Thomasville is known for its Southern hospitality and a majestic 300-year-old oak tree. Located in extreme southwest Georgia, just 34 miles from Tallahassee, Florida, Thomasville is the seat of Thomas County. It’s home to about 18,500 residents, including around 3,055 seniors aged 65 or older who benefit from Thomasville’s charming downtown shopping and food scene on brick streets, vibrant medical community anchored by Archbold Hospital and cultural offerings from the Thomasville Center for the Arts, community theatre and numerous museums.
Assisted living provides a safe, residential environment for seniors needing limited personal care and supportive services in the least restrictive setting that promotes continued independence. The average cost of assisted living in Thomasville is $5,506, higher than the state and national averages.
This guide covers assisted living in Thomasville, including comparisons of the costs of other senior care options and assisted living in nearby cities. It also lists some of the benefits and drawbacks of retiring in Thomasville and free senior resources offered by county and regional organizations.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Thomasville, GA
423 Covington Ave, Thomasville, GA, 31792
My husband was a resident of Southern Pines Senior Living. They said they weren’t going to put him in the memory care unit because the memory problems seem to be short term, not long term. So, they ga
… (read more)
My husband was a resident of Southern Pines Senior Living. They said they weren’t going to put him in the memory care unit because the memory problems seem to be short term, not long term. So, they gave him an apartment in the main building; I was tickled pink about that because we went there a couple times before. We went and ate lunch and everything, he got to meet a few people and he seemed happy there and everything. So, the problem was, he was going to get a studio apartment to begin with, but something happened between when we signed up for the studio apartment. Somebody else moved out and they had a bigger apartment where you had a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom. I had to go out and buy some furniture and stuff because I didn’t have the furniture from the house to move down there.
But the place was wonderful. It was beautiful. You had freedom, too. You didn’t feel like you were locked in, so to speak, like you would have been at the Memory Care Unit. Everybody loved him and he liked it there. He started having some swallowing issues and I had him go through a study and they found out that when he was swallowing, some of the food was going into his lungs. So that’s when he got in the hospital and they did that surgery. Once they did that surgery, they told me that they were really sorry, but they couldn’t take him back because they don’t provide that kind of care for that kind of thing. Everybody was really kind and helpful. They were sad that we were leaving, and we were sad, but that’s the way it turned out.
They were all nice. They loved him and he loved them. They do his clothes for him and helped him take a bath. They went in there and helped him get from his room to the main dining room, because it was quite a few yards away from where he was at, and there was more than one way to get there. So, he got shown a shortcut way to get there where he wouldn’t have to walk this far; but he enjoyed them, and they enjoyed him. They all came up and hugged me when they knew that we weren’t coming back and everything. They were just really sad about it. I’m sad about it too, because I was really excited about him being able to stay up in the main building where he could be around some people and not being just locked up in the memory care unit.
I had several meals there and it was good. Their biggest one was at lunchtime. They had breakfast, but the biggest meal was at lunchtime. Supper time was a lighter meal because they were still full from eating lunch by the time it was supper. They had home baked cookies and stuff like that, and they had little get togethers during the week where they might have some special things going on. Sometimes they had more on crackers and cheese and stuff like that. It wasn’t every week thing. They went all out to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and they had everything decorated for Easter, all those kinds of things.
They have bingo. One thing special that happened is he got to be friends with one of the maintenance people there. They hit it off really good from the beginning. He told him he would like to ride around some outside because he had hip replacement. He was okay and everything, but he couldn’t walk like he once did. So, the guy went up and checked with the administration and asked if it would be okay to take him over across the street to Rose Garden Park. He asked me if I mind, and I said, "No, just be careful with him and everything." So, my husband got taken over to the park a couple of times and he really enjoyed that outing.
I had a little bit of difficulty of understanding it, but you didn’t have to sign a contract. I like that part because you never know if something is going to happen. Like what happened with my husband, he had to go and leave before he even been there a month. When that happens, you have to give them a month’s notice that you’re not coming back. When I gave the notice, he wasn’t coming back when they told me they couldn’t take him back, I had to still pay for that month he wasn’t there for. That kind of upset me because it was not cheap. I asked them, I said, "Can’t you give me some break on all the days he wasn’t here?" They gave me a little bit of a break, but it wasn’t nearly what I wanted it to be. We didn’t know what’s going to happen, and we weren’t aware how long we need to stay in the hospital to get over everything, and then I bought all that furniture. I thought they should give me a break on this because of what I’m having to pay for this month he wasn’t here for, but I didn’t get much of a break.
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My husband was a resident of Southern Pines Senior Living. They said they weren’t going to put him in the memory care unit because the memory problems seem to be short term, not long term. So, they ga
… (read more)
My husband was a resident of Southern Pines Senior Living. They said they weren’t going to put him in the memory care unit because the memory problems seem to be short term, not long term. So, they gave him an apartment in the main building; I was tickled pink about that because we went there a couple times before. We went and ate lunch and everything, he got to meet a few people and he seemed happy there and everything. So, the problem was, he was going to get a studio apartment to begin with, but something happened between when we signed up for the studio apartment. Somebody else moved out and they had a bigger apartment where you had a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom. I had to go out and buy some furniture and stuff because I didn’t have the furniture from the house to move down there.
