Will Medicare/Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Georgia?

Can I afford assisted living? That’s a common concern voiced by many seniors. The number of assisted living communities has increased dramatically in recent years to serve the growing senior population. But those communities can vary significantly in terms of accommodations, services, amenities, and quality of care. And, yes, cost.

Unfortunately, neither Medicare nor Medicaid covers basic assisted living expenses. That is, room and board. However, Georgia Medicaid may help pay for certain in-home personal services (activities of daily living) for eligible seniors, including when your home is in an assisted living community.

But take heart! You can find an assisted living community that fits your style, at a cost you can afford.

For more than six decades, our Magnolia Manor senior communities have welcomed thousands of residents with widely diverse financial backgrounds. Many were pleasantly surprised to learn that outstanding quality and affordability can go hand in hand -- if you make the right choice. Here are some tips that will help you choose well and help alleviate financial concerns:

1. Start planning now
Making the right choice for assisted living means doing research and planning ahead. Since you’ve already been searching for information about Medicare/Medicaid and how to pay for assisted living, you’re on the right track!

Choosing an assisted living community is a critical decision that will impact you and your loved ones for many years to come, so doing your due diligence to know the ins and outs of various senior living options is critical. The sooner you start gathering information, the better. Some communities have waiting lists, so starting now means more flexibility in your choices down the line.

2. Make the best choice the first time
Moving is stressful and costly. The last thing you want is to have to move again (and spend thousands of unnecessary dollars) just to find a comfortable fit. Thorough research will eliminate this worry.

Residents who are most satisfied with their first-choice assisted living community tell us they made multiple visits before deciding. They asked care-related questions, including about on-call staff, staff-to-resident ratios, and assistance levels. But they also asked lifestyle questions about their prospective personal living space, on-site activities and amenities, food quality, and transportation.

A great assisted living community emphasizes and supports carefree living and maximum independence, so don’t hesitate to ask every question you have.

3. Consider alternate locations
The cost of living in different areas can vary widely. Although you may believe one city or county is the only choice for you, exploring different locations can help you assess whether a more affordable area might be a realistic option for you. And maybe you simply want a change of scenery.

Here at Magnolia Manor, we understand that different environments and community styles appeal to different seniors, so we offer assisted living at five of our eight campuses across South Georgia:

• Americus
• Columbus
• Moultrie
• Richmond Hill
• St. Marys

A facility’s size or age can also impact pricing. Remember, though, that what matters most are the quality of care and friendliness of the staff and neighboring residents with whom you will interact every day.

4. Be flexible on room size
When you’re purchasing a house, the price depends in part on the location and size. Those same factors can affect the cost of senior living options. Along with flexibility in location, flexibility in the size and location of your apartment can also make a big difference. While you’re visiting assisted living communities in Georgia, be sure to ask about price differences for different types of accommodations -- a studio apartment rather than a 1- or 2-bedroom apartment, for example, or a room further away from dining options.

Yes, you can afford quality assisted living!
Magnolia Manor is a nonprofit, faith-based community that has been providing exceptional care to residents of all faiths across South Georgia since 1963. You won’t find big buy-in fees or long-term contracts here. Instead, you will find an environment that offers a well-rounded, quality lifestyle to meet your needs. A place that’s easy to call home.

Wherever you are in the search process, we are here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at 855-540-LIFE (5433), and our team will be happy to answer your questions.