Many use “nursing home” as a broad term to refer to senior care, but there are some key differences to be mindful of to choose the most appropriate option. Nursing homes, as defined by the Georgia Department of Community Health, are facilities that provide services that include round-the-clock medical supervision, rehabilitative therapies, and skilled nursing care to patients admitted on a referral-only basis. In most cases, patients are transferred to these facilities after hospitalization or a serious health decline. Seniors that don’t need a nursing home level of care may find assisted living or memory care better suited for their needs.
A Place for Mom partners with 32 senior care facilities within 10 miles of downtown Atlanta that offer assisted living and memory care. A number of these communities also offer on-site skilled nursing care, and around 65% have access to an on-site physician.
Their staff is super caring and patient with their elderly care. Cannot say enough about their patience and compassion for everyone there. Biggest issue is cleaning. I have complained a few times about their...
My name is [name removed] when I found out about this place this place is such a great place to live from the Front Desk staff. It is great from the sales. It is great everybody at this place together as a...
They are doing some great improvements. Yes, we would recommend this community to other families given all the recent changes and plans
My dad passed in [date removed], but what we liked the most about Sunrise of Buckhead is that everyone was attentive. Based on the experience we had, we would recommend this community to other families who ...
The overall experience has been good, but small population and my mother felt like outsider because the eating groups had been formed. The cleanliness is good, but washing machine in my mother's floor was....
My Dad is enjoying his experience at Summerset. His first day there we sat with one of his high school classmates, someone he's known over 75 years! There are many activities that take place at the facility...
I'd say it used to be better (last year) and now the quality has decreased significantly. There's currently no director, they haven't found an appropriate suitor since the last one left in February and none...
My husband and I recently moved to the magical place that the Renaissance is; from the beautiful landscaping to the old world charm mixed with modern features, a grand lobby, spacious apartments, and...
the people at the front are very nice and welcoming and nice i had a great time visiting also the staff are very helpful. everyone is super happy and joyful and i live this place, will be back very soon
My Mothers journey was a long one and unfortunately she did not prepare for the last years as well as one might hope. Due to this I had to be very resourceful with care options and still trying to get the...
Peachtree Creek was a blessing in caring for my mom in her last stages of dementia. Everyone there was kind and helpful and the facility was clean and well managed.
It starts with [name removed]- but it’s the way the staff cares for my mom, her day and her needs that sets them apart. They are happy and rooting for my mom - what she needs for the day, her progress, and...
My parents have been living at Wesley woods for a couple of months now. They are really enjoying it! They like having some activities on hand, the noon day meal with plenty of options to also take away for...
The Coventry Place has a wonderful selection for my uncle, he is getting acquainted with new friends and enjoying his independence. It’s been a pleasure working with the team and having him be in a space...
I don't require any specific care - it's a retirement community but there are a small # of residents that use assisted living & some that have helpers but that may be 1/4 or less of the total residents. ...
Staff are caring, respectful, helpful, and friendly. The food is good, but not worth the price for a guest. The menu is rarely accurate. If I call and leave a particular staff member a message. I would say I...
I think it is a good place, there are activities daily and group participation There are several performers that entertain the residents. The staff are very involved with the residence. it is very relax and...
For the overall experience, there have been a few issues, but they were immediately corrected when discussed. My mom usually can't recall what she has eaten, but is ready for the next meal. My mom is in...
My wife and I lived for two months before we had to leave because I required emergency open heart surgery. We enjoyed living here. The food was well-prepared and plentiful. We were also able to participate...
What our family likes the most about the King's Bridge Retirement community is the staff team. The staff members there are outstanding. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this...
I have been very happy with the attention that my Uncle has been getting. They are working through getting to know him and his peculiarities. I feel as though he is getting the attention that he needs and...
All categories get a 5! My loved one has been very content there. I have been very pleased with his care and the staff I have interacted with!! I am very happy with the placement.
