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Located just outside of Reno, Sparks is a fast-growing community of just over 105,000 people, including approximately 16,380 seniors. Older adults flock to Sparks for its scenic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and its pleasant high-desert climate, with plenty of sunshine, hot summers and mild winters with daytime highs in the 40s. Seniors can stop by the city’s popular attractions, including its casinos and outdoor shopping malls. Sparks is also home to several fun annual events, and seniors can sample delicious ribs at the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off or check out the over 5,000 classic cars on display during Hot August Nights.
The city is home to nine assisted living facilities. Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey lists the average cost of care in these facilities at $4,643 per month. While this is higher than the state average, Sparks may be an ideal city for seniors who want a fast-paced lifestyle.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
According to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, American seniors pay an average of $4,300 per month for assisted living care. At $3,595 per month, the average cost in Nevada is far below the national norm. Assisted living costs are even lower in nearby Utah, while costs are higher in both Arizona and California.
At $4,643 per month, the Sparks area has the highest average assisted living cost in Nevada. Reno’s average is a much more affordable $3,750, while the costs in Las Vegas are slightly lower than the state norm. Care costs in some Northern California cities, such as Yuba City ($4,343) and Redding ($4,500) are fairly close to those in Sparks, while costs in Chico ($5,000) and Sacramento ($5,395) are higher.
Note: Data for Sparks was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Carson City, was used instead.
Through its Medicaid system, Nevada administers a Frail Elderly waiver that may help reduce seniors’ assisted living costs. The waiver covers several supportive services to those 65 and older who are eligible for nursing home admission, including augmented personal care. This refers to the suite of services provided by assisted living facilities, such as supervision, medication oversight and chore services. To learn more about this waiver program, check out our Assisted Living in Nevada page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) – Reno Regional Office | (775) 687-0800 | Through its Aging and Services Division, the DHHS offers many programs for older Nevadans. It helps protect seniors through its Adult Protective Services and Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs. Its Aging and Disability Resource Centers provide information about the services available in Washoe County. |
| Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County | (775) 348-0400 | The RTC operates a public bus service that connects destinations throughout Washoe County. With proof of age, people 60 and older enjoy reduced bus fares. The RTC also offers Washoe Senior Ride, a program that provides subsidized taxi vouchers. Once per month, seniors can purchase a $60 taxi fare card for just $15. This card can be used to pay for rides with any participating taxi company in the county. |
| Nevada Rural Counties Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) | (775) 687-4680 | The local RSVP chapter offers many rewarding volunteer opportunities for people 55 and older. Through its direct service programs, seniors can sign up to distribute farmers market coupons, install emergency response systems or help with administrative duties. RSVP can also place seniors at libraries, hospitals, schools and other partner organizations that need volunteers. |
| Washoe Legal Services | (775) 329-2727 | This nonprofit legal aid organization offers free and low-cost legal help to low-income Washoe County residents. Through its Senior Legal Center, it can help eligible seniors with any type of non-criminal case. Its areas of focus include consumer fraud and estate planning. It can also help seniors with cases related to public benefits such as Medicare or Medicaid. |
| Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Nevada, Reno | (775) 784-8053 | Offered at the University of Nevada’s Reno campus, OLLI provides affordable, low-pressure educational opportunities for seniors. An annual membership costs $55, and members can sign up for classes in theater, literature, ukulele, crocheting, local history and many other subjects. OLLI also organizes outdoor activities to help seniors stay active, including snowshoeing, cycling and hiking. OLLI members are allowed to buy a student ID card that gives them access to the university’s library and other facilities. |
| Veterans Advocacy and Support Team (VAST) – Reno Office | (775) 321-4880 | The local VAST office provides assistance to seniors who’ve served in the U.S. military. This assistance includes information about the benefits and services seniors may be eligible to receive. The office can also help seniors navigate the claims submission process, from gathering supporting documents and filling out forms to tracking the claim and filing appeals. |
Assisted living facilities in the Sparks area must follow Nevada’s many laws and regulations regarding admissions, accommodations, activities, staffing and care quality. For details about these rules, visit our Assisted Living in Nevada page.
