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Assisted Living in Idaho

Overview of assisted living in Idaho

In Idaho, assisted living communities are designed to offer older adults support, independence, and dignity as they navigate the changes that come with aging. An assisted living community is defined by the state government as any place that offers assistance with activities of daily living, meals, and supervision to three or more adults not related to the owner. The average monthly cost of assisted living in Idaho is about $4,600, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This price point makes it one of the more affordable states in the U.S. for senior care services.

Cost of assisted living in Kansas

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Idaho is approximately $4,600, over $500 less per month than the national median cost, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This makes Idaho one of the more affordable assisted living locations in the U.S.

In Idaho, A Place for Mom’s internal data indicates costs typically range from roughly $2,800 to just over $6,300 a month. The type of assisted living community a resident chooses, and the resident’s care needs, are factors that affect their cost of care. Standard assisted living facilities generally cost less than specialty memory care facilities for residents with dementia or cognitive decline.

The size of a community may also affect costs. A significant number of assisted living communities in Idaho are converted homes in residential neighborhoods designed to house and care for three to 15 residents. These homey settings may cost less than larger, more traditional assisted living facilities.

Monthly cost figures generally cover a senior’s complete care needs, including:

  • Assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and personal grooming
  • 24-hour supervision and monitoring
  • A safe, secure room or apartment
  • Daily meals and snacks
  • Assistance with personal medication management
  • Social activities and event schedules
  • Complimentary or at-cost transportation

Assisted living facilities that offer cognitive support and dementia care are often more expensive. More extensive staffing requirements, additional therapy programs, and increased safety features contribute to this cost difference.

Other factors can also affect the cost of assisted living in Idaho, like:

  • Location. Facilities located in rural areas often cost less than those in urban centers.
  • Services and amenities. Some communities have additional amenities, like on-site beauty salons, specialized fitness classes, or contracted off-site therapists. These features may come at an extra cost.
  • Floorplans. Single-occupancy rooms and apartments tend to be more expensive than double-occupancy rooms. All communities in Idaho must provide at least 100 square feet of space per resident.

Medicare and Medicaid may also help offset some of the costs of medical care expenses in an assisted living community for qualified seniors.

Compare costs of Idaho vs. the national average

Average monthly costs

Idaho

$3,712/mo

US National average

$4,544/mo

Compare costs of assisted living vs. nearby states

Average monthly costs

Idaho

$3,712/mo

Montana

$3,925/mo

Utah

$3,726/mo

Oregon

$4,504/mo

Wyoming

$3,895/mo

Compare costs of assisted living in Idaho vs. nearby cities

Average monthly costs

Idaho

$3,712/mo

Boise, ID

$3,584/mo

Nampa, ID

$3,588/mo

Meridian, ID

$3,584/mo

Compare costs of assisted living vs. other senior care types in Idaho

Average monthly costs

Paying for assisted living in Idaho

Each family has their own unique budget and needs. The sooner you evaluate your loved one’s financial situation and determine a budget, the more options you can plan for. This is especially true if your aging relative is lower-income. Additional financial resources may be available to qualifying seniors through public assistance programs, such as stipends from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Medicaid waivers, which we’ll explain in more detail below. If you plan to use Medicare or Medicaid to cover any medical services in assisted living, an application or waiting period may apply.

Many families use a combination of private funds and public payment methods to cover the costs of assisted living. For a high-level overview of payment options, consult our guide to paying for long-term care.

Private pay options can include pensions, assets, retirement accounts, and personal savings.

Selling a house

Proceeds from the sale of a home can help fund Idaho assisted living.

Reverse mortgage

A reverse mortgage can help pay for assisted living in Idaho by leveraging your loved one’s home equity.

Health savings accounts

A Health Savings Account (HSA) can cover the cost of health expenses — like certain care services and medical supplies — in Idaho assisted living.

Life insurance

A life insurance policy can be surrendered for cash value or sold to offset the costs of assisted living in Idaho.

Long-term care insurance

Be sure to speak with your insurance policy representative to see what’s covered by your loved one’s long term care insurance. Some aspects of assisted living may be offered.

Social Security benefits for assisted living

Seniors who qualify for Social Security can use those funds to cover part of their assisted living costs.

Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Idaho

20
20 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available

Pacifica Senior Living Pinehurst

208 South Division Street, Pinehurst, ID 83850
9.9
Review Score
38 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Patty W - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

Our mom was removed from Pacifica to live with my sister due to some financial issues but due to some illness and injury as the caregivers, my sister needed to have her return to Pacifica. The return was...