I have no complaints of how things went for my loved one while he was at this community for his respite stay. The staff where wonderful to work with and I was comfortable with the care they provided him. He...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Atlanta community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
The costs of senior living in Atlanta can fluctuate depending on the level of care offered, the location, and the floor plan selection. Due to the costs to provide medical support and round-the-clock supervision, the most expensive senior care facilities are usually skilled nursing homes. In 2022, Atlanta nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, cost an average of $8,593 per month for a private room and $7,528 a month for a semi-private room, according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.[03]
You’ll find other types of senior living may be more cost-friendly, if a senior doesn’t need the continuous medical care and supervision provided in a skilled nursing facility. A stay in an Atlanta assisted living facility is significantly less expensive than a skilled nursing facility with an average rate of $3,969 per month in 2022, according to our proprietary data.[02] This amount increases slightly for a memory care facility, with an average cost of around $4,144 per month in 2022.[02]
As with the nursing home costs above, the prices of Atlanta assisted living and memory care facilities can be different depending on whether you live in a one-bedroom or semi-private unit. Below, you’ll find the specific costs for both options at these communities in the Atlanta metro. You’ll notice these prices are for the starting costs, which means they don’t include amounts related to care services or any add-on amenities and fees.
There are various means available to pay for senior care in Atlanta. Families often utilize a mix of private and public sources, depending on the type and amount of care needed. You’ll find some sources of public funding have specific limits when paying for specific types of senior care facilities. We highlight several private and public funding options below and lay out what specific costs may be covered.
Many families will start by looking into what private sources of funding can be used to pay for a senior care facility. These sources often come in the form of savings accounts, investment returns, and sources of retirement income.
Georgia’s tax-friendly policies for seniors may be able to help some of these private funds go even further. Social security benefits aren’t taxed in the Peach State, and senior residents age 65+ can take a tax deduction of $65,000 for income accumulated from pensions and retirement accounts.[04]
For some, private funds may be able to fully cover the cost of a senior care facility, depending on a person’s financial situation and the level of care needed. If you feel these funds may fall short in the long run, consider one of the following options below:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has some federal benefits that may be used to pay for skilled care services in a nursing home. The Georgia Department of Veterans Services (also known as GDVS) also has some state benefits available for eligible Georgia veterans, which includes skilled nursing care at one of the state’s GDVS-operated nursing homes.
There are additional VA benefits that can be used to pay for other types of senior care, if a nursing home level isn’t needed. VA pension benefits give monthly supplementary income to low-income veterans, which can pay for any cost of living expenses at a senior care facility. Veterans must meet financial and service requirements to qualify, as well as at least one of the following:
Veterans with a disability receiving VA pension benefits may be eligible for extra funding through the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit is added to a veteran’s monthly pension benefit and can be put toward long-term care costs at any type of facility, which includes nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care communities. A veteran must be enrolled in VA health care, receive a VA pension, and meet a minimum of one of the following requirements to qualify for Aid and Attendance:
Applying for VA benefits can be a difficult process to navigate alone, but utilizing local resources can help things go much more smoothly. The VA Atlanta regional office, GDVS, and your local Veterans Field Service Office can be tremendous help throughout the process to help veterans and families better understand benefits and eligibility. You’ll also find local organizations available to advocate and assist veterans with the application process, like the Catholic Charities of Atlanta Veteran’s Case Management program.
Number of veterans who live in Atlanta, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau
About 22% of Atlanta veterans are age 75+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Resources for Atlanta veterans
Georgia Department of Veterans Services (GDVS)
Find a Veterans Field Service Office near you.
2 MLK Jr. Drive, SE.
Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: 404-656-2300
Atlanta VA Regional Office
For help with applying for VA benefits
1700 Clairmont Road
Decatur, GA 30033
Phone: 404-929-6000
Catholic Charities of Atlanta
Veterans Support Services
Phone: 678-426-5804
Email: Help@ccatlanta.org
Georgia’s Medicaid program can be used to cover the cost of some types of skilled care services in a senior care facility. Some services covered by Medicaid include the following:
Medicaid will pay for a stay and the care received in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility if a person is referred by their doctor and meet a nursing home level of care. To meet the required level of care, a person must have an impairment — which can be physical and/or mental — that requires nonstop nursing care or medical supervision. This type of care and monitoring is generally provided in a Medicaid-approved skilled nursing facility, but there are some Home and Community Based Services that are covered in the patient’s place of residence.
