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Independent Living in Georgia
A warm climate and a low cost of living make Georgia an excellent state for seniors. To the north, mountain ranges such as the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachians provide a serene environment for hiking, while to the east, the Atlantic Ocean offers popular beaches, including Jekyll, Savannah and St. Mary’s. The state’s capital city of Atlanta is home to Centennial Olympic Park, the Atlanta History Center and Stone Mountain.
Social Security income and benefits are tax-exempt and the state provides an exemption of up to $65,000 on most other types of retirement income. Georgia is also home to top hospitals. Emory University Hospital is ranked #1 in the state and #5 in the country for adult specialties according to U.S. News and World Report.
Many active seniors in the state choose independent living, which allows them to maintain their privacy and receive support only when it’s needed. Facilities that offer independent living are typically maintenance-free and may offer everything from housekeeping to meals. The average independent living community in Georgia costs $2,275 per month.
This guide includes the cost of independent living throughout the state and the surrounding region as well as covering ways to pay for it. It also includes a list of common resources for seniors.
The Cost of Independent Living in Georgia
When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, 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 over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in Georgia and its 37 cities.
The Cost of Independent Living in Georgia's Top Cities
When comparing some of Georgia’s largest and/or most popular cities, seniors see a range of monthly independent living costs. The state’s capital and largest city, Atlanta, has an average independent living cost of $3,197, but Athens has a higher cost of $3,327. Other popular cities, such as Macon and Savannah, have lower costs of $2,114 and $2,142, respectively.
Georgia
$3,030
Atlanta
$3,197
Athens
$3,327
Macon
$2,114
Savannah
$2,142
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Georgia
Inflation's impact on the cost of independent living nationwide varies significantly. Between 2022 and 2023, the average cost of independent living rose from $2,810 to $2,955, representing an increase of about 5%. However, in Georgia, costs only increased by $126, or 4.34%.
Some nearby states saw similar increases, including North Carolina, with an increase of 4.16%, and Florida, with an increase of 4.9%. Inflation may have influenced the significant 17.26% rise in independent living costs in South Carolina, while Alabama actually saw a decrease of 9.7%.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $2,904 | $3,030 | $3,198 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| South Carolina | $2,578 | $3,023 | $3,106 |
| North Carolina | $2,932 | $3,054 | $3,505 |
| Florida | $3,088 | $3,240 | $3,347 |
| Alabama | $3,050 | $2,754 | $2,735 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Seniors have other senior living options in Georgia, but most have higher monthly costs because they include a higher level of care than they'd receive in independent living communities. For example, assisted living had an average price of $3,952 in 2023, with daily personal care assistance and some nursing care included. Memory care was as high as $4,196 because it includes dementia support. In comparison, independent living averaged $3,030 in Georgia.
Assisted Living
$3,952
Memory Care
$4,196
Independent Living
$3,030
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Georgia?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Georgia.
Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.
Paying for Independent Living in Georgia
Most seniors rely on retirement income to pay for independent living because most insurance companies don’t cover the costs. Some long-term care insurance plans cover the cost of home and community-based services such as housekeeping and grooming. Seniors may also choose to use reverse mortgages, veterans benefits and annuities to pay for independent living. Low-income seniors may qualify for programs offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which offers public vouchers and rental assistance. However, there is generally a waiting list for these programs.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Georgia
There are many resources in Georgia that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Area Agencies on Aging | Georgia's Area Agencies on Aging provide various services to support the state's older adults. They offer assistance in accessing health care, including medical screenings and prescription drug programs. The agencies also offer nutrition programs as well as transportation services to help seniors with essential travel. Additionally, they provide resources for caregiver support, legal assistance and information on housing options to enable a higher quality of life for seniors in Georgia. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Georgia provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Georgia seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia New Options Waiver/Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program | 800-436-7442 | The New Options Waiver (NOW) and the Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP) are available to Georgia residents living with intellectual or developmental disabilities. These waiver programs may help seniors pay for a variety of health care costs, including adult day care, nursing care, in-home care and assisted living. They may also cover the cost of specialized medical equipment, respite care, transportation and home modifications, as needed. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Georgia seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Emergency Food Assistance Program | 404-657-5244 | The Emergency Food Assistance Program is a federally sponsored program that provides monthly emergency food packages to low-income people and seniors at no charge. Offered in all 159 Georgia counties, this food assistance program helps supplement the diets of older adults with shelf-stable foods such as canned meat, pasta, peanut butter and bottled juices. When available, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as frozen meats, are distributed as well. |
| Georgia Food Bank Association | 404-419-1738 | The Georgia Food Bank Association is a nonprofit organization serving low-income seniors through food distributions throughout the state. The program's goal is to enable seniors with fixed incomes to have access to nutritious meals without having to choose between paying for food, medicine or utilities. Residents can access over 700 locations throughout the state, such as community kitchens, food pantries, senior centers and shelters. |
