10 Best Independent Living Communities in Gretna, LA

Independent Living

Many seniors may be physically and mentally capable of living without assistance, but cost of owning a home and the maintenance of the property might be a deterrent to living an independent life. Independent Living Communities offer a solid solution to this situation. Seniors can use their free time as they wish while their meals are cooked by a professionall chef, housekeeping and laundry duties are taken care of by staff, and recreational activities are scheduled and organized. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to live among peers, in a community with others of similar ages and interests. Typically comprised of a private living area and a full kitchen, these communities offer residences with many of the amenities of apartment life but without the hassle. Guests can be invited over and entertained, and more time can be spent with them with the basic maintenance of daily tasks out of the way. While policies vary between communities, numerous residences allow cats and dogs as well. Nursing and health care services can always be arranged for with private care providers if desired. There are a number of costs and advantages to keep in mind when choosing an independent living community. It is important to determine if these amenities are covered in the care plan: transportation, meals, field trips, private phone, move-in fee, internet access, laundry, and utilities. The conveniences associated with independent living include community activities, security guards, game/TV room, beauty salon & barber shop, golf course, private rental hall, restaurant-style dining hall, and concierge services.

Cost of Living

The community where a community is located might have a large effect on community price. Cost of living can be a major factor in choosing which care choice is best for you or your loved one’s needs. Gretna has a median home value of around $175,611 and the median cost of rent is about $909 per month. The rent burden for Gretna is about 19.4% of the average monthly income.

Demographics and Values

In Gretna, 7.0% of the population are veterans of the United States armed forces. Gretna has a population density of 1,726 people per square mile. The total population of Gretna consists of 17,935 people. Demographically, Gretna is 0.7% Native American, 1.2% mixed race, 14.8% Hispanic, 54.5% white, 6.3% other or not specified, 35.9% black, 0.5% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, and 0.9% Asian. In terms of education, 5.9% have a graduate degree, 18.5% have a college degree, and 33.9% have a high-school diploma. Out of the total city population, 49.4% are female and 50.6% are male. The median age of Gretna is 38 years old. In Gretna, 18.2% have some form of disability, 58.4% participate in the labor force, 20.0% live in poverty, and 6.9% consider themselves widows.

State Information

An overview of Louisiana

Based on natural beauty, Louisiana ranks 50th in the nation. Out of a national average of 100, Louisiana has a cost of living index rating of 94, a grocery index rating of 100, and a housing index rating of 87. There are 158 general hospitals and 178 health centers that provide care for 4,649,163 Louisiana residents. The top three hospitals in the state are considered to be Mercy Regional Medical Center, Park Place Surgical Hospital, and Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital. In terms of personal well-being, Louisiana ranks 45th in healthcare and 50th in quality of life compared to other states.

Social demographics of the state

The median age in the state is 37, and 28% of the population is over the age of 55. In the last presidential election 38% of Louisiana residents voted Democrat and 58% voted Republican. In Louisiana, 46% of the population attend some form of religious service and there are 5,841 different congregations. The top three Christian denominations in the state are Evangelical Protestant-27%, Mainline Protestant-8%, and Historically Black Protestant-22%. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%. In Louisiana there are 421 masonic lodges. The state of Louisiana ranks 23rd in the country for diversity.

State-wide weather information

During the winter, the average temperature in Louisiana drops to around 51F. The average high winter temperature is around 67F in the month of February. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around 31F during the month of January. During the summer, the average temperature in Louisiana is around 81F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 94F during the month of July. In the summer, the average low temperature drops to around 66F during the month of June. The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of June at around 8.58 inches. On average, the state receives 4.95 inches of precipitation a month. On average, the humidity rating for Louisiana is around 74%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of July at around 78%. On average, Louisiana has an air quality index rating of around 37.2 AQI. The average air quality index rating peaks in the month of May with a rating of around 48.3 AQI. While residents of Louisiana mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Louisiana can include hurricanes and floods.

Wildlife to be found in Louisiana

The state of Louisiana has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of hybrid Louisiana iris, gulf coast yucca, bald cypress, and Louisiana phlox. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the nutria, the mink, the turkey, or the quail.