5 Assisted Living Communities in Marshall County, Alabama

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $3,495 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 5 Assisted Living Communities in Marshall County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Marshall County, AL

• Assisted Living: $3,495
• Nursing Home Care: $6,600
• In-home Care: $3,623
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,300

Geographic region is among the primary influences in the cost of assisted living across Alabama. According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of assisted living in Marshall County is $3,495 per month. This is about $200 more than the statewide median of $3,271 per month, though it’s nearly $500 less than the national average of $4,000 per month.

The most costly city surveyed for assisted living is the state capital city of Montgomery, where the average monthly cost is $3,992. Tuscaloosa, which is about 130 miles southwest of Marshall County, has the most affordable assisted living costs at an average of $2,935 per month.

Note: Cost data for senior care in Marshall County was not available, so data for Huntsville, the closest city to this county, was used.

In Marshall County, the cost of senior care ranges between $1,300 and $6,600 per month, depending on the scope of care and amenities provided. Adult day health service is the most affordable option for seniors, with average monthly costs coming in at $1,300. Nursing home care is the most expensive option at $6,600 per month. In-home care costs between $3,423 and $3,623 per month, with home health aide services coming in at the lower end of that range and homemaker services at the upper end. Assisted living services are near the median of senior care costs at $3,495 per month. 

In Marshall County, low-income seniors may receive low-cost or free health insurance coverage through the Alabama Medicaid plan. This program covers services received in a nursing home as well as some personal assistance received at home. In addition to the state Medicaid program, Alabama also offers a Home and Community-Based Services waiver for those who need help with the activities of daily living in an assisted living facility, letting them avoid or delay nursing home placement. This waiver is outlined below. 

Alabama seniors who qualify for Supplemental Security Income automatically qualify for the regular state Medicaid program. Single applicants can have a monthly income of no more than $791 per month and up to $2,000 in countable resources. Married applicants can have a monthly income of no more than $1,177 per month and no more than $3,000 in countable resources. To receive benefits, seniors must apply with the Social Security Administration to enroll in the SSI program.  

Those who exceed the state’s income limits may still receive Medicaid by establishing a Qualifying Income Trust. A participant’s excess income is automatically deposited into the trust, where it is used strictly for medical expenses. This income is disregarded in the eligibility determination. Medicaid then covers the remaining eligible medical costs.  

To apply for Medicaid, seniors can fill out an online application or contact their local Medicaid District Office at (866) 371-4077. 

While traditional Medicaid does not cover assisted living services, a waiver program does. The Elderly and Disabled waiver covers services for seniors who would otherwise require nursing home placement, including adult day health care, respite care, homemaker services and personal care. To qualify for this waiver program, applicants may have an income of up to $2,313 per month, and they may have up to $2,000 in countable assets. To apply for the Elderly and Disabled waiver, seniors should visit their local Area Agency on Aging. 

Alabama Medicaid is an entitlement, meaning there is no enrollment cap and seniors who qualify for the program are guaranteed to receive services. However, there are limited funds for the waiver programs, and eligible applicants may be placed on a waiting list until services are available.   

Optional State Supplement

Low-income seniors who reside in a personal care home may receive the optional state supplement in addition to their federal benefit. This cash benefit may be used toward assisted living costs such as room and board. 

The optional state supplement is available to Supplemental Security Income recipients and some non-SSI recipients who meet state guidelines. The total benefit that a senior receives is based on their level of independence and whether they receive SSI. 

To apply for SSI or find out more about the optional state supplement, seniors should contact the Marshall County Department of Human Resources at (256) 582-7100.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

The Elderlife bridge loan is a loan product that provides quick access to funds for the transition to an assisted living facility. Marshall County seniors who qualify for this loan may use funds to pay for upfront fees, room and board and care until more permanent financing is available. The loan is offered as a lump sum or line of credit, and the money may be available in as little as 24 hours after application. Affordable, interest-only payments are possible.

Qualifying for this bridge loan may depend on a senior’s credit history and proof of their ability to repay the loan. Seniors can apply online or call Elderlife at (888) 228-4500 for more information. 

Eligible veterans residing in Marshall County can access a variety of services through local veterans facilities. The local veterans service office connects veterans with federal benefits such as pensions, life insurance and health care, as well as state benefits like counseling. Veterans may also receive routine medical care at the local VA clinic.

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

Guntersville Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
101 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.