The percentage of senior citizens compared to the statewide population in Idaho is one of the lowest in the country at 10.6%. With a total of just over 150,000 seniors, Idaho does not have the huge senior population of some of the other Midwestern states. In general, smaller senior populations mean less options for assisted living, independent living and nursing homes. On the upside, the cost of living in Idaho is very low with a cost of living index of 93 compared to the nationwide average of 100. This includes a lower than average cost of living for health care and housing. These factors can have a significant impact on retirement finances. One of the best resources for Idaho seniors is the Idaho Senior Living Council. Their site includes a caregiver's resource guide.

Idaho Assisted Living Government Information

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has not specified an interval for an inspection of assisted living facilities. Typically facilities are inspected every three to four years so the inspection reports may be very out of date and may have little value. Nevertheless, you can contact the Department of Health and Welfare's Administrative Procedures Office at 208-334-5564 to request inspection reports. Use this number to request a copy of any complaints for an assisted living facility. To file a complaint for an assisted living facility, contact the Bureau of Facility Standards at 208-334-6626. We hope that you will also submit a review here to help others get easy access to information that can be very important when selecting an assisted living facility. You may also contact your Idaho Ombudsman for help with assisted living facility service:

• Cathy Hart, State Long Term Care Ombudsman
• Idaho Commission on Aging
• 3380 American Terrace, Suite 120 Boise, ID 83720-0007
• http://www.idahoa ging.com/programs/ps_ombuds.htm
• Phone: (208)334-3833 Fax: (208) 334-5564

This site was design to work with these important local resources to simplify the assisted living facility selection process.

This directory includes 258assisted living options for Idaho. Use the "Advance Search" to find the nearest 40 senior services based on your desired location or select a city and then choose a tab to see different types of senior care including nursing homes, Alzheimer's care centers, CCRCs, independent living, in-home and hospice care.

Selecting An Idaho Assisted Living Facility

Most seniors enter an assisted living facility after staying in a hospital or nursing home following a health incident like a stroke, heart attack or fall. The move into an assisted living facility, whether a long term or short, can be very disorienting to seniors so it can be a big advantage to find short term assisted living near the senior's residence. For long term assisted living, it can be a big advantage to choose a facility near the primary family caregiver. Other factors to consider are proximity to friends and family. This in conjunction with proximity to health care services like cancer treatment, memory care, and other specialty senior services can make it more desirable to find an assisted living facility in a larger metropolitan area where these services are more widely available. The cost and amenities are also an important factor when comparing assisted living facilities. Smaller facilities may offer more personal care while larger facilities offer additional amenities like an activities director. Having a larger staff can make life in an assisted living facility for enjoyable and stimulating. Try to visit as many assisted living facilities as possible before making your final decision. Talk to the staff and residents to make sure that the environment at the assisted living facility meets your expectations.