Assisted Living in Alabama

The state of Alabama generally defines an assisted living home as an individual, individuals or any other entity that offers or provides residence and personal care to two or more individuals who are in need of assistance with daily activities. In other states, this care home may be referred to as a personal care home. Currently, there are 340 assisted living homes operating in Alabama. The average cost of an assisted living home is $3,075 per month.

Under the state of Alabama there are three different types of assisted living communities as defined below:

  • Congregate Assisted Living Facility: authorized to care for 17 or more adults
  • Group Assisted Living Facility: authorized to care for 4 – 16 adults
  • Family Assisted Living Facility: authorized to care for 2 – 3 adults

Find ASSISTED LIVING Facilities In ALABAMA

Find Senior Caring Options by County

Assisted Living Communities in Alabama – Cost Comparison

City Monthly Minimum Monthly Maximum Monthly Median
Birmingham $2,047 $3,740 $2,875
Auburn $1,950 $4,200 $3,075
Montgomery $1,800 $3,500 $2,450
Mobile $2,325 $3,361 $3,250
Tuscaloosa $1,785 $2,825 $2,515

Alabama has been named the third cheapest state for overall long-term care annually. Compared to its neighbors, Alabama has only one other cost competitor by a fairly small margin. In Alabama, although ranked as the number sixth cheapest state for long term care annually, the average cost of assisted living or personal care is $2,844 per month.

For more information about assisted living costs in Alabama, check out Genworth’s 2015 Cost of Care Survey.

Recreation & Attractions in Alabama

Alabama offers an array of recreational activities and attractions pleasing to every type of individual. With a pleasantly moderate average temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit, a multitude of scenic national forests and sprawling eco-friendly parks are accessible for the public to enjoy. Activities like camping, climbing, hiking, and other outdoor recreation can be found in beautiful rural parks such as the historical Horseshoe Bend, Little River Canyon National Preserve, and Oak Mountain State Park.

For those wanting to enjoy activities closer to city limits, eco-friendly city parks, such as Point Mallard Park, are perfect for enjoying outdoor activities in an urban atmosphere. Historical and cultural attractions are just as prominent and well known as Alabama’s wilderness. Major attractions such as the Jazz Hall of Fame, Birmingham Zoo, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute offer historical and culturally stimulating experiences.

Alabama’s Climate, Geography, & Culture

Located in the heart of the Bible Belt, Alabama residents are known to cherish religious practices and to be impeccably well mannered. This is a state filled with civil rights history, fine cuisine, and music. When you live in Alabama you can expect mouth-watering barbecues and fresh seafood while listening to blues, country, and jazz.

Alabama has a humid subtropical climate meaning the state has humid warm to hot summers and mild winters. In the southern parts of the state, the temperatures tend to be warmer due to the effect of the Gulf of Mexico. Summer months bring average high temperatures of 90-degrees Fahrenheit, while the mild winters have average daily temperatures of about 40 degrees.  Snow is a rarity in the state due to the mild winter temperatures.

Alabama’s Assisted Living Regulations & Laws

Assisted living homes in Alabama are required to be licensed by the state’s Department of Public Health Bureau of Health Provider Standards. When applying for a license, the owner applicant must provide information about the bed capacity, the name of the home administrator, and the physician that will be responding to resident emergencies.

All assisted living homes in the state are required to be inspected at lease once a year, and any violations and correction plans are to be visibly posted. You can access Alabama assisted living inspection reports online. Any complaints should be directed to the Bureau of Health Provider Standards.

Crime & Safety in Alabama

When moving to a new community, it is important to take note of your surroundings and make sure you choose a safe place to live. Doing a little research can give you or your senior peace of mind during their stay in assisted living care. Below are some cities to get you started:

LocationViolent Crimes Per 1,000 ResidentsProperty Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Greenville0.000.00
Margaret0.896.24
Hokes Bluff0.698.03

(Source: safewise.com)

Payment Options for Alabama Assisted Living Communities

Alabama provides Medicaid for those looking to stay in personal homes with in-home assisted living care. Unfortunately, Alabama does not provide Medicaid assistance for those residing in assisted living homes. Alternate payment options are available. Assisted Living Loans provide can a monetary support for a temporary window of time of up to two years. Veterans can use their veteran’s benefits to pay for care if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Assisted Living Homes in Alabama

Just because you become a resident in an Alabama assisted living community does not mean that you lose the rights afforded to you as a citizen or resident of the United States. You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and receive adequate, appropriate care. You have the right to exercise your rights, including filing complaints without fear of discrimination or reprisal. You also have the right to be fully informed of your health condition, as well as make decisions regarding your care plan.

Alabama Assisted Living Communities: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Assisted living homes in Alabama are required to provide any type of heath services that are ordered by an attending physician, as well as keep all medical information confidential, accurate, and complete. All medical records must be kept at least 5 years from the date of discharge.

A resident can request a copy of all or a portion of their medical records, and access them within 24 hours. They can request a copy of some or all of the information at a cost not to exceed the community standard for photocopies.

Finding the perfect senior care community is only part of making your loved one’s senior living transition smooth. At SeniorCaring, we know that it is also equally important to be aware of what other community services and resources are available to your family’s senior. Choose your location and find local resources for your senior.