The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Bessemer, AL for 2023
Located in Jefferson County, Bessemer is a suburban city, approximately 20 minutes southwest of Birmingham’s downtown. According to the 2020 census, 18.7% of its 26,000 residents are aged 65 and older, an above-average percentage, suggesting the city is more popular than many with seniors. This may be its significantly lower-than-average cost of living, plethora of services providing low-cost transportation and proximity to excellent health care facilities. The city is also home to numerous golf courses and several popular festivals that attract fans of the blues, jazz and Caribbean music.
Bessemer’s assisted living facilities are suitable for seniors who need some help with common tasks, such as managing their medications and preparing meals. They are staffed by caregivers trained to ensure seniors reside in clean homes and eat healthy food without otherwise infringing on their independence. The average fee in Bessemer is $3,156 per month, which is only $6 more than the state average but a significant saving of $1,144 per month when compared to the national median.
This guide considers the benefits and drawbacks of living in Bessemer. It also compares senior care costs in Alabama and lists some resources for Bessemer’s seniors.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Bessemer, AL
Oaks on Parkwood
2651 Laurel Oaks Dr, Bessemer, AL, 35022
My mother-in-law went to Oaks on Parkwood. She has been there for three weeks now. She’s very happy there. She’s been very welcomed and very happy. Her room is nice, and she’s got enough room to be ha
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My mother-in-law went to Oaks on Parkwood. She has been there for three weeks now. She’s very happy there. She’s been very welcomed and very happy. Her room is nice, and she’s got enough room to be happy and be comfortable. It’s in excellent shape. She has nothing but praise for all the staff. She’s been very complimentary of all of them. She said the food was better than what she had previously in other facilities. It’s a beautiful campus. They have a pool that she could use if she would, and they have lots of sidewalks and everything that she could get out and walk when the weather cools off. They have bingo and singing, and they have a movie room. She’s an avid reader, and they have a nice library.
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My mother-in-law went to Oaks on Parkwood. She has been there for three weeks now. She’s very happy there. She’s been very welcomed and very happy. Her room is nice, and she’s got enough room to be ha
… (read more)
My mother-in-law went to Oaks on Parkwood. She has been there for three weeks now. She’s very happy there. She’s been very welcomed and very happy. Her room is nice, and she’s got enough room to be happy and be comfortable. It’s in excellent shape. She has nothing but praise for all the staff. She’s been very complimentary of all of them. She said the food was better than what she had previously in other facilities. It’s a beautiful campus. They have a pool that she could use if she would, and they have lots of sidewalks and everything that she could get out and walk when the weather cools off. They have bingo and singing, and they have a movie room. She’s an avid reader, and they have a nice library.
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Self Nursing Home LLC
129 E Crest Rd, Bessemer, AL, 35023
I have visited Hueytown Retirement Lodge many times with my church growing up. Sometimes it was for Christmas or just to visit. The people that work at this assisted living facility were very nice and
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I have visited Hueytown Retirement Lodge many times with my church growing up. Sometimes it was for Christmas or just to visit. The people that work at this assisted living facility were very nice and friendly. They seemed to really know what they were doing, and took care of their patients in a very caring compassionate way. Everyone always had a smile on their faces including the patients. I believe that it is very important for elderly people to really be as happy as they possibly can be in assisted living and retirement homes. The people that stay at the Hueytown Retirement Lodge seem to be very happy and have everything they need.I would highly recommend this place if you or someone you know are considering placing someone in the care of an assisted living facility.
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I have visited Hueytown Retirement Lodge many times with my church growing up. Sometimes it was for Christmas or just to visit. The people that work at this assisted living facility were very nice and
… (read more)
I have visited Hueytown Retirement Lodge many times with my church growing up. Sometimes it was for Christmas or just to visit. The people that work at this assisted living facility were very nice and friendly. They seemed to really know what they were doing, and took care of their patients in a very caring compassionate way. Everyone always had a smile on their faces including the patients. I believe that it is very important for elderly people to really be as happy as they possibly can be in assisted living and retirement homes. The people that stay at the Hueytown Retirement Lodge seem to be very happy and have everything they need.I would highly recommend this place if you or someone you know are considering placing someone in the care of an assisted living facility.
