This information is intended to help citizens of Alabama better understand assisted living, home care, and adult day care costs throughout their state. It also discusses the different payment options and financial assistance programs that are available to aid in caring for the elderly, whether it be at home or in a residential care facility.
The programs listed here are inclusive of what is available from the state of Alabama, but it is not inclusive of what is available nationally. Since this is the case, it’s important to also search for nationwide assistance. This will enable individuals to find the programs that best suit their needs. One can do this by utilizing our Resource Locator Tool.
Did You Know? On average, the cost of assisted living in smaller cities and towns in Alabama can be 29% – 33% less expensive than assisted living in the metropolitan areas.
Alabama Eldercare Costs for 2024
Assisted Living / Memory Care
The average cost of assisted living in Alabama, according to Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey, is $4,143 / month. In the costliest areas of the state, Daphne, Anniston, Huntsville, and Birmingham, the average cost ranges from $5,615 – $4,853 / month. The least costly assisted living can be found in Mobile, Decatur, Dothan, Gadsden, and Tuscaloosa. Here the monthly cost ranges from $2,785 to $3,800.
Memory care (for individuals with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s and other related dementias) is estimated to cost an additional 20% to 30% more. On average, this is approximately $1,035.75 more each month.
Home Care
Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey indicates that the average cost for home care in Alabama is $22 / hour. The least expensive areas of Alabama for this type of care are Tuscaloosa and Montgomery, where the hourly rate is between $17 and $22. The most expensive area is Decatur, where the hourly rate is $28.
Home Health Care, which is generally provided by a nurse or home health aide, is also available in Alabama. With the average hourly cost being $23 / hour, it is nearly the same average cost as is home care. That said, in some regions of the state the average cost is higher. For example, in Birmingham, home health care is $27 per hour.
Adult Day Care
Adult day care provides the most affordable care option for seniors in Alabama. The average daily cost is $45. The most expensive area is Huntsville, with an average daily rate $80. Notably, Alabama has some of the least expensive adult day care available in the United States.
Alabama Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs
Medicaid Programs & Waivers for the Elderly
In Alabama, the Medicaid State Plan will cover the cost of nursing home care, as well as limited personal assistance in the home of elderly individuals. In addition to this program, the Alabama Medicaid program offers HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) Waivers. These waivers provide aid to elderly individuals in their homes or communities, preventing or delaying nursing home placements.
While the Medicaid State Plan will also cover some care in the home and community, it is generally more limited than the waiver plans. Make note, the state plan is an entitlement program (meaning as long as one is eligible, one will receive services), while the waiver programs are not (there are limited slots available for assistance).
As of 2024, there are currently four Medicaid assistance programs offered, including the State Medicaid Plan. In addition, there is an option for consumer direction of services for those receiving services under any of the three Medicaid waivers.
This waiver provides services that allow elderly or disabled individuals who would otherwise require nursing facility care to remain living at home or in the community. Services include personal care assistance, respite care, adult day care, home delivered meals, and more.
Previously known as the Homebound Waiver, this waiver is designed to help disabled individuals move back to or remain living in their homes or communities instead of a skilled nursing facility.
The ACT waiver provides services for elderly and disabled nursing home residents to assist them in returning to living independently in the community. Benefits include adult day health, personal care, homemaker services, meal delivery, and home modifications.
Originally not offered statewide, the Personal Choices (PC) Program is now available across the state. This self-directed care program allows for seniors and disabled individuals receiving services under the E & D Waiver, the SAIL Waiver, or the ACT Waiver, the option to choose and manage their own care providers.
Medicaid Eligibility
Income & Asset Limits
Each program has its own eligibility requirements, which include health, income, and asset qualifications. As of 2024, a single elderly applicant’s monthly income cannot be greater than $2,829 (300% of the Federal Benefit Rate) in order to qualify for long-term care Medicaid. There is also a resource limit of $2,000. Resources, also called assets, do not include household goods, personal effects, a vehicle, or one’s home (if the applicant or his or her spouse lives in the home and the equity interest in it is not greater than $713,000).
Over the Limits?
If these income or resource limits are exceeded, there are still certain circumstances in which the individual can qualify for Medicaid in Alabama. Applying for Medicaid can be complicated, particularly if one is over the income and / or asset limit(s). Therefore, it is always recommended that individuals applying for Medicaid contact an Alabama Medicaid planner before doing so. Read more.
Alabama Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs
Currently, the state of Alabama does not offer any non-Medicaid financial assistance programs for aging care. However, the state does offer financial assistance to help elderly residents in the form of reduced home heating / cooling bills and weatherization assistance. Learn more here and here.
The state also offers nutritious meals and transportation assistance paid for under the Older Americans Act. For more information, one should contact their local Area Agency on Aging.
PACE Programs in Alabama
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a joint initiative between Medicare and Medicaid to help seniors get the care and services they need in the community rather than transitioning to a nursing home for care. Because Medicaid differs in each state, PACE eligibility varies between states.
PACE services in Alabama include services ranging from primary care and physical therapy to adult day care, personal care assistance and transportation. To be eligible for PACE in Alabama, individuals must meet all the following criteria:
- Be at least 55 years of age
- Be certified by the state to need nursing care
- Live in an eligible county (Mobile and Baldwin counties)
- Meet the state’s Medicaid eligibility requirements
- Be able to safely live in the community
How To Get Started With PACE in Alabama
To learn more about PACE in Alabama, including eligibility, what services are included and how to sign up, visit the state’s Medicaid website or reach out to the PACE provider below for the most up-to-date information.
Other Financial Options for Care
Along with these options to assist in paying for care, there are many federal and non-profit options available to individuals and families. Our Resource Locator Tool is very useful in helping the elderly find additional programs that may help pay or reduce costs of care. In addition, there are also programs available to help veterans with assisted living, as well as eldercare loans in the state of Alabama.
Finding Affordable Care in Alabama
Since there is such a broad range of cost for elder care throughout different parts of the state of Alabama, there is sufficient reason to reach out to multiple providers to find the most affordable care. With assisted living in particular, one should take into account the areas outside of metropolitan centers if the main concern is price. In order to be of assistance to families, our organization provides a service, free of charge, that matches an individual’s needs with care providers in their price range and geographic preferences. Click here for assistance finding affordable care.
Top Cities for Senior Care in Alabama
For more information about the costs and resources available in Alabama cities, click on the links below.
Top Cities for Memory Care
Top Cities for Assisted Living
