10 Best Independent Living Communities in Marietta, GA

Independent living communities are not classified as senior care communities. Because of that, seniors will be unable to use Medicaid, Medicare, or any long-term health insurance plan to pay for the cost of living for their stay at an independent living facility. However, Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term health insurance can help pay for any in-home medical care or other care that may be necessary for residents of independent living.

This section will cover how seniors can pay for their stays at a Marietta independent living facility. You will find information about VA benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay options.

In Marietta, there are three stand-alone A Place For Mom partnered independent living communities. Because these are not considered senior care facilities, they are not required to meet the same standards as senior care facilities. However, as you will see later in this section, 14 of the A Place For Mom partnered independent living communities are a combination of independent living and some form of assisted living or memory care. These communities are held to higher standards and are regulated and inspected regularly.

The stand-alone independent living communities do not require licensing, but they still have to follow city, state, and federal guidelines. The Georgia Fair Housing Act guarantees that every resident in Georgia has an equal opportunity to pursue housing that aligns with their financial capabilities. It strictly forbids any form of housing discrimination based on disability, sex, race, national origin, religion, or familial status.

All stand-alone independent living communities must follow the guidelines laid out by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA makes sure that landlords cannot discriminate or deny housing to any one person solely because of disability. Any resident complaint regarding the ADA can go through the City of Marietta Risk Manager/ADA Coordinator, Department of Human Resources, and Risk Management.

All stand-alone independent living communities are required to be in good repair and deemed safe for residents, as per the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook. Heating, plumbing, and electricity must always be in order and buildings must receive ordinary care. All stand-alone independent living communities are required to be equipped with smoke alarms, as per the residential housing code.

Combination care facilities

Independent living communities that are a combination of assisted living or memory care are required to be licensed by the state of Georgia. These buildings are required to receive a Health Care Facility Regulation license (HFR) through the Georgia Department of Community Health. Licensing is acquired after each successful inspection. Anyone interested in seeing the results of inspections for specific facilities or communities can find them online.

For every assisted living or memory care facility, there must be at least one awake staff member on the premises for every 15 residents.^[04] The on-site manager must be at least 21 years of age. No one under the age of 18 is permitted to work in an assisted living or memory care facility. All staff members are to receive training within their first 60 days of working at an assisted living or memory care facility. This training includes first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, medical and social needs, residents’ rights, and other duties.

All assisted living facilities must come up with a care plan for residents within 14 days of residents moving into the facility.^[04] This care plan must include residents’ social needs and services needed. The staff primarily responsible for overseeing this care plan will be identified at this time. Care plans also include any doctor’s orders plus plans to deal with specific behaviors. Assisted living facilities are also required to provide activities that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.

Memory care facilities must follow these same guidelines while also ensuring the safety of those with cognitive deficiencies. This means there must be measures in place to prevent wandering or getting lost.^[04]

Georgia Health Department Contact Information

Georgia Department of Public Health
2 Peachtree St. NW, 15th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-657-2700
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Marietta independent living communities

As of 2023, there are no guidelines or restrictions as it pertains to COVID-19 in the state of Georgia or in the city of Marietta. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have listed the best practices you can take to protect yourself and others.

Independent living facilities are thoughtfully designed to provide residents with an environment where they can gracefully navigate aging, surrounded by a serene atmosphere that alleviates many of life’s daily challenges. In Marietta, independent living communities are located anywhere from wooded suburban settings near the banks of the Chattahoochee River to more urban locations.

Live a life of leisure

Independent living is defined by amenities in many cases. More than just a place to live, these facilities offer a place to socialize and enjoy a variety of community activities. From pools and clubhouses to courtyards and community fireplaces, there are plenty of options for stepping outside and hanging out with friends to enjoy Marietta’s subtropical climate.

Easy living

Many independent living facilities make life easy by providing restaurant-style dining, room service, and even guest meals so you can have company. Savor the chef-inspired flavors of classic cuisine that pay homage to Georgia’s culinary traditions, featuring mouthwatering dishes like Southern-style barbecue, fried okra, peach cobbler, and refreshing sweet tea. Additionally, chores such as housekeeping and laundry are handled for your convenience. Maintenance and lawn care are also covered. Many of our partner facilities offer breakfast concierge services and arrange several social activities every day of the week so there’s always something entertaining to do.

Layouts designed for you

A Place For Mom’s partner independent living communities in Marietta are designed with seniors in mind. That means our independent living communities are accessible to all residents. All properties are wheelchair accessible, shower bars offer easy bathing, and elevators are on-site.^[01] Generous walk-in closets, breakfast bars, and spa-like garden tubs are also common features at many of our facilities.

Health care for seniors in Marietta

Transportation for seniors in Marietta

Marietta is a city that requires a car to get everyday errands done. With that being said, there are three neighborhoods that are known as being walkable in Marietta: Oakton, Barrett Green, and Hardage Farms.^[01] Marietta has a walk score of only 36 out of 100, judged based on walkable infrastructure.^[07] Similarly, Marietta is not a great place for biking.

