Assisted Living Community in Forsyth County, Georgia

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $3,500 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 Assisted Living Community in Forsyth County and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $3,500
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $6,220
• In-home care: $4,004
• Adult day health services: $1,257

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost for assisted living in Forsyth County ($3,500) exceeds the state average ($3,100) by several hundred dollars; however, these costs are significantly less than the national monthly average ($4,000). As a suburban enclave north of Atlanta, Forsyth County is one of Georgia’s costliest areas for assisted living, though its costs are exceeded by Brunswick ($4,145) and Dalton ($4,035). Less expensive areas include Albany ($2,320), Columbus ($2,750) and Savannah ($2,800).

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Forsyth County, so data for the closest city, Gainesville, was used. 

Many factors affect the cost of long-term care, ranging from health insurance providers, location and care duration. Perhaps the most important factor is the type of care required. The average monthly cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing home ($6,220) is nearly $3,000 more than the cost of a private room in an assisted living facility ($3,500). In-home care also costs more than assisted living care, with the average monthly cost of homemaker services ($4,004) being about $500 higher, and that’s before additional expenses are factored in. Seniors who opt for in-home care have to budget for standard home upkeep fees as well as homemaker services. Most assisted living facilities, on the other hand, include rent, some utilities, recreational services and food in the total cost.  Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,500

• Homemaker services: $4,004

• Home health aide: $4,195

• Adult day health: $1,257

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $6,220

Low-income seniors in Georgia may be eligible for the state’s Medicaid program. Administered by the Georgia Department of Community Health, Medicaid helps recipients pay for medical bills. Eligible adults over the age of 65 can get access to a variety of health benefits, including doctor visits, X-ray services, vision and dental care, medical equipment and supplies, emergency services, prescription drugs and immunizations.

Many Medicaid-covered services prove crucial for aging adults, such as inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, nursing facilities, home health services and hospice care. It doesn’t cover assisted living costs, however. For access to this additional coverage, seniors will need to apply to other state-sponsored programs. 

To receive Medicaid coverage, Forsyth County residents must meet the state’s eligibility requirements, which include income and citizenship status. Georgia residents over the age of 65 may be eligible for Medicaid if they are U.S. citizens or qualified immigrants. While nonqualified immigrants aren’t eligible for full Medicaid coverage, they may be eligible for Emergency Medical Assistance. 

In Georgia, each Medicaid category sets distinct income limits. For seniors who fall under the Aged, Blind and Disabled category, 2019 income limits are $317 per month (individuals) and $375 per month (couples). For seniors who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the limits are $771 per month (individual) and $1,157 per month (couple). Countable assets cannot exceed $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple).

Georgia provides other options for low-income seniors who don’t meet these specific limits. There is the Medically Needy “Spend Down” program, which is available for seniors who meet the limits when their unpaid medical bills are subtracted from their monthly income. The state also offers the Georgia Long Term Care Partnership, which creates a partnership between long-term care private insurers and Medicaid, and it provides Medicaid asset protection. 

When Forsyth County adults over the age of 65 decide to apply for Medicaid, they should apply to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program rather than the Medicaid program. If seniors are accepted into the SSI program, they will be automatically enrolled in the Medicaid program. Seniors who apply to the Medicaid program first, on the other hand, will have to fill out a separate application to receive SSI benefits. 

Completed applications are reviewed by eligibility specialists. The review process usually takes between 45 and 60 days. Seniors should save medical bills incurred during this period as Medicaid may pay them once seniors are officially enrolled. 

For more information, Forsyth County seniors can contact the Social Security Administration office by calling (800) 772-1213 or the Medical Assistance support hotline by calling (877) 423-4746. 

Georgia’s Medicaid program runs the Elderly & Disabled Waiver Program, which offers Medicaid-eligible seniors two waiver options. Forsyth County adults eligible for these waiver programs may only participate in one of them. 

The Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE) program gives seniors access to long-term health services. SOURCE services can be used in the senior’s home or in an acceptable community-based setting, such as an assisted living facility. Seniors accepted into this waiver program will work with a case manager to design an individual care path, which will cover medical monitoring, functional assistance and personal support services. 

To qualify for SOURCE, seniors must require nursing home levels of care and be eligible for Medicaid. During the application process, a comprehensive assessment will be conducted to determine eligibility and care requirements. 

For more information about the application process, seniors can call the Home and Community Based Services office at (866) 552-4464.

The Community Care Services Program (CCSP) is another way for seniors in Forsyth County to finance assisted living costs. Like SOURCE, this waiver program provides community-based services to eligible seniors. It can be used to finance the costs of state-licensed personal care homes, which offer residents a supervised alternative to traditional nursing homes. CCSP participants can access additional benefits as well, such as emergency response services, personal support services and respite care. 

To qualify for the program, seniors must meet the health and finance requirements. They must demonstrate a need for an intermediate level of nursing home care, and they must have physical limitations that leave them functionally impaired. To meet the income requirements, seniors must be Medicaid eligible.

To apply, seniors can call (866) 55-AGING. 

GeorgiaCares State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

In Georgia, Medicaid and Medicare don’t pay for long-term care at an assisted living facility. Many Georgians who don’t meet the requirements for Medicaid waivers purchase long-term care insurance. This insurance coverage is traditionally purchased before seniors need long-term care, and it helps them maintain a high quality of life when care is needed. The GeorgiaCares State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help Forsyth County seniors find appropriate private insurance coverage policies. The program can also introduce seniors to the Georgia Long-Term Care Partnership program.

Bridge Loans for Long-Term Care

While long-term care insurance is ideal for seniors who are still healthy and independent, bridge loans are designed for seniors in need of immediate, short-term funds. Elderlife Financial Services loans help aging adults pay for assisted living services when faced with temporary financial gaps. Applicants can apply online or by calling an Elderlife representative at (888) 228-4500, often receiving funds within 24 hours. Loans are available for terms of up to 12 months.

The Forsyth County Senior Services office provides the aging population with a range of services and activities. It oversees local senior enrichment centers, such as Sexton Hall and Hearthstone Lodge, and it offers health and community resources to seniors and caregivers.  Forsyth County Senior Services
595 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040
(770) 781-2178

Aging veterans in Forsyth County are served by the Gainesville Veterans Field Service Office. Seniors and caregivers can contact the office for assistance with benefits, appeals or nursing home placement. 

Gainesville Veterans Field Service Office
311 Green St. NW, Gainesville, GA 30501
(770) 531-6060

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