How to Find Long-Term Care in Atlanta, GA (Step-by-Step Guide for Families)
Originally published: December 2025 | Reviewed by Sadie Mays
Originally published: December 2025 | Reviewed by Sadie Mays
Finding long-term care for a family member in Atlanta can feel like wandering through endless websites, making phone calls, and touring facilities without a clear place to start.
Many families aren’t sure if their loved one needs a nursing home, assisted living, or just some support at home.
This step-by-step guide helps Atlanta families find, compare, and choose long-term care options that fit their needs, budget, and location.
Senior living options in Atlanta have really expanded as more retirees move here. The city now offers everything from skilled nursing to specialized memory care units.
When you understand the differences between these choices, you can make smarter decisions for your family.
This guide splits the search into seven clear steps. You’ll learn how to assess care needs, figure out costs and insurance coverage in Atlanta, use state resources to build a shortlist, and tour facilities like a pro.
Families run into a mountain of information when they start searching for long-term care. Atlanta has at least 35 nursing homes, along with dozens of assisted living and home care options.
Each place offers different services, prices, and levels of care. The emotional weight doesn’t make things any easier.
Most families start looking during a crisis—maybe after a hospital stay or sudden decline in health.
They have to make big decisions fast, all while feeling stressed and worried.
Common challenges families face:
The cost of care in Atlanta varies widely by need and location. Budgeting gets tricky without clear info.
Guilt can creep in when families consider placing a loved one in care. The emotional impact of these choices hits both seniors and their families.
With so many choices, it would be easier to find the right fit. But honestly, it often leads to decision paralysis. Everyone worries about making the wrong call when their loved one’s safety and comfort are on the line.
Before you look at care options in Atlanta, get a handle on what your loved one truly needs. Think about medical conditions, help with daily tasks, memory changes, and personal preferences.
Start by listing all current health conditions and treatments. Include chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart trouble, or arthritis.
Write down every medication and how often they’re needed. Does your loved one need help remembering doses or getting refills?
Some seniors need injections, wound care, or medical equipment such as oxygen. Check if they need skilled nursing care from an RN or LPN. Some places only offer basic help, while others provide full medical support.
Ask the doctor what level of medical supervision is best. Consider whether they need therapies such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Many folks recovering from strokes or surgeries need ongoing rehab.
The doctor can help you determine which services should be included in a care plan.
Activities of daily living are basic self-care tasks—bathing, dressing, toileting, moving around, continence, and eating.
Watch which tasks your loved one struggles with. Can they shower safely, or do they need someone close by?
Do they need help buttoning their shirts or putting on their shoes? Look for safety issues—falls often happen in bathrooms or when getting dressed.
Some people can do tasks but get tired or take a long time. Track how much help they need. A checklist can help you spot areas that need help.
Partial help is different from total assistance, and this really affects which care options work best.
Memory problems can be mild or severe. Notice if your loved one repeats questions, gets lost in familiar places, or forgets recent events.
Do they seem confused about time, place, or people? Sometimes seniors forget their family or think they’re in a different time. These signs point to cognitive decline that needs special care.
Watch for behavior changes—aggression, wandering, or mood swings. Some folks with dementia get anxious at sunset or try to leave home. Others might resist care or get suspicious.
Safety is the top concern. Does your loved one leave the stove on, forget to lock doors, or wander outside? Atlanta has memory care facilities with secure environments for situations like this.
Ask about your loved one’s social needs and personality. Some people love being around others, while others just want peace.
Active seniors want communities with lots of activities. Cultural and religious needs shape daily life—think about foods, language, worship, or traditions. Many Atlanta facilities cater to specific backgrounds.
Location matters for family visits and comfort. Staying near familiar places or favorite spots can help with the transition.
Consider which relationships matter most. Being close to family, friends, or certain groups can really impact quality of life. Too much distance from visitors can lead to loneliness or decline.
Ready to see what day-to-day life in long-term care looks like? Schedule a tour at Sadie G. Mays and bring your questions—we welcome careful families.
If you’re ready to get started, call us now!
Georgia gives you four main long-term care settings for seniors who need daily help. Each option offers different levels of medical support, personal care services, and living arrangements, tailored to your loved one’s needs and preferences.
Nursing homes give seniors the highest level of medical care when they need round-the-clock nursing supervision. Licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants help residents with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating.