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Brookdale University Park Alabama
400 University Park Dr., Birmingham, AL, 35209
Brookdale University Park is described as a luxury senior living community. Located in one of Birmingham, Alabama’s quiet residential neighborhoods, this facility offers residents a life of peace and
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Brookdale University Park is described as a luxury senior living community. Located in one of Birmingham, Alabama’s quiet residential neighborhoods, this facility offers residents a life of peace and tranquility. With its serene landscape of gardens and courtyards, and its multiple options of fully accessible floor plans, Brookdale Univeristy Park caters to both independent and dependent residents. The staff is highly trained to offer a full spectrum of care, including Alzheimer’s and dementia, and each room has 24-hour emergency response. Residents and visitors alike have expressed appreciation for the community’s level of care and convenience.
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Brookdale University Park is described as a luxury senior living community. Located in one of Birmingham, Alabama’s quiet residential neighborhoods, this facility offers residents a life of peace and
… (read more)
Brookdale University Park is described as a luxury senior living community. Located in one of Birmingham, Alabama’s quiet residential neighborhoods, this facility offers residents a life of peace and tranquility. With its serene landscape of gardens and courtyards, and its multiple options of fully accessible floor plans, Brookdale Univeristy Park caters to both independent and dependent residents. The staff is highly trained to offer a full spectrum of care, including Alzheimer’s and dementia, and each room has 24-hour emergency response. Residents and visitors alike have expressed appreciation for the community’s level of care and convenience.
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Galleria Woods
3850 Galleria Woods Drive, Birmingham, AL, 35244
Galleria Woods was beautiful, but it was expensive. The rooms were very nice, and the staff was great. They also have cottages, and they were beautiful. They invited us for lunch, and it was impressiv
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Galleria Woods was beautiful, but it was expensive. The rooms were very nice, and the staff was great. They also have cottages, and they were beautiful. They invited us for lunch, and it was impressive. It was appealing and comfortable. They have a lot of activities, games, and classes that you can take.
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Galleria Woods was beautiful, but it was expensive. The rooms were very nice, and the staff was great. They also have cottages, and they were beautiful. They invited us for lunch, and it was impressiv
… (read more)
Galleria Woods was beautiful, but it was expensive. The rooms were very nice, and the staff was great. They also have cottages, and they were beautiful. They invited us for lunch, and it was impressive. It was appealing and comfortable. They have a lot of activities, games, and classes that you can take.
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Maplewood Lane Assisted Living
223 Tucker Road, Helena, AL, 35080
I thought Maplewood Lane Assisted Living was a very homey place. The staff that I met there were all very cordial. There’s one lady that’s been working there for 27 years and she was just as great as
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I thought Maplewood Lane Assisted Living was a very homey place. The staff that I met there were all very cordial. There’s one lady that’s been working there for 27 years and she was just as great as she could be. We had a very honest conversation about what would be required to get my friend in.
It’s an assisted living so the rules were a little different. It’s able to handle folks in a wheelchair, push them for their showers, and even out the front door to sit in the sunshine on the porch. They have physical therapy 2 or 3 times a week, and a Bible study twice a week. It was just a very homey place and I had known somebody that had been there before and was happy there. It’s small and homey and they said they work very hard to make it that way. The lady friend that I was trying to look for, still has issues in terms of her mobility like when going to the bathroom and that kind of stuff.
The small room is really small, a little smaller than other folks’ studio rooms, but the assistance they were saying they gave folks, in terms of bathing and showering, seemed right up to par with everybody else.
The one who toured me around was the man that owns the place. He didn’t have to show me around a lot because I’ve been there, in the room of the friend that used to be there. He didn’t do a whole lot of showing around. He just showed me where the room was and showed me the difference between the smallest room and the next one. I had been in the larger one with my friend before, and of course, the price goes up with every increase in size.
There were folks in the big kitchen, working on supper. There’s a piano there and while I was talking to him, somebody came and played it, and that kind of brought all the other folks out. I think they only had two rooms empty, and they both were small. It would take a little getting used to, but it’s all that my friend needs. The person who toured me also said that if one goes into a small room and a larger one becomes available, they automatically will switch that person up.
It was clean and the layout is great because they have straight halls. The halls are also wooden so that even if you’re in a wheelchair, you could navigate them easily.
One side of the windows looks over a little lake so it’s a nice surrounding. There’s also a government building or something across the street, and they’ve got a nice front to it where folks could sit. They said they were going to be adding something on the back, a covered porch, or something like that.
