Memory Care Communities in Atlanta, GA

The cost of memory care varies significantly throughout Georgia. The average cost of memory care in Atlanta is $4,806 per month, which is slightly higher than the state average of $4,419 but significantly lower than the U.S. average of $5,625. One of the most affordable cities for care is Albany, where the costs are about $3,760 per month. Conversely, one of the most expensive cities for memory care is Brunswick where seniors typically pay around $6,625. In Savannah, care is around the state average at $4,391 and in Columbus care is more expensive than in Atlanta at $5,279. 

When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of more than 75,000 senior living providers to provide insight into the average cost of memory care in Atlanta and 55 other cities in Georgia.

Utilizing a mix of public and private pay solutions helps seniors and families cover memory care costs in Atlanta. By understanding the coverage available through state and federal health insurance programs, the Veterans Administration and private assets, families can create a comprehensive financial plan that ensures access to necessary care without facing a financial burden.

• Medicaid: Georgia Medicaid operates the Community Care Services Program, which provides funding for long-term care solutions such as residential memory care. Benefits of this program include personal care assistance, skilled nursing, around-the-clock supervision and therapy services.
• Medicare: The federal health insurance program for seniors covers medically necessary services under Part B. Although this insurance doesn’t pay for most memory care services or housing expenses, it reduces monthly expenses by covering preventive care, rehabilitative therapies and durable medical equipment.
• VA Benefits: Veterans who meet functional criteria receive an increased monthly pension through Housebound or Aid and Attendance benefits, which can help them pay for memory care costs. The VA also provides direct coverage for memory care to qualified individuals through the Geriatrics and Extended Care program.
• Private payments: This option includes an individual’s assets, long-term care insurance benefits, monthly income and money from investments or home sales. Residents use private payments to cover any expenses left after state, federal or veterans' benefits are exhausted to cover room and board, personal care and additional fees.

Senior living costs in Atlanta are largely dependent upon the type of care being considered. Independent living is the most affordable in the city, averaging $3,197 monthly, but doesn't provide daily personal care. Memory care averages $3,800 monthly and offers personal care in a secure, supervised environment alongside specialized support and services for residents with dementia. Assisted living offers daily personal care support for an average of $3,717 monthly.

The Department of Community Health licenses memory care communities and other long-term care homes. Facilities with memory care units and facilities that offer memory care must offer services, programs, activities, and devices specifically for residents with cognitive deficits that impact memory. The department inspects the communities and ensures they are compliant with rules and regulations. 

Benefits

• Atlanta seniors benefit from generous state income tax laws, which help many afford local memory care expenses. The state doesn’t impose income taxes on Social Security benefits and provides a deduction of up to $65,000 on all other taxable income.
• Home to some of the state's most highly rated hospitals, Atlanta provides access to specialized dementia support for memory care residents. The city offers Emory University Hospital, which features over 750 licensed beds and a respected neurosciences department with specialists who treat dementia.
• Atlanta’s warm summers and mild winters appeal to many memory care residents who enjoy therapeutic outdoor activities such as gardening and supervised walks. The city’s warm season lasts from late May through the middle of September and brings average highs of around 89 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter spans late November through late February and has an average daytime temperature of 53 degrees Fahrenheit.

Drawbacks

• The cost of living in Atlanta, which exceeds the state norm by about 20% and the national average by 13%, may negatively impact the affordability of memory care. However, programs such as the Community Care Services Program help qualified individuals pay for care.
• Although Atlanta’s crime rate exceeds that of 97% of U.S. cities, memory care residents enjoy safe environments with features such as security gates, surveillance cameras and alarm systems.