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Assisted Living in Utah

Utah is a thriving state with a growing population. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the population of Utah increased from 2.7 million in 2010 to approximately 3.2 million in 2019. The estimated percentage of the population aged 65 or older is just 11.1% as of 2019; however, the senior population in Utah is steadily growing. Assisted living is quite affordable in Utah, with the median cost $3,400 per month, which is lower than the national average. Seniors can choose from 183 assisted living facilities in the state, and many other senior care services are also available.

Learn more about assisted living services and payment options, quality of life and state regulations in Utah with this guide.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Utah



Utah has a SeniorScore of 71%, according to metrics measured by SeniorAdvice. This is roughly equivalent to the national average of 72%. The SeniorScore is based on several parameters relating to finance, crime, health care, leisure facilities, the cost of living and other things that may be of importance to seniors. Utah scores well in many areas; however, its score is held back by a high sales tax and only an average number of health care facilities.



SeniorScore™ for Utah



The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.

71

SeniorScore™ Overview

  • Utah's SeniorScore™ of 71 is lower than the national average of 72.
63

Health & Safety

  • Utah has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
  • Utah has an average number of hospitals within the state.
  • Utah has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
  • Utah has a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
  • The average life expectancy in Utah is 80.2, compared to the national average of 78.6.
  • Utah has a high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
  • Utah has a high overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
56

Recreation & Leisure

  • 23% of the population in Utah are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
  • Utah has 108 golf courses in the state.
  • Utah has a high number of municipal parks throughout the state.
  • Utah has 822 churches in the state.
63

Finances

  • The property taxes average 1.97% of total income in Utah, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
  • The property taxes average 0.61% of property value in Utah, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
  • The average sales tax in Utah is 8.33%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 6.97%.
  • The average state income tax in Utah is 4.72%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.38%.
  • The mean household income in Utah is $73,008, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,580.
  • Utah's median household income is $60,219, which is significantly higher than the national average of $51,560.
  • The average per capita income in Utah is $23,672, which is lower than the national average of $25,611.
  • Assisted living costs in Utah average $34,867 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $42,700.
  • Nursing home costs in Utah average $75,756 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $92,481.
  • Costs for adult daycare in Utah average $19,744 per year, which are significantly higher than the national average of $17,931.
  • Costs for home healthcare in Utah average $45,714 per year, which are lower than the national average of $46,197.
  • The unemployment rate is about 6.51% in Utah, which is significantly lower than then national rate of 8.26%.
  • The overall cost of living in Utah is high compared to national averages.
  • 0.67% of the senior population in Utah are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
71

General Quality of Life

  • Utah receives an average of 15.4 inches of rain per year.
  • Utah has an average annual temperature of 50.1 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Utah has an average low temperature of 35.7 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Utah has an average high temperature of 63.5 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Utah has an average population density of 543 people per square mile.
  • Utah has a high public school quality ranking.
  • Utah has a high public school safety ranking.
  • Utah has a high graduation rate of 90.64%.

Utah scores well for general quality of life, with a rating of 71 thanks to the state's moderate climate. It also rates highly for finances because of the relatively low cost of living. In comparison, its rating for recreation and leisure is poor, in part because the senior population is lower in Utah than other parts of the country, so seniors may find it difficult to find peers to interact with outside of their assisted living communities.

The state sales tax rate in Utah is 4.850%, although rates can vary from city to city. The average life expectancy in Utah is 80.2 years, above the national average of 78.6 years. The state has a high number of assisted living facilities, and many care providers accept Medicare and Medicaid.

In terms of leisure facilities and outdoor spaces, Utah compares well to other parts of the country. There are a lot of municipal parks, and the state also has a large number of churches, golf courses and other facilities. The climate is quite moderate, with only a small amount of rain each year.



Top Assisted Living Facilities in Utah



St. Joseph Villa - Salt Lake City, UT

St. Joseph Villa

451 East Bishop Federal Ln

Salt Lake City, UT 84115

1-855-240-2530

9 Reviews  

St. Joseph Villa is located in the Liberty Wells neighborhood of Salt Lake City, Utah. It is a 221 unit senior care community. With roughly 26,000 residents in the 84115 zip code, the surrounding area has a dense ...