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I thought Maplewood Lane Assisted Living was a very homey place. The staff that I met there were all very cordial. There’s one lady that’s been working there for 27 years and she was just as great as
… (read more)
I thought Maplewood Lane Assisted Living was a very homey place. The staff that I met there were all very cordial. There’s one lady that’s been working there for 27 years and she was just as great as she could be. We had a very honest conversation about what would be required to get my friend in.
It’s an assisted living so the rules were a little different. It’s able to handle folks in a wheelchair, push them for their showers, and even out the front door to sit in the sunshine on the porch. They have physical therapy 2 or 3 times a week, and a Bible study twice a week. It was just a very homey place and I had known somebody that had been there before and was happy there. It’s small and homey and they said they work very hard to make it that way. The lady friend that I was trying to look for, still has issues in terms of her mobility like when going to the bathroom and that kind of stuff.
The small room is really small, a little smaller than other folks’ studio rooms, but the assistance they were saying they gave folks, in terms of bathing and showering, seemed right up to par with everybody else.
The one who toured me around was the man that owns the place. He didn’t have to show me around a lot because I’ve been there, in the room of the friend that used to be there. He didn’t do a whole lot of showing around. He just showed me where the room was and showed me the difference between the smallest room and the next one. I had been in the larger one with my friend before, and of course, the price goes up with every increase in size.
There were folks in the big kitchen, working on supper. There’s a piano there and while I was talking to him, somebody came and played it, and that kind of brought all the other folks out. I think they only had two rooms empty, and they both were small. It would take a little getting used to, but it’s all that my friend needs. The person who toured me also said that if one goes into a small room and a larger one becomes available, they automatically will switch that person up.
It was clean and the layout is great because they have straight halls. The halls are also wooden so that even if you’re in a wheelchair, you could navigate them easily.
One side of the windows looks over a little lake so it’s a nice surrounding. There’s also a government building or something across the street, and they’ve got a nice front to it where folks could sit. They said they were going to be adding something on the back, a covered porch, or something like that.
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Gardens of Pelham
2124 Old Montgomery Highway, Pelham, AL, 35124
The tour experience with Gardens of Pelham was not as good as what we experienced with the other places. They showed us the units, but they weren’t prepared for us. There was probably some miscommunic
… (read more)
The tour experience with Gardens of Pelham was not as good as what we experienced with the other places. They showed us the units, but they weren’t prepared for us. There was probably some miscommunication, but they tried to give us a tour nonetheless. We found the facility as small, with small accommodation, small units, and even few amenities. It appeared to be a place that was for the very elderly and the pricing was high compared to the other places for similar accommodations. It did not stay on our list after the tour. The staff was OK, but she wasn’t prepared for our visit. I don’t think that that’s her fault as much as I think there was just some miscommunication. I wouldn’t give them high marks on that. They may say it’s just assisted living, but when I talked with them, they kind of group independent living and assisted living together. The dining area was very small. It looked like a clean facility.
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The tour experience with Gardens of Pelham was not as good as what we experienced with the other places. They showed us the units, but they weren’t prepared for us. There was probably some miscommunic
… (read more)
The tour experience with Gardens of Pelham was not as good as what we experienced with the other places. They showed us the units, but they weren’t prepared for us. There was probably some miscommunication, but they tried to give us a tour nonetheless. We found the facility as small, with small accommodation, small units, and even few amenities. It appeared to be a place that was for the very elderly and the pricing was high compared to the other places for similar accommodations. It did not stay on our list after the tour. The staff was OK, but she wasn’t prepared for our visit. I don’t think that that’s her fault as much as I think there was just some miscommunication. I wouldn’t give them high marks on that. They may say it’s just assisted living, but when I talked with them, they kind of group independent living and assisted living together. The dining area was very small. It looked like a clean facility.
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The Bungalows at Riverchase
2184 Parkway Lake Drive, Hoover, AL, 35244
The Bungalows at Riverchase assisted living is located off I-65 in Hoover, Alabama, the largest suburb of Birmingham, and just a short drive from Oak Mountain State Park, Aldridge
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The Bungalows at Riverchase assisted living is located off I-65 in Hoover, Alabama, the largest suburb of Birmingham, and just a short drive from Oak Mountain State Park, Aldridge Gardens, the Bessemer Hall of History and the Blue Ridge Nature Trail. Visitors compliment the staff on their knowledge and helpfulness, and residents appreciate the variety of living spaces. Amenities include an on-site beauty salon, a library and communal rooms for socializing, watching television and playing games. The dining hall can accommodate individual diet plans, including diabetic and heart-healthy menus.