Georgia’s Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver Program — formerly called the Community Care Services Program (CCSP) — and Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE) give senior and disabled Georgians the option to receive coordinated care services at home or in a community setting instead of an institutional facility, like a nursing home or hospital. Both E&D and SOURCE waivers essentially allow the state to put Medicaid requirements on hold so that certain services can be covered in the senior’s place of residence:
You can contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the Georgia Department of Community Health for more information about Georgia’s Medicaid and Medicaid waiver programs. If you’re interested or need to apply for Medicaid, you can apply online via the Georgia Gateway website or print out an application. When applying, you’ll be asked to verify your personal information and will need to have the following items available:
Atlanta Medicaid resources
Contact DCH
2 Peachtree St., NW.
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-656-4507
Area Agency on Aging — Atlanta
229 Peachtree St., NE., Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-463-3333
A short-term stay in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility is usually covered by Medicare if that level of care is deemed medically essential by a physician and is provided in a Medicare-certified facility. To qualify for this coverage, a person must also meet the following requirements:
Following the three-day hospitalization prerequisite, Medicare will fully cover approved skilled nursing services for the first 20 days a person is in a nursing home. A portion of Medicare-approved expenses is covered after that, with a $200 coinsurance rate paid by the patient from day 21 up until day 100. All skilled nursing home expenses from day 101 and beyond won’t be covered through Medicare. The following are some specific Medicare-approved services and costs in a skilled nursing facility:
Medicare coverage is primarily limited to cover services that are considered skilled — meaning they are performed by licensed health care professionals. As such, most of the costs of assisted living and memory care aren’t covered aside from visits or therapies from medical professionals.
Georgia has several resources available to help navigate through Medicare coverage. Seniors can get free Medicare counseling from the Georgia State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). Their counselors can help seniors discover and apply for a plan that fits their needs. They can also point out some Medicare financial assistance resources, which can help reduce the out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions and other expenses.
Medicare resources in Atlanta
Division of Aging Services
2 Peachtree St., NW., 33rd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-657-5258
Medicare assistance
Phone: 1-866-552-4464, ext. 4
In Atlanta, nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities are licensed and regulated by the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division (also known as HFRD), which is a branch of the Georgia Department of Community Health. HFRD is responsible for overseeing and enforcing state and federal regulations at different types of senior care facilities in Georgia.
HFRD also conducts routine nursing home inspections and may conduct them more often to investigate complaints or follow up on any previous violations found.[15] Below, you’ll find a summarized version of some of Georgia’s regulations specific to nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities.
Georgia assisted living and memory care facilities are also inspected, licensed, and regulated by HFRD. However, there are some differences in the regulations for these types of facilities versus nursing homes. Specifically, regarding matters such as admission requirements, medication administration, and the care provided. These distinctions may be worth noting if you or a loved one are considering a move into an assisted living facility.
You can access all of HFRD’s laws and regulations for nursing homes, assisted living, and other health care facilities on the Georgia Department of Community Health website.
Georgia Department of Community Health
HFRD’s laws and regulations
2 Peachtree St., NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404-656-4507
There aren’t any statewide COVID-19 mandates in place for Atlanta nursing homes or senior care facilities, as of January 2023. However, all Georgia nursing homes are required to have infection control practices within the facility. These are outlined in the Georgia Department of Community Health Rules and Regulations for Nursing Homes.
You can find more information about COVID-19 protocols for nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Georgia on the Department of Public Health’s website. The Fulton County Board of Health Office of Epidemiology is another excellent source for local COVID-19 guidance. Both entities regularly publish COVID-19 status reports on their websites, and you’ll also find information about local testing and vaccine resources.
Georgia Department of Public Health
Georgia COVID-19 updates
2 Peachtree St., NW.
Atlanta, GA 30303-3186
Phone: 404-657-2700
Fulton County Board of Health
Office of Epidemiology
10 Park Place, SE.
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-613-1391
The Georgia Department of Public Health (or DPH) offers COVID-19 resources for nursing homes based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). While there currently aren’t any regulations set in stone, many Atlanta nursing homes and senior care facilities continue to follow these practices:
Vaccinations. Nursing homes must educate residents and staff about vaccines and offer vaccine administration, but vaccines aren’t required unless a facility has to follow federal mandates to receive federal funding.
Masking. Residents and visitors may choose to wear face coverings while in their rooms, but facilities may require them to be worn in communal settings.
Facility cleanliness. Facilities should frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces and encourage hand hygiene practices.
Testing. Routine screening of staff, residents, and visitors may be performed at a facility’s discretion.
