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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Athens, GA for 2024

Athens is a beautiful city located at the start of the Antebellum Trail, a 100-mile path through a handful of towns that escaped Sherman’s army. The low cost of living, attractive architecture and diverse culture of this university town make it popular with residents of all ages. Athens-Clarke County has a population of 126,913, of which 10.5% are seniors.

Assisted living facilities help seniors who are generally active remain independent for as long as possible by providing assistance with the activities of daily living. Seniors receive help with laundry, housekeeping, meals and personal care according to their own abilities and levels of mobility. The average cost of assisted living in Athens is $3,336 per month, which is slightly lower than the statewide average of $3,500 per month.

This guide looks at the cost of assisted living and other forms of senior care in Athens. It also discusses the benefits and downsides of choosing Athens as a retirement destination and lists some local resources to help seniors make informed choices while accessing affordable care in the city.

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Assisted Living Facilities in Athens, Georgia

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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Athens

Assisted living facilities in Athens are licensed and regulated by Georgia’s Division of Healthcare Facility Regulation. Facilities are required to comply with an extensive list of rules and regulations and pass regular inspections to maintain their licenses.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Athens

  • Athens is an affordable place to live with the cost of living being 12.8% lower than the national average. This makes the city a good option for seniors who want to stretch their money further.
  • The weather in Athens is generally comfortable. July is the hottest month of the year, and there’s occasionally a small amount of snowfall in January. Overall, the area sees warm but comfortable temperatures with some rain. This makes Athens a pleasant option for those who dislike arid climates or extreme cold.
  • Georgia is a senior-friendly state when it comes to taxation. Retirement-related Social Security benefits aren’t taxed, and there’s a deduction of up to $65,000 per person on retirement income. Additionally, there are no inheritance or estate taxes. These factors, combined with the low cost of living, make Athens a good choice for financially savvy seniors.
  • Athens is home to two high-performing hospitals. The Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center is highly rated in four procedures, and the St. Mary’s Health Care System-Athens is highly rated in two procedures. This gives seniors peace of mind that they can access the health care they need in the local area.
  • The Athens Community Council on Aging runs numerous services for seniors in the city and surrounding county. Its Center for Active Living helps older adults stay fit, active and involved with community life.

Paying for Assisted Living in Athens

The average monthly fee for assisted living in Athens is just $3,366, which is slightly lower than the Georgia state average of $3,500 and far more affordable than the national average of $4,300.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Assisted living fees in Athens are slightly more affordable than average for Georgia ($3,500) and almost $1,000 lower than the wider United States ($4,300). Athens is far from the cheapest city for assisted living in the state, however. Further south in Valdosta and Albany, fees average $2,420 and $2,835 per month respectively. Towards the coast in Savannah, assisted living costs are in line with the state average, and further north in Dalton, the average cost is $3,588.

Athens

$3,366

Georgia

$3,500

The United States

$4,300

Valdosta

$2,420

Albany

$2,835

Savannah

$3,500

Dalton

$3,588

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Seniors should consider their needs and financial circumstances before making a choice about their care. Daytime services in a group setting are the most affordable at $1,625 a month. In-home care and home health care provided on an individual basis cost almost $800 more than assisted living per month, but that may be worth it to some people who prefer to stay in their own homes. Nursing home care is by far the most expensive option due to the skilled nursing care provided. Rates start at $6,266 for a semiprivate room.

Homemaker Services

$4,052

Home Health Aide

$4,162

Adult Day Health Care

$1,625

Assisted Living Facility

$3,366

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$6,266

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

$6,570

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Athens

Eligible seniors can apply for financial assistance with assisted living in Athens through two state-operated programs: Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE) and the Community Care Service Program (CCSP). Both of these are Medicaid waiver programs and are subject to availability.

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

Financial Assistance in Gerogia

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 Georgia page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Athens

Athens residents may find the following resources useful if they’re considering moving into an assisted living facility or are otherwise looking for help to live independently. These resources include organizations that offer free services, benefits counseling, wellness programs or other support.

ResourceContactService
Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging(800) 474-7540The Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging provides a variety of services for seniors in Athens, Clarke County and the surrounding area. The agency supports older adults and those with disabilities via programs, information and signposting to other agencies with the goal of helping them lead safe, active and independent lives.
Athens Community Council on Aging(706) 549-4850The ACCA serves older adults in several ways by advocating at the local, state and federal levels to improve services for seniors. In the Athens area, the ACCA runs adult day health services, senior transportation, Meals on Wheels, and other programs to help seniors with their day-to-day needs.
Georgia Senior Legal Hotline(888) 257-9519Seniors can call the Georgia Senior Legal Hotline to request brief legal advice or referrals to other legal professionals. The organization is staffed by attorneys and volunteers who are donating their time to help older adults with civil law inquiries.
Athens Veterans Field Service Office(706) 369-5630The Athens Veterans Field Service Office provides eligible seniors with a convenient contact point for information about benefits, disability payments and other practical support. Former service people and their surviving spouses can contact the field service office for information about Aid & Attendance payments and other benefits that could be used to pay for senior care.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Athens

Athens-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Georgia are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Georgia page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Gerogia

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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

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