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Assisted Living Communities in Birmingham, AL

Birmingham, AL, rests at the base of Red Mountain, part of the Appalachian range, and several major highways pass through the city. Seniors have 38 assisted living facilities, providing help with daily tasks alongside wellness and recreational programming. These communities charge about $5,615 per month in 2024, which is a few hundred dollars more than the nationwide median rate and over $1,400 in excess of the statewide mid-price.

Our directory below contains 422 reviews reviews of Birmingham’s assisted living residences, which score an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars stars.

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Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

J Salak

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of Greenbriar At The Altamont

We had my 74-year old sister transferred to Greenbrier from another facility that was not taking care of her and seemed to have little interest in rehabilitating her so she could return home. The...

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Assisted Living

Judy1

I visited this facility

Review of Longleaf Liberty Park

My sister and I saw Longleaf Liberty Park's assisted living, although we did not realize at the time that it was assisted living. It was a lovely place in every way, but it just didn't fit our...

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Assisted Living

Kris

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of Longleaf Liberty Park

Longleaf Liberty Park is an upscale facility but they struggled consistently with the number of caregivers that were required on the floors. They could not get consistent people to work there. It...

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The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Assisted living residents in Birmingham spend around $5,615 monthly on their care, according to Genworth’s 2024 Cost of Care Survey. The city is among Alabama's costliest destinations for this care type, exceeding the state average by $1,472. The median price drops by $466 in Huntsville. Facilities in Montgomery charge roughly $4,345 each month, $1,270 less than those in Birmingham. Additionally, Mobile offers significant savings of over $1,800.

Birmingham

$5,615

Alabama

$4,143

United States

$5,350

Montgomery

$4,345

Mobile

$3,759

Huntsville

$5,149

Tuscaloosa

$3,748

How to Pay for Assisted Living in Birmingham:

Seniors in Birmingham typically pay for assisted living through a combination of public benefits and private resources. Programs such as Medicaid, Medicare and veterans’ benefits help qualified individuals reduce monthly care expenses, while private payments fill gaps and provide added flexibility. Understanding these funding options help seniors and their families budget effectively for long-term care.

  • Medicaid: Seniors who qualify for Medicaid may pay for assisted living services through PACE, a comprehensive program that covers medical and long-term care services. Benefits include personal care assistance, homemaker services and respite care.
  • Medicare: The federal health insurance program doesn’t provide reimbursement for assisted living. However, it covers durable medical equipment, skilled nursing services and rehabilitative therapies, helping seniors reduce monthly care costs.
  • VA Benefits: Qualified veterans may increase their monthly pensions through Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits, enabling them to budget more money for housing and long-term care expenses. Many assisted living facilities in Birmingham also accept the Geriatrics and Extended Care program, which covers personal care, meals and transportation services.
  • Private payments: Seniors can use long-term care insurance, monthly income and retirement savings to pay a wide range of assisted living expenses, including housing, personal care and housekeeping.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Birmingham

Alabama offers several different Medicaid waiver programs to enable seniors to remain either at home or living in community settings like assisted living communities. These include the Elderly & Disabled (E&D) waiver, the State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) waiver, or the Alabama Community Transition (ACT) waiver. Seniors must qualify both medically and financially to be covered by these waivers, some of which accept very limited numbers of applicants each year. 

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Alabama page.

Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Birmingham, AL

Like many cities, Birmingham has experienced notable increases in the cost of assisted living. Just from 2022 to 2024, there has been a nearly 18% jump in prices, from $5,500 to just over $6,500. Plus, the prices in Birmingham are over 30% higher than the national average. Other cities in Alabama have seen near identical inflationary impacts. For example, Cullman prices have risen 18% in the past 2 years, from $3,286 to $3,877. Jasper costs also rose 18%, from $4,012 to $4,733. Even Decatur experienced an 18% increase, from $3,060 to $3,611.

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
Birmingham$5,513$6,040$6,505
U.S. Average$4,070$4,459$4,802
Alabama$3,316$3,798$4,045
Cullman$3,286$3,600$3,877
Jasper$4,012$4,395$4,733
Decatur$3,060$3,353$3,611

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Several care types exist in Birmingham, supporting seniors with diverse needs. Assisted living costs about $467 more than home health care, which includes medical and therapeutic services in a senior’s private residence. However, older adults who need intensive medical care can expect to pay around $8,030 for a semi-private room in a nursing home facility, approximately $2,415 more than assisted living.    

