Assisted Living in Macon, GA

Assisted Living Costs in Macon

While assisted living costs in Macon ($3,484) fall well below the national average of $4,000, the city still has the highest monthly care expenses in this part of the state, according to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study. In nearby Warner Robins, assisted living averages over $1,000 per month less at $2,300. Senior care costs in Columbus ($2,750) and the Augusta area ($2,950) also come in under $3,000 monthly. Even the Atlanta area, which houses the state capital, is less costly than Macon, with monthly expenses of $3,390. Overall, Macon comes in almost $400 per month higher than the state’s average for assisted living care. 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care costs generally vary depending on the type of service needed, which is true in Macon. Averaging $6,874 per month, nursing home care in the city is nearly twice as expensive as assisted living, while at the lower end of the cost spectrum, monthly expenses for adult day health services average only $1,300. Assisted living costs $3,484 per month on average in Macon, making it comparable to homemaker services ($3,337) and home health aides ($3,337), but prices do vary for in-home care based on the number of weekly home health care hours needed. Seniors should also factor in mortgage payments, monthly utility fees and other household expenses when weighing the cost of in-home services versus those of residential care.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Macon

Medicaid in Georgia

Georgia’s Medicaid program provides health care benefits to low-income residents aged 65 and older, although individuals younger than 65 may qualify if they demonstrate the need for nursing home care or have a disability. Eligible seniors receive medical and behavioral health care with an emphasis on prevention. In addition to other benefits, enrollees receive a no-cost annual well visit, which may include health screenings, medical counseling and adult immunizations, such as flu shots.

Income limits may vary depending on an applicant’s current living situation, but some basic guidelines apply. To qualify, aged, blind or disabled individuals who receive SSI income should earn no more than $771 per month and have less than $2,000 in total resources. The limit for married couples receiving SSI is $1,157 per month with no more than $3,000 in assets.

Individuals who demonstrate a need for a nursing facility level of care but are capable of living independently with the assistance of community services should have a monthly income of no more than $2,313 with assets not exceeding $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples. For qualified Medicare beneficiaries, income limits are $1,061 per month for individuals and $1,430 per month for married couples applying jointly, with asset limits of $7,730 and $11,600 respectively.

Eligible seniors may apply in person at the Bibb County DFCS office in Macon or online at Georgia Gateway. For further information, interested individuals can call (877) 423-4746.

Georgia also has several Medicaid waiver programs that may help state residents offset the costs of assisted living or supplement it with additional services. Individuals may only enroll in one waiver program at a time.

Community Care Services Program

Administered by Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging, CCSP is designed to provide seniors in need with community-based services as an alternative to nursing home placement. Interested seniors are assigned a care coordinator, who assesses needs, helps develop an appropriate care plan and sets up delivery of services. Available benefits include personal emergency response systems, skilled nursing and personal support services. 

To qualify, seniors must demonstrate a functional impairment due to a physical limitation and have physician approval for an intermediate level of care at a nursing facility. Individuals must be Medicaid-eligible and want to remain in a community setting. While the program has limited openings, priority is given to individuals demonstrating the most need.

For more information or to request services, interested seniors should contact the Middle Georgia Regional Commission or call Georgia’s Area Agency on Aging’s statewide toll-free number: (866) 552-4464.

Service Options Using Resources in a Community

SOURCE delivers primary care, case management and long-term health services to frail elderly or disabled individuals in a community-based setting, providing an alternative to nursing home care. To qualify, individuals must be Medicaid-eligible and demonstrate a medical need for an intermediate nursing home level of care. Applicants are assessed for eligibility and service requirements.

Benefits include assisted living programs, personal support services, emergency alert systems, 24-hour physician access and case management. Seniors are actively involved in care decisions and may designate family members to participate in care.

For additional information or to apply, seniors can phone the Home and Community-Based Services toll-free number at (866) 552-4464.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Georgia Money Follows the Person

Aimed at individuals currently residing in inpatient settings, including elderly in hospitals, nursing homes or other long-term treatment facilities, GA MFP provides a means for returning seniors to a more independent community setting, such as assisted living. MFP offers funding for costs related to the transition, including moving expenses, furniture, household needs and community resources. 

To qualify, individuals must have stayed in an inpatient facility for at least 90 consecutive days, require an institutional level of care, be a Medicaid beneficiary and move into a qualifying facility. During the application process, applicants are screened for program eligibility and to determine needs. Once accepted into the program, seniors are assigned a transitions counselor to coordinate services through the appropriate Medicaid waiver program.

Seniors who have questions or wish to participate in the program can get more information by calling (404) 651-9961 or emailing Georgia’s MFP office at [email protected]. 

Home and Community-Based Services

Georgia’s HCBS program helps Macon seniors live safely and independently in a community setting, such as assisted living. This non-Medicaid program provides a host of benefits, including counseling, emergency response systems, personal care and nutrition education.

Individuals aged 60 and older may apply although certain services, such as kinship care, are available at age 55. The Area Agency on Aging assesses eligibility and level of need and may place individuals on a waiting list if demand is high. Applicants who are currently living alone or at risk of nursing home placement are among those given priority. 

To apply, seniors should reach out to the Middle Georgia Regional Commission or call Georgia’s Area Agency on Aging’s toll-free number at (866) 552-4464.

Assisted Living Resources in Macon

Senior Recreation Centers

Providing opportunities for socialization, education and recreation, Macon’s pet-friendly senior center welcomes adults aged 50 and older. The Elaine H. Lucas Senior Center is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and offers indoor and outdoor activities.

Elaine H. Lucas Senior Center
132 Willie Smokie Glover Dr., Macon, GA 31201
(478) 803-4152

Senior Wellness Centers

Navicent Health’s Wellness Center sponsors the Golden Opportunities program, which aims to enhance the health and wellness of Macon seniors through educational, social and health programs and services. The Center’s senior-centric offerings include AARP defensive driving classes, fall risk assessments, field trips and health seminars. The Center also gives seniors information about and access to comprehensive community resources.

The Wellness Center Golden Opportunities
3797 Northside Dr., Macon, GA 31210
(478) 633-8507

Veterans’ Resources

Macon-area veterans have access to a variety of local resources for health care, education and community referrals. Vet centers can also assist eligible veterans in navigating available government benefits and programs that may be beneficial to their well-being. Local VA clinics offer medical services, including behavioral health care, lab work and prescriptions.

GDVS Macon Veterans Field Service Office
5566 Thomaston Rd., Macon, GA 31201
(478) 476-8868
State benefits assistance

Macon Vet Center
750 Riverside Dr., Macon, GA 31201
(478) 477-3813
Counseling, community referrals, benefits assistance

Macon VA Clinic
5566 Thomaston Rd., Macon, GA 31220
(800) 595-5229
Primary care, behavioral health services, lab work, prescriptions