Assisted Living in Georgia
Georgia is a New South haven for seniors looking for low taxes, rich culture and a manageable cost of living. With a history that goes back to before the founding of the United States, Georgia has countless cultural and historical sites, some dating from before the Revolution, others from the Civil War era and others as recent as the Georgia Film Academy, which opened in 2016.
Georgia can be very accommodating for seniors on a fixed income. The state does not tax Social Security income, inheritance or estates. Seniors can take up to a $65,000 deduction on their state returns for private pensions, and both sales and property taxes are moderate by national standards. Around 14% of Georgia's 10.6 million people are seniors aged 65 and over, according to the U.S. Census. The state's senior population has grown by 10% since 2010, with increases expected through at least 2030.
Seniors in Georgia pay an average of $3,335 a month for board and care services at the state's 679 assisted living facilities, according to the Genworth 2019 Cost of Care Survey. This is below the national average cost of $4,051 a month. This guide is written for seniors in Georgia who are looking into assisted living. It goes over likely costs for all levels of senior care and identifies free resources to help pay for senior living in Georgia.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Georgia
SeniorAdvice gives Georgia a SeniorScore of 72%, which is in line with the national average. Factors that contribute to Georgia's rating include the local climate, cost of living and safety. Seniors in Georgia have access to recreational facilities, low-crime neighborhoods and a generally high standard of living.
SeniorScore™ for Georgia
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Georgia's SeniorScore™ of 72 is the same as the national average of 72.
- Georgia has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
- Georgia has a high number of hospitals within the state.
- Georgia has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
- Georgia has an average number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
- The average life expectancy in Georgia is 77.2, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- Georgia has a high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
- Georgia has a high overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
- 25% of the population in Georgia are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
- Georgia has 399 golf courses in the state.
- Georgia has an average number of municipal parks throughout the state.
- Georgia has 3,114 churches in the state.
- The property taxes average 2.15% of total income in Georgia, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 0.86% of property value in Georgia, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The average sales tax in Georgia is 6.50%, which is lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- The average state income tax in Georgia is 5.02%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.38%.
- The mean household income in Georgia is $67,114, which is higher than the national average of $64,580.
- Georgia's median household income is $52,318, which is higher than the national average of $51,560.
- The average per capita income in Georgia is $25,442, which is lower than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs in Georgia average $34,019 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $42,700.
- Nursing home costs in Georgia average $72,551 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $92,481.
- Costs for adult daycare in Georgia average $14,322 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $17,931.
- Costs for home healthcare in Georgia average $41,090 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $46,197.
- The unemployment rate is about 9.84% in Georgia, which is significantly higher than then national rate of 8.26%.
- The overall cost of living in Georgia is low compared to national averages.
- 1.14% of the senior population in Georgia are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Georgia receives an average of 51.9 inches of rain per year.
- Georgia has an average annual temperature of 62.3 degrees fahrenheit.
- Georgia has an average low temperature of 50.0 degrees fahrenheit.
- Georgia has an average high temperature of 73.4 degrees fahrenheit.
- Georgia has an average population density of 665 people per square mile.
- Georgia has a low public school quality ranking.
- Georgia has a high public school safety ranking.
- Georgia has an average graduation rate of 84.00%.
Climate is a major factor in Georgia's SeniorScore. The Peach State enjoys warm summers and some of the mildest winters in America. Seniors can spend the warm spring and fall afternoons on any of the state's 399 public golf courses, while hunting, fishing and camping options abound in the rural southern part of the state.
Georgia is a relatively affordable place to live for many seniors. The state's overall cost of living is just over 93% of the average national cost for common personal expenses. Seniors in Georgia generally pay 4% or 5% less for health services than seniors do nationwide, while housing costs are more than 19% below the national average. Georgia has moderate sales and property taxes, with an average state income tax of just 5%.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Georgia
Manor Care Rehabilitation Center - Marietta is located at 4360 Johnson Ferry Pl in Marietta, Georgia. It is a 117 room nursing facility. The surrounding area has a dense population, with about 33,000 poeple living in the 30068 ...
Signature Healthcare of Marietta is a 154 room skilled nursing facility. It is located at 811 Kennesaw Ave in Marietta, Georgia. The encompassing area is densely populated, with roughly 36,000 people residing in the 30060 zip code. ...