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The Bungalows at Riverchase assisted living is located off I-65 in Hoover, Alabama, the largest suburb of Birmingham, and just a short drive from Oak Mountain State Park, Aldridge
… (read more)
The Bungalows at Riverchase assisted living is located off I-65 in Hoover, Alabama, the largest suburb of Birmingham, and just a short drive from Oak Mountain State Park, Aldridge Gardens, the Bessemer Hall of History and the Blue Ridge Nature Trail. Visitors compliment the staff on their knowledge and helpfulness, and residents appreciate the variety of living spaces. Amenities include an on-site beauty salon, a library and communal rooms for socializing, watching television and playing games. The dining hall can accommodate individual diet plans, including diabetic and heart-healthy menus.
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Truewood by Merrill, Riverchase
1851 Data Dr, Hoover, AL, 35244
Located in a peaceful segment of Birmingham, AL, River Highlands of Birmingham is an assisted living community with a resort-like atmosphere and the best interest of its residents in mind. Residents r
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Located in a peaceful segment of Birmingham, AL, River Highlands of Birmingham is an assisted living community with a resort-like atmosphere and the best interest of its residents in mind. Residents rave about the high-quality staff that is both professional and welcoming. River Highlands of Birmingham offers clean, spacious common areas as well as well-manicured courtyards with quaint seating areas for residents to socialize with loved ones. The community provides daily transport to the popular Theater and Arts District nearby, with access to shops, sports events and other live performances.
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Located in a peaceful segment of Birmingham, AL, River Highlands of Birmingham is an assisted living community with a resort-like atmosphere and the best interest of its residents in mind. Residents r
… (read more)
Located in a peaceful segment of Birmingham, AL, River Highlands of Birmingham is an assisted living community with a resort-like atmosphere and the best interest of its residents in mind. Residents rave about the high-quality staff that is both professional and welcoming. River Highlands of Birmingham offers clean, spacious common areas as well as well-manicured courtyards with quaint seating areas for residents to socialize with loved ones. The community provides daily transport to the popular Theater and Arts District nearby, with access to shops, sports events and other live performances.
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Greenbriar At The Altamont
2831 S. Highland Ave., Birmingham, AL, 35205
Greenbriar At The Altamont is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and surrounded by many parks and a host of amenities. The families of residents feel reassured that the professional and friendly staff pr
… (read more)
Greenbriar At The Altamont is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and surrounded by many parks and a host of amenities. The families of residents feel reassured that the professional and friendly staff provide the best care for their loved ones. Residents have referred to the care facility as a home away from home thanks to the clean and homey rooms. Visitors are impressed by the grand master ballroom, and residents enjoy regular activities such as Bingo, painting and exercise classes. Residents are appreciative of help with transportation to go shopping or to doctor’s appointments.
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Greenbriar At The Altamont is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and surrounded by many parks and a host of amenities. The families of residents feel reassured that the professional and friendly staff pr
… (read more)
Greenbriar At The Altamont is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and surrounded by many parks and a host of amenities. The families of residents feel reassured that the professional and friendly staff provide the best care for their loved ones. Residents have referred to the care facility as a home away from home thanks to the clean and homey rooms. Visitors are impressed by the grand master ballroom, and residents enjoy regular activities such as Bingo, painting and exercise classes. Residents are appreciative of help with transportation to go shopping or to doctor’s appointments.
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Country Cottages Hoover – CLOSED
4000 Greenwood Dr., Hoover, AL, 35216
Country Cottages at Birmingham, Hoover is an assisted living and memory care facility offering studio apartments to retired seniors in Hoover, Alabama, near the Woodmeadows neighborhood. Each apartmen
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Country Cottages at Birmingham, Hoover is an assisted living and memory care facility offering studio apartments to retired seniors in Hoover, Alabama, near the Woodmeadows neighborhood. Each apartment is equipped with cable television, Wi-Fi and an emergency call system. Family members say there are enough scheduled activities to keep residents busy all day long, including arts and crafts, bowling, stories, music, lecture-discussions and religious services. Residents can take advantage of on-site amenities such as the fitness room, hair salon, TV room and community garden. Transportation can be scheduled for off-site errands such as shopping or medical appointments.
