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Birmingham, Alabama, located in the northernmost part of the state, is a city rich in history, from the U.S. Civil War through its role as a major iron and steel production center supplying troops in World War One, as documented at the Vulcan Park and Museum. Today, Birmingham is best known as the home of the University of Alabama, a research school with one of the top football programs in the nation. Seniors aged 65 and older make up about 14% of the city’s population of 209,000, and those who choose to retire here can audit classes at the university and watch the famous Crimson Tide on Saturdays in the fall.
Birmingham has hot, humid summers, but the winters are mild, which may bring comfort to seniors who have health conditions aggravated by cold weather. The cost of living in Birmingham is 25% lower than the national average, which may help many seniors stretch their retirement dollars further.
There are approximately 22 assisted living facilities in Birmingham, and the average cost for this type of senior care is $3,645 per month, according to Genworth Financial’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey. However, the price can vary between facilities depending on location and amenities.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
The cost of assisted living averages $3,645 per month in Birmingham, which is notably higher than the state average of $3,250, but about $400 per month lower than the national average of $4,051. Georgia, Florida and Mississippi have lower monthly costs, at $3,335, $3,500 and $3,524, respectively. At $3,900 per month, Tennessee has the highest average assisted living rate of all the states in the region.
Assisted living rates vary from city to city within Alabama, and range from $2,909 in Tuscaloosa to $4,150 per month in Mobile. Seniors in Montgomery pay an average of $3,134 on a monthly basis, while those in Huntsville can expect to pay $3,900 per month. In Auburn, the rate for assisted living is $4,145 per month, which is $500 more expensive than the average cost in Birmingham.
Alabama Medicaid offers the Elderly and Disabled Medicaid Waiver to help eligible seniors pay for assisted living. To qualify, applicants must have a demonstrated need for assistance with activities of daily living, or have another qualifying disability, and meet the program’s income guidelines.
Learn more about this financial assistance program, the eligibility requirements and application process at our Assisted Living in Alabama page.
| Contact | Description | |
| United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County | (205) 458-3330 | The AAA offers various programs to assist local seniors, including information and referrals, help lowering prescription drug costs and counseling about Medicare benefits. Educational seminars are held to provide tips on nutrition and opportunities for socialization. |
| Birmingham VA Medical Center | (205) 933-8101 | At the VA medical center, veterans and their surviving spouses can receive comprehensive health care services, including primary care and wellness checks, vision, dental and hearing consultations, surgeries and rehabilitation services. Mental health care is also provided. |
| Travelers Aid Birmingham | (205) 322-5426 | Seniors and those with a qualifying disability who meet certain income guidelines may receive free transportation for medical purposes, including doctors’ appointments and picking up prescriptions. Caseworkers also direct seniors to other care services where available. |
| Alabama Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (800) 243-5463 | The LTCO investigates and works to resolve complaints from residents in long-term care facilities. Caseworkers also educate seniors and their family members about signs of abuse and neglect and resident rights. Ombudsman representatives also advocate for the interests of the elderly at the state level. |
| Alabama Senior Legal Assistance Program | (800) 243-5463 | Through this program, local attorneys provide free legal assistance and outreach to seniors in the Birmingham area who meet specific eligibility guidelines. Help is available by appointment for civil legal matters, such as wills, guardianship and consumer issues by appointment. |
| MAX Transit – Birmingham/ Jefferson County Transit Authority | (205) 521-0101 | Seniors aged 60 and older, military veterans with a valid ID and those with a qualifying disability are eligible for reduced rates on the MAX Transit fixed-route bus system. Paratransit services are also available on a limited basis. |
| Birmingham NEXT Senior Center | (248) 203-5270 | The Birmingham center offers games and hobby club meetings, group exercise classes and health screenings for local seniors. Special events, such as dances and holiday parties, are scheduled throughout the year. |
Assisted living communities in Birmingham must adhere to state rules and regulations and are inspected to ensure compliance. Meal plans, staff-to-resident ratios, safety and security and cleanliness and livability are all evaluated. Visit our Assisted Living in Alabama page to learn more about these laws and regulations.