4 Assisted Living Communities in Spanish Fort, Alabama

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,850 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 4 Assisted Living Communities in Spanish Fort and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Spanish Fort, AL

• Assisted Living: $3,850
• Nursing Home Care: $6,448
• In-home Care: $3,432
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,517

At $3,850 per month, Spanish Fort’s assisted living facilities are among the most expensive in Alabama per the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study. While this is nearly $600 more than the statewide average, it’s still more affordable than the U.S. norm ($4,000).

Monthly assisted living costs vary greatly throughout Alabama, even within the same geographic area. Just across the bay in Mobile, seniors pay an average of $3,424 per month ($426 less). The state’s most affordable assisted living communities are found in Gadsden, where the monthly average is $2,075. Other cities such as Birmingham ($2,958) and Tuscaloosa ($2,935) are also much less expensive than Spanish Fort.

Note: Senior care cost data for Spanish Fort was not available, so data for the closest major city, Daphne, has been used.

The level of care a senior needs will greatly influence their monthly costs. In Spanish Fort, seniors who need the extensive care provided by a nursing home pay an average of $6,448. Assisted living facilities cost approximately $2,600 less per month. Seniors who don’t need round-the-clock care can expect to pay $1,300 per month for adult day health care services. In-home services cost $3,432 per month on average. While this is approximately $400 less than assisted living services, seniors should factor in other expenses such as property taxes, utilities and home maintenance to accurately compare costs and determine the most affordable option.

 

In Alabama, approximately 730,000 people are enrolled in Medicaid, the government-funded program that provides health insurance to low-income Americans. Covered Medicaid services include doctor visits, laboratory and X-ray services, mental health services and hospital care. The state may pay for long-term care services including assisted living through waiver programs.

Alabama sets income limits for Medicaid participants. Individuals are limited to a yearly income of $16,612. For two-person households, the limit is $22,491. A resource limit of $2,000 also applies, Resources that count include cash, mutual funds, stocks and bonds and other assets. Some assets are disregarded, including one automobile, life insurance valued at up to $5,000 and a jointly owned home occupied by an applicant’s spouse.

Alabama residents can apply for Medicaid online or call (800) 362-1504 for information and assistance.

Alabama Community Transition Waiver

The Alabama Community Transition waiver helps Medicaid-eligible seniors move out of a nursing home after an assessment of their care needs. Seniors can choose to transition to their own homes or to a community setting such as an assisted living facility. In addition to transition assistance, the waiver may provide additional services such as:
 

• Case management
• Personal care
• Skilled nursing
• Medical equipment, appliances and supplies 
• Assistive technology
• Adult day health care

 

Seniors are financially eligible for the program if they receive SSI benefits. Disabled seniors may qualify if they have an income of up to three times the SSI benefit rate, which currently equates to $2,313 per month. The ACT waiver program has a statewide participation cap, so eligible individuals may have to wait until a slot becomes available.

To apply, contact the Alabama Department of Senior Services at (800) 243-5463. 

 

Optional State Supplementation

Low-income seniors in Alabama who have limited resources may be eligible to receive monthly SSI payments from the federal government. The maximum benefit amounts are $771 per month for a single senior and $1,157 for a couple.

Those receiving SSI benefits may be eligible to receive additional funding from the state of Alabama when they move into an assisted living community. Single seniors may qualify for up to $60 each month and couples up to $120 per month. Added to a recipient’s SSI payment, these OSS supplements may provide a combined monthly benefit of $831 for single seniors and $1,277 for couples.

To apply for SSI or the state supplement, seniors can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Elderlife Bridge Loans

Some seniors in Spanish Fort may have the means to pay for assisted living over the long term but don’t have the funds available for an immediate transition. A short-term bridge loan from Elderlife Financial may allow a senior to make the move without having to wait until their home is sold or certain benefits begin.

Approved seniors receive a line of credit, and each month, they can have payments for housing and care sent directly to their assisted living facility. These loans have terms of up to 24 months, which gives seniors ample time to secure long-term funding.

Interested individuals can apply online or call Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500. 

The South Alabama Regional Planning Commission is the AAA for Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties. This nonprofit organization provides many programs and services to local seniors, including legal counseling, information about health insurance and help obtaining public benefits like Medicaid. South Alabama Regional Planning Commission 
110 Beauregard St Ste 207, Mobile, AL 36602
(251) 433-6541

Senior veterans can take advantage of helpful resources in the Spanish Fort area. Located across the bay in Mobile, the Vet Center provides social and psychological services for veterans. Primary care, mental health and laboratory services are available at the city’s VA outpatient clinic.  

Mobile Vet Center 
3221 Springhill Ave Bldg 2 Ste C, Mobile, AL 36607
(251) 478-5906

Mobile Outpatient Clinic 
4444 Demetropolis Rd, Mobile, AL 36619
(251) 219-3900

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.