Aspire Physical Recovery Center at Hoover is a 118 bed senior care community. It is located at 575 Southland Dr in Hoover, Alabama. The facility is in a largely upper class area, with a median per-family income of ...
Nursing Homes in Alabama
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Homes in Alabama
- Nursing Care Directory for Alabama
- Nursing Care Costs in Alabama
- Financial Assistance for Nursing Homes in Alabama
- Alabama Nursing Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Nursing Care Resources in Alabama
Alabama is a great destination for retirees thanks to its pleasant climate, which offers plenty of warm weather and mild winters with less than an inch of snow. Residents benefit from favorable tax policies, a low cost of living and a strong healthcare system. The Yellowhammer State is home to a growing number of older adults. Seniors represent more than 17% of the state's 4.9 million residents, and the geriatric population is expected to increase by 82% between 2010 and 2040.
Alabama has just over 230 licensed nursing homes that are equipped to care for more than 27,000 adults. These facilities cater to individuals who are frail, sick or disabled and need of long-term care or short-term rehabilitation. According to Medicare Nursing Home Compare, nursing home residents here receive more hours of daily CNA care than the national average. They also had fewer ER visits and reports of depression and moderate to severe pain, which are important quality of care metrics.
This guide contains information to about nursing home costs in Alabama, state regulations and government agencies. We've also included helpful resources designed for individuals who need care beyond what assisted living facilities or home health agencies offer.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Alabama
Alabama has a SeniorScore of 72, which is even with the state and national averages. This exclusive rating, which considers more than 100 factors related to comfort and livability, suggests that seniors in Alabama have access to just as many social services, government resources and community amenities as adults in other parts of the county. Alabama received its best rating in Finances thanks to affordable property taxes and a low cost of living. Algorithms also considered the state's low long-term care costs, as well as Alabama's income tax rate, which is high compared to other states.
A moderate population density and very comfortable climate helped boost Alabama's General Quality of Life score to 65. The annual mean temperature is a pleasant 62.7 degrees, which is comfortable for older adults who are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Recreation & Leisure received a middling grade of 61 points. based in part on the state's high number of parks, 2,600 churches and 259 golf courses. Alabama also received points for its average senior population. Older adults account for about 28% of all residents, which is driving demand for skilled nursing care.
Health & Safety is an important consideration for seniors with advancing medical needs. Due to the state's below-average life expectancy of 75.4 years, Alabama scores just 57 points in this category. However, residents have access to a high number of Medicare-registered physicians and an average number of senior living facilities and home health care providers. The state has more than 110 hospitals, including three that are ranked by U.S. News & World Report. These include Ascension St. Vincent's Birmingham, the Huntsville Hospital and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital.
Top Nursing Care in Alabama
Glenwood Center is a 125 room senior care facility. It is located at 211 Ana Dr in Florence, Alabama. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with roughly 34,000 individuals living in the 35630 zip code. It is ...
Fairview at Redstone Village is located at 12000 Turnmeyer Dr in Huntsville, Alabama. It is a 56 unit senior housing community. With an average per-household income of $68,549, the community is in a mostly middle income area. ...
River City Center is a 183 unit senior community. It is located at 1350 Fourteenth Avenue SE in Decatur, Alabama. With a median per-family income of $38,538, the facility is in a primarily middle income area. It ...
Fair Haven Retirement Center is a 197 bed senior care facility situated in Birmingham, Alabama. The community is in a generally middle income area, with an average per-family income of $61,745. It has an average population density, with ...
Located at 105 Teakwood Drive SW in Huntsville, Alabama, Signature Healthcare of Whitesburg Gardens is a 159 unit nursing facility. The encompassing area has a dense population, with around 23,000 residents in the zip code of 35801. It ...
Magnolia Ridge is a 148 room senior housing community. It is located at 420 Dean Ln in Gardendale, Alabama. With an average household income of $57,188, the community is in a mostly middle class area. It ...
Glen Haven Health and Rehabilitation is a 200 unit skilled nursing facility. It is located at 2201 32nd St in Northport, Alabama. With an average per-family income of $35,540, the facility is in a mostly middle class area. ...
