Caring.com
Caring.com

(800) 558-0653

In-Home Care in Alabama

Alabama has a sizable senior population comprising more than 869,000 residents or 17.3% of the state’s total population. The state is also home to several highly ranked hospitals, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital and Huntsville Hospital. The cost of living ranks far below the national average. Combined with year-round warm weather and easy access to both beaches and mountains, these factors make Alabama a popular landing spot for older Americans looking for a place to retire.

Alabama also offers abundant choices for in-home care, which includes help with meal preparation, shopping, cleaning and other domestic tasks. There is also home health care, which consists of clinical services such as occupational and physical therapy. In-home care in Alabama costs $3,813 per month, while home health care is just a bit more at $3,851 per month.

This guide provides an overview of in-home care in Alabama. Below you’ll find information on average costs throughout the state as well as explanations of what Medicaid and Medicare cover and how to determine eligibility for these benefit programs. This guide also lists resources available to help seniors in Alabama age in place safely and comfortably, and it outlines the current COVID-19 safety protocols required by home health care and in-home care providers in Alabama.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Alabama

According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Alabama has some of the lowest in-home care costs in the country, averaging $3,813 per month in 2021. This figure is far below the national average of $4,957 per month and lower than all of the surrounding states except Mississippi, which has the same average costs. Florida’s in-home care costs, at $4,767, are the highest in the region, followed by Tennessee at $4,576 and Georgia at $4,290.

Alabama

$3813

The United States

$4957

Florida

$4767

Tennessee

$4567

Georgia

$4290

Mississippi

$3813

The cost of in-home care in Alabama can vary depending on the city and the region of the state. Of Alabama’s largest metropolitan areas, Birmingham has the highest monthly in-home care costs at $4,242, followed by Huntsville at $4,004 and Mobile, which sits right at the state average with monthly in-home care costs of $3,813.

Birmingham

$4242

Huntsville

$4004

Mobile

$3813

Alabama seniors have health care service options beyond in-home care. Nursing home facilities provide the highest and most intensive level of care, but they are also much more expensive than in-home care, averaging $6,676 per month in Alabama for a semi-private room. Assisted living facilities, at $3,503 per month on average, are slightly cheaper than in-home care, but the senior loses the benefit of getting to remain in their own home. Home health care, which is similar to in-home care but includes clinical services such as physical and occupational therapy, is roughly the same price as in-home care at $3,851 per month. The least expensive option, averaging $758 per month, is adult day health care.

In-home care

$3813

Home health care

$3851

Nursing home care (semi-private room)

$6676

Assisted living facility

$3503

Adult day health care

$758

Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Alabama?

Medicaid does not directly pay for non-clinical in-home care in Alabama, but the state has several waiver programs to help defray the cost of care. These programs include the Alabama Community Transition (ACT) Waiver, the Elderly and Disabled Waiver, and the Personal Choice Waiver.

Home Care Waiver Programs in Alabama

Alabama seniors have three waiver programs available to help cover the costs of in-home care and home health care. These programs vary in the specific benefits they provide as well as their eligibility requirements.

ProgramContact
Alabama Community Transition (ACT) Waiver(800) 362-1504
Elderly and Disabled Waiver(800) 362-1504
Personal Choice Waiver(844) 602-7275

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Alabama

To qualify for Medicaid in Alabama as of 2022, seniors must meet a series of financial and non-financial eligibility guidelines. Single applicants must have an annual income below $10,332 and total assets below $2,000, while married applicants who are applying together must have a combined annual income below $15,372 and total assets below $3,000.

2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Alabama

NameIncome limits*Asset limits
Single Person$10,332$2,000
Two-Person Household$15,372$3,000

 *per year

Alabama Medicaid recipients must also meet the following basic requirements:

  • Be a resident of Alabama as of the application date.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or have satisfactory immigration status.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Alabama

The fastest way to apply for Medicaid in Alabama is to do it online. You can also apply in person at a local Medicaid office or call (800) 362-1504 to receive assistance over the phone.

What Information You Will Need

To apply for Medicaid in Alabama, you will need to prove your identity, your healthcare needs and your financial eligibility. In order to do this, you’ll need an ID card in the form of a driver’s license or passport and a Social Security card; information about your current healthcare or insurance provider; and financial documents that may include tax returns and statements from your bank and retirement accounts.

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Like all states, Alabama has strict eligibility requirements for Medicaid, and the application process can be lengthy and confusing. Worse, an honest mistake can lead to a denial, forcing you to fix the error, appeal the decision, and then wait weeks or even months for a new answer. To help simplify the process, the state offers several resources to determine eligibility and apply for benefits.