Home Health Care

$5,148

Assisted Living Facility

$5,615

Nursing Home Facility (semi-private room)

$8,030

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Birmingham,AL

There are many resources in Birmingham,AL that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

For information about statewide resources and those in nearby cities, go to Caring's Alabama state page.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County800-243-5463The Area Agency on Aging serves those aged 60 and over through nutrition services, Medicare counseling, caregiver support and legal assistance. It houses the long-term care ombudsman program, and it has specialists who help older adults obtain prescription drug assistance.
Birmingham Meals on Wheels205-592-0413This program delivers free, nutritious meals to seniors aged 60 and over who are unable to shop for or prepare food themselves. After an in-home assessment, eligible seniors receive regular meal deliveries to support their nutrition and independence.
Community Food Bank of Central Alabama205-942-8911The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama delivers food to over 300 distribution sites throughout the Birmingham region. It operates the Senior Meals Program, which includes mobile pantries and Senior Grocery Home Delivery Hubs specifically designed for older adults.
Alabama's Assistive Technology Resource800-782-7656This program, administered by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, offers free assistive technology to Birmingham residents of all ages. It provides short-term device loans, demonstrations and information to help seniors access tools that support their independence.
Jefferson County Senior Services Division205-325-5567The county's Senior Services Division offers information and referral specialists who connect older adults to community services and supports. It hosts workshops, seminars and health fairs throughout the year, and it provides round-trip transportation to senior centers and field trips.
Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama855-287-1730The CAA administers the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Weatherization Assistance Program, helping seniors reduce their energy bills and avoid service disruptions. Through its Community Services Block Grant Program, seniors can apply for rental assistance and vouchers for public transportation and prescription drugs.
The YMCA of Greater Birmingham205-655-2224The local YMCA hosts age-friendly in-person and virtual fitness classes, along with Warm Water and Weights water aerobics classes. It also offers support groups and health and wellness programs throughout the year.
Social Security Administration800-772-1213 or 800-325-0778 (TTY)The Social Security Administration operates two field offices in Birmingham. At these locations, seniors receive help with submitting benefits applications, checking the status of existing claims and requesting replacement Social Security cards.
Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority205-521-0101BJCTA provides safe, easy-to-use transportation services to seniors through Paratransit service. This shared-ride program offers curb-to-curb services for those unable to use the fixed-route buses due to mobility limitations.
Birmingham VA Medical Center205-933-8010The Birmingham VA Medical Center features geriatric specialists who treat memory loss, falls, osteoporosis, and sleep disorders, with no referral required. The hospital also offers specialized cardiology, orthopedics, vision and neurosurgery services.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Birmingham

  • As the only member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network in Alabama, Birmingham offers a uniquely favorable environment for seniors and assisted living residents. The city creates a welcoming place for older adults by promoting access to public parks and open spaces and investing in its public transit system.
  • Birmingham's cost of living falls around 2% below the national average, making it a budget-friendly choice for prospective assisted living residents on fixed incomes. Seniors spend around 20% less on health care here than in a typical U.S. city, and low housing and food costs help maintain competitive assisted living fees.
  • Alabama doesn't tax Social Security benefits or pensions, and seniors who own a home can claim an exemption on a portion of their property taxes. This can help seniors afford assisted living expenses and retain ownership of their homes while in residential care.
  • Birmingham has one of the highest crime rates in the nation, reporting about 16 violent crimes and 47 property-related incidents per 1,000 residents annually. Fortunately, assisted living facilities enhance residents' safety and peace of mind through alarm systems and motion sensors.
  • Birmingham experiences hot, muggy summers, with average highs around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels of about 90% at the season's peak. However, assisted living facilities ensure year-round comfort through features such as unit-controlled thermostats.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Birmingham

Birmingham Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living facilities in Alabama are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Alabama page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Services and Amenities in Birmingham

Assisted living communities in Birmingham blend comfort, personalized care and a social environment to support seniors’ quality of life. With a focus on individualized support, these facilities offer assistance with daily tasks and opportunities to stay active and engaged. Understanding the services and amenities available help seniors find the right fit for their lifestyle and needs.  Some features to consider include:

  • Emergency response systems: Wearable pendants, wall-mounted buttons and pull cords provide quick access to assistance when needed.
  • Individualized care plans: Personalized service plans based on comprehensive assessments ensure the correct level of care for each resident.
  • Pet-friendly accommodations: Our proprietary Caring.com database lists over a dozen assisted living communities in Birmingham that enable residents to keep pets.
  • Respite services: For seniors and families who need short-term support, our proprietary Caring.com database highlights more than 10 local facilities that offer respite care.
  • Three meals daily: Nutritious meals prepared on-site promote residents’ comfort and well-being.
  • Recreational activities: Daily group discussions, book clubs, arts and crafts and social events foster a sense of community.

Speak with a Caring.com Family Advisor today for a closer look at the services and amenities available through Birmingham’s assisted living communities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Birmingham:

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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

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