Budd Terrace at Wesley Woods is a 250 room senior care community situated within the Druid Hills neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. The neighboring area has a dense population, with approximately 30,000 individuals living in the zip code of 30329. ...
Located in the Redan area of Lithonia, Georgia, Bilmisd Loving Care Home 2 is a 3 bed residential care home. With approximately 54,000 individuals living in the zip code of 30058, the encompassing area is densely populated. It ...
Located at 3850 Safehaven Dr in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Life Care Center of Gwinnett is a 163 bed senior community. The facility is in a mostly middle income area, with an average household income of $57,915. With approximately 81,000 ...
Manor Care Rehabilitation Center - Decatur is a 140 room nursing facility situated in Decatur, Georgia. With a median per-family income of $55,020, the community is in a generally middle class area. It has a dense population, with ...
PruittHealth - Fairburn is an 82 unit nursing care facility situated in Fairburn, Georgia. With roughly 30,000 poeple living in the 30213 zip code, the encompassing area has a dense population. It is a generally middle income area, ...
Autumn Breeze Health Care Center is situated in the Fair Oaks neighborhood of Marietta, Georgia. It is a 109 unit nursing care facility. The facility is in a largely middle income area, with an average per-family income of ...
Located in the Druid Hills neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia, A.G. Rhodes at Wesley Woods is a 150 room senior community. The facility is in a mostly middle class area, with an average per-family income of $45,861. With about ...
Coventry Place is a senior housing community located at 2806 N Decatur Rd in Decatur, Georgia. The community is in a largely middle class area, with an average family income of $55,020. It is heavily populated, with roughly ...
Golden Home Services is a senior care facility located at 11205 Alpharetta Hwy Ste D2 in Roswell, Georgia. With roughly 44,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 30076, the surrounding area has a dense population. It is ...
Jonesboro Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is located at 2650 Highway 138 SE in Jonesboro, Georgia. It is a 129 bed nursing facility. With approximately 47,000 people residing in the 30236 zip code, the encompassing area is heavily populated. ...
Legacy Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 186 unit skilled nursing facility situated within the Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. With an average household income of $46,321, the community is in a predominantly middle class area. It ...
Located at 508 South Rogers St in Pooler, Georgia, The Place at Pooler is a 122 bed senior housing community. With about 22,000 individuals living in the 31322 zip code, the encompassing area is heavily populated. It is ...
A.G. Rhodes Health and Rehab is located within the Cabbagetown area of Atlanta, Georgia. It is a 138 room nursing home facility. The surrounding area has an average population density, with roughly 20,000 people residing in the zip ...
Located at One Savannah Square Dr in Savannah, Georgia, Savannah Square Health Center is a 40 room nursing care facility. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with about 35,000 individuals living in the 31406 zip code. It is ...
Memorial Manor is located at 1500 East Shotwell St in Bainbridge, Georgia. It is a 107 room senior community. With a median per-household income of $35,769, the facility is in a mostly middle class area. It ...
PruittHealth - Magnolia Manor is located at 3003 Veterans Parkway S in Moultrie, Georgia. It is a 100 room skilled nursing facility. The encompassing area has a medium-density population, with around 12,000 people residing in the zip code ...
Morningside of Macon is a 122 unit senior care facility. It is located at 6190 Peake Rd in Macon, Georgia. The community is in a predominantly middle income area, with an average family income of $57,138. It ...
Located at 490 Kathwood Dr in Athens, Georgia, The Oaks - Athens Skilled Nursing is a 120 bed nursing facility. The neighboring area has a medium-density population, with around 12,000 poeple living in the zip code of 30607. ...
The Cost of Assisted Living in Georgia
Georgia's $3,335 average monthly cost for assisted living is well below the national average of $4,051 for similar services. Assisted living in Georgia is also less expensive than in several nearby states, such as Florida and South Carolina, where the monthly cost of care is $3,500 for each. Assisted living in Tennessee averages $3,900 a month. Of the states closest to Georgia, only Alabama has lower average costs for assisted living, at $3,250 a month.