However, all of A Place For Mom partnered independent living communities in Marietta offer complimentary transportation, while 63% offer at-cost transportation to make it easy to get around.^[01]

To access public transportation services in Marietta, Cobb County’s transit service, CobbLinc, is the primary resource. Make sure to acquire a pass and familiarize yourself with CobbLinc’s routes and schedules to adequately plan your travel arrangements.

For eligible residents of Cobb County who are unable to utilize fixed-route buses, paratransit services are available. To use this service, complete the application process for paratransit service. After you’re approved, you can also use Cobb County Senior Transportation Services. This service operates along fixed routes, transporting individuals to grant-supported neighborhood centers, medical facilities, social services agencies, and more.

There are private options as well, such as Silver Street Transportation, a private non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) service designed for individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities who require assistance. The vans are equipped to accommodate manual and electric wheelchairs, as well as scooters of various sizes. Joyful Transit is another private service that provides personalized transportation services for individuals with special needs.

Senior activities in Marietta

With its warm climate and southern hospitality, Marietta is a great place to retire. As the county seat of Cobb County, Marietta emanates a wealth of culture, heritage, and notable Civil War history. Whether you desire a day of basking in the warm sun or prefer tranquil moments indoors, Marietta will cater to your preferences. Stay socially connected and informed about the city’s vibrant offerings by keeping track of Marietta’s events calendar.

Begin your exploration of Marietta with one of the many captivating tours available. For a mix of history and excitement, embark on the Ghosts of Marietta tour. To satisfy your thirst, indulge in the exquisite brews offered at breweries like Red Hare Brewing Company and Glover Park Brewery, conveniently situated near Marietta Square and Meeting Park. Take your taste buds on a culinary journey with the Marietta Food Tour, led by a knowledgeable gastronomic expert who will unveil the city’s vibrant food scene. For those interested in the African-American history and heritage of Marietta, visit significant historic sites on the enlightening Black Heritage Walking Tour.

Explore the wealth of Georgia’s history in Marietta, where access to historical sites is open to all. The Marietta Museum of History tops the list, offering seniors the opportunity to visit for a modest fee of $5. Nestled next to the renowned Marietta Square, within the timeless walls of the Kennesaw House, this museum allures visitors with its intriguing galleries that delve into the fascinating and diverse history of Marietta and Cobb County. Step into these exhibits to embark on a captivating journey through time, exploring the stories of Indigenous Americans, the Civil War era, the rise of the industrial age, and the impact of World War II.

For those who prefer a quiet day at the museum, you’ll find everything you need at Six Museums, One Square. Known as Historic Marietta Square, it most notably features the Old Zion Heritage Museum. Of course, you can’t be in Georgia without a little something related to Gone With the Wind. The Gone With the Wind Museum features memorabilia from the book and the movie. Senior tickets for this attraction are priced at $7, providing a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the enchanting world of this timeless classic.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting natural beauty of Georgia at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, offering two and a half miles of trails to explore the local flora and fauna. Seniors can purchase an annual pass for $20 and veterans enjoy free admission. Take a minor detour to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to step into the historical Atlanta campaign on nearly 3,000 preserved acres. Smith-Gilbert Gardens is a more curated experience in Kennesaw with its 16 acres of breathtaking scenery. It features the Bonsai exhibit, tea house, waterfall area, rose garden, and captivating conifer display – all for a $6 senior discount ticket.

Marietta caters to art enthusiasts with the vibrant Strand Theatre downtown. This iconic venue hosts an array of dazzling performances, including comedy shows, concerts, and film screenings, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Seniors can take advantage of the affordable senior discount tickets priced at $6, and for a nominal additional charge of $4, indulge in a small drink and small popcorn to enhance their theater experience.

For sports enthusiasts, catching a Braves game at Truist Park is an excellent choice. This activity holds particular appeal for seniors, and Truist Park ensures that everyone can enjoy the game with its accessible seating options. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or simply looking for a thrilling sporting event, you can’t go wrong with attending a Braves game at Truist Park.

Elevate your golf game to new heights at the prestigious City Club Marietta Golf Course, the official club of the City of Marietta, where golf enthusiasts can enjoy the lush scenery and navigate the fairways, water hazards, and sand traps. Take advantage of special senior rates available from Monday to Friday that always include a golf cart, providing a fantastic opportunity to refine your handicap and enjoy a seamless and comfortable golfing experience.

In Marietta, there are several senior centers worth exploring, each offering a range of engaging activities. The Marietta Senior Center provides a vibrant atmosphere with opportunities to enjoy music, participate in crafts, engage in exercise programs, and attend special events designed specifically for seniors. Additionally, Cobb Senior Services serves as an umbrella organization, offering a diverse array of services and programs for seniors both in Marietta and throughout Cobb County.

If you’re looking for alternative options, senior centers in nearby Smyrna may also be of interest. The Aline Wolfe Adult Recreation Center and Freeman Poole Senior Center are notable examples, offering their own unique set of activities and services catered towards seniors. Exploring these centers provides an opportunity to connect with peers, engage in fulfilling activities, and make the most of the senior community in Marietta and its surroundings.