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10
10 Photos available
5
5 Floor plans available

MorningStar Senior Living of Boise

5850 N Five Mile Rd, Boise, ID 83713
9.7
Review Score
22 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

Nice place. My mom liked it when we were shopping around. Makes them feel like they are at a resort rather than a care facility. I would recommend to others.

Get Pricing
22
22 Photos available
4
4 Floor plans available

Creekside Inn Memory Care Community

240 E. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
9.6
Review Score
29 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Renee - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

My loved one is currently a resident at Creekside Inn Memory Care Community. I would highly recommend this facility to others.

Get Pricing

Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Meridian

See top facilities
19
19 Photos available
7
7 Floor plans available

Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village

4037 E Clocktower Ln, Meridian, ID 83642
8.7
Review Score
8 reviews
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

This has been a positive experience for us and would recommend the community to others for their loved ones. I think the community is doing a good job in a difficult time. The staff communication is very...

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9
9 Photos available

Meridian Meadows Assisted Living and Memory Care

2584 E Magic View Dr, Meridian, ID 83642
8.0
Review Score
6 reviews
DS - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

Well, my experience is different from most folks. I have a great relationship with the staff and residents because I do a music program twice a month at no cost to the facility and the residents enjoy it.

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10
10 Photos available
5
5 Floor plans available

MorningStar Senior Living of Boise

5850 N Five Mile Rd, Boise, ID 83713
9.7
Review Score
22 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

Nice place. My mom liked it when we were shopping around. Makes them feel like they are at a resort rather than a care facility. I would recommend to others.

Get Pricing

Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Boise

See top facilities
10
10 Photos available
5
5 Floor plans available

MorningStar Senior Living of Boise

5850 N Five Mile Rd, Boise, ID 83713
9.7
Review Score
22 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

Nice place. My mom liked it when we were shopping around. Makes them feel like they are at a resort rather than a care facility. I would recommend to others.

Get Pricing
13
13 Photos available

Overland Court Senior Living

10250 W Smoke Ranch Dr, Boise, ID 83709
9.2
Review Score
78 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
KC - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

They need a better intake system and better communication. My mom was without two crucial medications for the whole first month, and we're lucky that I discovered it! If they could get that move-in process...

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17
17 Photos available

Arbor Village at Hillcrest

1093 S Hilton St, Boise, ID 83705
8.8
Review Score
46 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Cindy - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

I like how it seems to be a whole community versus a skilled nursing or hospital-like facility. They seem to have a variety of activities and are open to suggestions for more. People are moving about...

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Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Nampa

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10
10 Photos available

Karcher Estates

1127 Caldwell Blvd, Nampa, ID 83651
8.4
Review Score
23 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I live or lived in this community

I am very happy here at Karcher Estates. The staff is very helpful. They gave me a walker, a pretty shower curtain, bath mat, and a mat for the toilet.

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12
12 Photos available

Sunny Ridge

2609 Sunnybrook Dr, Nampa, ID 83686
8.0
Review Score
12 reviews
Linda L - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

It's a clean community but sometimes my loved ones room is not swept. They are very friendly. The care services is good. They are doing the best that they can. My loved one has not complained about the...

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10
10 Photos available
5
5 Floor plans available

MorningStar Senior Living of Boise

5850 N Five Mile Rd, Boise, ID 83713
9.7
Review Score
22 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

Nice place. My mom liked it when we were shopping around. Makes them feel like they are at a resort rather than a care facility. I would recommend to others.

Get Pricing

Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Coeur D'Alene

See top facilities
22
22 Photos available
4
4 Floor plans available

Creekside Inn Memory Care Community

240 E. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
9.6
Review Score
29 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Renee - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

My loved one is currently a resident at Creekside Inn Memory Care Community. I would highly recommend this facility to others.

Get Pricing
14
14 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available

North Star

2340 W Seltice Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
9.5
Review Score
54 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Sharon - I'm a loved one of a resident or client

The care on the Assisted Living side is excellent. The whole place is clean and organized. Apartments are very nice. The price is about the same as other Assisted Living Facilities in the area that are not...

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14
14 Photos available
8
8 Floor plans available

Brookdale Coeur d'Alene

205 East Anton, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
8.5
Review Score
70 reviews
Starting at
$X,XXX/mo
Anonymous - I live or lived in this community

My experience has been great. The food is very good. They do a wonderful job. Staff is very helpful and have answered all my question. When I moved in a folder was placed in my room with all the necessary...

