1 Assisted Living Community in Guntersville, Alabama

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $2,075 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 1 Assisted Living Community in Guntersville and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Guntersville, AL

• Assisted Living: $2,075
• Nursing Home Care: $6,296
• In-home Care: $3,527
• Adult Day Health Services: N/A

Per the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care study, assisted living in Guntersville costs an average of $2,075 per month. This is considerably lower than both the state average ($3,271) and the national average ($4,000). Compared with other cities in Alabama, the cost of assisted living in Guntersville and the Gadsden area is significantly lower. Assisted living costs in other cities range from $3,404 in Decatur to $3,992 in Montgomery, where prices are the highest. 

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Guntersville, so data for the nearest city, Gadsden, was used instead. 

Senior care costs in Guntersville are directly related to the type of care provided. Nursing home care in the city costs an average of $6,296 per month, which is about $4,200 more than assisted living and about $2,700 more expensive than home care services. In-home care costs are about $1,500 higher than those for assisted living in Guntersville. It’s important to note that receiving care at home comes with additional expenses such as upkeep, meals and utilities, which are usually included in the cost of assisted living.

 

Alabama’s Medicaid program provides low-income residents with vital health care services through a combination of state and federal funding. It covers a number of essential services such as doctor visits, dental checkups and treatments, hospital services, diagnostic tests and screenings, prescription medications and nursing home care. 

To be eligible for Medicaid in Alabama, senior citizens must be age 65 or older and meet the following financial requirements:
 

• Single applicants are allowed a maximum monthly income of $791 and a total of $2,000 in countable assets
• Married applicants applying together are limited to $1,177 in monthly income and a maximum of $3,000 in countable assets

 

While income is counted from all sources, some assets are disregarded, such as a principal residence, a vehicle, household furnishings and personal belongings. 

To apply, Guntersville seniors can visit the Gadsden Medicaid Office or call (866) 371-4077.

Alabama Community Transition Waiver

Alabama Medicaid offers the ACT waiver to help seniors and disabled individuals currently living in a nursing facility transition back into their own homes or an assisted living facility. The goal of this program is to reduce the cost of care; however, applicants must be assessed as able to safely live in a community setting to be deemed eligible.

In addition to transitional assistance and case management, the waiver may cover the cost of skilled nursing services, assisted living, personal care services and necessary medical supplies and equipment.

Applicants over age 65 must be eligible for SSI benefits to qualify for the program. Disabled individuals may qualify if they have a monthly income of up to 300% of the SSI benefit rate and no more than $2,000 in countable assets.

It’s important to note that the ACT waiver program is subject to a statewide participation cap, so those who qualify may have to wait until a slot opens up to receive services.

To apply, seniors should contact the Alabama Department of Senior Services at (800) 243-5463.

 

Optional State Supplementation

Alabama OSS is a cash benefit available to low-income seniors and disabled persons with few resources. The program is in place to help these individuals pay for services excluded from Medicaid coverage, such as assisted living room and board fees.

To be eligible, applicants must receive the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit. The maximum additional benefit available through Alabama OSS is $60 for an individual and $120 for married couples. 

Guntersville seniors can apply for SSI benefits and the state OSS program by contacting the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213. 

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Elderlife Financial Services provides a range of financial services specifically for senior citizens, including assisted living bridge loans. These loans can provide a temporary solution for those unable to cover the initial cost of moving into an assisted living facility. Upon approval, seniors have the option of setting up convenient automatic monthly payments to their assisted living community. These loans have no upfront costs or application fees and offer terms of up to 24 months. 

Applications can be made by phone or online. Approval decisions and access to the loan’s line of credit funding often take place within one business day. 

For more information, Guntersville seniors can call Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

The Marshall County Council on Aging serves seniors in Guntersville and surrounding areas. The agency operates a life enrichment center, which offers senior education and interest clubs. It also provides a variety of services including nutritional counseling, low-cost senior transportation and elder abuse support and intervention services.  Marshall County Council on Aging
436 Blount Ave, Guntersville, AL 35976
(256) 571-7805

Senior veterans living in Guntersville can receive pension benefits assistance and other services at the Marshall County Veterans Service Office. Health care services including primary care, physical therapy and laboratory services can be accessed at the Guntersville VA outpatient clinic.

Marshall County Veterans Service Office
424 Blount Ave, Guntersville, AL 35976
(256) 571-7761

Guntersville VA Outpatient Clinic
100 Judy Smith Dr, Guntersville, AL 35976
(256) 582-4033

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.