10 Assisted Living Communities in Coweta County, Georgia

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $3,390 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 10 Assisted Living Communities in Coweta County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Coweta County, GA

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

At $3,390, the average monthly rate for assisted living in Coweta County is slightly higher than the Georgia median ($3,100) but over $600 less than the average nationally rate ($4,000).

The local cost is comparable to some communities in this area of the state, such as Athens ($3,350) and Macon ($3,484). Seniors here pay a lot more than their counterparts in other areas, including Columbus ($2,750), Albany ($2,320) and the state capital Augusta ($2,950). The state’s lowest assisted living cost is found in Warner Robins ($2,300), which is over $1,000 less per month than the Coweta County rate.

Note: Data for senior care costs in Coweta County wasn’t available, so data for the neighboring metro Atlanta area was used.

The cost of senior care in Coweta County spans a wide range based on multiple factors, such as the extent of care needed, setting and direct service hours provided. Seniors who need skilled, around-the-clock nursing care pay the highest rate for institutional nursing facilities ($6,753). Although assisted living facilities also provide residential care, they cost less than half as much at $3,390 per month. In-home care, provided by homemakers and home health aides, costs over $400 more than assisted living at an average of $3,813 per month. This rate only covers direct-care service hours, so seniors remaining at home still need to pay for groceries, utilities, homeowners insurance, property taxes and upkeep. The cost of housing and food is already included in the rate for assisted living.

Americans with limited income and few assets who can’t afford health insurance have a safety net through Medicaid. This jointly funded collaboration between the federal and state governments provides basic health care for over 65 million people, including parents with dependent children, pregnant women, adults with disabilities and seniors.

In Georgia, the state Medicaid program provides essential health care services to over 1.75 million residents, one in four of whom are elderly, blind or disabled. The program provides enrollees with numerous health care benefits, including doctor and specialist care, inpatient, outpatient and emergency hospital services, X-rays, lab tests, prescription medications and long-term care in nursing homes.

Qualifying for Medicaid Long-term Care Coverage

To qualify for long-term care coverage from Georgia Medicaid, Coweta County residents must be American citizens or legal immigrants and:

• Be 65 years of age or older or aged 64 or younger and disabled
• Have a maximum monthly income of $2,313 per person
• Have countable assets worth no more than $2,000 if single or $3,000 if married and applying jointly with a spouse

Those who meet the financial requirements for Supplemental Security Income benefits are enrolled in Georgia Medicaid automatically.

To determine applicants’ eligibility for Medicaid coverage, the state considers all sources of income, including wages, Social Security and VA benefits, pensions, dividends and interest. Several assets aren’t counted toward the limits, including personal effects, one vehicle, a primary home worth less than $585,000, household goods and irrevocable burial trusts.

Seniors can apply for Georgia Medicaid online, by visiting the Coweta County Department of Family and Children’s Services office at 533 Highway 29 North in Newnan or by calling (770) 254-7234.

CCSP and SOURCE Medicaid Waivers

The Georgia Medicaid program only covers institutional nursing home care as an entitlement. To help seniors avoid nursing home placement, the state also offers two waiver programs that cover services in a community setting. The waiver programs help the state save money on long-term care costs and let eligible seniors enjoy a less restrictive lifestyle.

Community Care Services Program

The CCSP waiver provides all-inclusive medical and long-term support services for Medicaid-eligible seniors. Those accepted into the program are evaluated, and a custom care plan is developed to meet their specific needs. Participants receive care coordination, assistance with activities of daily living and around-the-clock supervision in the community-based setting of their choice.

Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment Waiver

The SOURCE waiver provides supportive services, including case management, Medicaid medical care and long-term services and supports in an enrollee’s home or a community setting, such as an assisted living facility. Approved applicants have 24-hour access to their assigned case manager and primary care doctor and receive a care plan tailored to their personal needs. Based on this plan, participants can receive various personal support services, such as assistance with daily living activities.

To qualify for these two waiver programs, Coweta County residents must:

• Meet the residency, functional and financial requirements of Georgia Medicaid
• Be assessed as requiring an intermediate or nursing home level of care
• Be physically and cognitively capable of living in a community setting

Those approved for either program must pay the room-and-board portion of their assisted living facility fees. The waivers aren’t Medicaid entitlement programs, and participation is capped so approved applicants may have to wait to receive services depending on availability.

To schedule an assessment to begin the CCSP or SOURCE waiver application process, Coweta County residents can contact the Three Rivers Area Agency on Aging at (866) 854-5652.

Reverse Mortgage

Coweta County homeowners who need extra cash to pay assisted living expenses may apply for a reverse mortgage. These mortgages provide homeowners with a monthly check based on their equity to use for any purpose. To qualify, applicants must be aged 62 or older and have an adequate level of home equity. One applicant must remain in the home, so this funding source is ideal if only one spouse needs long-term care. When the last applicant moves out or the property gets sold, the mortgage must be paid off.

To learn more about reverse mortgages, interested seniors can contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Optional State Supplementation

Seniors and disabled residents of Coweta County eligible for federal Supplemental Security Income benefits may also qualify for a monthly cash benefit from the Georgia Optional State Supplement program. This $20 stipend is only available to seniors living in licensed care facilities and may be used to help cover care-related expenses, such as assisted living room and board.

To apply for Georgia OSS benefits, Coweta County seniors can call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Seniors Services of Coweta County operates the busy Tommy Thompson Center in Newnan, as well as senior programs at four other community centers throughout the county. The programs and services offered vary between centers, but can include fitness classes, arts and crafts lessons, educational presentations and health and wellness screenings. Other offerings can include special social events, day outings and extended group trips to fun destinations. The county agency also coordinates the senior nutrition program that serves healthy congregate lunches at each center and provides home-delivered meals to housebound seniors. Free transportation is available to and from the various centers, and ride vouchers are provided so county residents aged 60 and older can get to medical appointments and run necessary errands, such as grocery shopping. Coweta County Senior Services
22 E. Broad St., Newnan, GA 30263
(770) 254-2601

The Three Rivers Regional Commission is the designated Area Agency on Aging that serves the older population of Coweta and nine other counties in central Georgia. The commission plans, coordinates and oversees an array of programs, such as nutritious home-delivered and congregate meals, adult day care, senior job training, transportation and health screenings. The Aging and Disability Resource Center has trained counselors who provide vital information, initial screenings and referrals to local aging-related programs and services that help area seniors maintain their independence and a high quality of life. Three Rivers Area Agency on Aging
13273 Georgia Hwy. 34, Franklin, GA 30217
(866) 854-5652

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