| Georgia Meals on Wheels | The Georgia Meals on Wheels program enables homebound seniors and residents with mobility issues to receive regular home delivery of nutritious, hot meals. Qualified individuals must be 60 or older with a disability or mobility issues that make it difficult to shop or prepare healthy meals. Seniors can benefit from various meal delivery options, social interactions and safety checks. Additionally, if transportation is available, community centers can offer seniors meal options and an opportunity to socialize with others. | |
| Georgia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 877-423-4746 | Georgia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, or SNAP, is a federally funded program that provides monthly benefits to eligible seniors to help cover the cost of food. Senior SNAP is available for Georgia seniors ages 60 or older who do not work and whose household is under the income limits established by the program. Seniors must apply for these benefits and participate in a phone interview before they are deemed eligible. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Georgia have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Section 504 Home Repair Program | 706-546-2162 | The Section 504 Home Repair Program provides seniors in rural areas with grants of up to $10,000 to ensure the homes they live in are safe and sanitary. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Georgia seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | 866-552-4464 | The state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has trained volunteers who help seniors research assisted living options in Covington and identify options for paying for their care. The ombudsman also ensures residents understand their rights and advocates on their behalf to ensure they receive the services they're entitled to. |
| Georgia Senior Legal Aid | 404-389-9992 | Georgia Senior Legal Aid works with Atlanta Legal Aid to provide a helpline for Georgians aged 60 and older who need free legal advice, putting a special focus on low-income seniors who live independently and lack traditional social supports. GSLA's volunteer attorneys can provide guidance and referrals regarding legal topics that include eviction and foreclosure, consumer fraud, difficulty claiming public benefits and the like. All services are over the phone. |
| Georgia Elderly Legal Assistance Program | 866-552-4464 | Through Georgia's Elderly Legal Assistance Program (ELAP), seniors aged 60 and older can access free legal support for noncriminal cases. The program's team of lawyers and paralegals can offer information, counseling and representation on issues of interest to seniors, including consumer protection, elder abuse and exploitation, health care benefits and long-term care. The program also hosts community education sessions. ELAP services are available in all counties across Georgia and can be accessed by contacting the local Area Agency on Aging. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Georgia help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Association Georgia Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The state Alzheimer's Association works to seek a cure for dementia and other memory issues through global research, community outreach and government initiatives. Programs include a 24/7 helpline, support and education programs, early-stage social engagement programs and online tools. |
| Georgia Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) | 404-657-5332 | The Senior Community Service Employment Program assists people aged 55 and older who are unemployed and attempting to re-enter the workforce. The program is run by the U.S. Department of Labor specifically to assist low-income individuals with poor prospects for employment. Participating seniors receive part-time community service assignments and receive pay for those hours. |
Medicaid Resources
Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Georgia resources help older adults by providing advice on Medicaid options, waiver programs and eligibility criteria to help seniors receive the right health care benefits.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Medicaid Home and Community Based Services | 877-423-4746 | Georgia Medicaid may be able to assist seniors aged 65 and over with some or all of the costs of living in their memory care communities. Pre-admission screening and a review of the resident's assets and income are required before the senior can be accepted into the program. The screening's purpose is to determine if the senior is best served by being admitted to a memory care community. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Georgia help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Georgia resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Property Tax Homestead Exemptions | This program allows seniors aged 65 and older to claim a $4,000 exemption from county property taxes, provided they meet the requirements of the program. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Georgia retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | 877-423-4746 | Seniors in Georgia who struggle to pay their utility bills can apply for the Georgia Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Through LIHEAP, seniors who meet income requirements can apply for energy bill payment assistance, help with repairs of their energy systems and weatherization assistance to make their homes more energy-friendly. |
| Georgia Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIWAP) | 877-423-4746 | The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) ensures that all Georgia residents have access to clean, safe water by providing funds to pay for household water for eligible, low-income households. |
Veteran's Services
Georgia retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia VA Benefits and Health Care | Through the Georgia VA Benefits and Health Care program, qualified veterans, including many seniors, can receive health care and financial benefits. The VA has medical centers in August, Decatur and Dublin, and it also operates outpatient clinics in many other cities. The Veterans Benefits Administration has a regional benefits office in Decatur as well as intake sites in other cities, giving seniors multiple locations to access their benefits. |
Independent Living Facilities in Georgia
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