Assisted Living in Kennesaw, GA

Assisted Living Costs in Kennesaw

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost of assisted living care in Kennesaw, Georgia, is $3,390, making it much more affordable than the national average of $4,000 per month. However, assisted living care costs in Kennesaw are slightly higher than the statewide average of $3,100. In some of Georgia’s smaller cities, such as Savannah and Columbus, assisted living care costs approximately $600 per month less than in Kennesaw. Other major metropolitan areas offer significantly more expensive care, including Brunswick ($4,145) and Dalton ($4,035).

Note: Senior care cost data was not available for Kennesaw, so data for the Atlanta area was used.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Kennesaw/Atlanta area: $3,390
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,100
• Augusta area: $2,950
• Brunswick: $4,145
• Columbus: $2,750
• Dalton: $4,035
• Savannah: $2,800
• Valdosta: $3,000

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care costs in Kennesaw vary significantly depending on the type of care a senior needs. Assisted living care costs, on average, about half as much as nursing home care. Homemaker services and home health aides cost nearly $500 more per month than assisted living care. In addition, seniors who choose these in-home services should consider other costs associated with remaining at home, such as rent, utilities and groceries, as these expenses are typically included in the price of assisted living facilities. Seniors who require adult day health care pay an average of $1,712 per month, which is about half the price of assisted living 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

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Kennesaw

Medicaid in Georgia

Medicaid is a health insurance program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible Americans. Low-income adults, people with disabilities, elderly adults and others may be able to receive health coverage through this program. In Georgia, Medicaid covers a wide variety of health services, including doctor visits, hospital services, medical equipment, nursing home care and transportation to medical appointments.

To obtain coverage from Georgia Medicaid, seniors must meet various eligibility criteria. They must live in Georgia, and they must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, permanent residents or legal aliens. In addition, they must meet income requirements. To qualify for Medicaid coverage, single seniors can’t earn more than $29,986 per year before tax. The maximum yearly earnings for couples is $40,656 before tax.

Kennesaw seniors can apply for Medicaid coverage through the state of Georgia’s online portal, Georgia Gateway. They can also visit the Cobb County Department of Family and Children Services, which is located at 325 South Fairground Street in Marietta, or call the DFCS office at (770) 528-7683.

In Georgia, two Medicaid waiver programs may help seniors access assisted living care: the Community Care Services Program and Services Options Using Resources in a Community Environment.

The CCSP provides many services to eligible seniors, such as adult day health care, assisted living care, personal support services and home-delivered meals, depending on the senior’s needs. To qualify for this program, seniors must need the level of care that is provided by a nursing home but choose to live elsewhere, such as at home or in an assisted living facility. They must also be financially eligible for Medicaid and not currently participating in another waiver program.

The CCSP is not an entitlement program, and there is a waiting list to receive services. The amount of funding from the state determines the number of spots available in this program, and seniors are prioritized based on their need for services.

To apply for the CCSP, or to learn more, seniors can call the Atlanta Regional Area Agency on Aging at (404) 463-3100.

SOURCE is a Medicaid waiver program that helps connect frail elderly adults with health care services. Seniors who participate in this program receive an individual care path based on their medical needs. This care path may include long-term care services, such as assisted living services, personal support services and adult day health care. Like the CCSP, this program isn’t an entitlement.

To be eligible for SOURCE, seniors must require the level of care that is provided by nursing homes and be financially eligible for Medicaid. They must also undergo a comprehensive assessment.

Seniors who want to apply for SOURCE or learn more about the program can call 1 (866) 552-4464 to speak to a representative at Home and Community-Based Services.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Veterans Aid and Assistance Program

Veterans and survivor spouses who need help paying for assisted living care may be eligible to receive assistance from the Veterans Aid and Assistance Program. Seniors who participate in this program get an additional monthly payment on top of their VA pension. This extra funding can help seniors pay for their care in assisted living facilities.

To be eligible for this increased pension amount, seniors must be eligible to receive a VA pension. They must also require assistance from another person to bathe, get dressed or perform other daily functions. Seniors who are legally blind, bedridden or residents of nursing homes may also qualify.

To apply, seniors can mail a written request to the Philadelphia Regional VA Office at the address listed below. This office is the Pension Management Center for Georgia and the rest of the East Coast. Seniors can also apply in person by visiting a local regional benefit office. For more information, seniors can call 1 (844) 698-2311 to speak to a Department of Veterans Affairs representative.

Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
Attention:  Philadelphia Pension Center
P.O. Box 5206 
Janesville, WI  53547

Bridge Loans for Assisted Living

Seniors in Kennesaw may be able to obtain short-term funding from an assisted living bridge loan. These loans may be helpful for seniors who are waiting to receive a more permanent source of funding, such as the proceeds from a home sale. Often, loans have a line of credit structure, and seniors can choose how much to withdraw each month. These funds are sent directly to the assisted living facility where the senior lives.

To apply for a bridge loan, seniors can call Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500 or fill out an online application. Seniors can have up to six cosigners, and these cosigners do not have to be relatives of the senior.

Assisted Living Resources in Kennesaw

Senior Centers

Seniors can visit a senior center in nearby Marietta to participate in scheduled activities such as arts and crafts, exercise classes and recreational trips. Seniors must have a Cobb County Senior Center membership, which costs $60 per year, to participate in senior center activities.

East Cobb Senior Center 
3332 Sandy Plains Rd, Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 509-4900

Senior Wellness Center 
1150 Powder Springs St, Ste 100, Marietta, GA 30064
(770) 528-5355

Veterans Affairs

There are several Veterans Affairs resources in the Kennesaw area. Seniors can visit the VA Regional Benefit Office in nearby Atlanta to learn more about benefits and pensions. The Atlanta VA hospital provides medical treatment to seniors, as does the VA clinic in Marietta.

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

Marietta Vet Center 
40 Dott St, Ste 700, Marietta, GA 30060
(404) 327-4954

Atlanta VA Health Care System 
1670 Clairmont Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 321-6111

Area Agency on Aging

The Atlanta Regional Commission is the designated AAA for the Atlanta metropolitan area. Kennesaw seniors can contact the AAA to learn about available programs and services. The AAA also provides support and information to family caregivers.

Atlanta Regional Commission 
229 Peachtree St NE, Ste 100, Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 463-3100