36 Assisted Living Communities in Atlanta, 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 36 Assisted Living Communities in Atlanta and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $3,390
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $6,753
• In-home care: $3,813
• Adult day health services: $1,712

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost of assisted living care in Atlanta is $3,390. This is slightly more expensive than the state average of $3,100 and significantly more affordable than the national average of $4,000.

In some of Georgia’s major metropolitan areas, such as Albany ($2,320), assisted living care is much more affordable than in Atlanta. Other places, such as Athens ($3,350) and Macon ($3,484), are similarly priced to Atlanta. The most expensive assisted living care in Georgia is found in Dalton ($4,035) and Brunswick ($4,145).

In Atlanta, the average monthly cost of senior care varies based on the type of care. At $6,753 per month, nursing home care is nearly twice the price of assisted living care. Adult day health care, at $1,712 per month, is just over half the price of assisted living care. Seniors who choose in-home care, such as home health aides and homemaker services, can expect to pay an average of $3,813 per month. However, these seniors should also consider the other costs they may have to pay to remain at home, such as rent, maintenance and utilities. These expenses are typically included in the price of assisted living and nursing home care.  Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,390

• Homemaker services: $3,813

• Home health aide: $3,813

• Adult day health: $1,712

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $6,753

 

Medicaid, a government-funded health insurance program, provides eligible low-income Americans with health coverage, including pregnant women, elderly adults, people with disabilities and other qualified groups. Since each state operates its own Medicaid program, the available coverage may vary. In Georgia, Medicaid covers a variety of medically necessary services, such as doctor visits, hospital visits, emergency ambulance services, home health services and nursing facilities.

Seniors who live in the Atlanta area may be eligible for Medicaid coverage if they meet the program’s financial requirements. Georgia’s Medicaid income limit is $30,850 per year (before taxes) for single seniors. The income limit for couples is $41,768. In addition to these financial requirements, seniors must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, legal aliens or permanent residents.

Seniors can apply for Medicaid coverage through the state’s online portal, Georgia Gateway. Alternately, they can apply in person at their local Division of Family and Children Services office. Atlanta’s DFCS office is located at 1249 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. This office can be reached by phone at (404) 206-5300.

Seniors need to provide supporting documentation when they apply for Medicaid coverage. This documentation includes proof of Georgia residency, proof of citizenship status and their Social Security number. Seniors should also provide their most recent pay stubs, if applicable.

For more information about Georgia Medicaid or to receive help applying for coverage, call (800) 436-7442.

Medicaid Waivers

Georgia seniors who qualify for Medicaid and require the level of care provided by a nursing home may be eligible for assistance from one of the state’s two Medicaid waiver programs. These programs are Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment and the Community Care Services Program. There is a waiting list for both programs, and seniors can only participate in one program at a time.

SOURCE participants receive an individual care plan, which may include long-term health services. Assistance available through this program covers adult day health care, personal support and assisted living services. A comprehensive medical assessment determines eligibility for the program. This assessment also outlines what assistance a senior can receive through SOURCE. To apply for this program, seniors can call (866) 552-4464 to speak to a Home and Community-Based Services representative.

Seniors who participate in the CCSP can receive a variety of help in their own homes or in an assisted living facility. This assistance is monitored by a care coordinator and includes adult day health care, alternative living services and personal support services. To apply for this Medicaid waiver program, seniors can call the Area Agency on Aging at (855) 552-4464. The AAA conducts assessments to determine if seniors are eligible for the CCSP and then adds eligible seniors to the waiting list.

Optional State Supplementation

Low-income seniors in Atlanta may be eligible to receive money from the state’s Optional State Supplementation program. OSS provides additional funds to Supplemental Security Income recipients who live in assisted living facilities. Seniors can use this money to help pay for room and board. For single seniors, the maximum monthly OSS payment is $20, while couples can receive up to $40.

To qualify for OSS funding, seniors must be eligible for SSI. They must also live in a Medicaid facility. To learn more about OSS funding, seniors can call (800) 772-1213 to speak to a Social Security Administration representative.

Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance Program

Seniors who receive a basic VA pension and need help paying for assisted living care may be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance program. This program provides additional monthly payments to eligible seniors. To qualify, seniors must need assistance from another person to eat, bathe, get dressed or perform other daily personal functions. Seniors may also be eligible if they are legally blind, bedridden or living in a nursing home.

To learn more about this benefit, seniors can call the Atlanta Regional Benefit Office at (800) 827-1000. Seniors can visit this office, located at 1700 Clairmont Road in Decatur, Georgia, to apply for benefits in person. Alternately, seniors can apply by submitting a written request to the Pension Management Center:

Philadelphia VA Regional Office  
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
Attention:  Philadelphia Pension Center
P. O. Box 5206 
Janesville, WI  53547
Fax: 1-844-655-1604

There are several resources for veterans in the Atlanta area. Seniors can visit the regional office to learn about benefits and services they may be eligible for. Seniors who require medical care can visit the city’s VA hospital or one of its VA clinics.

Atlanta Regional Benefit Office 
1700 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
1 (800) 827-1000

Atlanta VA Medical Center 
1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 321-6111

Ft McPherson VA Clinic 
1701 Hardee Ave, Southwest Atlanta, GA 30310
(404) 321-6111 ext. 2222

Henderson Mill VA Clinic 
2296 Henderson Mill Rd, Ste 402, Atlanta, GA 30345
(404) 321-6111

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