13 Assisted Living Communities in Houston County, Georgia

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $2,300 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 13 Assisted Living Communities in Houston County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Houston County, GA

• Assisted Living: $2,300
• Nursing Home Care: $6,296
• In-home Care: $3,432
• Adult Day Health Services: N/A

According to data gathered from the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Survey, Houston County’s average monthly costs for assisted living are about $800 below the statewide median and $1,700 below the national median. In fact, of the major metropolitan regions surveyed, this county was the most affordable for this type of care. 

Houston County’s monthly average fees are on par with that of Albany ($2,320), which lies about 80 miles south of the county. Of the major regions in Georgia that were surveyed, Macon had the highest assisted living costs at $3,484, which is still notably below the nationwide average.

Note: Senior care cost data for Houston County was not available, so data for Warner Robins, a city located within the county, was used.

In addition to assisted living, Houston County seniors have several different care options available, including in-home care, adult day health services and nursing home care. Oftentimes, the types of senior care that include living expenses, such as room and board and meal services, in their monthly costs are more expensive, while in-home care, which does not include living fees, is more affordable. However, in Houston County, the cost of home care services surpass assisted living by well over $1,000. Nursing home care is the most expensive type of care at just under $6,300 per month. While the statewide average cost of adult day health services is $1,300, cost data for this type of care in Houston County was not available.

Georgia Medicaid is a medical assistance program that helps low-income seniors in Houston County pay for some or all of their medical expenses. While regular Medicaid only covers nursing home care and some personal care services provided in the home, there are two waiver programs that cover assisted living services. These are outlined below.

To qualify for Medicaid, Houston County seniors must be legal U.S. citizens and permanent Georgia residents. They must also meet income and asset restrictions. Single applicants must have a monthly income of less than $2,313 and no more than $2,000 in countable assets, and married applicants who are both applying for Medicaid, must have a monthly income of less than $4,626 per month and no more than $3,000 in countable assets. Medicaid is an entitlement program, meaning that all who qualify for the program are guaranteed to receive services.

To apply for Georgia Medicaid, seniors may call their local Division of Family and Children Services at (478) 988-7600.

Medicaid waiver programs provide services for low-income seniors who choose to live in their own home or an assisted living facility rather than an institutional facility. Georgia has two Elderly and Disabled 1915(c) Medicaid Waiver programs that pay for services. Seniors may only be enrolled in one program at a time, and eligible applicants may be placed on a waiting list for services. Medicaid’s income and asset limits apply to both waiver programs. 

Community Care Services Program

The Community Care Services Program provides community-based services for seniors as an alternative to nursing home placement. With this program, participants may choose some of their own providers. Some services covered by this waiver program include home-delivered meals, personal care services and skilled nursing and therapy.

Qualifying seniors are those who are eligible for Medicaid, have functional impairments caused by physical limitations and whose physician has approved the need for intermediate level of care.

To apply for this program, seniors should contact the local Area Agency on Aging at (478) 751-6160.

SOURCE

The SOURCE program provides services for seniors who meet an intermediate nursing home level of care and qualify for Medicaid. Unlike the CCSP waiver, this program doesn’t allow for consumer direction. Some services provided include assisted living services, 24-hour medical access and home-delivered meals.

To apply for SOURCE, seniors can call (866) 552-4464 or contact their local Division of Family and Children Services at (478) 988-7600.

Elderlife Bridge Loans

Seniors who are transitioning to assisted living but need financial assistance until other benefits kick in may be eligible for an Elderlife bridge loan. This short-term loan may be used to cover initial and ongoing assisted living related expenses, such as move-in fees, monthly room and board and personal care services. The loan may be taken out in a lump sum or opened as a line of credit to provide flexibility, and affordable interest-only payment options are available. Funds may be sent directly to the applicant’s assisted living facility in as little as 24 hours.  

Eligibility for this bridge loan may depend on applicants’ credit history and their ability to show how they expect to repay the loan. To apply for the Elderlife bridge loan, seniors can fill out an online application or speak with a representative at (888) 228-4500. 

Veterans Aid and Attendance 

Houston County veterans who are eligible for a VA pension may qualify to have some assisted living expenses covered through the Veterans Aid and Attendance program. This cash benefit is in addition to the regular monthly pension and can be used toward care services, including assistance with daily living activities and mobility assistance. 

To qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits, veterans must:

• Have corrected eyesight of 5/200 or less or have a field of vision of 5 degrees or less

• Require assistance with activities of daily living

• Be bedridden apart from prescribed treatment 

• Reside in a nursing home due to a physical or mental disability

To apply for benefits, veterans should write to the Philadelphia VA Regional Office, which serves the state of Georgia, or call their local service office at (478) 218-3905.

Eligible veterans in Houston County may qualify for a variety of services and supports through the Veterans Field Service Office. Additional benefits may be obtained through the local American Legion post. The county is also home to a VA medical center, where veterans receive medical services, including treatment for hearing-related conditions, specialty care and extended care and rehabilitation. 

Veterans Field Service Office
1001 S. Armed Forces Boulevard, Warner Robins, GA 31088
(478) 218-3905

Carl Vinson VA Medical Center
2370 South Houston Lake Road, Kathleen, GA 31047
(478) 224-1309

American Legion Post 172
1345 Radio Loop, Warner Robins, Georgia 31088
(478) 923-9238

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