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Country Cottages at Birmingham, Hoover is an assisted living and memory care facility offering studio apartments to retired seniors in Hoover, Alabama, near the Woodmeadows neighborhood. Each apartmen
… (read more)
Country Cottages at Birmingham, Hoover is an assisted living and memory care facility offering studio apartments to retired seniors in Hoover, Alabama, near the Woodmeadows neighborhood. Each apartment is equipped with cable television, Wi-Fi and an emergency call system. Family members say there are enough scheduled activities to keep residents busy all day long, including arts and crafts, bowling, stories, music, lecture-discussions and religious services. Residents can take advantage of on-site amenities such as the fitness room, hair salon, TV room and community garden. Transportation can be scheduled for off-site errands such as shopping or medical appointments.
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Regency Retirement Village – Birmingham
285 West Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, AL, 35209
My dad is at Regency Retirement Village of Birmingham. I like the staff. They are very helpful, and they care about my dad. During this pandemic, they’ve been very good about taking care of them to ke
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My dad is at Regency Retirement Village of Birmingham. I like the staff. They are very helpful, and they care about my dad. During this pandemic, they’ve been very good about taking care of them to keep them safe. They had lots of activities, but right now they don’t. In the past, they go fishing and go on a little trip to different places. There’s not much activity for the assisted living; he was independent beforehand. If they can do it in the assisted living, they can go with the independent residents. They have the church right across the road and they have services on Sunday afternoon, but they don’t get in there right now. Good food always, but wonderful for special events like Valentine’s Day. The only thing I don’t like is they don’t have access to the pool; otherwise, they had good activities.
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My dad is at Regency Retirement Village of Birmingham. I like the staff. They are very helpful, and they care about my dad. During this pandemic, they’ve been very good about taking care of them to ke
… (read more)
My dad is at Regency Retirement Village of Birmingham. I like the staff. They are very helpful, and they care about my dad. During this pandemic, they’ve been very good about taking care of them to keep them safe. They had lots of activities, but right now they don’t. In the past, they go fishing and go on a little trip to different places. There’s not much activity for the assisted living; he was independent beforehand. If they can do it in the assisted living, they can go with the independent residents. They have the church right across the road and they have services on Sunday afternoon, but they don’t get in there right now. Good food always, but wonderful for special events like Valentine’s Day. The only thing I don’t like is they don’t have access to the pool; otherwise, they had good activities.
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Woodlands Assisted Living
8071 Kimbrell Cut Off Rd., Mc Calla, AL, 35111
My mother was at The Woodlands. We chose this one because it was very neat and clean, but it wasn’t huge. My mother was very pleased with her stay. If she would have to go back, I would put her ther
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My mother was at The Woodlands. We chose this one because it was very neat and clean, but it wasn’t huge. My mother was very pleased with her stay. If she would have to go back, I would put her there again. She was very pleased with the staff. They were very helpful and took care of her. She was very impressed with the food service, also. She participated in several activities, like bingo, card games, and some kind of auction. She also went out on a trip to Walmart and attended a couple of church services.
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My mother was at The Woodlands. We chose this one because it was very neat and clean, but it wasn’t huge. My mother was very pleased with her stay. If she would have to go back, I would put her ther
… (read more)
My mother was at The Woodlands. We chose this one because it was very neat and clean, but it wasn’t huge. My mother was very pleased with her stay. If she would have to go back, I would put her there again. She was very pleased with the staff. They were very helpful and took care of her. She was very impressed with the food service, also. She participated in several activities, like bingo, card games, and some kind of auction. She also went out on a trip to Walmart and attended a couple of church services.
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Morningside of Vestavia Hills
2435 Columbiana Road, Birmingham, AL, 35216
My mother has been in the Morningside of Vestavia Hills for several months already. I would say that the room that she’s in is very safe for her. They have done several things that she asked for, like
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My mother has been in the Morningside of Vestavia Hills for several months already. I would say that the room that she’s in is very safe for her. They have done several things that she asked for, like lowering the towel bar. She’s just been very comfortable there.
They are very friendly. During our visit, we looked at several different types of rooms, and my mom settled on a studio. They helped us measure up for our furniture. They helped her move in, unloading furniture, and bringing it up. Their director even kind of rolled up his sleeves and helped so they just tried to make it an easy transition for her as she moved from another state. She is in their assisted living.
Their dining area is very nice with white tablecloths, and the service is excellent. The food is very good, I have eaten there. She is very happy with it.
They have a puzzle room and a library. I know that they brought a musician in for Mardi Gras and they have wine tastings too. There are lots of activities. Unfortunately, my mother cannot see very well, so she’s a little bit more limited with what she can do like the puzzles.
