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Assisted Living in Birmingham, AL

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Find the Best Assisted Living Near Birmingham, AL

Many families of Birmingham, AL seniors may be considering transitioning their loved one to an assisted living community. Birmingham is one of the largest cities in the state and seniors have plenty of choices for assisted living properties. These facilities provide help for people who are no longer able to live independently. This guide covers the costs of assisted living in Birmingham and options for payment assistance. It also provides information about what to expect from assisted living and how a local Birmingham, AL, senior care advisor can help you find a suitable property for your aging loved one.

If you aren’t familiar with Birmingham, finding the right assisted facility can be a challenge. Fortunately, a local senior care advocate can help you evaluate different properties and locate one that best suits your individual needs.

Your Birmingham, AL Senior Living Advisor

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What is the Cost of Assisted Living in Birmingham, AL

Monthly fees for assisted living in Birmingham average $4,028, although every facility’s costs vary based on level of care needed and services offered. Local Birmingham senior care advocates can help you understand your payment options.

An effective way to estimate how much you or your loved one can spend on an assisted living facility is to calculate a current monthly budget. Include the cost of rent or mortgage, utilities, transportation, discretionary spending and groceries. This can give you a good idea of how much you can afford each month for assisted living. Many assisted living communities offer inclusive fees, with room, board and most utilities presented as a monthly cost.

Residents in Birmingham, AL, assisted living properties are afforded as much independence as they desire. Many communities offer personalized assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs) as required. ADLs can include:

  • Grooming and showering
  • Selecting clothing and getting dressed
  • Help with lifts and mobility assistance
  • Personal care, such as putting on make-up, shaving, or trimming nails
  • Cleaning living spaces and preparing meals
  • Medication management

Assisted living communities in Birmingham have trained staff on hand around the clock to respond to residents’ needs. If your loved one can complete many ADLs independently they’ll require a lower level of care compared to those who need extra help throughout the day. If their need for assistance changes after admittance, level of care can be increased easily.

Talking to a loved one about moving into an assisted living facility is a difficult conversation. Before deciding your senior aboslutely needs assisted living, try to monitor their ability to care for themselves and their home more closely. Sudden changes in their capabilities may indicate that it’s the right time to discuss assisted living. If you don’t know where to start when finding an assisted living community, consult a local senior care advisor to help you evaluate your options.

  1. More About Birmingham, AL

Located in the northern part of the state, Birmingham is the second-largest city in Alabama. It’s famous as the birthplace of Veterans Day and hosts the largest Veterans Day celebration each year. Seniors in Birmingham can take advantage of the benefits of living in a larger city, such as more options for health care and plenty of entertainment activities to keep them busy. Plus, Alabama is fairly tax-friendly for retirees; Social Security and pension income aren’t taxed.

Weather

Winters in Birmingham are generally mild, with January lows in the 30s and only about an inch of snow each year. Summers are long and hot with July highs in the 90s and high humidity. The city receives an average of 56 inches of rain each year.

Healthcare

Birmingham offers plenty of healthcare options for seniors, including the reputable University of Alabama Medical System which features innovative treatment centers and access to cutting-edge research and the Grandview Medical Center which provides primary care and emergency services.

Transportation

MAX Transit, operated by the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority, is a fixed-route bus system with stops throughout Birmingham and Jefferson County. MAX Transit also offers ADA-compliant paratransit services for those who qualify. Seniors may be eligible for special transport rates.

Arts & Culture

Strolling through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens may appeal to those who enjoy spending time outdoors. The Gardens highlight diverse plants and create special seasonal exhibits. Music fans may like to visit the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. The Arlington Historic House features exhibits unique to Birmingham history and is the site of smaller local art exhibits and performances.

How Do I Pay for Birmingham Assisted Living?

Families of Birmingham seniors may have several payment options. A local senior care advisor can help you find benefits you’re eligible for and help families understand how different communities assess monthly fees.

Some assisted living benefits include:

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Veteran's Benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs administers the Improved Pension Program which can pay for some or all of the costs for eligible veterans and their surviving spouses. Birmingham veterans can visit a local VA Center to learn more about the details of this program and receive help with their application.

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Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance is a plan that covers assisted living costs. If you have purchased long-term care insurance, contact the insurance carrier for details about the plan’s limits and what type of care it covers.

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Home Equity

Birmingham seniors who have paid off their home, or most of the mortgage, may have built up equity in the house. This equity may be used to pay for assisted living. Your local senior care advisor can help you and your family understand more about using home equity to contribute towards assisted living fees.

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Medicare

Traditional Medicare, which is Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, doesn’t cover assisted living costs. However, some supplemental Medicare plans may help pay for long-term care, so ask your loved one about any additional Medicare plans they participate in.

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Medicaid

Alabama Medicaid administers several Home and Community-Based Waiver Services intended to help people who may need an assisted living facility. The waiver may cover some or all of the fees for an assisted living property.

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Care assessment tool

Access our free senior care assessment tool, which can help you evaluate the specific needs and requirements of you or your loved one. By answering a series of questions, you’ll receive personalised recommendations and insights to aid in the decision-making process.

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FAQ About Assisted Living in Birmingham, AL

Yes! Many assisted living communities offer virtual tours online and your local Birmingham senior care advisor can help set up a virtual tour for you.

Overnight visits with family or friends are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The facility will determine risk levels for allowing a resident to leave the facility for more than one day. Your senior care advisor can help you evaluate visitation policies for assisted living facilities you’re interested in. 

Assisted living facilities offer help with ADLs for people who need some extra help maintaining their independence. These facilities merely help residents with day-to-day activities but rarely provide medical care. Residents typically choose their own healthcare providers and book appointments as required. Nursing homes, however, offer around-the-clock medical care and treatment in addition to mobility and ADL assistance. 

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