But the place was wonderful. It was beautiful. You had freedom, too. You didn’t feel like you were locked in, so to speak, like you would have been at the Memory Care Unit. Everybody loved him and he liked it there. He started having some swallowing issues and I had him go through a study and they found out that when he was swallowing, some of the food was going into his lungs. So that’s when he got in the hospital and they did that surgery. Once they did that surgery, they told me that they were really sorry, but they couldn’t take him back because they don’t provide that kind of care for that kind of thing. Everybody was really kind and helpful. They were sad that we were leaving, and we were sad, but that’s the way it turned out.
They were all nice. They loved him and he loved them. They do his clothes for him and helped him take a bath. They went in there and helped him get from his room to the main dining room, because it was quite a few yards away from where he was at, and there was more than one way to get there. So, he got shown a shortcut way to get there where he wouldn’t have to walk this far; but he enjoyed them, and they enjoyed him. They all came up and hugged me when they knew that we weren’t coming back and everything. They were just really sad about it. I’m sad about it too, because I was really excited about him being able to stay up in the main building where he could be around some people and not being just locked up in the memory care unit.
I had several meals there and it was good. Their biggest one was at lunchtime. They had breakfast, but the biggest meal was at lunchtime. Supper time was a lighter meal because they were still full from eating lunch by the time it was supper. They had home baked cookies and stuff like that, and they had little get togethers during the week where they might have some special things going on. Sometimes they had more on crackers and cheese and stuff like that. It wasn’t every week thing. They went all out to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and they had everything decorated for Easter, all those kinds of things.
They have bingo. One thing special that happened is he got to be friends with one of the maintenance people there. They hit it off really good from the beginning. He told him he would like to ride around some outside because he had hip replacement. He was okay and everything, but he couldn’t walk like he once did. So, the guy went up and checked with the administration and asked if it would be okay to take him over across the street to Rose Garden Park. He asked me if I mind, and I said, "No, just be careful with him and everything." So, my husband got taken over to the park a couple of times and he really enjoyed that outing.
I had a little bit of difficulty of understanding it, but you didn’t have to sign a contract. I like that part because you never know if something is going to happen. Like what happened with my husband, he had to go and leave before he even been there a month. When that happens, you have to give them a month’s notice that you’re not coming back. When I gave the notice, he wasn’t coming back when they told me they couldn’t take him back, I had to still pay for that month he wasn’t there for. That kind of upset me because it was not cheap. I asked them, I said, "Can’t you give me some break on all the days he wasn’t here?" They gave me a little bit of a break, but it wasn’t nearly what I wanted it to be. We didn’t know what’s going to happen, and we weren’t aware how long we need to stay in the hospital to get over everything, and then I bought all that furniture. I thought they should give me a break on this because of what I’m having to pay for this month he wasn’t here for, but I didn’t get much of a break.
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2022 E. PINETREE BLVD., Thomasville, GA, 31792
My mother has been in Suites of Woodleaf for about two months now. I’ve been really happy with it. It’s kind of small. They only have about 40 people there. The staff is good. They have some extra lev
… (read more)
My mother has been in Suites of Woodleaf for about two months now. I’ve been really happy with it. It’s kind of small. They only have about 40 people there. The staff is good. They have some extra levels of care, but it’s mainly assisted living. They don’t have intensive nursing or anything like that. They have a garden area, a nice living room area, games, and people who come in and play music. It’s a nice place with very nice grounds, and it’s a closer community. They really turned her around up there. They’ve done a very good job. I would recommend that place to anyone.
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My mother has been in Suites of Woodleaf for about two months now. I’ve been really happy with it. It’s kind of small. They only have about 40 people there. The staff is good. They have some extra lev
… (read more)
My mother has been in Suites of Woodleaf for about two months now. I’ve been really happy with it. It’s kind of small. They only have about 40 people there. The staff is good. They have some extra levels of care, but it’s mainly assisted living. They don’t have intensive nursing or anything like that. They have a garden area, a nice living room area, games, and people who come in and play music. It’s a nice place with very nice grounds, and it’s a closer community. They really turned her around up there. They’ve done a very good job. I would recommend that place to anyone.
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804 South Broad Street, Thomasville, GA, 31792
Please visit this place and interview there staff before you seriously approve your love one residing here. We have an family member that was placed here and it had been a nightmare for our love one,
… (read more)
Please visit this place and interview there staff before you seriously approve your love one residing here. We have an family member that was placed here and it had been a nightmare for our love one, as well as the family. If the issues were pertaining to one or even two individuals, you could say it may be a communications error. But there are issues all over, but mostly with there senior staff. Again, interview there senior staff, starting with the Head of social services, all the way to there DON(director of nurses). These guys just don’t seem to have a great relationship with the family and patient.
(read less)
Please visit this place and interview there staff before you seriously approve your love one residing here. We have an family member that was placed here and it had been a nightmare for our love one,
… (read more)
Please visit this place and interview there staff before you seriously approve your love one residing here. We have an family member that was placed here and it had been a nightmare for our love one, as well as the family. If the issues were pertaining to one or even two individuals, you could say it may be a communications error. But there are issues all over, but mostly with there senior staff. Again, interview there senior staff, starting with the Head of social services, all the way to there DON(director of nurses). These guys just don’t seem to have a great relationship with the family and patient.
(read less)
518 E Clay Street, Thomasville, GA, 31792
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Thomasville
Assisted living facilities in Thomasville and the rest of the state are under the oversight of the Georgia Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation division. HFR takes on the responsibility of licensing, inspecting and monitoring the assisted living facilities, nursing homes and other personal care homes across the state. HFR also investigates any complaints these facilities receive.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Thomasville
- Compared to the rest of the country, Thomasville’s cost of living is 19% lower than the national average. It’s also lower than the state average by about 12%. However, health care costs are higher than the state average by 37% and higher than the state average by over 42%. Housing costs in Thomasville are less than half the national average and about 30% less than the state average.
- Georgia’s statewide sales tax is 4%, and local jurisdictions can add up to 4.9%, but Thomas County only adds 3% in local sales taxes for a combined total of 7%. However, Thomas County’s rate is higher than 69.6% of other cities and counties in Georgia.
- Seniors benefit financially in Georgia because the state doesn’t tax Social Security income or Railroad Retirement benefits. Most other types of retirement income, up to $65,000 for single filers or $130,000 for joint filers, is also exempt for seniors aged 65 or older.
- Thomas County joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network in April 2021. Its regional planning organization, the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, is creating an action plan to identify the needs of older adults to help influence their health and quality of life countywide. The county received an average livability score of 50, which is considered average.
- Violent crime in Thomasville is lower than the national average. On a scale of one to 100, with one being the best, Thomasville scored 17.6, while the national average is 22.7. It’s also lower than the statewide average of 21.1. However, property crime is significantly higher in Thomasville compared to both the state and national averages. Seniors should keep in mind that assisted living facilities have security measures in place to keep residents safe.
- The climate in Thomasville is relatively wet, with an average of 51 inches of rain annually compared to the national average of 38. Thomasville sees some type of precipitation an average of 89 days out of the year, but it also sees 231 days of sunshine and doesn’t get any snow.
Paying for Assisted Living in Thomasville
According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of assisted living in Thomasville is $5,506 per month, higher than the national average by $1,206. Thomasville’s average is also higher than Georgia’s statewide average by $2,006 and Florida’s average by $1,806.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Thomasville’s proximity to Tallahassee, Florida, may factor into its higher-than-average assisted living costs, which are higher than the closest cities in both Georgia and Florida. Compared to Valdosta, Georgia, Thomasville’s costs are more than twice as high, with an overall difference of $3,086 per month. In Florida, Thomasville is higher than Pensacola’s cost by $1,701, Crestview’s by $1,131 and Panama City’s by $345.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Compared to other types of senior care, adult day health care is much cheaper at about $1,246 per month. At-home services are also lower, with homemaker services costing an average of $4,124 monthly and home health aides averaging $4,290. Nursing home facilities are the highest, with an average cost of $7,543 for semiprivate rooms and $11,558 for private rooms per month.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home Facility (private room)
Note: Data for Thomasville was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Tallahassee, Florida, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Thomasville
Two key state programs provide Medicaid-eligible seniors help with the cost of care: Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE) and the Community Care Services Program (CCSP). The former provides assistance with intermediate-level nursing care in an assisted living environment, while the latter provides financial assistance for a lower level of care.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Georgia 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 Georgia page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Thomasville
Local and regional agencies and nonprofits offer an array of free resources for seniors residing in assisted living and other senior care facilities. These resources offer various programs and services that allow seniors to retain their independence and participate in healthy and social endeavors.
SCOA is a non-profit organization that provides services for seniors aged 60 and older in a 14-county area in southwest Georgia that includes Thomas County. Supportive programs help seniors choose the services and living arrangements that suit them best. Programs and services provided by SCOA include adult day care, meals, homemaker services, transportation, advocacy, legal services, wellness programs, computer classes, day trips, senior activities and the ombudsman program.
The SGRC operates the Area Agency on Aging and Aging & Disability Resource Connection for the cities and counties in southern Georgia. Programs and services include elderly legal assistance, personal care services, wellness programs, nutrition services, coordinated transportation and volunteer opportunities.
The South LTC Ombudsman Program strives to improve the quality of life for residents of long-term care facilities, including those in assisted living. It covers 48 counties in southern Georgia and investigates and tries to resolve complaints impacting residents within this service area. Ombudsmen also provide information about long-term care and educate faculty staff on residents’ rights.
The Thomasville YMCA provides active adults aged 55 or older with exercise classes and equipment, health education seminars and social events through the SilverSneakers program. This program provides a fitness center membership to seniors eligible for Medicare or group retirees.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Thomasville
Thomasville-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.