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My mother has been in the Morningside of Vestavia Hills for several months already. I would say that the room that she’s in is very safe for her. They have done several things that she asked for, like
… (read more)
My mother has been in the Morningside of Vestavia Hills for several months already. I would say that the room that she’s in is very safe for her. They have done several things that she asked for, like lowering the towel bar. She’s just been very comfortable there.
They are very friendly. During our visit, we looked at several different types of rooms, and my mom settled on a studio. They helped us measure up for our furniture. They helped her move in, unloading furniture, and bringing it up. Their director even kind of rolled up his sleeves and helped so they just tried to make it an easy transition for her as she moved from another state. She is in their assisted living.
Their dining area is very nice with white tablecloths, and the service is excellent. The food is very good, I have eaten there. She is very happy with it.
They have a puzzle room and a library. I know that they brought a musician in for Mardi Gras and they have wine tastings too. There are lots of activities. Unfortunately, my mother cannot see very well, so she’s a little bit more limited with what she can do like the puzzles.
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South Highland Adult Care Center
2035 Highland Ave., Birmingham, AL, 35205
South Highland Center is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and caters to a diverse senior population. The facility specializes in those with memory issues, like Alzheimer’s and dementia. As such, it ens
… (read more)
South Highland Center is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and caters to a diverse senior population. The facility specializes in those with memory issues, like Alzheimer’s and dementia. As such, it ensures that each patient receives personalized care and attention. It provides a range of medical and care services, including art, music and animal therapy. Recreationally, the community provides scheduled outings and on-site social activities. South Highland Center is located minutes from the UAB medical complex to eliminate worry in the event of an emergency. It is also located near Birmingham’s downtown business district.
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South Highland Center is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and caters to a diverse senior population. The facility specializes in those with memory issues, like Alzheimer’s and dementia. As such, it ens
… (read more)
South Highland Center is located in Birmingham, Alabama, and caters to a diverse senior population. The facility specializes in those with memory issues, like Alzheimer’s and dementia. As such, it ensures that each patient receives personalized care and attention. It provides a range of medical and care services, including art, music and animal therapy. Recreationally, the community provides scheduled outings and on-site social activities. South Highland Center is located minutes from the UAB medical complex to eliminate worry in the event of an emergency. It is also located near Birmingham’s downtown business district.
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Mount Royal Towers
300 Royal Tower Drive, Birmingham, AL, 35209
Mount Royal was excellent and gorgeous, but I could not afford it with my budget. The tour was good, though. The services and the staff were great.
Mount Royal was excellent and gorgeous, but I could not afford it with my budget. The tour was good, though. The services and the staff were great.
Plantation Manor Retirement Community
6450 Old Tuscaloosa Hwy., Mc Calla, AL, 35111
I looked at Plantation Manor and I didnt really like it. I didnt have any negatives about the staff, and the staff was nice. They have a lot of patients, and they have quite a few residents who st
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I looked at Plantation Manor and I didnt really like it. I didnt have any negatives about the staff, and the staff was nice. They have a lot of patients, and they have quite a few residents who stay in larger shared rooms, but they also have separate single rooms. It did not fit my needs though, so I didnt spend a lot of time there. The dining room was nice. Plantation Manor has another division thats independent living, and my mother-in-law stayed there for several years before she passed. It was really very nice.
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I looked at Plantation Manor and I didnt really like it. I didnt have any negatives about the staff, and the staff was nice. They have a lot of patients, and they have quite a few residents who st
… (read more)
I looked at Plantation Manor and I didnt really like it. I didnt have any negatives about the staff, and the staff was nice. They have a lot of patients, and they have quite a few residents who stay in larger shared rooms, but they also have separate single rooms. It did not fit my needs though, so I didnt spend a lot of time there. The dining room was nice. Plantation Manor has another division thats independent living, and my mother-in-law stayed there for several years before she passed. It was really very nice.
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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Bessemer
The agency that regulates assisted living facilities throughout Alabama is the Bureau of Health Provider Standards, a division of the Alabama Department of Public Health. Its duties include certifying facilities that pass health and safety inspections and ensuring continued compliance with license conditions by conducting unannounced inspections.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Bessemer
- Bessemer has an average cost of living index of 74.3, which suggests the city is significantly more affordable than many in the state and the country, where the mean indices are 82.3 and 100, respectively. The health care cost index is slightly above average, at 101.1. However, these costs can be offset by the substantially lower averages for transportation and groceries.