Oaks On Parkwood Skilled Nursing Facility is a 130 room skilled nursing facility. It is located at 2625 Laurel Oak Dr in Bessemer, Alabama. The neighboring area has an average population density, with around 20,000 residents in the ...
Brookdale University Park is a 66 bed senior housing community for people 55 and over located in Birmingham, Alabama. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with about 31,000 individuals living in the 35209 zip code. With an average ...
Arlington Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is a 117 unit nursing home facility. It is located at 1020 Tuscaloosa Avenue SW in Birmingham, Alabama. The neighboring area is densely populated, with about 27,000 individuals living in the 35211 zip ...
Valley View Health and Rehabilitation is a 155 bed nursing facility located in Madison, Alabama. The neighboring area has an average population density, with roughly 14,000 individuals living in the zip code of 35757. It is a generally ...
Palm Gardens Health and Rehabilitation is a 100 bed nursing facility. It is located within the South Crichton neighborhood of Mobile, Alabama. The surrounding area has a sparse population, with approximately 8,000 poeple living in the zip code ...
Windsor House is a 117 unit senior community located in Huntsville, Alabama. The encompassing area has a dense population, with roughly 23,000 individuals living in the zip code of 35805. With a median household income of $24,913, it ...
McGuffey Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 209 unit nursing facility situated in Gadsden, Alabama. It is located around churches, retail stores, medical services, and other local amenities. There are a large number of churches within ...
Located at 1900 Olive St in Cullman, Alabama, Woodland Village Rehabilitation and Healthcare Cen is a 149 bed nursing facility. With a median per-household income of $36,280, the community is in a largely middle class area. It has ...
Arbor Springs Health and Rehab Center is a 225 bed nursing home facility. It is located at 1910 Pepperell Pkwy in Opelika, Alabama. With a median family income of $37,923, the community is in a mostly middle class ...
Located at 813 Keller Ln in Tuscumbia, Alabama, Keller Landing is an 81 room senior care facility. The community is in a mostly middle income area, with a median per-family income of $38,747. With approximately 19,000 residents in ...
Located at 500 Spanish Fort Blvd in Spanish Fort, Alabama, Westminster Village is a 60 unit senior community. The community is in a primarily middle income area, with an average household income of $72,628. It has an average ...
North Mobile Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a 172 room nursing facility located close to the Loma Vista neighborhood of Eight Mile, Alabama. The community is in a primarily middle income area, with a median family income of $40,155. ...
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Alabama
According to Genworth Financial, nursing home care in Alabama is very affordable. The $6,540 average cost is $1,216 less than the national median of $7,756, and it's competitive for the region. Residents pay $182 less than seniors in Georgia ($6,722) and just over $500 less than their peers in Mississippi ($7,057) and Tennessee ($7,072). The rate in Alabama is $2,129 lower than the average in Florida ($8,669).
- Alabama: $6,540
- United States: $7,756
- Mississippi: $7,057
- Tennessee: $7,072
- Georgia: $6,722
- Florida: $8,669
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Alabama's Top Cities
Nursing home prices in Alabama's largest cities vary by roughly $1,200. Decatur in northern Alabama is the most expensive option at $7,604 per month. Dothan and Huntsville are also on the higher end of the spectrum at $6,996 and $6,950, respectively. Rates are on par with the state median of $6,540 in Montgomery and Mobile, and they drop below average in Birmingham ($6,388) and Tuscaloosa ($6,235). Nursing homes in Auburn charge $5,399, or 30% less than the typical U.S. city.
- Birmingham: $6,388
- Montgomery: $6,540
- Huntsville: $6,950
- Mobile: $6,540
- Tuscaloosa: $6,235
- Dothan: $6,996
- Auburn: $5,399
- Decatur: $7,604
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Alabama
Long-term care costs vary by geographic area and the type of service provided. Adult day health care programs cost just $655, far below the national average. Assisted living costs $3,150 per month followed by home health care and homemaker services at $3,432 per month. Memory care facilities charge $3,938 per month, and 24-hour skilled nursing costs $6,540 per month, about $2,600 more.
