The Takeaway
- Assisted living in Wyoming costs for many facilities are lower than the 2024 U.S. national median of $70,800 per year.
- The Wyoming Department of Health, through its Office of Healthcare Licensing and Surveys (Aging Division), licenses and regulates assisted living facilities under state rules.
- Important things to check include staffing levels & qualifications, safety features, clear contracts, convenient location, atmosphere, and individualized care planning.
- Know whether the facility is Level 1 or Level 2 (secure dementia unit or not) as that changes regulatory requirements and staff training.
- Keep in mind that contracts, care plans, and facility oversight can vary significantly even within Wyoming; inspections and licensing are legally required.
Introduction
Kentwood, WY is part of a state with wide rural areas and relatively sparse senior services compared to more densely populated states. For families there, assisted living matters not just for comfort, but for access—ensuring help is available with daily tasks, safety, meals, and social engagement. With fewer large facilities nearby, making an informed decision becomes especially important.
What Assisted Living Covers
Assisted living in Wyoming typically includes housing (private or shared living quarters), meals, help with daily personal care (such as bathing, dressing, medication reminders), housekeeping and laundry, social and recreational activities, and some health-monitoring support. Services are tailored to the resident’s needs, but facilities do not provide intensive habilitative care or full nursing care continuously (depending on level and scope).
Typical Costs
According to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national median annual cost for assisted living communities is $70,800. Genworth Financial, Inc. In Wyoming, however, the annual median is about $56,400, significantly below the national median. Genworth Financial, Inc. For planning and detailed cost breakdowns, see 👉 https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html
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Local Oversight & Regulations
Wyoming’s assisted living facilities are licensed and regulated by the Wyoming Department of Health, Office of Healthcare Licensing and Surveys (Aging Division). Justia Regulations Regulations are spelled out in Wyoming Administrative Code – particularly Chapter 12, “Program Administration of Assisted Living Facilities,” which includes rules on staffing, core services, licensing, and operations. Justia Regulations
What to Look For
- Staffing & Qualifications: Ensure there is adequate trained staff on each shift, with certified nurses or providers for assessments and medication oversight, especially if there is a secure unit or dementia care.
- Level (Secure vs Non-Secure): Know whether the facility is Level 1 (non-secure) or Level 2 (with secure/dementia unit) as this affects staffing, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Safety Features: Emergency response systems, secure doors/windows for secure units, appropriate fire and life safety compliance, good lighting, safe flooring, etc.
- Contracts & Costs Transparency: Get a written service agreement before admission that details all services, fees, policies for extra charges, what is included vs what costs extra.
- Location & Access: How close is it to hospitals, clinics, family, shopping? In Wyoming especially, travel times can matter a lot.
- Atmosphere & Environment: Feel of the place, how social it seems, how well maintained, how residents are treated, opportunities for engagement and community.
- Care Planning & Individualization: Personalized assessments and care plans, periodic reviews to adjust care as needs change; resident’s preferences respected.
Special Needs Services: If dementia care is required, check whether secure dementia units exist, whether staff are trained for memory care, and whether there are programs/tasks tailored to cognitive needs.
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What Questions You Should Ask
Operational challenges affect staffing, care quality, and daily life. Ask:
- What are the biggest operational challenges you are facing right now?
- How do staffing shortages or turnover affect residents?
- What steps have you taken recently to improve staffing stability?
- How do you maintain consistent care when staff changes occur?
- How are families informed if operational issues impact care?
Every facility has strengths and gaps. Ask:
- What services or features do you offer that nearby facilities do not?
- What services do other assisted living communities offer that you don’t?
- Are there commonly requested services you currently do not provide?
- If a resident needs a service you don’t offer, what happens next?
Facilities evolve over time. Ask:
- What new services or care levels do you plan to add in the next few years?
- Are there plans to expand memory care, medical support, or therapy services?
- Will current residents have priority access to new services?
- How are residents notified when services change or are delayed?
The 80/20 rule requires that at least 80% of residents be age 55 or older, while up to 20% may be younger (such as spouses or caregivers).
- Does this community follow the 80/20 rule for 55+ housing?
- What percentage of residents here are currently under age 55?
- Under what circumstances can younger residents live here?
- How do you monitor compliance with the 80/20 rule?
Disclaimer: This checklist is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, medical, or financial advice. Smart Senior Daily does not endorse or recommend any specific assisted living or long-term care provider.