While the vaccines are available to Atlanta nursing home staff and residents, many facilities are still taking precautions to limit the risk and spread of COVID-19. It’s never a bad idea to check directly with a nursing home about their current infection control practices before visiting.
Atlanta is chock-full of senior living options, with care types ranging from assisted living and memory care to skilled nursing. These communities can differ on several levels, with a key one being the type of care offered on-site.
Some Atlanta assisted living facilities may exclusively offer assisted living services, while others may also offer more extensive care services, such as memory care and on-site skilled nursing. You can find a brief description of what to expect from each type of senior care in Atlanta below.
In Georgia, a nursing home is considered a facility that provides skilled nursing services. Patients in a skilled nursing facility have complete access to comprehensive medical services and licensed health professionals around the clock.
A stay in a skilled nursing facility is usually a temporary living option to recover from hospitalization or to receive treatment. Most patients will either return to their homes or move into a different type of senior care setting — like one of the varieties listed below — if it’s no longer safe for them to live by themselves.
Assisted living communities in Atlanta may be an optimal care option for seniors who don’t need the round-the-clock medical care services provided at a skilled nursing facility. Assisted living communities can provide help with everyday tasks and meals, as well as personal laundry and housekeeping services. These communities can range from luxe high-rise buildings to homelike residential facilities.
Some facilities have resort-inspired amenities like swimming pools and putting greens. All assisted living facilities should have indoor and outdoor common areas for activities and exercise. And assisted living communities always provide some sort of leisurely activities, like gardening and cooking clubs. Some communities even organize off-site trips for residents to stay close to the local community happenings.
Just about half of our in-network, partner assisted living facilities are designed to accommodate residents with Alzheimer’s or other dementias, but some communities may solely offer memory care.[02] Memory care centers are specifically designed with enhanced safety features, such as enclosed courtyards, wander prevention systems, and secured entrances.
Staff members who work directly with residents in memory care are required to receive annual specialized training in memory care in addition to a facility’s general caregiver training requirements. Additionally, memory care centers in Georgia are required to provide therapeutic activities that encourage sensory enhancement, the use of motor skills, and socialization.
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Number of seniors in Atlanta age 75+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors age 65 and older with a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Average retirement income for Atlanta seniors age 60+, per the U.S. Census Bureau
Outstanding health care is one of Atlanta’s most attractive attributes for seniors and families. The city is home to some of the best hospitals in the country, nationally recognized in specialties that include cancer and neurology. We highlight some of the top hospitals in the Atlanta metro below.
Piedmont Atlanta is located in Buckhead and has received national recognition for its brain tumor center, its heart and vascular health services, and its comprehensive cancer care. Piedmont Atlanta offers 24-hour emergency care, as well as primary care and all major medical services. This nonprofit hospital ranks as the No. 4 hospital in both Atlanta and the state of Georgia.
Northside Hospital is made up of five campuses, and its Atlanta location is ranked as the No. 3 hospital in Atlanta and Georgia. Northside’s Cancer Institute offers the most advanced radiation therapy units in Georgia, and it’s among the largest community cancer networks in the country. Northside Hospital Atlanta is anticipated to add an innovative radiation therapy system for cancer patients in February 2023, which will be the first of its kind offered in Georgia.
Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital (ESJH) is ranked as the No. 2 hospital in both Atlanta and the rest of Georgia. It’s Georgia’s only NCI-Designated Cancer Center and one of the Southeast’s leading cancer referral centers. ESJH participates in over 60 clinical trials for several forms of cancer, as well as national cancer prevention studies for high-risk patients. ESJH has received six Magnet recognitions from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as of January 2023, which is the most prominent award for nursing professionalism.
Emory University Hospital is the No. 1 hospital in Atlanta and all of Georgia. It is among the country’s leading hospitals in cancer and neurology, as well as cardiology and heart surgery. Emory University Hospital is a teaching hospital staffed by Emory University School of Medicine faculty members. This acclaimed hospital has received two Magnet recognitions from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), as of January 2023.
More than 75% of our partner Atlanta senior care facilities provide complimentary transportation services.[02] This service is particularly advantageous to residents in assisted living or memory care who might not have access to certain health services in the community and need help getting to appointments.
