Wyoming Assisted Living
Wyoming offers beautiful open spaces, mountain scenery, and a chance to escape big-city crowds. Senior housing in Wyoming tends to be budget-friendly compared to many other states, and the state licenses and regulates facilities for resident safety. People considering housing in Wyoming should be prepared for cold winters. Options for large hospitals are also limited, especially away from Wyoming's larger cities. However, the state offers a peaceful and affordable environment for older adults and their loved ones.
The typical resident population in Wyoming's assisted living communities is 66% female. Overall, 75% of residents are ages 75 and older, with 25% of residents ages 75 to 84 and 50% ages 85 and older.
The Department of Health licenses assisted living facilities (ALFs) in Wyoming. Level 1 facilities do not have a secured unit. Level 2 facilities have a secure unit, typically to serve residents with dementia, which requires special staffing and education requirements.
ALFs are non-institutional dwellings providing residents with limited nursing, personal, and boarding home care.
A boarding home is a dwelling or rooming house operated for the purpose of renting rooms, providing meals and personal daily care, but not rehabilitative or nursing care.
Resident agreements are not required, but the facility must provide an assistance plan specifying the type, frequency, and duration of services provided and the expected outcome.
Individuals may only be admitted to an ALF with a medical history and a physical by a physician within 90 days prior to admission. Individuals cannot be admitted or retained if the facility cannot provide the level of care that they need or if their needs cannot be met. Individuals also cannot be admitted or retained under the following situations:
Residents may be discharged if they exhibit inappropriate social behavior that places them or others at risk.
ALFs must provide core services that include assistance with transportation; assistance with obtaining medical, dental, optometric care, and social services; assistance in adjusting to group living activities; partial assistance with personal care; limited assistance with dressing; infrequent assistance with mobility; cuing guidance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for visually impaired residents; and 24-hour monitoring of each resident.
A registered nurse (RN) must complete an assessment no earlier than one week prior to admission, at least annually thereafter, and when there is a significant change in the resident's condition. The assessment is used to determine the needs of the resident.
Assessment results are used to develop, review, and revise the resident’s individual assistance plan. This plan includes information about who provides the care/services, what, when, and how the care/services will be provided, and the expected outcomes.
Level 2 facilities with secure units must provide increased assistance with ADLs, assistance with maintaining nutrition and hydration, and an activity program specifically for residents with dementia.
Residents may receive services from outside parties for services that their ALF does not provide. These services include hospice, private duty, and home health care.
ALFs must provide a minimum of three balanced meals that meet recommended dietary allowances. Facilities may provide special meals ordered by a physician or a registered dietitian. Facilities that admit residents who require therapeutic diets must employ or contract with a registered dietician. This dietician must approve written menus and dietary modifications, approve special diet needs, plan individual diets, and provide guidance to dietary staff in its preparation and monitoring.
ALFs must have a designated manager who is responsible for the facility's day-to-day operations and staff development and training. If the ALF does not directly employ an RN, they must have an active contract with one to provide for resident assessments, assistance plans, periodic reviews, and medication.
Apartment-style units are not required in Wyoming. No more than two people may share a bedroom. Two residents may be permitted to use one bed no smaller than double size and occupy a single-bed sleeping room. Both parties must consent.
One flush toilet and sink must be provided for every two residents, and one tub and shower is required for every ten residents. One-half of all licensed beds must be in private rooms.
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 Wyoming, ALFs must provide care and services in the resident’s care plan. This can include coordinating medical care and appointments. Many have health care specialists and on-site services, with 54% of communities offering dental care. In addition, 67% 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 Wyoming, some communities may conduct depression screenings, and 40% offer mental health counseling. Social work programs are also found in some 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 Wyoming, 36% have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. In addition, 47% have high blood pressure, 27% have heart disease, 29% have depression, and 16% have diabetes.
Mental Health Resources are available to people in Wyoming, and WyCOA offers research and resources focused on dementia. The Wyoming Department of Health provides resources to address mental health and substance abuse, including an ombudsman to assist residents in finding the care they need.
An RN must supervise and manage all medication administration in ALFs. An RN must review the resident’s medications every two months and whenever medications are prescribed or changed. The RN must document whether a resident is able to self-administer medications.
Facility staff is responsible for assisting residents that are deemed capable of self-medicating but cannot take oral medications. Medication assistance may include reminders, removing medication from a container, assistance with removing caps, removing medication from a container, and observing the resident taking the medication.
For residents that are unable to self-administer medications, medications may be administered by an RN or a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
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 Wyoming’s assisted living facilities often receive help with their ADLs. In Wyoming, 10% of residents need help eating. Other commonly used services include bed transfer (5%), toileting (15%), and walking (27%). Caregivers in ALFs help 27% of residents dress, and 48% need help bathing.