Skilled nursing facilities in Georgia help patients recover from surgery, manage chronic illnesses, or use specialized medical equipment. They offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, and wound care right on-site.
Most nursing homes accept Medicare for short-term rehab stays (up to 100 days). For longer stays, families usually pay privately or qualify for Georgia Medicaid long-term care programs.
Staff-to-resident ratios and quality ratings vary. It’s smart for families to check inspection reports and visit a few locations before deciding.
Assisted living communities support seniors who need help with daily tasks but don’t need constant medical supervision.
These places offer personal care services, including medication reminders, meal preparation, and assistance with bathing or dressing.
Georgia licenses two types of facilities here. Personal care homes serve residents who need only a bit of help, while assisted living communities can handle more complex care needs.
Most assisted living costs in Atlanta run from $3,000 to $5,000 per month. That usually covers housing, meals, activities, and basic personal care.
Some Georgia seniors qualify for home and community-based services through Medicaid waivers. These programs can help with assisted living costs for eligible folks.
Memory care units focus on people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Secured environments prevent wandering and provide structured routines with specialized activities.
Staff get special training in dementia care techniques. They use communication strategies that help residents feel safe and reduce confusion.
Memory care programs usually cost $1,000 to $2,000 more per month than regular assisted living. The higher price covers specialized training, extra staff, and security features.
Many memory care facilities sit within larger assisted living communities. This setup lets couples stay close even if only one spouse needs dementia care.
Home health care lets seniors get medical care and personal help while staying at home. Licensed nurses can give medications, change wound dressings, and check vital signs during scheduled visits.
Home health aides help with bathing, dressing, meal prep, and light housekeeping. Medicare covers home health services if a doctor orders them for specific medical conditions.
Plenty of Atlanta families hire private caregivers or work with home care agencies for non-medical support. Costs usually range from $20 to $30 per hour, depending on the level of care needed.
Family members who take on the main caregiver role might qualify for respite care programs. These services offer temporary relief so family caregivers can rest or attend to other matters.
Georgia offers free online tools for families to check facility licenses, compare quality ratings, and verify inspection records. These official databases help families build a trustworthy shortlist of Atlanta long-term care options.
The Georgia Department of Community Health keeps a searchable database of all licensed long-term care facilities in the state.
Families can look up nursing homes, assisted living communities, and personal care homes in Atlanta and nearby counties.
The database lists each facility’s license status, bed capacity, and contact info. It also shows inspection reports and any enforcement actions. You can search by facility name, city, or county to find options in specific neighborhoods.
This tool lets families confirm a facility’s state license and spot any serious violations or compliance issues. Reviewing the latest inspection reports gives a sense of how well each facility meets health and safety standards.
Medicare’s Care Compare tool rates nursing homes with a five-star system based on health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. Atlanta facilities get separate ratings in each category plus an overall star rating.
The tool highlights details like:
Families can compare Atlanta nursing homes side-by-side. The tool also shows if Medicare or Medicaid covers each facility. Higher star ratings usually point to better care, but it’s still wise to visit in person.
The Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program stands up for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Regional ombudsmen investigate complaints, help resolve disputes, and explain resident rights.
Families can reach out to the ombudsman office with questions about Atlanta facilities. Ombudsmen may share insights about recurring issues or complaint patterns at certain places. They won’t recommend specific facilities but can point out warning signs to look for during visits.
The program also offers educational materials about choosing long-term care and understanding resident rights in Georgia.
After checking official resources, families should pick three to five facilities that meet their basic requirements. A good shortlist includes only facilities with current licenses, solid inspection records, and enough staff.
Families should cross off any facility with:
The remaining facilities become candidates for in-person visits. Jot down each facility’s strengths based on the data, like higher quality scores or better staffing. This info helps guide questions during tours and makes comparing options much easier afterward.
Star ratings are just a starting point. Families need to dig into details that affect daily care and quality of life.
The right facility depends on location, available medical services, and the type of community that fits the resident’s needs.
Distance matters if you want to visit often. A nearby facility makes it easier to drop in, join care meetings, and give emotional support.
Think about drive time during Atlanta’s rush hour, not just mileage. Traffic here can turn a short trip into a slog. Facilities close to highways or public transit are better if your family doesn’t have a car.
The neighborhood counts, too. Safe parking, nearby restaurants for visits, and quick hospital access all add convenience. Some families feel better with facilities in familiar areas where the resident has lived for years.