While public transportation can seem daunting to some seniors, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (also known as MARTA) strives to make it accessible for residents of all ages and abilities with its Travel Training Program. This program teaches seniors and people with disabilities how to use MARTA’s transit safely and independently. Additionally, MARTA also offers discounted fare cards for seniors and Medicare cardholders.
Another safe and reliable way for seniors to navigate around Atlanta is on-demand ride services through Uber Health and the Health Force of Georgia. This service is available to senior Health Force of Georgia clients, and it aims to provide convenient and affordable transportation to any type of activity. Rides are arranged and paid for by the Health Force of Georgia, and the bill is conveniently sent to clients every week.
You can access even more Atlanta senior transportation services near you by contacting Empowerline, which is part of Georgia’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) network. They have trained counselors available to point you to nearby resources, as well as an online search tool you can access below this section to locate senior services near you.
Empowerline
Find senior resources in Atlanta
Phone: 404-463-3333
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
MARTA website
2424 Piedmont Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer service: 404-848-5000
Many Atlanta nursing homes offer engaging on-site activities, ranging from art classes, gardening clubs, and happy hours to birthday parties. Nearly 60% of our Atlanta-partner senior living communities also coordinate day trips and off-site excursions.}
Visiting families will find Atlanta has several attractions that are age-friendly and wheelchair accessible, which include the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and Zoo Atlanta. Additionally, the College Football Hall of Fame provides closed captioning at all of its exhibits and offers visual and hearing accommodations upon request.
The ATL’s food scene is unrivaled, with an assortment of casual and high-end restaurants at every corner. The city’s exceptionally flavorful dining selection isn’t limited to traditional Southern fare. You’ll find a wealth of international cuisine along Buford Highway and legendary Atlanta staples available throughout the city’s eccentric neighborhoods.
Atlanta has some of the best access to shopping, with its premier retail districts. Whether you’re antiquing in Bennett Street District, spending a day at Ponce City Market, or indulging in Buckhead Village’s high-end designers and posh boutiques, you’re bound to find everything you need — and maybe a couple of things you don’t necessarily need — in Atlanta’s shopping scene.
Atlanta’s flourishing parks and green spaces are second to none for those who enjoy the outdoors. Atlanta is among the most tree-dense cities in the country with a nearly 50% urban canopy coverage, and it’s frequently referred to as “The City in a Forest.”
After enjoying the city’s lush foliage, immerse yourself in Atlanta’s arts and culture scene by exploring Midtown’s art district. There, you can find never ending entertainment options: catch live performances at Fox Theatre, watch the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, or take the grandkids to the Center for Puppetry Arts.
Presbyterian Village of Austell, Legacy Ridge at Peachtree and Sunrise of Five Forks are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Atlanta, GA. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Atlanta is $4,444 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Georgia Department of Community Health. (2022, January 08). Rules and regulations for nursing homes.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth. (2022). Cost of care survey.
SmartAsset. (2022). Georgia retirement tax friendliness.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2021). Best hospitals in Atlanta, GA.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Population 60 years and over in the United States (S0102) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Trees Atlanta. (2018). Urban tree canopy study.
Georgia Department of Community Health Healthcare Facility Regulation Division. (2021). Rules and regulations for assisted living communities.
Georgia Department of Aging Services. (2022). 2022 benefits guide for older Georgians.
Georgia Department of Community Health. A guide to Medicaid waiver programs in Georgia.
U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. Medicare.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus disease (2019) preparedness checklist for nursing homes and other long-term care settings.
Georgia Department of Community Health, Division of Healthcare Facility Regulation. Understanding the inspection process.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Georgia Department of Community Health. (2022, January 08). Rules and regulations for nursing homes.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth. (2022). Cost of care survey.
SmartAsset. (2022). Georgia retirement tax friendliness.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2021). Best hospitals in Atlanta, GA.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Population 60 years and over in the United States (S0102) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Trees Atlanta. (2018). Urban tree canopy study.
Georgia Department of Community Health Healthcare Facility Regulation Division. (2021). Rules and regulations for assisted living communities.
Georgia Department of Aging Services. (2022). 2022 benefits guide for older Georgians.
Georgia Department of Community Health. A guide to Medicaid waiver programs in Georgia.
U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. Medicare.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus disease (2019) preparedness checklist for nursing homes and other long-term care settings.
Georgia Department of Community Health, Division of Healthcare Facility Regulation. Understanding the inspection process.