21 Assisted Living Communities in Cherokee County, Georgia

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $3,390 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 21 Assisted Living Communities in Cherokee County and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $3,390
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $6,753
• In-home care: $3,813
• Adult day health services: $1,712

Per the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Cherokee County is $3,390, which is below the national average of $4,000 yet slightly above the state level of $3,100. While the cost of care in Cherokee County is higher than in most major cities throughout Georgia, the area is less expensive than Gainesville, where the average monthly cost of assisted living is $3,500. The cost in Albany is much lower than in Cherokee County at just $2,300, while other cities across Georgia tends to fall between these two areas.

Note: Senior care cost data isn’t available for Cherokee County, therefore cost data for the nearest major city, Atlanta, was used instead. 

The cost of senior care is generally determined by several factors, but the most significant factor is the type of care required. In Cherokee County, the average monthly cost of assisted living is $3,390 per month, nearly half the cost of nursing home care. Assisted living is about $400 less per month than in-home services as well. When considering home care as an alternative to assisted living, it’s important to keep in mind the other expenses involved with living at home, such as rent and utilities, which are generally included in the cost of assisted living.  Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,390

• Homemaker services: $3,813

• Home health aide: $3,813

• Adult day health: $1,712

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $6,753

Throughout the U.S., Medicaid provides low-income individuals and families with access to a wide range of health care, including medical treatment, dental care and prescription medication. In Georgia, Medicaid is funded by the state with the support of the federal government. Primarily, its accessed by families with children, pregnant women and senior citizens. 

While Georgia’s standard state plan doesn’t cover the cost of long-term care, unless it’s received in a nursing home, the Georgia Community Care Services Program Medical Waiver does provide care and support services to frail elderly individuals who choose to continue living in their home or in an assisted living facility. The waiver was created to decrease expenses for Georgia’s Medicaid system by reducing the number of seniors accessing nursing home care in the state. It does so by providing the services seniors require to delay or avoid further institutionalization. Enrollment for this waiver is capped at 19,000 participants, which means that it’s likely seniors will have to be placed on a waiting list before being granted assistance. 

To qualify for Medicaid programs in Georgia as a senior, applicants must be 65 years of age or older and undergo a personal care assessment to determine their level of need. Financially, an individual must have a monthly income of $2,313 or less ($4,626 couple) and may not have countable assets greater than $2,000 ($3,000 couple). Exempt assets include the applicant’s home, household furnishings, personal belongings and a single vehicle. 

To apply for Medicaid or inquire about waiting list times for the CCSP waiver, seniors can call (877) 423-4746. 

Optional State Supplement

Seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income can receive an additional cash benefit from Georgia’s Optional State Supplement program. This benefit is available to low-income seniors or disabled individuals who receive long term care, whether at home or in a facility. The Optional State Supplement is funded by the state of Georgia with assistance from the federal government. 

To qualify for this payment, seniors must be eligible for Medicaid and receive the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit. To apply, seniors can call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

The non-Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services program is provided by the Georgia Department of Human Services – Division of Aging with the assistance of the 12 Area Agencies on Aging. Although the HCBS program doesn’t directly pay for assisted living costs, it does help seniors to reduce their out of pocket expenses by providing a variety of services that aren’t covered by Medicaid. Some of the services this program provides include physical fitness classes, transportation services, support groups, nurse visits and nutritional counseling. 

This program is available to seniors aged 60 and above and has no financial limitations. Applicants are accepted on a case-by-case basis and preference is given to those with the lowest income. To apply, seniors can call the Atlanta Regional Commission Aging Division at (404) 463-3333.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Elderlife Financial Services provides short-term loans or a line of credit to seniors who are unable to pay the upfront cost of assisted living or other types of long-term care. The company offers bridge loans at flexible terms and low monthly payments. Upon approval, funds are issued directly to the senior’s care facility and are to be repaid in full by the senior and/or cosigners.

Although eligibility depends on credit and income, seniors can include up to six cosigners on their application to increase their chances of approval. Applications can be submitted online and more information can be obtained by calling (888) 228-4500.

Area Agencies on Aging provide seniors with benefits coordination and advocacy services, as well as help to facilitate community resources and manage individual cases.  Cherokee County Senior Services
1001 Univeter Road Canton, Georgia 30115
(770) 345-5320

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides vets with access to health care, education and housing. To learn about benefits and eligibility, seniors can contact their nearest Veterans Affairs office. 

Georgia Department of Veterans Service
220 Brown Industrial Parkway Suite 150 Canton, Georgia 30114
(770) 720-3538

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