Facilities vary a lot in the level of medical care they offer. Some just help with daily tasks, while others handle complex needs like wound care, dialysis, or ventilator support.
Ask about the types of nurses on staff. Registered nurses (RNs) have more training than licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The nurse-to-resident ratio matters for quick emergency response.
Specialty care can be all over the map. Some have memory care units with trained staff and secure spaces. Others provide therapy services on-site, so residents don’t have to go elsewhere.
Find out if doctors visit regularly or if residents travel for appointments. On-site pharmacy, dental, and podiatry services save hassle and stress for everyone.
Daily routines shape well-being and happiness. Tour during mealtimes and activities to see the real atmosphere, not just the sales pitch.
Meal quality and variety matter for both nutrition and enjoyment. Ask to see a week’s menus.
Some places offer restaurant-style dining with choices; others serve fixed meals. Check whether they can accommodate special diets for diabetes, heart conditions, or cultural needs.
Activity programs should fit the resident’s interests and abilities. Look for a mix of physical, mental, and social options. A packed calendar means little if your loved one can’t or won’t join in.
Room options affect comfort and privacy. Private rooms cost more but offer quiet and space. Shared rooms bring companionship but can also cause friction.
Check out room size, natural light, bathroom access, and whether personal furnishings are allowed.
A comparison table helps families keep track across multiple nursing homes in Atlanta. Write down details instead of trying to remember everything after several tours.
| Factor | Facility A | Facility B | Facility C |
| Distance from home | 15 minutes | 35 minutes | 20 minutes |
| RN on staff 24/7 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Memory care unit | No | Yes | Yes |
| Private rooms available | Limited | Many | Few |
| Activities per week | 12 | 8 | 15 |
Add rows for whatever matters most to your situation—costs, therapy services, visiting hours, pet policies, you name it.
This approach makes it much easier to spot which places actually fit your family’s needs, not just what federal ratings say.
Not sure which Atlanta nursing home is the right fit? Contact Sadie G. Mays to review your loved one’s needs and explore whether our long-term care is appropriate.
If you’re ready to get started, call us now!
Families really need to figure out how they’ll pay for long-term care before signing anything. Different payment sources have different rules about what they cover and who qualifies.
Private pay means paying for long-term care costs in Atlanta with your own funds. That includes savings, retirement accounts, home equity, or investments.
Nursing home care in Georgia usually costs $6,000 to $9,000 per month. Assisted living costs $3,500 to $5,500 per month. Home care services are about $25 to $35 per hour.
Many families start with private pay while they explore other options. Some facilities require a private pay period before they’ll accept Medicaid. It’s worth calculating how long your savings will last at current care prices.
Long-term care insurance can help if you bought it before needing care. Georgia’s Long Term Care Partnership program even protects assets for those with qualifying policies.
Medicare only covers limited long-term care. It covers short-term skilled nursing after a hospital stay of at least 3 days.
Medicare covers up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility. The first 20 days? Fully covered. For days 21 through 100, you’ll have a daily copay.
You need skilled care, like physical therapy or wound care, for Medicare to pay. Medicare won’t cover custodial care—help with bathing, dressing, or eating. Most long-term care actually falls under this custodial category.
Medicare sometimes covers home health services if a doctor orders them. You have to be homebound and need skilled nursing or therapy. These visits are pretty limited and don’t last long.
Georgia Medicaid provides coverage for long-term care if you meet strict financial and medical rules. Medicaid covers nursing home care, some assisted living, and home care services.
The 2025 income limit is about $2,900 per month for one person. The asset cap is $2,000 for singles. If you have a spouse at home, they can keep more assets and income.
Applicants have to prove they need care. That means needing help with daily activities or having cognitive problems. A doctor must say you need nursing home-level care.
Georgia offers several Medicaid programs for long-term care:
The application process can drag on for weeks or even months. It’s smart to apply as soon as you realize care is needed.
Veterans and their spouses might qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits. This program sends monthly payments to help with care costs.
The benefit can add up to $2,300 a month for a married vet, or $1,400 for a single one. Surviving spouses can receive about $1,200 per month. That money helps pay for home care or facility care.
Veterans must meet service requirements and have limited income and assets. They need help with daily activities or are bedridden. The application takes military discharge papers and medical documentation.
