFs are assessed as either ambulatory (Care Category 1) or non-ambulatory (Care Category 2). Category 1 residents have the ability to move from an unsafe area to an area of safety within four minutes without requiring the assistance of another individual. In order to admit a Category 2 resident, the facility must follow specific fire and safety building standards.
Facilities cannot admit bedridden individuals or those who require 24-hour skilled nursing or medical supervision unless that resident is in a hospice program. Facilities cannot admit an individual who needs to be restrained.
Certain health conditions forbid an ALF from admitting or retaining a resident. Residents with pressure ulcers, diabetes, and unmanageable incontinence cannot be retained. Conditions that require catheters, colostomies, enemas, oxygen, or wound care can prevent an individual’s admission and retention.
Assisted Living Services and Service Planning
ALF services include personal care, a minimum of 10 hours of social or recreational activities per week, protective supervision, laundry, dental, optical, and social access, and related services as needed by residents.
Services provided to residents must be arranged according to a health professional's assessment of their needs. Residents may contract directly with licensed home health and hospice agencies to provide services.
Assisted Living Food and Dietary Provisions
ALFs must provide three nutritious meals a day. These meals must be suitable for the residents are prepared according to the resident's religious requirements and personal preferences. Snacks must be available between meals except for residents who are prohibited from snacking based on directions from their physician. Special diets ordered by a physician or dietician may be provided.
Assisted Living Staffing Requirements
Each facility must have an administrator who oversees operations and directs staff to ensure that the needs of the residents are fulfilled. The State Board of Examiners must license administrators for Administrators of Facilities for Long-Term Care. Caregivers provide personal care services to residents and may assist with medication services as long as they have received the required training.
Facilities licensed for 20-49 residents must have one staff member designated to organize, conduct and evaluate activities. Facilities with 50 or more residents must have a full-time person to assist with activities.
There are no minimum staffing ratio requirements in Nevada. Facilities must maintain staffing levels that are sufficient to meet the care needs of the residents. There must be at least one caregiver on-site if at least one resident is present. Facilities with more than 20 residents must always have one awake staff member on duty.
Assisted Living Housing Requirements
Apartment-style units are not required. Facilities are permitted to offer private or shared rooms. No more than three residents may share a room. One toilet and sink are required for every four residents, and a bathtub or shower is required for every six residents.
Residents of communities that provide assisted living services reside in their own units, which must include a sleeping area and toilet facilities. Up to two residents may share units by mutual consent.
What Is Included With Assisted Living Care In Nevada?
There are several requirements that each assisted living community must provide for its residents. The facility must offer both general observations and health supervision to assist in identifying each resident's health condition and ability to function. The facility must assist residents with all ADLs and medication services and assess the need for medication attention or nursing services.
Health Care Services
In Nevada, ALFs 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 health care specialists and on-site services, with 47% of communities offering dental care. In addition, 38% of ALFs have hospice services.
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 screenings, and 63% offer mental health counseling. Social work programs are also found in 56% of ALFs. Social workers can provide counseling, conduct assessments, and help ensure residents can access all the resources they need.
Some assisted living residents live with various medical conditions. In Nevada, 41% have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. In addition, 45% have high blood pressure, 30% have heart disease, 19% have depression, and 11% have diabetes.
State Mental Health Resources
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.
Medication Provisions
Residents that are capable may self-administer their medications. Unlicensed staff may administer medications after completing a 16-hour medication course. Four of those hours must be hands-on training. This staff must complete eight hours of continuing education annually and pass an examination. Licensed staff that manages this unlicensed staff must take a 16-hour medication course and eight hours of annual continuing education.
ALFs cannot admit or retain residents who require injections unless the individual, a medical professional, or a licensed practical nurse administers the injection. Owners who are nurses and nurses employed by the facility are prohibited from administering these medications.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Assistance Services
A primary service of assisted living that benefits residents is receiving help with activities of daily living (ADLs). These are fundamental tasks that a person must do regularly to sustain life and general health, including toileting, bathing or showering, dressing, transferring (getting in and out of bed or a chair), ambulating (walking), and eating. Signs that a person may benefit from living in assisted living include increased isolation, loss of mobility, noticeable weight loss or gain, and/or neglect of household chores.
Residents in Nevada’s assisted living facilities often receive help with their ADLs. In Nevada, 23% of residents need help eating. Other commonly used services include bed transfer (40%), toileting (43%), and walking (46%). Caregivers in ALFs help 48% of residents dress, and 59% need help bathing.
Cost Of Assisted Living Care In Nevada
The average cost of assisted living care in Nevada is $4,105. This cost is $395 lower than the monthly national average of $4,500 per month. The cost of living in Nevada is less than the national average by 11.0%, with health care costs less than the national average by 8.8% and housing costs less than the national average by 20.7%.
The level of care a person requires impacts the cost of care, as does where you live. The cost of assisted living ranges from a low of $3,215 in the Clarksville area to a high of $4,835 per month in the Cleveland area of Nevada.
How Costs Compare In Nearby States
If you live close to one of Nevada’s borders, you may find assisted living in a neighboring state is an affordable option. Seniors in neighboring states could pay less such as those in Utah, where seniors pay around $3,500 monthly. Seniors in other neighboring states may pay more. In Idaho, the average cost is $3,838 per month, and the cost in Arizona averages $4,000 per month. Seniors in both Oregon and California pay over $5,000 per month on average.
How to Pay for Assisted Living
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.
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.
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.
Legal Resources
The term "elder law" is often associated with estate planning, trusts, and help to obtain 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.