- Georgia: $3,335
- United States: $4,051
- South Carolina: $3,500
- Florida:$3,500
- Alabama: $3,250
- Tennessee: $3,900
The Cost of Assisted Living in Georgia's Top Cities
Georgia's top cities show a surprising range of average monthly prices for assisted living. Brunswick is among the most expensive major urban areas in the state for assisted living. There, costs average $6,000 a month for board and care, plus some assistance with activities of daily living. At the other end of the spectrum, Macon's average monthly cost for assisted living is $2,600. Similar services in Atlanta, the state capital, average $3,750 a month, while in Savannah seniors can expect to pay $3,325. Athens seniors pay an average of $3,500 a month for similar care nearby.
- Atlanta: $3,750
- Savannah: $3,325
- Macon: $2,600
- Brunswick: $6,000
- Athens: $3,500
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Georgia
Assisted living is one of Georgia's most affordable senior care options. At $3,335 a month for residential care, assisted living in Georgia is nearly $300 a month less costly than in-home care, which averages $3,813 a month. It is also less expensive than home health worker services, which cost an average of $3,909 a month. Adult day programs do not provide overnight care, which is reflected in the lower price of $1,435 a month. Skilled nursing in Georgia costs seniors an average of $6,684 a month for a semi-private room.
- Nursing Home Care: $6,684
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Georgia
Georgia's Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) Medicaid program helps eligible Georgians with qualifying disabilities pay for many of the costs of residential care. Seniors aged 65 and over, as well as younger adults who are visually impaired or physically disabled can use ABD benefits to pay for residential care that includes hospice services in an assisted living facility. Seniors with ABD Medicaid are also covered for short hospital stays and some other inpatient services.
To qualify for ABD assistance with paying for long-term care, seniors must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, be living in Georgia and meet Georgia Medicaid's income and asset restrictions. Seniors who receive SSI are automatically eligible for ABD Medicaid. Some limitations on covered services apply. Speak with a Medicaid planner before signing up for residential assisted living through the ABD program.
Address: 2 Peachtree St NW, 29th Floor, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone Number: (404) 651-6316
Website: https://medicaid.georgia.gov/
SOURCE waivers provide financial assistance to Medicaid-eligible seniors throughout Georgia who opt out of placement in a skilled nursing facility in favor of placement in an assisted living community. More than 18,000 people in Georgia use SOURCE benefits to help pay for assisted living and community-based care.
To qualify for a SOURCE waiver, beneficiaries must be enrolled in Medicaid and meet the program's income and asset limitations. Applicants must have a qualifying disability and a medical need for care that justifies placement in a nursing care home.
Address: 2 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone Number: (866) 552-4464
Website: https://dch.georgia.gov/sites/dch.georgia.gov/files/related_files/document/17SOURCE.pdf
CCSP waivers pay for personal caregiver assistance that may be delivered in a senior's home or at an assisted living facility. Caregivers can be anyone the beneficiary chooses, including family, spouses and personal friends. Covered caregiver services include bathing, dressing, meal preparation and other activities of daily living. To qualify for participation in the CCSP waiver program, seniors in Georgia must meet Medicaid eligibility standards and have a condition that justifies placement in a nursing care home. Under some circumstances, services are open to seniors in participating assisted living facilities.
Phone Number: (706) 675-6721
Website: https://healthforcega.com/pdf/georgia-ccsp-information-sheet.pdf
Georgia Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
Assisted living facilities in Georgia are regulated by the Department of Community Health. The department formulates the policies facilities uphold and conducts inspections to ensure compliance. Every licensed facility in the state is monitored for adherence to the department's rules for scope of care, care plans, medication policy, staffing and abuse prevention and reporting.
