Guide to Independent Living in Georgia
Georgia was ranked the best state to retire in 2021. Affordability, high quality of life and great weather were just some of the factors that earned the state its top ranking. Nationally ranked hospitals, including Emory University Hospital, give older adults in Georgia a chance to live a long, healthy life. Seniors in the Peach State also benefit from tax policies that are very friendly to seniors.
Independent living communities in Georgia provide housing for seniors who are able to complete their daily activities with no or very little assistance. These communities are not for frail or disabled seniors who need consistent help with grooming, bathing, housekeeping or general supervision. This guide covers the cost of independent living in Georgia compared to other states and different types of senior care. Seniors can also find links to free resources to help them find independent living or manage their long-term living options.
How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Georgia?
Note:There currently isn’t authoritative data on the average cost of Independent Living Facilities nationwide, so instead, we use the cost of Assisted Living to estimate it. Since the cost of Independent Living is typically 30-40% lower than the cost of Assisted Living, the numbers below were calculated by subtracting 35% from the cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
Independent living costs in Georgia are about $600 less per month than the national average, but they are typical for the southeast United States. Alabama ($2,277) has the most affordable independent living in the region. Tennessee ($2,668) has the highest costs despite having a lower overall cost of living than Georgia. In neighboring Florida, which is also a popular destination for seniors, the median price for independent living is $2,600 per month, and North Carolina’s price is very close, at $2,607. South Carolina’s average cost is similar to Georgia’s, at $2,348 per month.
The Cost of Independent Living in Georgia’s Top Cities
There’s quite a bit of variation in Georgia’s cities when it comes to independent living costs, where they range from $1,788 to $3,445 per month. Warner Robins is the least expensive, and Brunswick is the most expensive. Atlanta, the state capital and biggest city, is right in the middle, with a median price of $2,499 per month. Gainesville ($2,530) and Augusta ($2,344) have similar rates. The college town of Athens ($2,720) and the consolidated city-county of Columbus ($2,745) also have similar independent living costs.
he Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care
Other than adult day health care, which costs an average of $1,300 per month, independent living is the most affordable option for seniors in Georgia. Assisted living communities cost about $1,200 more per month, but they offer more services and activities. The average cost for homemaker services and home health aides is $4,290 and $4,385, respectively. Nursing homes provide a very high level of supervision and medical attention and cost an average of $7,011 per month for a semiprivate room.
Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Georgia?
The short answer is no, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in an independent living community. That being said, those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), may be able to take advantage of financial assistance programs in Georgia to partially or fully cover the cost of care in Assisted Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need help with ADLs, read our guide to Assisted Living in Georgia.
For more information about other ways to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc, read the section below.
How to Make Independent Living More Affordable in Georgia
To make independent living in Georgia more affordable, seniors can sign up for long-term care insurance. A policy may cover some of the support services received in the community but not necessarily room and board. Life insurance is another insurance option when families are able to plan ahead. If seniors have a lump sum of cash they can save for long-term care, they can take out an annuity that will offer regular, reliable payments in the future. Homeowners can realize the equity in their properties with reverse mortgages, which provide monthly payments that can be used to pay for independent living.
Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Georgia
Seniors and families in Georgia have access to free resources that can help with issues related to independent living and general quality of life. These resources are run by both public and private, nonprofit organizations.
| Resource | Contact | Description |
| AARP Georgia | (866) 295-7281 | AARP is a nonprofit organization that strives to make Georgia a more attractive place for seniors by advocating for age-friendly policies that benefit older adults at all income levels. It also hosts a variety of support groups and online educational courses that can help seniors learn about their long-term care options. Many AARP resources are available for free, but low-cost membership provides useful rewards and discounts. AARP offices are located in Atlanta. |
| Division of Aging | List of Locations | The Division of Aging is the organization in Georgia that oversees all 14 local Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state. These agencies provide care management services, caregiving support resources, disability management and information about local service providers. In many locations, the agency also runs senior centers that host a breadth of activities and programs. Transportation options may be available at some AAAs as well. |
| Georgia Department of Veteran Services | (404) 656-2300 | If a senior is eligible for VA benefits, the Georgia Department of Veterans Service may be able to help them get their pensions, which can help pay for independent living. Disabled seniors may also be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits. This can pay for support services received inside an independent living community. The department also offers tax exemptions, specialty license plates, hunting and fishing licenses and other unique benefits. |
| Georgia Senior Legal Hotline | (888) 257-9519 | The Georgia Senior Legal Hotline is a toll-free number staffed by pro bono legal representatives who can offer advice, recommend services and refer seniors and families to other legal representatives. The hotline can help with many topics, including long-term resident rights, government benefits, wills and trusts, estate planning and powers of attorney. |
| Georgia Gateway | (877) 423-4746 | Georgia Gateway assists seniors in the state access their government benefits. Its online and telephone system helps beneficiaries apply for benefits, check their benefit status, report changes, view notices and upload necessary documents. |
COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Georgia Independent Living Communities
The following rules and guidelines were obtained from dch.georgia.gov, as well as other state-level government sites. Among others, these rules apply to independent living communities and assisted living facilities.
This data has been most recently updated on 2/3/2022, but keep in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, so all of the below information can change at any time. For additional questions and up-to-date information, you can contact your loved one’s senior living facility or your local Area Agency on Aging.
Visiting Loved Ones
| Can I visit my relative in person if he/she wants emotional support from me? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care? | Yes |
| Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her? | No |
| Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person? | Yes |
| Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives? | Yes |
| Are visitors being screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
| Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact? | Yes |
Outings and Group Activities
| Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine? | No (Conditions Apply) |
| Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings? | No |
| Are residents still eating together in the dining hall? | Yes |
| Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community? | Yes |
Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors
| Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
| Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact? | Yes |
Safety Measures for Residents
| Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms? | Yes |
| Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms? | No |
| Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures? | Yes |
| Are residents being tested for coronavirus? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |