Audubon Retirement Village charges $5,931 monthly for semiprivate rooms, $1,800 less than the national nursing home average of $7,756. The New Orleans facility ranks among the city’s top three nursing homes, reports state regulators.
State inspection data shows Audubon earned an A+ grade for facility inspections and an A grade for long-term care quality. The nursing home’s preventive care program reaches 92% of residents, providing services like pneumonia vaccinations.
The facility accepts Medicare and Medicaid-approved services for payment. Two former state inspectors familiar with New Orleans nursing homes say Audubon’s pricing and quality metrics place it among the most cost-effective options in the region.
Audubon Services After $16 Million Upgrade
Audubon Retirement Village completed a $16 million renovation focused on expanding care services across its facilities.
Care Programs
The facility operates with one of the region’s highest caregiver-to-resident ratios, providing round-the-clock supervision. Residents live in 119 private rooms with attached bathrooms, designed to balance independence with care needs. The memory care program employs certified specialists trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia support.
Medical Support
A dedicated healthcare team leads medical services, including a Medical Director, Nurse Practitioner and consulting pharmacist. The nursing staff provides specialized care including:
- Speech and oral-motor therapy
- Physical rehabilitation
- Occupational therapy
- Wound treatment
- Medication management
The facility uses IN2L technology systems for patient engagement, offering personalized virtual activities for cognitive stimulation.
Activities and Social Life
Licensed therapists conduct weekly movement sessions, while a music therapist leads reminiscence groups twice weekly. Regular programs include:
- Cultural events and recreation
- On-site spiritual services
- Therapy dog visits
- Exercise classes
- Social gatherings
The kitchen staff prepares meals accommodating various dietary needs. The comprehensive approach to care combines medical support with social engagement opportunities.
Daily Resident Life at Audubon
Activity Programs
Audubon Care Homes runs structured activities five days weekly, featuring movement, music, family, and speech therapy sessions. Residents use IN2L technology, a system offering 4,000 content items for virtual museum tours, brain games, and spiritual activities.
Weekly programs include:
- Speech therapy for cognitive health
- Movement sessions with certified instructors
- Twice-weekly music therapy groups
- Licensed therapy dog visits
- Professional counseling discussions
Dining Services
The kitchen rotates seasonal menus every three weeks. Culinary staff prepare daily meals accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences. Residents can request menu alternatives when needed.
Social Programs
Communal spaces encourage resident interaction while private rooms maintain personal space. Family members join activities with residents. The IN2L system supports group engagement through virtual bingo and interactive games.
Daily structured activities focus beyond television entertainment. Residents join book clubs, walking groups, gardening sessions and card games. Staff organize celebrations for birthdays and achievements, building community connections.
Moving to Audubon
Admission Process
Staff members evaluate potential residents to determine care needs and facility fit. The comprehensive assessment includes medical history review and physician consultations. Care teams develop personalized support plans based on evaluation results.
Room Setup Options
Residents choose between bringing personal furniture or renting complete bedroom sets from the facility. Available rental packages include twin bed, dresser, chair, nightstand, and lamp. Recommended personal items include:
- Photo albums and keepsakes
- Favorite blankets and comfort items
- Religious materials
- Music collections
- Decorative pieces
Family Support
Staff encourage regular family visits during residents’ first months. The facility maintains open communication channels with families about care updates and adjustment progress.
Many seniors express concerns about isolation during transition periods. Care teams focus on building personal connections while maintaining professional standards. The approach emphasizes resident independence alongside necessary support.
Video call platforms like Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom help families stay connected. Most residents adjust within two weeks of arrival. Staff members report increased resident comfort levels once social connections form within the community.
Care Quality Standards
Staff Training Requirements
Audubon caregivers complete specialized training through Home Care Pulse (HCP), the Alzheimer’s Association’s recognized platform. Each staff member completes eight hours of dementia care instruction. Training covers emergency response, patient care protocols, and medical support procedures.
The facility maintains strict hiring standards, selecting professionals based on communication abilities and analytical skills. Staff undergo regular evaluations to ensure care quality.
Medical Partnerships
LCMC Health and LSU Health Sciences New Orleans provide medical expertise support. The care team includes:
- Medical Director
- Nurse Practitioner
- Consultant pharmacist
- Consultant dietician
- Therapy staff
- Social worker
These partnerships support ongoing medical training and practice updates. Residents receive care from professionals current with medical advancements.
Emergency Protocols
The State of Louisiana approved Audubon’s emergency response system. Facility administrators update protocols regularly. Emergency measures include:
- Preparedness planning
- Staff emergency training
- Emergency service communications
- Whole-home generator systems
COVID-19 protocols require weekly testing for residents and staff. Infection control measures cover visitor screening, PPE supplies, and physical distancing rules.
The facility maintains an email-accessible emergency command center for rapid response. This system enables quick action while keeping families and healthcare partners informed.
Audubon’s Cost Structure and Payment Options
Monthly Rates
Private bedrooms start at $699 monthly, plus $385 for medication management. The facility charges one all-inclusive monthly rate, unlike other homes that add fees based on care levels. The rate covers:
- Dining services
- Daily activities
- Laundry
- Housekeeping
- Basic care
Nursing home costs range from $5,759 to $6,060 for semi-private rooms. Private rooms cost $6,060 to $6,361 monthly.
Insurance Coverage
Audubon primarily operates as a private-pay facility. Staff assist residents with long-term care insurance paperwork. Accepted insurance providers include:
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Humana
- AARP
- Cigna
- United Healthcare
Veterans and spouses may qualify for VA benefits.
Financial Support
Financial advisors help families explore:
- Bridge loans
- VA programs
- Life insurance conversion
- Home equity options
Staff guide veterans and spouses through memory care payment assistance applications.
The facility reported $12,598,742 in revenue for 2022. Program services increased 54.3% from 2021 to 2022.
Audubon Shows Lower Costs, Higher Care Standards
Audubon Retirement Village charges $5,931 monthly for semiprivate rooms, while similar facilities cost $7,756 . The facility partners with LCMC Health and LSU Health Sciences for medical services.
State regulators awarded Audubon an A+ inspection grade. The facility’s preventive care program reaches 92% of residents, reports show. A recent $16 million renovation added advanced patient monitoring systems and updated living spaces.
Two former state nursing home inspectors say Audubon’s combination of lower costs and high care standards makes it unique in New Orleans. The facility’s staff training programs and healthcare partnerships exceed state requirements for nursing homes.
FAQs
Q1. What is the average cost of living at Audubon Retirement Village? Audubon Retirement Village offers semiprivate rooms at $5,931 per month, which is significantly lower than the national average of $7,756 for nursing home care. This represents a monthly saving of about $1,800 for residents.
Q2. What types of services and amenities are available at Audubon Retirement Village? Audubon Retirement Village provides a wide range of services including 24-hour nursing care, specialized memory care, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, and wound care management. Amenities include daily recreational activities, spiritual services, pet therapy, and a comprehensive dining program with home-cooked meals.
Q3. How does Audubon Retirement Village support the transition for new residents? The facility offers a thorough assessment process, flexible move-in options, and family integration support. They encourage personalization of living spaces, maintain open communication with families, and provide various support mechanisms to help new residents adjust and form connections within the community.
Q4. What qualifications do the staff members at Audubon Retirement Village have? All caregivers at Audubon undergo at least eight hours of specialized dementia care training through Home Care Pulse, the only training platform recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association. The facility maintains high hiring standards and provides continuous evaluation and training to ensure the highest quality of care.
Q5. Are there financial assistance options available for residents at Audubon Retirement Village? Yes, Audubon works with various financial support programs and maintains relationships with eldercare financial advisors. They assist families in exploring options such as long-term care insurance, VA benefits for veterans and their spouses, bridge loans, and home equity solutions to help manage the costs of care.