- Memory Care: $3,938
- Assisted Living: $3,150
- In-Home Care: $3,432
- Home Health Care: $3,432
- Adult Day Care: $655
- Nursing Home Care: $6,540
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Alabama
As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.
Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Alabama.
Medicaid in Alabama
Alabama's Institutional Medicaid program is an important source of funding for nursing home residents and individuals who receive care Home- and Community-Based services through programs like the Elderly and Disabled Waiver. Alabama Medicaid covers more than 1 million adults and children statewide, including two-thirds of the 22,684 residents in the state's 231 nursing homes. Every year, about 27% of the state's $5.6 billion Medicaid spending budget goes toward long-term care.
Medicaid Eligibility in Alabama
To qualify for Institutional Medicaid, applicants must meet the income, asset and personal needs requirements set by the Alabama Medicaid Agency. Here are a few of the main requirements:
- Applicants must have a monthly income at or below 300% of the federal benefit rate. For 2021, individuals can earn up to $2,382 per month, while couples can earn up to $4,764 per month.
- All income must be used for nursing care minus a $30 personal needs allowance. Nonapplicant spouses may qualify for a minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance if their income is less than $2,155 per month.
- Applicants may have assets valued at $2,000 or less per individual or $130,380 for a nonapplicant spouse. Countable assets include cash, bank accounts, investments, natural resource rights and certain life insurance policies. Certain assets are excluded, including a vehicle, household belongings, burial funds and a primary home valued at up to $603,000.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents and live in Alabama.
- A comprehensive needs assessment must be performed to confirm that applicants require a nursing facility level of care.
Seniors can learn more about this program by calling (800) 362-1504. Applications can be submitted online at Insure Alabama or by completing Form 204/205 Application for Elderly and Disabled Programs and sending it to the nearest Medicaid District Office.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
- Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
- Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.
Alabama Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
Nursing homes in Alabama are regulated by the Department of Public, Bureau of Health Provider Standards. The bureau has two branches: the Division of Health Care Facilities and the Provider Services Unit. Additionally, the State Survey Agency is responsible for regulating nursing homes, inspecting facilities and processing complaints. The requirements that Alabama nursing homes must follow include:
Scope of Care | Nursing facilities provide 24-hour medical care as well as housing, meals, pharmaceutical services and rehabilitative care to sick and disabled individuals. Services are provided by nurse aides, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physical and occupational therapists, social workers and other qualified health care professionals. Nursing homes are responsible for accommodating residents' interests and ensuring their physical, mental and psychosocial well-being. |
Care Planning | Facilities must have a registered nurse perform a comprehensive needs assessment for each resident within 14 days of admission and at least once every 12 months or following a significant change in health. The assessment must describe the resident's functional capacity and ability to perform daily activities, including their physical condition, mental status and any underlying medical conditions. This information must be used to develop a comprehensive care plan that includes measurable objectives and timetables for meeting the resident's physical and mental needs. This plan must be completed within seven days of the assessment. Reviews are required every three months. |
Pharmacy Services | Nursing homes in Alabama are required to provide all routine and emergency drugs and biologicals as residents require. Facilities must follow strict standards for storing, labeling and dispensing or destroying medications. A licensed pharmacist must maintain appropriate records and review each resident's medication regimen at least once a month. |
Staff Screening | Nursing homes may not employ individuals who've been convicted of abuse, neglect or mistreatment or have had a finding of misconduct, such as abuse or the misappropriation of property, reported in the state nurse aide registry. The state prohibits nursing homes from employing individuals who may otherwise be unfit to work as a nurse aide or adjunct staff member due to information for court cases or other official sources. |
Staff Training | Alabama requires certified nursing aides to complete at least 75 hours of classroom training, including 16 hours of lab and clinical work experience. They must pass a comprehensive competency evaluation before beginning work, and the state requires at least 12 hours of in-service training plus an annual performance review for aides to remain certified. |
Medicaid Coverage | Nearly all nursing homes in Alabama participate in the state's Medicaid program. Institutional benefits are available to individuals who meet income and asset limits and have a medical condition that requires a nursing home level care for at least 30 consecutive days. |
Reporting Abuse | Alabama investigates complaints of abuse, neglect, mistreatment and insufficient care occurring in the state's nursing homes. The Alabama Department of Public Health, Bureau of Health Provider Standards has several reporting options. Complaints can be submitted online, by calling (800) 356-9596, by emailing [email protected] or by mailing a letter to the ADPH Complaint Unit, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 700, Montgomery, AL 36130. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in Alabama
Alabama Nursing Home Association
The Alabama Nursing Home Association has been representing industry professionals and advocating for excellence in long-term care since 1951. In addition to providing resources for facilities, nursing home administrators and adjunct organizations, the ANHA offers a variety of resources for families who are searching for more information about long-term care and skilled nursing. It answers frequently asked questions, informs consumers about their rights and offers helpful tips for understanding long-term care and choosing an appropriate facility.
