Guide to Independent Living in Nevada
Nevada is often thought of as a party state, but it has plenty to offer those wanting to relax and enjoy a peaceful retirement. The state receives an average of 252 days of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest places in the country. It’s generally warm year-round and can get very hot in the summer months. Nevada is home to a number of state parks for seniors wanting to explore the picturesque deserts. It is tax-friendly towards retirees as no taxes are charged on Social Security benefits or other forms of retirement income. This gives seniors more financial security and allows them to enjoy a comfortable retirement.
There are a number of independent living communities located across the state of Nevada. This type of senior care is best suited to those who are still able to live independently and don’t require any assistance on a regular basis. These communities provide dining options, activities and convenient amenities. Some communities may offer additional services, such as housekeeping, transportation and maintenance.
This guide gives an overview of the price of independent living, alternative care costs and payment options. Additionally, it lists free resources for Nevada’s seniors.
How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Nevada?
Note: There currently isn’t authoritative data on the average cost of Independent Living Facilities nationwide, so instead, we use the cost of Assisted Living to estimate it. Since the cost of Independent Living is typically 30-40% lower than the cost of Assisted Living, the numbers below were calculated by subtracting 35% from the cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
Seniors living in Nevada pay an average of $2,438 per month for independent living. This is significantly less than the national average of $2,925. Communities in Nevada charge a similar amount to those in Idaho ($2,495) and are slightly more expensive than those in nearby Utah ($2,275). The states of California, Oregon and Arizona all charge higher monthly fees at $3,413, $3,279 and $2,600 respectively.
The Cost of Independent Living in Nevada’s Top Cities
The average costs of independent living are fairly similar across the state. Seniors living in the capital city of Carson City pay an estimated $2,483 per month. The most expensive city in the state is Reno at an average of $2,763 each month, while Las Vegas is the cheapest option at around $2,373.
The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care
It’s important for seniors to understand the different care options available in Nevada and the different costs involved before making the best choice for their needs. Adult day care provides care for seniors during the week when their family members are at work. It’s the least expensive option in the state at an average of $1,788 per month. Independent living is the next option on the cost scale at around $2,438. Assisted living is a good choice for seniors who still want to live as independently as possible but require some assistance with the tasks of daily living. This type of care has a monthly average cost of around $3,750.
Home care and home health care both cost an estimated $5,148 per month and are good options for seniors wanting to receive care in their own homes or in the community. Nursing home care is the most expensive option available at an average monthly cost of $9,216 for a semiprivate room. Seniors in nursing homes have 24/7 access to medical care from registered nurses and other health care professionals.
Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Nevada?
The short answer is no, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in an independent living community. That being said, those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), may be able to take advantage of financial assistance programs in Nevada to partially or fully cover the cost of care in Assisted Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need help with ADLs, read our guide to Assisted Living in Nevada.
For more information about other ways to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc, read the section below.
How to Make Independent Living More Affordable in Nevada
Seniors looking at independent living as an option may be interested in ways to pay for care without depleting their savings.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: These policies can’t be used to cover all the costs of independent living, but they may cover some services, such as transportation, dining and housekeeping.
- Reverse Mortgage Loans: This type of loan is based on the equity of a primary residence. It can be used to pay for independent living but must be paid back in full when the property is sold.
- Annuities: Annuities provide regular, scheduled payouts that are based on a lump-sum deposit.
- Life Insurance: Life insurance policies can be cashed in to pay for end-of-life expenses, such as independent living.
Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Nevada
Seniors looking at independent living communities in Nevada may find these resources interesting. These services are provided by government departments and nonprofit organizations that work to improve the lives of seniors in the state.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Department of Health and Human Services | Contact the local Aging and Disability Service Office | The Department of Health and Human Services runs Aging and Disability Service Offices throughout the state. These offices advocate on behalf of seniors and provide a number of programs to assist seniors in their day-to-day lives. The department can assist seniors with medical benefits counseling, and it runs a state pharmacy assistance program. The senior tax assistance program helps seniors to correctly prepare and file their taxes each year. |
| Nevada Senior Services | (702) 648-3425 | Nevada Senior Services is a nonprofit organization that serves the needs of seniors in multiple ways. It runs adult day care centers in Las Vegas and Henderson. Programs offered across the state include home modifications, geriatric assessments and care management. The Creative Aging program is offered in Las Vegas. This program uses art, dance and music to help older adults maintain their health and fitness. |
| Seniors in Service | (775) 358-2768 | Seniors in Service is a volunteer program for active seniors who feel that they would like to give back to the community. The program is offered in Northern Nevada. The Foster Grandparent program places seniors aged 55 and older with at-risk children. The seniors meet with the kids in a supervised setting on a regular basis to provide support and an emotional connection. |
| Las Vegas Senior Services | (702) 229-6690 | The city of Las Vegas provides services to seniors in the city and surrounding areas. It runs a number of senior centers to meet the needs of active older adults. These centers offer fitness classes, arts and crafts, computer classes, nutrition education and other activities. In addition, the city provides transportation options for seniors and runs a home modifications program. |
| Jewish Family Service Agency | (702) 732-0304 | Jewish Family Services provides senior services for older adults of any faith living in the Las Vegas area. The Senior Lifeline Program helps seniors remain as independent as possible by providing grocery shopping assistance, congregate meals and transportation. The organization runs a senior companion program that enlists active seniors over the age of 55. |
COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Nevada Independent Living Communities
The following rules and guidelines were obtained from nvhealthresponse.nv.gov, as well as other state-level government sites. Among others, these rules apply to independent living communities and assisted living facilities.
This data has been most recently updated on 2/10/2022, but keep in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, so all of the below information can change at any time. For additional questions and up-to-date information, you can contact your loved one’s senior living facility or your local Area Agency on Aging.
Visiting Loved Ones
| Can I visit my relative in person if he/she wants emotional support from me? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care? | Yes |
| Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her? | No |
| Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person? | Yes |
| Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities? | Yes |
| Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives? | Yes |
| Are visitors being screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
| Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact? | Yes |
Outings and Group Activities
| Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons? | Yes |
| Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine? | No (Conditions Apply) |
| Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings? | No |
| Are residents still eating together in the dining hall? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors
| Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
| Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact? | Yes |
Safety Measures for Residents
| Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms? | Yes |
| Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms? | No |
| Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures? | Yes |
| Are residents being tested for coronavirus? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |