Memory Care in Georgia

According to an estimate from the U.S. Census, there are more than 1.6 million people aged 65 and older who live in the state of Georgia. In 2020, Alzheimer’s disease accounted for 8.05% of all deaths in the state according to the CDC, which is a growth rate of 35.7% from 2016. Ultimately, the Alzheimer’s Association projects that 190,000 seniors in the state will be impacted by Alzheimer’s disease by 2025.

Seniors in Georgia who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia conditions can count on dementia care communities to meet their needs. These facilities assist residents with daily activities and provide programs and activities that engage the mind and enhance communication with friends and family. Families can use this guide to learn about the cost of memory care in Georgia and its cities as well as state resources that offer information, financial assistance and other types of help.

The Cost of Memory Care in Georgia

In Georgia, memory care is around $4,419 per month, which is one of the lowest costs in the southeast with only Alabama facilities costing less at $4,379. South Carolina residents pay slightly more at $4,515 per month, while Tennessee and Florida residents pay $5,131 and $5,000 per month.

Memory care rates can vary throughout the state depending on a number of factors. In the far northwest in Rome, the cost is around $5,366 and to the east in Athens the cost is $5,230. Seniors in the capital city of Atlanta pay $4,806 per month, while in the southwest in Albany the cost is $335 more than the state average. Savannah residents have some of the lowest costs in the state at $4,391, while those in Brunswick pay some of the highest fees at $6,625.

There are other types of long-term care all with varying costs and treatment levels. Adult day health is ideal for seniors who remain with their families but need care only during the day while their loved one’s work. The cost is around $1,300 per month. Assisted living communities are also residential care facilities for those with varying needs. They cost around $3,535 per month. Memory Care is usually offered within an assisted living community at $4,419.

Seniors who want to live in their own homes can choose home care, which provides help with daily activities, and home health care, which also offers medical attention, for less than assisted living at $4,290-$4,385 monthly. Nursing homes are for seniors who require around-the-clock monitoring and intensive care. A semiprivate room in Georgia costs around $7,011 per month and a private room costs around $7,604.

Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Georgia?

Medicaid doesn’t cover room and board expenses in a memory care facility; however, it does offer the Community Care Services Program (CCSP) and the Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE) waivers that help seniors cover the cost of care services. 

What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Georgia?

Covered memory care services include medical and non-medical care, such as skilled nursing, medication management, therapy and personal care. 

Memory Care Waiver Programs in Georgia

Community Care Services Program (CCSP)

The CCSP waiver provides community-based social, health and support services to seniors and those eligible for long-term care. The waiver helps pay for home-delivered meals, skilled nursing and therapy, out-of-home respite care and personal support services. To be eligible, an individual must have a functional impairment, receive approval for nursing home level care by a physician, receive Medicaid and choose to receive care within the community rather than in a nursing home.

Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE)

The SOURCE waiver is for low-income frail and disabled adults who require nursing home level care. This waiver helps pay for both medical and non-medical care, including housekeeping, grooming, bathing, transportation, meals, medication management and skilled nursing. To be eligible, seniors must qualify for full Medicaid. 

To apply for these waivers, call 1 (866) 552-4464 or visit the website.

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Georgia

To be eligible for Medicaid in Georgia, an individual must meet specific income and asset requirements. A senior applying on their own must have an income that doesn’t exceed $30,276 per year with $2,000 in assets. In the case of a married couple with only one adult applying for Medicaid, the income requirements are the same but the non-applicant may have assets worth up to $137,400. When both spouses apply, the income cap is $60,552 per year with a maximum of $3,000 in assets. 

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Georgia

Other eligibility requirements include:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or person with qualified proof of citizenship
• Women between the age of 18 through 44
• Pregnant
• Georgia resident
• Legally blind or permanently disabled
• Require a nursing home
  
  

How to Apply for Medicaid in Georgia

To apply for Medicaid in Georgia you can go online and create an account at Georgia Gateway. You may apply on the phone with the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) at (877) 423-4746 or in person at one of the local offices. To apply by mail, contact the DFCS to request the correct forms and mail them to Georgia Medicaid/PeachCare for Kids® PO Box 105200. Tucker, GA 30085-5200.

Information You Will Need

• Citizenship documentation or qualified alien status
• Government-issued ID
• Birth certificate
• Valid social security number
• Copies of bank statements for the past five years
• Income tax returns for the past five years
• Mortgage deed
• Copies of wills, powers of attorney and other items related to your estate
• Investment income
• Health and life insurance policies
• Any other documentation that could prove your case

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Medicaid offers free to low-cost medical care to low-income seniors throughout the state. These programs may vary from state to state and have different names, which can make it confusing when deciding on the right insurance coverage. The following is a list of resources of programs that provide help in navigating Medicaid and all it has to offer. 

*Per year

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Georgia?

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Georgia. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Georgia.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Georgia

Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Memory Care affordable.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Georgia

Georgia provides free and low-cost programs and services to seniors who require memory care throughout the state. These services address everything from basic daily needs and financial help to transportation.

COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Georgia

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including dch.georgia.gov. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/3/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Outings & Social Activities

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Georgia

The Georgia Department of Community Health is responsible for licensing and regulating assisted living facilities in the state that take care of seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. These facilities have memory care units which are specialized areas of assisted living communities where residents get the extra attention they need. Below is an overview of the rules and regulations in the State of Pennsylvania regarding these memory care units.

Frequently Asked Questions