- Bessemer’s climate is generally senior-friendly. Temperatures in January are usually a chilly 33 degrees but snowfall rarely rises above one inch annually, so seniors concerned about slippery sidewalks and roads needn’t be concerned for most of the year. In summer, it’s common to see the dial hovering around a comfortably warm 91 degrees, although the above-average annual rainfall of 57 inches results in some days where the combination of heat and humidity may concern some seniors.
- Due to its location within the heavily-populated Birmingham metropolitan area, Bessemer has below-average air quality. However, it’s not dangerously so and the city’s water quality scores an excellent 81/100, which is far above the national average.
- Property and violent crime in Bessemer are significantly above the state and national averages. However, seniors are less likely to be victims of crime if they take some precautions, such as living in neighborhoods with less crime. These include Concord, Pleasant Hill and Hopewell. Also, many assisted living facilities have additional security and staff on-site 24/7.
- The primary hospital in Bessemer is Medical West, which provides a full range of services. The city also has a large number of physicians registered to treat those with Medicare and seniors looking for more choice are within minutes of Birmingham’s numerous hospitals, which includes the nationally ranked University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital.
- Seniors in Bessemer looking for low-cost transportation in the city and Jefferson County have several choices. These include MAX, a paratransit service for any purpose, MTA, a service for medical appointments only, and ClasTran, which serves seniors outside the MAX network.
Paying for Assisted Living in Bessemer
The 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reveal’s Bessemer’s seniors pay only $6 more than average for Alabama, at $3,156. However, they pay significantly less for assisted living than the typical American, who pays around $13,728 per year more for similar services.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Although slightly above-average, Bessemer’s costs are not the highest in Alabama. Seniors in Montgomery pay around $3,725 for assisted living, while their peers in Anniston pay $4,135. Some cities are more affordable, however, such as Gadsden, where costs average $2,207 per month.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Assisted living is an affordable option in Bessemer for seniors best served by its offering. Its typical costs of $3,156 are lower than those of homemaker and home health aide agencies, who typically charge around $3,718 and $3,813 for their respective services. However, assisted living isn’t the most affordable choice. Able-bodied seniors can get care in adult day centers for approximately $813 per month. Those who need 24/7 care will need to budget for monthly nursing home fees of $6,388 for a semiprivate room and another $304 for a private one.
Note: Care cost data for Bessemer was not available, so data for the closest city, Birmingham, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Bessemer
There are several programs to help seniors cover the costs of assisted living in Madison. One such program is the Elderly and Disabled Waiver offered through Alabama Medicaid, which may also have other programs for which seniors can apply.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Alabama page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Alabama page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Bessemer
Bessemer and Jefferson County seniors can access a wide range of programs aimed at helping them deal with age-related matters. These examples show where to go for help when in dispute with a care provider, when in need of state and federal benefits and how to get the most from Medicare.
Resource
Contact
Service
(205) 481-4117
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs employs local service officers whose purpose is to help U.S. military veterans and their dependents access benefits provided by the state and federal governments. The officers can also help vets who qualify for VA Aid and Attendance apply for the benefit, which can contribute towards their residential care costs. They can also refer vets and their families to the Bessemer VA Clinic when they are in need of medical services.
(877) 425-2243
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a free state-sponsored service for seniors residing in care communities throughout Alabama. Ombudsmen are volunteers who regularly visit assisted living facilities to talk to residents, ensure they understand their rights within the community and investigate any complaints they may make. Complaints can be of any nature, such as disputes over transfers, but if the complaint suggests criminal behavior, such as elder abuse, the ombudsman will pass it on to the proper authority.
(877) 425-2243
Seniors in receipt of Medicare and those ready to apply can contact a SHIP counselor, who will provide impartial information, advice and support. The counselors are trained to clarify the different Medicare plans for seniors and help them choose the best insurance for their long-term health care needs, including private insurance plans. However, as the counselors are unbiased, they won't try to sell insurance to seniors. They can also help with an appeal if a senior is denied Medicare.
(205) 458-3330
The United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County is a nonprofit organization that manages multiple resources for seniors in and around Bessemer. Although many focus on aging in place, the agency can also assist seniors in residential care communities. This help can include access to free and low-cost legal services for seniors.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Bessemer
Bessemer-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Alabama are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Alabama page for more information about these laws.
