8 Assisted Living Communities in Acworth, Georgia

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,390 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 8 Assisted Living Communities in Acworth and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Acworth, GA

• Assisted Living: $3,390
• Nursing Home Care: $6,753
• In-home Care: $3,813
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,712

The 2018 Genworth Cost of Care study provides comparison data for assisted living costs throughout Georgia and across the nation. It reveals that average monthly costs in Acworth ($3,390) are substantially less than the national average ($4,000) but about $300 higher than the state average of $3,100.

Costs here are fairly consistent with other cities in the northern part of the state, such as Rome ($3,200), Athens ($3,350) and Gainesville ($3,500). Dalton, which sits near the northern border with Tennessee, is the only exception, with assisted living costs of $4,035 per month. This is the second highest-priced city statewide, topped only by Brunswick where seniors pay an average of $4,145.

Note: Data for senior care costs in Acworth wasn’t available, so data for the nearby Atlanta area was used.

Two of the primary factors affecting local senior care costs are the extent of care required and where it’s received. Round-the-clock skilled care in a nursing home costs almost four times as much as adult day health services provided on weekdays in a group setting. Rates for homemaker and home health aide services are about $500 higher than those for assisted living. The price difference is even greater if regular household expenses are factored in, which are costs normally covered by assisted living room-and-board fees. Both of these options are about half the price of nursing home care.

 

Americans with little income and few resources may qualify for health care services through Medicaid, the nationwide program designed specifically to serve needy residents, including pregnant women, families with young children, blind and disabled adults and the elderly.

In Georgia, the state Medicaid program offers medical and long-term care coverage to state residents who are U.S. citizens or qualified aliens and:

• Are at least 65 years old or disabled and aged 64 and younger
• Have a monthly income of less than $2,313 per individual
• Own assets valued at less than $2,000 for single people and $3,000 for couples who are both applying

Seniors and disabled residents eligible for federal Supplemental Security Income benefits receive Georgia Medicaid coverage automatically without filing a separate application. The SSI program has the same asset limits as Medicaid, but the income limits are much lower at $771 per month for individuals and $1,157 for married couples.

Georgia Medicaid looks at income from all sources but disregards some assets, such as an applicant’s home valued below $585,000, household and personal effects and one vehicle.

The program offers exceptions to these limits for a married individual whose spouse isn’t applying for coverage:

• The non-applicant’s income is excluded, and the applicant can transfer as much as $3,160.50 in monthly income to their spouse as a living allowance
• Up to $126,420 of the couple’s jointly owned assets are excluded and can be retained by the non-applicant spouse

Acworth seniors can apply for Georgia Medicaid online or by visiting the Cobb County Department of Family and Children’s Services office at 325 S. Fairground St. in Marietta. Those with questions can call (770) 528-7683 for assistance.

SOURCE and CCSP Medicaid Waivers

Long-term care in a nursing home is an entitlement under Georgia Medicaid. Coverage for services in an assisted living facility is provided through one of two Medicaid waiver programs administered through local Area Agencies on Aging.

The Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment program provides qualified seniors with case management of long-term and primary medical care in their home or a community setting. Once enrolled in the program, seniors are assessed and an individualized care plan is developed to address their needs. In addition to 24-hour access to case management and physician services, participants can receive assisted living care and personal supports.

The Community Care Services program provides health, social and support services to give qualified seniors an alternative to nursing home admission. Seniors accepted into the program are evaluated by an assigned care coordinator who develops a comprehensive care plan based on their needs and arranges delivery of approved services. In addition to ongoing monitoring by their case coordinator, seniors may receive 24-hour supervision and personal care assistance in a state-approved alternative care setting such as an assisted living community.

To qualify for either program, applicants must be Medicaid eligible and need a nursing home or intermediate level of care but able to reside safely in the community. These waiver programs aren’t Medicaid entitlements, so there may be a wait to receive services due to participation caps.

To begin the application and assessment process for the SOURCE or CCSP program, seniors can contact the Atlanta Regional Commission Aging Division at (404) 463-3333.

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

Bridge loans offered by Elderlife Financial are purposefully designed to provide Acworth seniors with a short-term source of funding to cover assisted living facility entrance fees, monthly rent and care fees. The maximum 12-month term allows seniors ample time to sort out long-term funding sources, such as government benefits or equity from the sale of a home or other assets.

Elderlife loans are generally set up as a line of credit that lets seniors borrow as needed and set up recurring monthly payments to their chosen senior facility. There are no upfront costs or fees to apply, and up to six family members can share the application to facilitate approval.

Bridge loan applications can be made online or by calling Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Optional State Supplementation

Those eligible to receive federal Supplemental Security Income benefits who live in a state-licensed long-term care facility may qualify for a monthly top-up through the Georgia Optional State Supplementation program. The OSS adds an extra $20 per month to the person’s SSI benefit, which can be put toward assisted living room and board or other expenses not paid for by Medicaid.

Acworth residents can apply for SSI and OSS benefits by contacting the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 or visiting the nearest SSA office at 1415 Franklin Gateway S.E. in Marietta.

Cobb Senior Services provides a wealth of information and resources aimed at promoting the well-being and quality of life of Acworth seniors. In addition to overseeing seven senior centers throughout Cobb County, the agency offers an assistive technology lab, nutrition, recreation and education programs and countywide transportation services. The agency also provides care management services to help seniors determine their specific needs and find available resources and funding options. Cobb Senior Services
1150 Powder Springs St., Marietta, GA 30064
(770) 528-5355

Acworth senior veterans and their surviving spouses can access appeal support and assistance filing pension and benefit claims at the Georgia Department of Veterans Service field office in nearby Marietta. Primary and mental health care, lab and radiology services, nutrition counseling and diabetic classes are available at the VA clinic in Rome.

Veterans Field Service Office
1150 Powder Springs St., Marietta, GA 30064
(404) 656-2300

Rome VA Clinic
30 Chateau Dr. SE., Rome, GA 30161
(404) 329-2222

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