4 Communities in Gordon County, Georgia

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $3,200 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 4 Assisted Living Communities in Gordon County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Gordon County, GA

• Assisted Living: $3,200
• Nursing Home Care: $6,000
• In-home Care: $3,623
• Adult Day Health Services: N/A

Per the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care survey, assisted living in Gordon County costs an average of $3,200 per month, which is just $100 over the state average of $3,100. Costs here are fairly consistent, with most surveyed cities in central and northwest Georgia, such as Gainesville ($3,500), Athens ($3,350) and the metro Atlanta area ($3,390). Rates in nearby Dalton ($4,035) are close to the national average of $4,000. In comparison, assisted living in Gordon County is a bargain at $800 less per month.

Note: Senior care cost data for Gordon County wasn’t available. Data for the nearby city of Rome was used here instead.

In Gordon County and throughout Georgia, those who need 24-hour skilled services pay the highest rates for senior care in nursing homes. Assisted living is almost half the cost of nursing home care, even though it’s provided in a residential setting. Those who wish to remain at home pay a premium, too. Not only do homemaker and home health aide services cost $400-$500 more per month compared to assisted living, but utilities, maintenance and food must be paid for as well. These types of expenses are typically included in the monthly rates for assisted living.

The nationwide Medicaid program was introduced in 1965 to provide low-income, low-asset Americans with necessary health care services. The program is a jointly funded endeavor between individual states and the federal government. 

Georgia’s Medicaid program provides a range of basic medical services to over 1.7 million residents of all ages, including the elderly, blind and disabled. Covered services include doctor and specialist visits, inpatient and emergency hospital care, X-rays and lab tests, prescription medications and long-term nursing home care.

To be eligible for long-term care coverage through Medicaid, Georgia residents must be U.S. citizens or qualified aliens and aged 65 or older. Adults aged 64 and younger must be blind or disabled to qualify. Financially, applicants are limited to:

• $2,313 in monthly income per person
• $2,000 in total assets for individuals and $3,000 for married couples

All sources of income count toward the Medicaid limit, including wages and salaries, VA and Social Security benefits, investment earnings, pension payments and IRA withdrawals.

Assets such as cash, bank account balances, stocks and bonds and investment property are counted. Some assets are excluded, such as an applicant’s principal home, household and personal effects, one vehicle and burial plots.

Those eligible for federal Supplemental Security Income benefits automatically qualify for Georgia Medicaid medical and long-term care coverage. 

Gordon County residents can begin the application process for Georgia Medicaid long-term care online, by visiting the Division of Family and Children’s Services office at 619 Mauldin Rd. in Calhoun or by calling (706) 624-1200.

Georgia Medicaid Waivers for Assisted Living

Assisted living isn’t an entitlement of the Georgia Medicaid program, but the state offers two waiver programs that may help seniors pay for services received in a community setting.

Applicants must be financially and functionally eligible for Medicaid nursing home care to qualify for these waiver programs:

The Community Care Services program may help seniors avoid nursing home placement by providing necessary services and supports in a state-licensed alternative living setting, such as an assisted living community. Successful applicants are paired with a care coordinator who collaborates with their primary care doctor to determine the services they need. The coordinator then arranges and oversees the delivery of approved services and supports. Services covered by the CCS waiver include supervision and assistance with personal care and activities of daily living. 

The Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment program offers seniors comprehensive managed care to meet their medical and long-term care needs in the community instead of an institutional nursing facility. SOURCE participants receive an initial assessment and a personalized care plan to address their specific needs. Covered services include medical care, personal supports in a participant’s home or approved assisted living setting and 24-hour access to case management and a primary care doctor.

The CCSP and SOURCE programs are subject to participation caps, so even when seniors are approved, they may have to wait until a program slot becomes available to receive services.

To learn more or begin the assessment process for the CCSP or SOURCE waiver program, Gordon County residents should contact the Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging at (800) 759-2963.

Optional State Supplementation

Gordon County seniors with little income who live in or are moving to a state-licensed assisted living facility may qualify for SSI and an extra monthly cash benefit from the state. The Optional State Supplementation program adds a $20 top-up to eligible seniors’ monthly SSI checks, which may be used to pay expenses such as room and board fees in a care facility.

To apply for SSI and OSS benefits, seniors can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 or visit the nearest SSA branch at 301 Point North Pl. in Dalton.

Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance Benefit

Senior veterans and their surviving spouses currently receiving a regular VA pension may be eligible for an additional monthly stipend through the Aid and Attendance program to help cover the cost of needed care. To receive this benefit, veterans must meet one of the following qualifying conditions:

• Require help with activities of daily living

• Be largely confined to bed

• Reside in a nursing home due to chronic mental or physical illness

• Have a severe visual impairment

Applicants also must:

• Be an honorably discharged veteran with a minimum of 90 days active service with at least one day occurring during wartime

• Have a yearly income below the maximum payment of $22,577 ($26,766 with one dependent)

• Not be currently receiving a VA disability pension

Senior veterans can receive help completing and filing an application for the A&A program at the Veterans Field Service office serving Gordon County, located at 201 Calhoun Ave. in Rome. To schedule an appointment, call (706) 295-6026.

The mission of the Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging is to promote the health and well-being of area senior citizens who wish to continue living in their community instead of a long-term care facility. The nonprofit agency achieves this goal by providing seniors with options counseling, information on available resources, referrals to beneficial programs and services and transitional support. Northwest Georgia Area Agency on Aging
3 Jackson Hill Dr., Rome, GA 30161
(800) 759-2963

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