Memory Care in Georgia

Inflation has caused price increases in Georgia, with memory care costs rising from $4,016 to $4,196 from 2022 to 2023. This is a relatively modest increase of 4%. Compare that to the national average, where prices have risen 10% to $5,369 in the same time. Most neighboring states also show relatively small price increases. In Florida and South Carolina prices have risen 6%. Alabama’s increase is slightly higher at 8%. Tennessee is the exception. Memory care prices there have increased 21% from 2022 to 2023.

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.

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 $32,904 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 $148,620. When both spouses apply, the income cap is $65,808 per year with a maximum of $3,000 in assets.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Georgia

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.