The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Huntsville, AL for 2023

Huntsville is just north of the Tennessee River and home to 207,921 people, 16.4% of whom are 65 and over. This Tennessee River Valley city has mild winters and hot summers, with inspiring views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Seniors can experience music and outdoor dining downtown and enjoy the shopping and entertainment in this vibrant city.

Seniors who could use some help with daily activities but don’t need nursing care can find enjoyment in the carefree environment of an assisted living community. Assisted living gives retirees the privacy of their own room or small apartment and common areas for socializing. It provides meals, activities and housekeeping. The cost of assisted living in Huntsville is reasonable at $3,345 per month compared to many nearby cities, and it’s also well under the national average. Although some assisted living facilities have all-inclusive pricing, residents may pay extra for additional services such as transportation, personal care and medication management.

Read on to learn about the cost of assisted living in Huntsville and the surrounding area. This guide shares some of the benefits and drawbacks of living in the city and lists some of the local free resources for seniors living in Huntsville.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Huntsville, Alabama

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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Huntsville

The Alabama Public Health Department licenses all assisted living facilities in the state. The department conducts regular inspections, and each facility has to renew its license yearly. The department also ensures that each assisted living community adheres to the standards and practices required by Alabama law.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Huntsville

  • For seniors living on a fixed income, the lower cost of living in Huntsville is a plus. With 100 representing the average U.S. cost of living, Huntsville ranks well below that number at 86. Transportation is especially affordable, with a score of 80.6.
  • While summers can be hot and muggy, with temperatures approaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit, Huntsville gets less than an inch of snow each year on average. The spring and fall are cool, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, and the winters are pleasant, with daytime highs in the 50s.
  • Several major hospitals are in the city, including Huntsville Hospital, Crestwood Medical Center and the Huntsville Heart Center. However, the city has 231 physicians per 100,000 residents, higher than the national average of 210.
  • On a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the best, the air quality score of 49 in Huntsville is slightly below the national average of 58. 
  • Huntsville is a college town and a cultural hub for the area, with a flourishing arts and dining scene. The city hosts the University of Alabama at Huntsville, and the Alabama A&M Center for Extended Studies offers lifelong learning classes.
  • The Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center sponsors activities and community events for seniors. Movies, educational programs, clubs and fitness classes are some of the offerings. Membership is free, and it automatically enrolls county seniors at age 60.

Paying for Assisted Living in Huntsville

Huntsville’s assisted living costs are $3,345 per month. This price may vary due to location, services and amenities.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Huntsville assisted living price is less than the state and national averages, at $3,503 and $4,500, respectively. The city has a moderate average monthly cost for assisted living compared to nearby cities. Montgomery has a slightly higher average monthly price for assisted living ($3,500), almost identical to the average for the state. Birmingham’s assisted living costs are a bit higher ($4,028), comparable to Chattanooga, TN ($4,220) and Marietta, GA ($3,845).

Huntsville

$3,345

Alabama

$3,503

The United States

$4,500

Montgomery

$3,500

Birmingham

$4,028

Chattanooga, TN

$4,220

Marietta, GA

$3,845

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Huntsville has other long-term care options, including in-home care and home health care at $4,004 per month each. Seniors who prefer to remain at home may choose this type of care. A nursing home facility provides health services in addition to meals and personal care. It’s the most expensive option, with a cost of $6,844 for a semiprivate room. The most affordable option is adult day health care, at $1,138 per month. However, for around-the-clock assistance, assisted living is the most economical option.

In-Home Care

$4,004

Home Health Care

$4,004

Adult Day Health Care

$1,138

Assisted Living Facility

$3,345

Nursing Home (semiprivate room)

$6,844

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Huntsville

The state of Alabama doesn’t provide public funding for seniors in assisted living facilities or specialty care assisted living facilities through either Medicaid programs or other government-funded programs. Seniors are only eligible for Alabama’s Institutional Medicaid program once they’ve reached a nursing level of care. 

Seniors may be eligible for an optional supplement when residing in specified living arrangements, but those who reside in assisted living facilities are not eligible for this supplement. 

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

Financial Assistance in Alabama

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 Huntsville

There are many government and volunteer agencies that help seniors who are new to Huntsville. They can help with practical matters, such as Medicare issues, and some provide educational and recreational activities for seniors.

ResourceContactService
Top of Alabama Area Agency on Aging (800) 243-5463The Alabama Department of Senior Services directs the Top of Alabama Area Agency on Aging (AAA). The agency's goal is to offer residents aged 60 and over a centralized location for assistance. The AAA acts as a case manager for seniors who need services and advocates for their rights. Seniors can receive counseling, health care recommendations and referrals for long-term care.
Alabama Department of Senior Services(800) 243-5463The Alabama Department of Senior Services works with the Area Agencies on Aging to provide services for seniors and disabled residents. Resources for seniors include crisis support, transportation and advocacy. The department also provides Medicare and Medicaid counseling and prescription drug assistance.
Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program(256) 539-2275The Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program can help low-income seniors free of charge. It assists with basic estate planning, powers of attorney and advanced medical directives.
Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center (256) 880-7080The local senior center is a hub of activity for seniors, with monthly movie days, support groups of all kinds and many social activities for members. The center's goal is to support senior independence and involvement in the community, and there are 39 satellite locations throughout the county.
City of Huntsville Transit Service(256) 427-6811One-way fares for the City of Huntsville bus route are half-price (50 cents) for seniors 65 and over. Seniors who don’t live near a bus route can also take advantage of the Access program. For $2 each way, an ADA accessible vehicle will pick up a senior and one caregiver for transportation.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Huntsville

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

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Alabama

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