The average cost of assisted living care in Wyoming is $4,169. This cost is $331 lower than the monthly national average of $4,500 per month. The cost of living in Wyoming is less than the national average by 5.7%, with health care costs less than the national average by 0.2% and housing costs less than the national average by 18.7%.
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 $4,844 in the Casper area to a high of $5,538 per month in the Cheyenne area of Wyoming.
If you live close to one of Wyoming’s borders, you may find assisted living in a neighboring state is an affordable option. The cost of assisted living in Wyoming is roughly in the middle when compared to its neighbors. Utah, Idaho, and Nebraska all have lower monthly average costs between $3,500 and $4,076 per month. Montana and Colorado both have higher average monthly costs at $4,450 and $4,750 per month.
How to Pay for Assisted Living
The Health care Licensing and Surveys Division of the Wyoming Department of Health manages and investigates complaints about facilities. Complaints can be submitted by phone, fax, or mail.
Wyoming's Long-Term Care Ombudsmen is also available to assist residents and family members with concerns about a facility. The ombudsmen's office advocates for residents and can assist with resolving a problem or filing a complaint.
The Wyoming Department of Health is in charge of licensing and monitoring assisted living facilities. The Department issues rules and regulations for ALFs pursuant to state law.
The rules set procedures for issuing and revoking facility licenses. There are also standards for the quality of buildings, furnishings, and services of licensed ALFs. ALFs must:
ALFs must meet these health and safety requirements and agree to surveys and inspections done by the Department of Health. They are also required to employ qualified staff members in certain positions and maintain records for employees and residents.
In addition to filing complaints with state offices like the Department of Health and Long-Term Care Ombudsmen, older adults and their families can seek legal assistance for problems with assisted living communities.
The University of Wyoming has resources to help people find needed services, including elder abuse attorneys licensed in the state. Legal Aid of Wyoming also helps older adults and their families with some civil legal matters. Private attorneys can help with cases of fraud, neglect, and elder abuse if other resources don't resolve the problems. Finally, in serious elder abuse and neglect cases, Adult Protective Services can investigate and intervene.
The typical resident population in Wyoming's assisted living communities is 66% female. Overall, 75% of residents are ages 75 and older, with 25% of residents ages 75 to 84 and 50% ages 85 and older.
Assisted Living Facility (ALF) Definitions
The Department of Health licenses assisted living facilities (ALFs) in Wyoming. Level 1 facilities do not have a secured unit. Level 2 facilities have a secure unit, typically to serve residents with dementia, which requires special staffing and education requirements.
ALFs are non-institutional dwellings providing residents with limited nursing, personal, and boarding home care.
A boarding home is a dwelling or rooming house operated for the purpose of renting rooms, providing meals and personal daily care, but not rehabilitative or nursing care.
Resident Agreements and Disclosures
Resident agreements are not required, but the facility must provide an assistance plan specifying the type, frequency, and duration of services provided and the expected outcome.
Assisted Living Admission and Retention
Individuals may only be admitted to an ALF with a medical history and a physical by a physician within 90 days prior to admission. Individuals cannot be admitted or retained if the facility cannot provide the level of care that they need or if their needs cannot be met. Individuals also cannot be admitted or retained under the following situations:
- Continuous assistance with transfers and mobility.
- Total assistance with feeding, bathing, or dressing.
- Catheter or ostomy care.
- Monitoring of continuous oxygen.
- Supervision to prevent wandering.
- Wound care requiring sterile dressings.
- Stage 2 or higher skin care.
- Highly restrictive therapeutic diets.
- Incontinence care.
Residents may be discharged if they exhibit inappropriate social behavior that places them or others at risk.
Assisted Living Services and Service Planning
ALFs must provide core services that include assistance with transportation; assistance with obtaining medical, dental, optometric care, and social services; assistance in adjusting to group living activities; partial assistance with personal care; limited assistance with dressing; infrequent assistance with mobility; cuing guidance with activities of daily living (ADLs) for visually impaired residents; and 24-hour monitoring of each resident.
A registered nurse (RN) must complete an assessment no earlier than one week prior to admission, at least annually thereafter, and when there is a significant change in the resident's condition. The assessment is used to determine the needs of the resident.
Assessment results are used to develop, review, and revise the resident’s individual assistance plan. This plan includes information about who provides the care/services, what, when, and how the care/services will be provided, and the expected outcomes.
Level 2 facilities with secure units must provide increased assistance with ADLs, assistance with maintaining nutrition and hydration, and an activity program specifically for residents with dementia.
Residents may receive services from outside parties for services that their ALF does not provide. These services include hospice, private duty, and home health care.
