Assisted Living in Alabama

Alabama Assisted Living Facilities

Seniors looking for care in Alabama have many options. Assisted living facilities in Alabama are for seniors who require assistance with daily activities but do not need around the clock care and attention. In Alabama, assisted living facilities are defined as when an individual, individuals, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company or any other entity that provides, or offers to provide, residence and personal care to two or more individuals who are in need of assistance with activities of daily living.

Assisted Living in AlabamaAverage Cost of Assisted Living in Alabama

The average monthly cost of residence at an assisted living facility in Alabama was $2,900, according to a Genworth survey in 2017. Each year, Genworth surveys senior living care providers to estimate the average cost of care in over 440 regions within the United States, including Alabama. The average cost of assisted living care in Alabama will vary based on the residence and location. Care close to the Mobile area tends to be higher than stays at assisted living facilities in the rest of the state. When looking for senior care, be sure you know what services and care are required for you or your loved one.

Medicaid for Seniors in Alabama – Assisted Living Residence

On average, the cost of assisted living in smaller cities and towns in Alabama can be 29 to 33 percent less expensive than assisted living in the metropolitan areas. In the state of Alabama, the Medicaid State Plan will cover the cost of nursing home care, as well as limited personal assistance in the home of elderly individuals. In addition to this program, the Alabama Medicaid program offers HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) Waivers to provide aid to elderly individuals in their home or community, preventing or delaying nursing home placement. While the Medicaid State Plan will also cover some care in the home and community, it is generally more limited than the waiver plans. Make note, the state plan is an entitlement program (meaning as long as one is eligible, one will receive services), while the waiver programs are not (there are limited slots available for assistance).

As of 2018 in Alabama, a single elderly applicant’s monthly income cannot be greater than $2,205 in order to qualify for Medicaid. There is also a resource limit of $2,000. Resources, also referred to as assets, do not include household goods, personal effects, or property (in special cases). If these income or resource limits are exceeded, there are still certain circumstances in which the individual can qualify for state Medicaid in Alabama. It is always recommended that individuals applying for Medicaid contact an Alabama Medicaid planner before doing so.

What are the State Regulations for Assisted Living Facilities in Alabama?

As with most states in the United States, assisted living and all senior care givers are heavily regulated and need to maintain up-to-date licenses each year in operation. All assisted living facilities in Alabama are subject to physical and routine inspections. Any new construction or renovation projects must also be disclosed to the state for additional inspection. Strict standards are laid out by the state to ensure a high quality of care is provided for all residents of assisted living facilities in Alabama. Below you will find a list of other requirements the state of Alabama has for its assisted living facilities as laid out by the Alabama State Board of Health located in Montgomery, AL.

  • Personnel and Training: An assisted living facility shall employ sufficient staff and ensure sufficient staff are on duty to meet the care needs of all residents twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Records and Reports: The administrator shall prepare and file all records, or shall oversee the preparation and filing of records. This duty shall be assigned to other employees in the administrator’s absence.
  • Care of Residents: The medical care of residents shall be under the direction and supervision of a physician. Upon admission, each resident shall be asked to designate an attending physician of his or her choice.
  • Food Service: The services of a Dietitian shall be made available to any resident of an assisted living facility who requires a therapeutic diet. Congregate Assisted Living Facilities shall be under the direction and supervision of a full or part-time professionally qualified dietitian or a consulting dietitian that is licensed in the State of Alabama.
  • Sanitation and Housekeeping: If at all possible, all water shall be obtained from a public water supply. If it is impossible to connect to a public water system, the private water supply shall meet the approval of the local County Health Department.

Find more information on state licensing for senior care facilities in Alabama with New LifeStyles.

Let New LifeStyles Help You Find an Assisted Living Community

New LifeStyles is “The Source for Seniors,” providing comprehensive and quality information on assisted living residences and care services provided. We work with local service providers to ensure seniors and family members can research assisted living care options prior to selecting a community.

Learn more about assisted living care and services in these popular Alabama locations: Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Huntsville and Millbrook.