Alabama independent living facilities and homes

Independent Living Communities in Alabama

Alabama’s independent living communities consist of individuals who longer want to maintain a house and can benefit from additional care as needed. Independent living communities come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, featuring studio apartments, cottage style homes, and anything in between. For seniors who want to remain as independent as possible with the peace of mind that comes through a supportive and elderly-oriented community, this can be a great option.

Cost Comparison of Alabama’s Independent Living Facilities

City	Monthly Minimum	Monthly Maximum	Monthly Median
Birmingham	$1,600	$2,795	$2,192
Decatur	$1,766	$2,700	$2,230
Hoover	$2,174	$3,455	$2,876
Mobile	$1,650	$3,242	$2,376
Montgomery	$1,395	$1,674	$1,535

Alabama has 45 independent living communities with the average cost being $2,303 a month.

With each community offering its own unique amenities and services, costs will vary based on location, size, and the housing options available. In most every Alabama independent living community, you’ll find housekeeping and linen services, transportation, meal plans, and fitness centers, all included in your monthly payments. It is likely that your community will provide medical services, however, they often come at an additional cost. Here are a few prices found throughout Alabama.

Recreation & Attractions in Alabama

Alabama is a place full of historical landmarks such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Civil Rights Memorial and other sights that are dedicated to the civil rights movements. Mobile Bay is located along the Gulf of Mexico with many beaches and historic areas surrounding it; the beautiful coastline is a sight to behold! Alabama has many museums, historical landmarks, and attractions that could prove to be a great way to explore while getting acquainted with a new home.

Alabama’s Climate, Geography & Culture

The state of Alabama is a humid subtropical climate with an average high temperature of 77 degrees and an average low temperature of 54 degrees; the average temperature in 65 degrees. Alabama’s hurricane season is usually from May to October and the tornado season seems most commonly to happen during March, April, and November. Due to all the safety measures, those who are thinking about living in independent living facilities in Alabama should feel safe and worry-free. The winter temperatures are in the 50s to 60s and the summer temperatures are in the 90s. The spring temperatures are between the 70s and 80s and the fall temperatures are between the 60s and 80s. Alabama receives about 53.05 inches of rainfall annually.

Alabama is a land filled with civil rights history, music, and fine cuisine that includes delicious barbecue and fresh seafood. Around the world, many of us have heard of Lynard Skynard's hit Sweet Home Alabama. Alabama's music culture includes blues, country, and jazz music played in their bars. Near Mobile, AL, you can eat fresh seafood from the fishing village in Bayou La Batre, which was featured in the 1994 film Forrest Gump.

Alabama Independent Living Regulations & Laws

All independent living facilities found throughout Alabama are overseen and regulated by the Alabama Department of Health. These regulations ensure that facilities receive regular inspections in order to maintain sanitation and care standards, in addition to checking building codes and safety overall. Each inspection will detail any and all violations and the steps being taken to correct them, accessible to the public upon request.

Crime & Safety in Alabama

FBI Crime Report data shows that the average violent crime rate of Alabama’s 30 safest cities is actually 55% less than the national average. Margaret, Helena, and the city of Southside come in as the top three safest places to consider when choosing an independent living community or other care option for your loved one. Although proper independent living communities are often well secured, it’s important to be aware of the surrounding area for the sake of your loved one’s peace of mind and the safety of any visitors or family.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Margaret	0.22	6.68
Helena	0.64	10.18
Southside	1.06	12.33
Mountain Brook	3.9	14.77

(Source: Safewise)

Payment Options for Alabama Independent Living

Since Medicaid does not cover the costs of independent living communities, seniors will need to consider the most viable way to pay for their care option. There is one exception in that in-home care is covered by Medicaid, so this could potentially take place at an independent living community.

Veterans’ benefits are also an option for seniors looking to move to an independent living community in Alabama. Single veterans can receive $1,644 monthly, whereas couples may receive up to $1,949. Surviving spouses of a veteran are also eligible to receive around $1,056 each month.

Some seniors may opt to collect Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Those who are blind, have a disability or are supporting dependents may be eligible. To collect SSI, you must also be over 65 years old and a citizen of the United States.

Another option comes in the form of a senior living line of credit, allowing you to utilize amounts up to $50,000 with no collateral. With this type of credit, funds are sent directly to your community and you can only use what you need. With flexible repayment terms of three to five years on average, senior living lines of credit can be very convenient.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Independent Living in Alabama

According to Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-5-7-.05, any medical care, whether it’s through a hospital, clinic, independent living community or another senior care type requires confidentiality when dealing with patient information. Through this regulation, filing grievances are protected along with proper notification of furnishing or discontinuing care.

Afforded to members of Alabama are the rights to make decisions about their own care being provided. Residents have the right to personal privacy and confidentiality when dealing with medical records. At no point should anyone in independent living be subject to mental or physical abuse of any kind. If any violation has taken place, you are entitled to formally express your concerns to the facility and its governing bodies.

For assistance in learning about and exercising your rights, you can review the Alabama Ombudsman for more details.

AL Independent Living: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

According to the Rules of Alabama State Board of Health, all records and reports required by these rules shall be completed in a timely manner and shall be maintained and filed within the facility premises. These documents are to remain confidential in accordance with both state and federal HIPAA laws. Residents can submit requests to review and receive a copy of their medical records by paying a small fee.