6 Assisted Living Communities in Tucker, 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 6 Assisted Living Communities in Tucker 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

As indicated by the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study, Tucker’s monthly average cost of assisted living is the second highest in the state. At $3,390 per month, it’s above the state average of $3,100, almost $600 below the national average ($4,000) and just behind Gainesville ($3,500), which is the most expensive city in Georgia. In Albany, the cost is more than $1,000 lower than Tucker at only $2,320 per month, while in other large cities throughout Georgia, such as Augusta ($2,950), Columbus ($2,750) and Savannah ($2,800), the cost is only a few hundred dollars less. 

Note: Specific senior care cost data is not available for Tucker. Data for the nearest major city, Atlanta, has been used in its place. 

Nursing home care for a semiprivate room ($6,753) in Tucker is nearly double the cost of assisted living, which illustrates how the type of care plays a major role in determining long-term care costs. When compared with in-home care services, assisted living is about $400 less per month. However, it’s important to budget for many other expenses when choosing to continue living at home, such as rent, food and house maintenance, all of which are usually included in the cost of assisted living.  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 programs provide low-income individuals and families with access to a variety of health care services, including medical treatment, doctor check-ups, dental care and prescription medication. Most commonly, those who access Medicaid fall under one of four categories: families with children, pregnant women, individuals with a terminal illness or senior citizens. In Georgia, Medicaid is funded by the state with the support of the federal government. 

Community Care Services Program

While Georgia’s state plan doesn’t cover the cost of assisted living, seniors can receive funding for long-term care under the state’s Community Care Services Program (CCSP) Waiver. This waiver supports elderly individuals who require a nursing level of care yet wish to continue living at home or within an assisted living community. The program covers the cost of home care or assisted living services and, depending on needs, may also cover the cost of regular nurse visits, respite care, medical equipment and transportation services. 

To qualify for Georgia’s Medicaid plan and the CCSP Waiver, seniors must be 65 years of age or older and meet financial requirements, which stipulate that income may not exceed $2,313 per month and countable assets may not exceed $2,000. Applicants are also required to undergo a complete care assessment to determine their level of need. 

While the state Medicaid plan is an entitlement program, which means any senior who meets eligibility requirements may participate, the CCSP waiver only accepts 19,000 participants at once. Seniors are typically added to a waiting list before they’re accepted. 

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

The state of Georgia’s Department of Human Services – Division of Aging Services, along with 12 Area Agencies on Aging, provides the HCBS program. Although the program doesn’t cover the cost of assisted living, it does provide a range of services to seniors in need, which may help to reduce their health care costs and avoid further institutionalization if they require a nursing level of care. Some services provided by HCBS include physical fitness classes, senior companion services, nutritional counseling, nursing care assistance and support groups. 

This program has no financial requirements and accepts participants on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must be 60 years of age or older. To apply, seniors can contact the Atlanta Regional Commission Aging Division at (404) 463-3333.

To learn more about Medicaid benefits, eligibility or wait-list times, seniors can call (866) 552-4464. 

Optional State Supplement

The optional state supplement is available to seniors and disabled individuals who reside in long-term care facilities or receive long-term care at home. This cash benefit was created to provide additional resources to Medicaid recipients for out-of-pocket expenses, such as room and board. The supplement is provided by the state with additional funding from the federal government.

To qualify for this benefit, seniors must already receive Supplemental Security Income and meet the financial eligibility requirements of the state Medicaid plan. 

To apply for the optional state supplement, seniors can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213. 

Elderlife Financial Loan

Seniors who are unable to receive financial assistance from state or federal programs may qualify for an elder bridge loan from Elderlife Financial Services. These loans can pay the cost of long-term care in the short term while seniors await more permanent funding. Once approved, funds are issued directly to the applicant’s place of residence on their behalf and are to be repaid via monthly installments. 

Eligibility is based on credit history and income; however, those who are unable to qualify on their own may include up to six cosigners on their application to increase the chances of approval. To apply, seniors can visit Elderlife Financial online or call (888) 228-4500. 

Area Agencies on Aging offer senior citizens access to community resources and benefit programs. Services may include Medicaid assistance and case management.  Atlanta Regional Commission
229 Peachtree Street #100, Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 463-3100

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides for seniors who have served in any branch of the U.S. Military by offering a variety of benefits, including healthcare services and financial assistance. 

VA Atlanta Regional Office
1700 Clairmont Road Decatur, Georgia 30033
(800) 827-1000

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