8 Assisted Living Communities in Stockbridge, Georgia

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,390 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 8 Assisted Living Communities in Stockbridge and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Stockbridge, GA

• Assisted Living: $3,390
• Nursing Home Care: $6,753
• In-home Care: $3,813
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,712

Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study offers insights into the cost of assisted living across the country. It shows that seniors in Stockbridge pay about $600 less than the national average of $4,000 per month but roughly $300 more than the monthly average in Georgia ($3,100). The city compares favorably with nearby centers such as Macon ($3,484) and Athens ($3,390), but rates here are over $1,000 more expensive than the averages in Albany ($2,320) and Warner Robins ($2,300).

Note: Data for senior care costs in Stockbridge wasn’t available, so data for the neighboring metro Atlanta area was used.

Senior care in Stockbridge covers a wide cost spectrum. Those in need of around-the-clock skilled care pay the highest monthly rates for nursing home care. Assisted living is also provided in a residential setting, but it costs only about half as much per month. Seniors who receive care at home pay extra too. Monthly rates for homemaker and home health aide services are about $400 higher than the assisted living average. Since these in-home care rates are for services only, household operating costs are additional out-of-pocket expenses. The room-and-board portion of assisted living fees generally covers these costs.

 

Medicaid is a federal- and state-funded program that provides health care benefits to low-income Americans with few resources, including families with young children, pregnant women and those who are blind, disabled or elderly. Each state implements and administers its own Medicaid plan in accordance with federal guidelines.

The Georgia Medicaid program provides more than 1.75 million state residents with a wide range of health services, including primary and specialist care, emergency and inpatient hospital services, lab tests and X-rays, prescription drugs and institutional nursing home care.

To qualify for long-term care through Georgia Medicaid, Stockbridge residents must:

• Be U.S. citizens or qualified aliens
• Be aged 65 or older or disabled if aged 64 or younger
• Have less than $2,313 in monthly income
• Own less than $2,000 in countable assets as an individual or $3,000 as a couple applying together

Single applicants who meet the above asset limits but have $771 or less in monthly income ($1,157 for couples) qualify for Georgia Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income benefits through the Social Security Administration.

Income from all sources counts for Medicaid eligibility purposes, but some assets are disregarded. These include an applicant’s principal home if valued at less than $585,000, household and personal effects, one car and irrevocable burial trusts.

A married applicant who exceeds these limits may still qualify for coverage if their spouse doesn’t apply. Up to $3,160.50 of the applicant’s monthly income and $126,420 in jointly owned assets may be disregarded as spousal living and resource allowances, which may help them reach the required eligibility thresholds.

Stockbridge residents can apply for Georgia Medicaid online, by visiting the Henry County Department of Family and Children’s Services office at 125 Henry Parkway in McDonough or by calling (770) 954-2014.

CCSP and SOURCE Medicaid Waivers

Only nursing home care is provided as an entitlement under Georgia Medicaid. To reduce the number of nursing home placements, the state Medicaid plan offers two waiver programs that cover community-based care services.

The Community Care Services program offers qualified seniors comprehensive care through a combination of social support and health services. Those approved for the program receive an evaluation by a care coordinator who then formulates an individualized care plan in collaboration with the applicant’s primary care doctor. The coordinator supervises delivery of approved services, which may include personal care assistance and 24-hour supervision in a community-based assisted living setting.

The Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment waiver provides case management, primary medical care and long-term care services in a participant’s home or a community setting. Applicants assessed as eligible for the program receive a personalized care plan that addresses their particular needs along with round-the-clock access to their primary care doctor and case manager. Covered services can include assistance with activities of daily living and approved personal supports.

To qualify for either waiver program, applicants must meet Medicaid’s functional, financial and residency requirements. Additionally, they must be assessed as needing an intermediate or nursing home level of care but deemed able to live outside a nursing facility.

These waiver programs don’t cover the cost of assisted living room and board. They may also be subject to enrollment caps, so eligible seniors could be placed on a waiting list before receiving services.

To schedule an assessment to begin the application process for the CCSP or SOURCE waiver programs, Stockbridge seniors should contact the Atlanta Regional Commission Aging Division at (404) 463-3333.

VA Aid and Attendance Top-Up Pension

Veterans or their surviving spouses who currently receive a VA pension and need help paying for necessary care may qualify for an extra monthly pension amount through the VA Aid and Attendance benefit program. Only honorably discharged wartime veterans with at least 90 days of active service qualify. Applicants can’t be currently receiving a VA disability pension and must meet one of these qualifying criteria:

• Need assistance completing normal activities of daily living

• Be bedridden

• Be severely visually impaired

• Live in a nursing home because of chronic illness or disability

The A&A application process is lengthy and complicated, but senior veterans can receive help applying by calling the Veterans Field Service Office in Griffin at (770) 412-4074.

Optional State Supplementation

Low-income seniors who are currently receiving or are eligible for Supplemental Security Income payments from the federal government may qualify for an additional monthly amount through Georgia’s Optional State Supplement program. The $20 cash benefit is available to seniors who live in state-licensed care facilities and can be used for expenses such as room and board.

To apply for Georgia OSS benefits, residents of Stockbridge can call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 or visit the closest SSA office at 6670 Merchants Way in Morrow.

The Atlanta Regional Commission Aging Division is the designated AAA for the 10 counties comprising the greater metro area. The agency’s EmpowerLine provides Stockbridge seniors and their families with a 24/7 information access point for local resources. The certified counselors can answer questions about Medicare, Medicaid, insurance, transportation services, nutrition programs, financial assistance options, senior housing and long-term care. Atlanta Regional Commission Aging Division – EmpowerLine
229 Peachtree St. NE., Ste. 100, Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 463-3333

The Georgia Department of Veterans Service field office in nearby Griffin can provide Stockbridge veterans and their survivors with advice, counseling and assistance with filing applications for VA pensions and benefits. Veterans can access primary care, mental health services, dermatology and referrals for specialty care at the local VA clinic.

Veterans Field Service Office
837 Memorial Dr., Griffin GA 30223
(770) 412-4074

Stockbridge VA Clinic
175 Medical Blvd., Stockbridge, GA 30281
(404) 329-2222

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