ProgramContactAreaServedServices provided
Alabama Medicaid Agency(800) 362-1504Entire StateThe Alabama Medicaid Agency administers Medicaid services for the entire state and is a good resource for seniors who have questions about the application process or about their eligibility. Agency representatives are available by phone and in person to offer assistance in obtaining benefits.
Alabama Department of Public Health(800) 252-1818Entire StateThe Alabama Department of Public Health administers a number of public health initiatives for seniors in the state. Its website features an informative "How Do I?" section where users can receive answers to their questions about health benefits in the state, including Medicaid and Medicare.
Legal Services Alabama(866) 456-4995Entire StateLegal Services Alabama provides free and low-cost legal aid to low-income Alabama residents, including seniors on fixed or restricted incomes. These legal services may include help applying for Medicaid or other public benefits or appealing a denial of services.

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Alabama?

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

  • Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
  • Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
  • Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
  • Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

Other Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in Alabama

While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Alabama

While aging in place offers a number of benefits for Alabama seniors, including independence, autonomy and the ability to remain in one’s own home and stay connected to friends and neighbors, it also comes with a number of challenges, particularly when physical limitations make it difficult to carry out daily living activities. Alabama offers several free and low-cost resources that help seniors age in place safely and comfortably.

ResourceContactAreaServedService
Alabama Long-Term Care Ombudsman(334) 242-5743Entire StateThe Alabama Long-Term Care Ombudsman serves the state’s senior population not only by acting as a liaison between patients and their long-term care providers but also by assisting Alabama residents in getting their health care needs taken care of and overcoming benefit denials. The ombudsman also helps to hold health care providers, including home health and in-home care workers, responsible in cases of abuse or neglect.
Alabama Area Agencies on Aging(800) 838-5845Entire StateThe Alabama Area Agencies on Aging are located throughout the state and offer a number of resources to older residents to help them remain in their homes despite physical limitations. These 13 agencies can connect seniors with free and low-cost assistance programs and services that provide anything from meal delivery to transportation to social support.
Alabama Department of Revenue(251) 344-4737Entire StateAlabama seniors and state residents who are permanently and totally disabled are eligible for an exemption from the state portion of their property taxes. This tax benefit can ease the financial burden on seniors wishing to age in place. The Alabama Department of Revenue is available to answer questions about tax benefits for seniors who own homes in the state.
211 Connects Alabama(888) 421-1266Entire State211 Connects Alabama program connects seniors with transportation assistance programs throughout the state. The website provides links and contact information to senior ride programs in various regions of Alabama.
U.S. Department of Agriculture - Rural Development(334) 279-3400Entire StateThe U.S. Department of Agriculture administers the Section 504 Home Repair program, which offers grants and low-cost loans to elderly and low-income homeowners in Alabama to remove safety hazards.

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Alabama

Home health agencies (HHAs) are not required to be licensed in the state of Alabama, so regulations can be somewhat flexible. However, many agencies choose to become certified to provide Medicare and Medicaid services. These HHAs are overseen by the Alabama Department of Public Health.

TopicRule
Scope of CareHome care agencies provide assistance with daily tasks and companionship services. Licensed staff may provide occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy. Registered nurses may perform skilled nursing tasks, including wound care, post-surgical care and intravenous therapy.
Care Plan RequirementsThere are no specific care plan requirements for home health agencies in Alabama.
Medication Management RequirementsRegistered nurses may dispense medications, and other aides may assist clients with self-administration.
Staff Screening RequirementsThere are no specific staff screening requirements for home health agencies in Alabama.
Staff Training RequirementsAides have no training requirements. Certified nursing aides and registered nurses must keep their licenses current and follow all licensing requirements.
Medicaid CoverageThe Elderly and Disabled Waiver program may cover some or all home care expenses if the services are provided by a state-certified agency.
Reporting AbuseAbuse should be reported to the state ElderCare hotline at 1-800-356-9596. It can also be reported to a long-term care ombudsman, which can be done in-person, by phone or by mail at any Area Agency on Aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in Alabama

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.

Download
Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist
Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist

Find Home Care Agencies Near You

To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.

What you can do with Caring

  • Search the Caring database

    Quickly search the largest online senior living and senior care directory

  • Read reviews and expert guidance

    Read our authentic consumer reviews and content by experts

  • Speak to a Family Advisor for free

    Guided, expert advice to find the best community or agency for you

  • Take a tour to decide yourself

    We’ll help you book tours or get in touch with local agencies

Home Care in Alabama

16 Results

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Caring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.

Call us at (855) 948-3865

Home Care in Alabama

Adamsville

Counties

Autauga County
Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Our Services

  • Senior Living Directory

  • Senior Care Directory

  • Caregiving Resources

  • Sitemap

  • Terms of Use

  • Privacy Policy


© 2024 Caring, LLC. All rights reserved.