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Assisted living requirements and regulations in Idaho

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare licenses assisted living communities throughout the state. Idaho has different regulations and requirements for facilities based on the number of beds available and whether they care for residents with dementia or another form of cognitive decline.[03] We’ll explain the similarities and differences below.

All assisted living facilities in Idaho must be licensed and inspected by the state, no matter the size or level of care they provide. Inspections take staffing, medication management guidelines, safety standards, and space requirements into account.

  • Space requirements: Residents in single rooms must have at least 100 square feet of floor space. In multi-bed rooms, each resident must have at least 80 square feet. A maximum of six residents can share a single bathroom.
  • Medication management requirements: A licensed professional nurse must supervise all medication distribution and planning. Unlicensed staff who have completed related trainings can help with self-administration of medication.
  • Safety standards: Smoke detectors and fire alarms are required in all assisted living facilities. Communities with 16 or more beds must have commercial-grade systems regularly inspected by the fire department.
  • Resident assessment requirements: Facilities must assess all residents either prior to or on the day of move in. An assessment tool developed by the Department of Health and Welfare provides uniform guidelines. Residents with dementia must live in assisted living facilities licensed to assist with cognitive decline.

Staffing requirements for Idaho assisted living facilities

All assisted living communities in Idaho must offer 24-hour supervision, but requirements vary by number of beds and dementia care licensing.

Communities with 15 or fewer beds:

  • Must have at least one trained staff member awake and available at all times.
  • Must have an official administrator available to be on-site within two hours of any call from a staff member.
  • Must have a board-approved administrator with either a bachelor’s degree or over 800 hours of on-site experience.

Communities with 16 or more beds:

  • Must have an administrator, nurse, or care coordinator available immediately during both sleeping and waking hours.
  • Must have at least one direct care staff member with certification in First Aid and CPR in every building of the facility at all times
  • Must have an administrator with a valid Idaho nursing home administrator license.

Communities licensed to care for residents with dementia:

  • Must provide secure indoor and outdoor spaces for residents to safely maneuver.
  • Must train all staff members on dementia care basics, in addition to symptom and behavior management, communication, and stress reduction tactics.

After a facility becomes licensed, they must renew their license yearly and undergo annual inspections from the Department of Health and Welfare.

Ranking Idaho’s system of regulation and records

We developed a system to rate each state based on the ease of information access. In other words, how easy — or difficult — it is to find important assisted living records and reports.

States with the most transparent records allow you to look up important information about each assisted living facility online, including inspections, complaints, survey results, violations, capacity, and Medicaid acceptance.

Access to Idaho assisted living records: Exceptional

Public access to assisted living records and reports for the state of Idaho is exceptional.

Idaho is very transparent and ranks highly due to the state website recently including enforcement information in the same place as licensed communities.

How to look up Idaho assisted living licenses and records

How we arrived at our Idaho rating

We developed a standard methodology for state data collection and evaluation, and we based our rating primarily on the objective, state-specific accessibility criteria outlined in these questions:

1. Are licensed assisted living communities listed online in any form? Yes
2. If Yes to #1, is the information updated frequently? Yes
3. If Yes to #1, is the list of licensed communities searchable? Yes
4. Does the state post inspections, complaints, survey results, or violations online? Yes
5. If Yes to #4, is the information updated frequently (within 90 days)? Yes
6. If Yes to #2 and #4, is the enforcement information included in the same place as licensed communities? Yes
7. If Yes to #4 and No to #6, are violations and inspections searchable at all? Yes
8. Is information about special licensing for care shown? Yes
9. Is capacity shown? Yes
10. Are payment types shown (e.g., Medicaid, private pay)? Yes
11. Is the administrator/contact name shown? Yes
12. Can the state fine a facility? Yes
13. What is the frequency of inspections? Every 12 months
14. Does the website include pricing of facilities? No

References

  1. A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

  2. Benefits.gov. Idaho Medicaid.

  3. National Center for Assisted Living. (2022). Assisted Living State Regulatory Review.

Top cities in Idaho for assisted living

8.5
Coeur D'Alene, ID
25 facilities
7.8
Nampa, ID
34 facilities
7.6
Meridian, ID
61 facilities
7.6
Boise, ID
55 facilities
7.1
Twin Falls, ID
10 facilities
6.5
Idaho Falls, ID
12 facilities

Find assisted living in other states

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.