Scope of Care | Assisted living facilities in Georgia may admit a resident whose medical needs can all be met at the level of care offered by the facility. Staff members may prompt residents to take medication and monitor and log their use. Every facility must have at least one administrator, a manager or another responsible supervisor on duty 24 hours a day. The minimum staff-to-resident ratios are 1:15 during waking hours and 1:25 at night. Facilities are required to keep additional staff on duty if it is necessary to meet residents' needs. |
Care Plan Requirements | Prior to admission, seniors moving into assisted living must have a plan of care developed in consultation with a licensed physician. The care plan must be kept in the resident's file and regularly updated to reflect any change in condition or medication schedule. |
Medication Management Requirements | Facility staff may assist residents self-administered medications that fit within the resident's plan of care. Medications must be kept secure and distributed in sealed packages of measured doses. Nursing staff and medication aides may distribute prescription medication listed on residents' care plans, log their consumption and collect unused doses. Noncertified staff may not distribute or administer medication. |
Staff Requirements | All employees of Georgia's assisted living communities must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint and background screening. Employees who acquire a criminal record during their employment must report their conviction and submit to a new background check. |
Staff Training Requirements | All employees of assisted living facilities must complete training within 60 days of hire that includes resident rights, infection control and job-specific duties. In addition, caregiver staff must also receive training that includes the specific care needs of seniors and some familiarization with dementia care. Staff must also be trained in CPR and first aid. All staff must complete at least 24 hours of job-related education in their first year of employment and 16 hours each year thereafter. |
Medicaid Coverage | Room and board in an assisted living facility is not covered by Medicaid, though the program does pay for basic care and many of the secondary costs of senior care. Seniors in Georgia who participate in the Medicaid program may be eligible for a Home and Community-Based Waiver, which helps pay for the cost of board and care in residential care facilities. |
Reporting Abuse | Suspected cases of senior abuse or neglect can be reported to law enforcement, or to the Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Reports can be filed over the phone by calling (866) 552-4464. |
Free Assisted Living Resources in Georgia
SHIP offers expert help for seniors from trained counselors at locations throughout the state. Counselors can help seniors get information and assistance applying for Medicare and Medicaid, along with many of those programs' secondary plans, such as Medigap and Medicare. SHIP also offers qualifying seniors long-term care insurance that helps cover the unpredictable costs of senior care. SHIP also helps seniors manage billing and insurance issues, public benefit programs and information about the Medicare and state Medicaid programs. Financial assistance for Medicare premiums and Medicaid coinsurance requirements is also available.
Seniors who live in Georgia may access the program for free, with no qualifying age or disability status. Income and asset limitations may apply for any program applied to, but there is no charge or special process for booking an appointment and getting advice.
Contact: Call (866) 552-4464 for information or a referral to a local SHIP counselor. Applicants can also reach the department through a third-party nonprofit, such as Georgia Cares.
The Georgia Department of Veterans Services helps eligible veterans find and apply for veterans benefits and other aid to help them pay for senior care. In addition to the two skilled nursing homes the department owns and operates in Georgia, GDVS also pays for secondary benefits, such as education and training, help applying for a veterans pension and respectful mortuary services.
To qualify for aid through GDVS, Georgia seniors must be citizens of the United States and residents of the state of Georgia who honorably served in any branch of the military. Spouses of veterans are also eligible for many benefits.
Contact: Call (404) 656-2300 for information about benefits for Georgia veterans, or visit GDVS online at veterans.georgia.gov.
Georgia Agencies
Area Agencies on Aging in Georgia
Georgia's Division of Aging Services maintains 13 offices around the state where seniors can get referrals for assisted living and related services. Staff at AAA offices can help with care coordination across services, as well as provide screening assistance for various financial assistance programs. Seniors can find an AAA office from the division's online directory or by calling (866) 552-4464.
Veteran Affairs Offices in Georgia
The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for paying veterans' pensions and administering veterans' benefits. The VA also manages programs to help senior veterans and their qualifying spouses with education, employment and grants for disability. Honorably discharged veterans can get help from the VA with assisted living pre-admission health screenings and financial assistance for board and care. Veterans can get in touch with the VA through the national hotline at (844) 698-2311, or find a local office online.
Social Security Offices in Georgia
The Social Security Administration helps seniors sign up for several aid programs they may be eligible for. Seniors can get help from the SSA with signing up for Social Security benefits, Medicare and Medicaid, nutrition assistance and SSI/SSDI. Participation in SSI can also help seniors sign up for other programs, since many SSI beneficiaries are automatically eligible for several other programs, including Medicaid and its associated assisted living waiver.
Seniors in Georgia can find a local SSA office through the administration's online locator tool. Applicants can also call (800) 772-1213 for information or to make an appointment.
Other Cities in Georgia