Established in 2004, Legal Services Alabama is a statewide organization offering free civil legal services to low-income residents in all 67 counties. LSA operates eight regional offices that offer direct representation, information, advice, mediation services and self-help guides. It sponsors AlabamaLegalHelp, a free online resource that addresses common legal issues related to family law, public benefits, consumer rights and health care. Elder Law resources for residents aged 60 and older include information about wills, living wills, durable powers of attorney and advance planning for long-term care.
Alabama Agencies
Alabama Department of Senior Services
Address: 201 Monroe St., Suite 350, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone Number: (877) 425-2243
Website: https://alabamaageline.gov/
The Department of Senior Services works with the state's network of Area Agencies on Aging to manage more than a dozen programs that benefit seniors statewide. Seniors can reach out to the department for help with insurance counseling, medical billing fraud and prescription drug assistance. It supports senior nutrition and wellness programs and offers services for caregivers. Free legal assistance is available to residents aged 60 and older thanks to department funding, and it manages the state's long-term care ombudsman program, which advocates for the best interests of Alabama's nursing home residents.
Alabama Department of Insurance
Address: 201 Monroe St., Suite 502, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone Number: (800) 433-3966
Website: https://www.aldoi.gov/consumers/LongTermPartnership.aspx
The Alabama Department of Insurance operates a Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program that offers state-certified insurance policies that will pay for nursing home care. Partnership policies help seniors qualify for Medicaid long-term care benefits by disregarding assets dollar-for-dollar up to the policy's limit. They also provide estate recovery protection. Unlike other forms of long-term care insurance, partnership policies that are authorized by the state must include inflation protection up to age 76 to help policyholders keep pace with rising long-term care costs.
Area Agencies on Aging in Alabama
Alabama has 14 Area Agencies on Aging that serve seniors and caregivers in designated counties. Each full-service agency directs residents to a comprehensive range of resources to foster healthy, independent aging. These agencies support recreation and nutrition programs at local senior centers. They assist family caregivers, advocate for nursing home residents and provide insurance counseling. AAAs also coordinate in-home assistance and long-term care transitions. Families can visit the Alabama Department of Senior Services or call the Alabama Ageline at (800) 243-5463 to find their local AAA.
Veteran Affairs Office in Alabama
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs is a vital resource for the state's veterans and their dependents in accessing medical care, financial benefits and social services. Due to the complexity of these programs, each county is served by a designated veterans service office that helps with claims and appeals. Officers provide comprehensive benefits consultations to advise veterans of all available programs. Alabama operates four veterans homes and 60 county offices. Seniors can visit the Department of Veterans Affairs online to find the nearest location.
Social Security Offices in Alabama
Alabama residents can contact their local Social Security Administration office for help enrolling in Medicare and managing retirement or disability benefits. The SSA administers the Supplemental Security Income program for certain low-income individuals, including those who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Survival benefits are also available to qualifying spouses. Agents handle applications, appeals and general questions. Seniors can visit the SSA's official website to find a local office or manage their benefits online.
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