Assisted Living Food and Dietary Provisions
ALFs must provide a minimum of three balanced meals that meet recommended dietary allowances. Facilities may provide special meals ordered by a physician or a registered dietitian. Facilities that admit residents who require therapeutic diets must employ or contract with a registered dietician. This dietician must approve written menus and dietary modifications, approve special diet needs, plan individual diets, and provide guidance to dietary staff in its preparation and monitoring.
Assisted Living Staffing Requirements
ALFs must have a designated manager who is responsible for the facility's day-to-day operations and staff development and training. If the ALF does not directly employ an RN, they must have an active contract with one to provide for resident assessments, assistance plans, periodic reviews, and medication.
Assisted Living Housing Requirements
Apartment-style units are not required in Wyoming. No more than two people may share a bedroom. Two residents may be permitted to use one bed no smaller than double size and occupy a single-bed sleeping room. Both parties must consent.
One flush toilet and sink must be provided for every two residents, and one tub and shower is required for every ten residents. One-half of all licensed beds must be in private rooms.
What Is Included With Assisted Living Care In Wyoming?
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 Wyoming, ALFs must provide care and services in the resident’s care plan. This can include coordinating medical care and appointments. Many have health care specialists and on-site services, with 54% of communities offering dental care. In addition, 67% 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 Wyoming, some communities may conduct depression screenings, and 40% offer mental health counseling. Social work programs are also found in some 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 Wyoming, 36% have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. In addition, 47% have high blood pressure, 27% have heart disease, 29% have depression, and 16% have diabetes.
State Mental Health Resources
Mental Health Resources are available to people in Wyoming, and WyCOA offers research and resources focused on dementia. The Wyoming Department of Health provides resources to address mental health and substance abuse, including an ombudsman to assist residents in finding the care they need.
Medication Provisions
An RN must supervise and manage all medication administration in ALFs. An RN must review the resident’s medications every two months and whenever medications are prescribed or changed. The RN must document whether a resident is able to self-administer medications.
Facility staff is responsible for assisting residents that are deemed capable of self-medicating but cannot take oral medications. Medication assistance may include reminders, removing medication from a container, assistance with removing caps, removing medication from a container, and observing the resident taking the medication.
For residents that are unable to self-administer medications, medications may be administered by an RN or a licensed practical nurse (LPN).
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 Wyoming’s assisted living facilities often receive help with their ADLs. In Wyoming, 10% of residents need help eating. Other commonly used services include bed transfer (5%), toileting (15%), and walking (27%). Caregivers in ALFs help 27% of residents dress, and 48% need help bathing.
Cost Of Assisted Living Care In Wyoming
The average cost of assisted living care in Wyoming is $4,169. This cost is $331 lower than the monthly national average of $4,500 per month. The cost of living in Wyoming is less than the national average by 5.7%, with health care costs less than the national average by 0.2% and housing costs less than the national average by 18.7%.
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 $4,844 in the Casper area to a high of $5,538 per month in the Cheyenne area of Wyoming.
How Costs Compare In Nearby States
If you live close to one of Wyoming’s borders, you may find assisted living in a neighboring state is an affordable option. The cost of assisted living in Wyoming is roughly in the middle when compared to its neighbors. Utah, Idaho, and Nebraska all have lower monthly average costs between $3,500 and $4,076 per month. Montana and Colorado both have higher average monthly costs at $4,450 and $4,750 per month.
How to Pay for Assisted Living
Wyoming Assisted Living Oversight
The Health care Licensing and Surveys Division of the Wyoming Department of Health manages and investigates complaints about facilities. Complaints can be submitted by phone, fax, or mail.
Wyoming's Long-Term Care Ombudsmen is also available to assist residents and family members with concerns about a facility. The ombudsmen's office advocates for residents and can assist with resolving a problem or filing a complaint.
Quality And Safety Of Assisted Living Facilities In Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Health is in charge of licensing and monitoring assisted living facilities. The Department issues rules and regulations for ALFs pursuant to state law.
The rules set procedures for issuing and revoking facility licenses. There are also standards for the quality of buildings, furnishings, and services of licensed ALFs. ALFs must:
- Meet fire safety standards.
- Offer bedrooms of a certain size that aren't in a basement or attic.
- Offer a certain number of private rooms.
- Have a minimum number of bathrooms.
ALFs must meet these health and safety requirements and agree to surveys and inspections done by the Department of Health. They are also required to employ qualified staff members in certain positions and maintain records for employees and residents.
Legal Resources
In addition to filing complaints with state offices like the Department of Health and Long-Term Care Ombudsmen, older adults and their families can seek legal assistance for problems with assisted living communities.
The University of Wyoming has resources to help people find needed services, including elder abuse attorneys licensed in the state. Legal Aid of Wyoming also helps older adults and their families with some civil legal matters. Private attorneys can help with cases of fraud, neglect, and elder abuse if other resources don't resolve the problems. Finally, in serious elder abuse and neglect cases, Adult Protective Services can investigate and intervene.