Get Pricing Info See Details

 
 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Utah



Assisted living in Utah is quite affordable, with a median monthly fee of $3,400. This puts it on a par with neighboring Nevada and more affordable than several other neighboring states. Indeed, the cost of assisted living in Utah is lower than the national average of $4,051 per month.

  • Utah: $3,400
  • National Average: $4,051
  • Colorado: $4,095
  • New Mexico: $4,100
  • Arizona: $3,750
  • Nevada: $3,400

The Cost of Assisted Living in Utah's Top Cities

The cost of living in general, and of assisted living in particular, tends to be higher in bigger Utah cities such as Salt Lake City. Even there, however, the cost of assisted living is lower on average than in other parts of the country, at just $3,850. In smaller cities such as Ogden, the cost of assisted living can be as low as $3,250 per month.

  • Salt Lake City: $3,835
  • Provo: $3,283
  • Ogden: $3,250
  • St George: $3,400
  • Layton: $3,250

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Utah

As seniors look toward retirement, they may need some help with the activities of daily living. Adult day care facilities typically charge lower fees than other senior care providers, with fees averaging just $1,560 per month in Utah. In-home care costs slightly more than assisted living, at an average of $4,576 per month. Nursing homes are the most costly form of senior care, in part because of the intensity of care and support offered and the requirement for skilled nursing staff. The median fee for nursing home care is $6,403 in Utah.

For comparison, the median monthly fees of different kinds of senior care in Utah are:

  • Assisted Living: $3,400
  • In-Home Care: $4,576
  • Home Health Care: $4,576
  • Adult Day Care: $1,560
  • Nursing Home Care: $6,403

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Utah



Medicaid Aging Waiver


Phone Number: (801) 538-3910
Website: https://medicaid.utah.gov/ltc/AG/

The Utah Medicaid Aging Waiver goes by several other names, including the Medicaid Waiver for Individuals Age 65 or Older and the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver. The Aging Waiver can be used to pay for certain assisted living services, including assistance with daily activities such as bathing, grooming and eating. Individuals can select their care providers; however, they're not classed as the employer of the people who they work with. The financial aspects of the program are handled by a Fiscal Management Agency.

There are waiting lists for the Medicaid Aging Waiver and strict eligibility criteria. To qualify, a person must be over 65 years of age, be assessed as requiring a nursing home level of care, be financially eligible to receive Medicaid and be a legal resident of the state. Seniors can contact their Area Agency on Aging for information about the program's availability in a particular city.


Home and Community-Based Alternatives Program


Phone Number: (801) 538-3910
Website: https://daas.utah.gov/seniors/

The Home and Community-Based Alternatives program aims to help seniors avoid moving into nursing home care, allowing them to live either in their own homes or in a community-based residential facility. The program can be used to pay for a variety of assisted living services, including skilled health care, respite care, transportation and personal care. Unlike the Aging Waiver, this program is managed by the Utah Department of Human Services. It's funded by a number of sources, including federal, state and local agencies.

The program is open to adults who are at risk of nursing home placement due to a change in their functional abilities. There's a means-tested element to the program; however, the income thresholds vary depending on the agency that's administering the program.


Medicaid Coverage and the Spend-Down Program


Phone Number: (801) 538-6155
Website: https://medicaid.utah.gov/spenddown-program-medically-needy/

Utah is one of only a few states that allows Medicaid recipients to use their cover to pay for assisted living facilities directly under certain circumstances. This is typically an option only if moving into an assisted living facility would cost less than moving into a nursing home, and the applicant would not be able to obtain an appropriate level of care using the support provided by waivers alone. Seniors who don't meet the income requirements for Medicaid may be able to use the spend-down program to spend any of the income they have above the Medicaid limit, either paying it to the state or to a medical provider, with the goal of reaching the eligibility criteria.

Medicaid eligibility is based upon residence, income and citizenship rules. Interested seniors and their loved ones can check the eligibility criteria on the Utah Department of Health website.


