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Memory Care in Georgia

In 2020, around 150,000 people in Georgia had Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is projected to grow by more than 26% to 190,000 by 2025. These large numbers are part of the reason why the disease is the fifth leading cause of death in the state. There’s been a 17% increase in emergency department visits by dementia patients since 2007 and almost 22% of patients require hospital readmission. In order to meet the needs of the Alzheimer’s population by 2050, Georgia needs four times as many geriatricians as it has today.

Georgia recognizes that Alzheimer’s disease is a growing challenge and has developed a state plan to meet the needs of people with the condition and create a more dementia-capable state. In addition, there are memory care facilities throughout Georgia that can help seniors and their families. Facilities provide home-like accommodations in secure surroundings, with individualized programming designed to support brain health. The average cost of memory care in Georgia is $4,169 per month, which is more affordable than the national average of $5,064. 

This guide helps seniors and their families understand memory care in Georgia. It has information about the state’s SeniorScore, average memory care costs, financial assistance and other resources available, and the rules and regulations that govern memory care in Georgia.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Georgia



Georgia has a SeniorScore of 72, which is equal to the national average and shows that the state is generally comfortable for older adults. The SeniorScore is calculated by analyzing over 100 data points from government and private organizations to determine how well a location meets the needs of older citizens. This data-driven approach provides an unbiased rating that is broken down further into four categories: Health and Safety, General Quality of Life, Recreation and Leisure and Finances. 

The state’s highest score of 70 is in the Finances category. The combination of a low cost of living and a retirement-friendly taxation system is beneficial to budget-conscious seniors. In addition, all senior living options in the state have lower costs than the national average. Georgia also scores well in General Quality of Life, with a score of 67, a rating driven by warm summers and mild winters. 

Overall, Georgia scored lower in Health and Safety, with a score of 59. Despite this lower score, there is still a high level of access to Medicare providers and a high number of world-class hospitals in the state. Similarly, Recreation and Leisure in Georgia is rated at 58; however, retirees can still find plenty to do, with golfing, senior centers, and shopping popular with Georgian seniors.



Top Memory Care Communities in Georgia



Fox Glove Center - Atlanta, GA

Fox Glove Center

2850 Springdale Road SW

Atlanta, GA 30315

1-855-240-2530

8 Reviews  

Fox Glove Center is situated within the Hammond Park neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. It is a 109 bed senior care facility. The surrounding area is densely populated, with approximately 35,000 poeple living in the zip code of 30315. ...

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The Cost of Memory Care in Georgia



In Georgia, memory care services are provided by assisted living facilities and personal care homes with memory care units. There is currently no data on memory care costs in any state, but it’s generally accepted that memory care costs 20% to 30% more than assisted living. The higher costs reflect the increased level of care required in a memory care unit, higher staff ratios, additional security measures and specialized support and activity programs. The costs shown below are calculated at 25% more than Genworth Financial’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey assisted living costs. Actual rates at each facility will differ based on location, provided services and the pricing structure. 

Georgia’s average memory care cost of $4,169 is $895 lower than the national average of $5,064. Rates in southern states trend lower than the national average, but Georgia’s memory care is still more affordable than most of its neighbors. In Tennessee, seniors pay $4,875 per month, while in Florida and South Carolina, the cost is $4,375, $206 more than Georgia. Only Alabama has a more affordable rate, with seniors paying $4,063 per month, $106 less than those in Georgia.

  • Georgia: $4,169
  • National: $5,064
  • Alabama: $4,063
  • Florida: $4,375
  • South Carolina: $4,375
  • Tennessee: $4,875

The Cost of Memory Care in Georgia’s Top Cities 

Georgia’s capital has the least affordable memory care, with Atlanta’s seniors paying $4,688 per month, $519 more than the state average. The cost in Athens is also higher than the state average at $4,375. Other big cities in the state have more affordable memory care available. In Savannah, the price is $4,156, slightly lower than the state average. Seniors in Columbus and Augusta pay $3,750 and $3,500, respectively. Macon has an average cost of $3,250, while Warner Robins is among the most affordable memory care in the state. Seniors there pay just $2,875 per month, $1,294 less than the state average.

  • Atlanta: $4,688
  • Augusta: $3,500
  • Columbus: $3,750
  • Macon: $3,250
  • Savannah: $4,156
  • Athens: $4,375
  • Warner Robins: $2,875

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Georgia

Memory care is among the most expensive types of care in Georgia at $4,169 per month. This reflects the specialized dementia care programs and accommodations available in memory care units. Only nursing home care is less affordable, with a semi-private room averaging $6,684 per month. Memory care is around $834 more expensive than regular assisted living, which averages $3,335. Home care in Georgia is also affordable, with in-home care costing $3,813 and home health care prices averaging $3,909 per month. Adult day care is the most affordable care option, with an average price of $1,435 per month. This type of care may be suitable for seniors with mild cognitive impairment. 

  • Memory Care: $4,169
  • Assisted Living: $3,335
  • In-Home Care: $3,813
  • Home Health Care: $3,909
  • Adult Day Care: $1,435
  • Nursing Home Care: $6,684

Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Georgia



Community Care Services Program

Address: 2 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone Number: 1-866-552-4464
Website: https://medicaid.georgia.gov/media/3761/download 

Georgia’s Community Care Services Program (CCSP) is a Medicaid waiver designed to help older adults continue living in the community rather than in nursing homes. Community living includes accommodation in assisted living facilities, known as alternative living services in the state. Seniors accommodated in memory care units in state-licensed personal care homes that provide 24-hour supervision may be eligible for the benefit. Applicants must meet the financial criteria for Georgia Medicaid, which involves both assets and income limits. They must also have physical limitations and require a nursing home level of care. The program recognizes Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia as conditions that cause physical limitations. Applications are made through local Area Agencies on Aging. 


Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment

Address: 2 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone Number: 1-866-552-4464
Website: https://medicaid.georgia.gov/media/3766/download 

Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment, commonly known as SOURCE, helps seniors stay living in their homes or the community, rather than entering a nursing home. This includes memory care units in assisted living facilities and personal care homes. The benefits do not pay for room and board but can pay for the care received in assisted living facilities. Applicants must be aged 65 or over and be assessed as requiring a nursing home level of care. Applicants under 65 years of age must be physically disabled. They must also meet financial eligibility criteria, which are slightly less restrictive than for those on regular Medicaid. Interested seniors can call SOURCE to start their application.


Georgia Memory Care Rules and Regulations



Georgia has two types of alternative living residences: assisted living facilities and personal care homes. Both can provide services to people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia conditions in memory care units. The rules and regulations covering memory care differ slightly depending on whether the service is provided in an ALF or PCH. All are licensed and monitored by the Georgia Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division.

Scope of Care

Assisted living facilities must provide care for at least 25 residents, while a personal care home can have as few as two residents. Both must provide meals, accommodation and personal care services, such as assistance with activities of daily living. Memory care residents must not require full-time nursing care and must be capable of moving from place to place. In addition to the minimum required services, memory care units must provide activities that meet the needs of individual residents and encourage participation in the following at least weekly:

  • Gross motor activities
  • Self-care activities
  • Social activities
  • Sensory enhancement activities

Care Plan Requirements

Residents must be assessed within 30 days prior to moving into a facility. A written care plan must document the findings of the assessment and include the resident’s:

  • Functional capacity
  • Physical care needs
  • Medical needs
  • Personal preferences
  • Cognitive and behavioral impairments
  • Available family supports

Care plans for memory care residents are reviewed quarterly and the team developing and updating the plan must include at least one member of the specialized memory care staff. 

Medication Management Requirements

Medications for residents in a memory care unit can only be provided by one or both of the following:

  • A licensed registered nurse or licensed practical nurse working under the supervision of an RN or physician
  • A proxy caregiver employed by the facility

A proxy caregiver is an unlicensed person selected by an individual or their authorized representative to provide certain health maintenance activities.

Facility Requirements

Memory care units must be designed to provide services in a home-like setting. They must include secure outdoor spaces and allow for free movement between residents’ rooms and common areas. There must also be an automated system that alerts staff to unauthorized entry or departure from the unit. 

Staff Screening Requirements

Criminal history background checks are required for all staff. This includes a fingerprint records check. In addition, staff must receive tuberculosis screening and a physical examination within 12 months prior to employment. 

Staff Training Requirements

General training requirements for all staff include information about residents’ rights, infection control, emergency preparedness and training required to carry out tasks. Staff must also complete continuing education annually. People who work as proxy caregivers must have training in health maintenance activities. In addition, those working in memory care units must complete specialized training in dementia care. Topics include:

  • Behavior management techniques
  • Communication skills for resident-staff relations
  • Role of family
  • Individualized service planning

Medicaid Coverage

Georgia’s CCSP and SOURCE programs cover the cost of services provided by ALFs and PCHs, lessening the costs for those receiving assisted living packages.

Reporting Abuse

Any abuse or neglect should be reported to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at (866) 552-4464. 


Free Memory Care Resources in Georgia



The Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter

The Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has offices in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Dalton, Macon, Savannah and Tifton to serve residents throughout the state. It provides education classes and support groups, as well as advocacy and local resources for people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Support groups are open to caregivers, as well as those living with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, early-stage programs are available to people in the beginning stages of the disease. These programs include yoga, art therapy and social opportunities. 


Georgia Memory Net

Georgia Memory Net provides tools for screening and early diagnosis of memory-related disorders throughout the state. Its Memory Assessment Clinics are available to Georgia residents with a referral from their primary care physician. The clinics provide diagnosis and care plans to those who visit the clinic and can also connect people and their families with local resources. 


Dementia Friends Georgia

Dementia Friends is a global movement that aims to create dementia-friendly communities by educating the public about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Through information sessions that help people understand dementia and how it affects people, the program helps participants better interact with people with dementia. Anyone can attend an information session or become further involved and become a Dementia Friends Champion to build a dementia-friendly Georgia. 



Georgia Agencies 


DHS Division of Aging Services

Address: 2 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone Number: (404) 657-5258
Website: https://aging.georgia.gov 

The Aging Services Division of Georgia’s Department of Human Services assists older individuals in achieving safe and healthy lives. It also encourages self-reliance and independence. The division supports local Area Agencies on Aging and also has a number of programs to protect and support older adults, including the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and Public Guardianship. The Georgia Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (GARD) task force, which develops plans to address the challenge of dementia in the state, is also part of the Division of Aging Services.



Area Agencies on Aging in Georgia


Georgia Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) offer services to older residents throughout the state. Local AAAs have different services available, depending on their budget and the needs of people in the area, but common services include information and assistance, assistive technology, respite care and advocacy services. The benefits are available to all senior Georgia residents and their families and caregivers. 



Veteran Affairs Offices in Georgia


Georgia Department of Veterans Services is available to assist Georgian seniors who served in the military. The department’s field offices have personnel available to help veterans identify and apply for federal and state benefits. In particular, the VA pension and Aid and Attendance benefits may help seniors pay for memory care. Georgia also has two skilled nursing homes that provide care for eligible war veterans, which may be an option for those seeking senior care.



Social Security Offices in Georgia


Georgian seniors who receive SSI may qualify for the Optional State Supplement. This program pays a supplement to people who reside in Medicaid facilities, which may include those living in memory care units. The state automatically identifies eligible SSI recipients, but further information can be obtained from local Social Security offices.

 

Other Cities in Georgia

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