Utah Assisted Living Rules and Regulations



Strict rules and regulations govern the operation of assisted living facilities in Utah. These rules are there to maintain the safety, dignity and well-being of those who reside in assisted living facilities. There are two classifications of assisted living facility, Type I and Type II. These classifications relate to the level of mobility of the residents and the type of care that the residents require. Some key rules and regulations are laid out below.

Scope of Care

Assisted living facilities help individuals who are experiencing functional impairments, providing 24-hour support in a residence with sufficient structure and facilities to meet the needs of the individuals in their care.

Care Plan Requirements

Residents should be assessed and given a personalized service plan that meets their social, medical, physical and cognitive needs.

Medication Management Requirements

Assisted living facilities must employ or contract with a registered nurse whose role is to provide or oversee medication administration or medication management for residents who are unable to manage this activity on their own.

Staff Screening Requirements

All staff members should undergo a criminal background check.

Staff Training Requirements

Staff members should have training that suits the position they are working in, such as CPR and first aid certificates, food hygiene certificates, safeguarding training, Alzheimer's and dementia care training, or more specialist medical care certifications.

Medicaid Coverage

Medicaid and Medicaid waivers may be accepted by many facilities.

Reporting Abuse

Complaints and concerns should be directed to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The ombudsman can be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling (801) 538-3924.


Free Assisted Living Resources in Utah



Utah Assisted Living Association


The Utah Assisted Living Association is primarily aimed at those who own or run assisted living facilities. Its goal is to offer facility owners resources and guidance to help them provide the best possible service to their residents. It's included in this list of resources because the association's website has a list of member facilities. Seniors and their loved ones may find it useful to check this list as a part of doing due diligence on any facilities they are considering.

Contact: Interested parties can visit https://www.utahassistedliving.org/membership-directory for more information.


SLCo Caregiver Support


The Salt Lake County Caregiver Support organization works with caregivers and gives them the support they need to avoid burnout and to maintain the well-being of their loved ones. Services include access to respite care, adult day care and short-term nursing home placements, assistance with supplemental services, access to support groups and consultations for those who are struggling. SLCo can offer Medicare and Medicaid counseling and also provide advice and assessments for caregivers who may feel that their loved ones need more support than they can offer in their own homes.

Contact: Seniors and caregivers can call (385) 468-3280 for more information.


Utah Agencies


Department of Aging and Adult Services

Phone Number: (801) 538-4171
Website: https://daas.utah.gov/The Department of Aging and Adult Services serves as a link between the national Administration on Aging and the Area Agencies on Aging that operate on a more local level. The Department investigates reports of neglect, abuse or exploitation of older or vulnerable adults, including cases of self-neglect. It also serves as a useful point of contact for those looking for advice from the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and for seniors who are facing complex legal issues.


Area Agencies on Aging in Utah


The Area Agencies on Aging in Utah are independent, nonprofit agencies that receive state funding. These agencies provide a variety of social services and support for seniors and their caregivers. The exact support varies from agency to agency; however, at a minimum, each agency offers signposting, support, general information services and advocacy for seniors who require help navigating the benefits, medical and legal system.

There are six main Area Agencies on Aging in Utah. Seniors looking for support can locate their nearest agency by contacting the Utah Department of Human Services toll-free at 1-877-424-4640.


Veteran Affairs Offices in Utah


Veterans who reside in Utah may be eligible for support from the state's Department of Veteran's Affairs. The main office is in Salt Lake City, and there are Vet Centers in Murray, Orem, North Ogden and St. George. The Department of Veteran Affairs assists veterans by providing information about benefits such as VA Aid and Attendance, as well as offering information about tax breaks and exemptions that could help to reduce expenses for veterans and their families, reducing the financial burden of assisted living.


Social Security Offices in Utah


It's now possible for Utah residents to handle a lot of social security-related tasks online via the SSA.gov website. Those who prefer to have a face-to-face consultation can still do this. Seniors can find their nearest social security office using the Social Security Office locator. Alternatively, they can call the toll-free helpline at 1-800-772-1213 for advice.

The Social Security Administration provides access to social security services, information about federal and state programs and assistance with applications. Seniors may be able to use funds from certain programs to offset the costs of assisted living even if their income is above the floor used for calculating Medicaid eligibility.

 

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