Some nonprofits offer financial assistance for specific groups. Religious groups sometimes provide reduced-cost care for members. County aging departments can point you toward local help.
Plenty of professionals focus on long-term care financing. An elder law attorney knows Medicaid planning and asset protection strategies inside and out.
Financial planners help you look at your resources and map out payment plans. They’ll suggest which assets to use first and how to preserve others.
Medicaid planning specialists guide families through the application maze. They know the latest rules and common mistakes to dodge. Most work for a flat fee.
Insurance agents who focus on long-term care can explain policy options and costs. Georgia’s SHIP program offers free insurance counseling for Medicare folks.
Social workers at hospitals and care homes know payment options. They connect families with resources and programs, and often offer free consultations.
Visiting facilities in person reveals details you just can’t get from a brochure or website. A well-planned tour lets families see real daily life, meet staff, and decide if a place feels right.
Schedule tours during busy hours—mid-morning or early afternoon—when residents are active, and meals are happening. You’ll see the place in action.
Make a checklist before you go. It keeps you focused on what matters, like medication management, dining, activities, and staffing.
Bring a family member or friend for another set of eyes. People notice different things, and you can compare notes later.
Plan to spend at least 90 minutes at each facility. If you rush, you’ll miss important stuff about daily life and care quality.
Ask to see specific areas—therapy rooms, outdoor spots, or memory care units if they matter to you. Most places are happy to show you around.
Check the cleanliness everywhere—common areas, rooms, and bathrooms. Bad smells or dirty spots could mean bigger problems.
Watch how staff treat residents. Caregivers should speak respectfully, make eye contact, and respond to requests promptly.
Look at the residents. Are they smiling, active, or chatting? That says a lot about satisfaction.
Check for safety features. Handrails, non-slip floors, good lighting, emergency call buttons, and secure outdoor spaces all matter.
Peek at the activity boards. Are there real activities listed with times? Empty rooms during scheduled activities might mean low participation.
Really look at meal quality. The dining atmosphere, menu variety, food appearance, and special diet options all matter for health and happiness.
Ask about staffing ratios. Get actual numbers for day, evening, and night shifts.
Find out about extra costs. Ask about charges for meds, laundry, rides, and special care.
Staff training and turnover rates matter. High turnover can signal workplace issues that spill over into care quality.
Ask how the facility handles emergencies—medical, weather, or evacuations. Staff should explain it clearly and confidently.
Ask how they keep families updated about health changes or incidents. There should be regular, reliable ways to communicate.
Write down your impressions right after each visit. Details get fuzzy fast, and it’s tough to remember what happened where.
Use a simple rating system to compare places. Score each one on cleanliness, staff, activities, dining, and overall vibe.
| Facility Name | Cleanliness | Staff | Activities | Dining | Overall Feel |
| Community A | 1-5 | 1-5 | 1-5 | 1-5 | 1-5 |
| Community B | 1-5 | 1-5 | 1-5 | 1-5 | 1-5 |
Talk over your notes with the person who’ll live there. Their comfort and preferences really matter—they’re the ones moving in, after all.
If staff dodge questions, restrict access to areas, or rush you through, pay attention. Those are red flags you shouldn’t ignore.
Once you’ve gathered info and toured facilities, it’s time to pick one and stay involved in your loved one’s care. The transition phase needs careful attention to comfort and safety, and families should keep an eye on things as needs change. No one wants just to drop someone off and hope for the best.
Weigh three big factors: safety, access, and comfort. Safety means staff training, emergency plans, and how they handle medical needs. Access is about visiting hours, how close family is, and whether it’s easy to keep in touch.
Comfort includes the living space, meals, and social life. No spot will be perfect everywhere. Decide what matters most for your situation.
If seeing family a lot is important, pick a place nearby, even if the amenities are a little less fancy. Someone with dementia might need a memory care unit, even if it means sharing a room.
Involve the person receiving care in the choice if you can. Their opinions on roommates, routines, and activities shape their experience. Making decisions together usually works out better for everyone.
The first month is a big adjustment for everyone. Visit often during this time and see how your loved one is fitting in. Are staff using their name, learning their preferences, and following the care plan?
Frequent visits let you spot problems early. Check if meds are given on time, meals are proper, and your family member is joining in activities.
Stay in touch with the care team. Ask about routines, appetite, sleep, and social stuff. Request updates from nurses and aides who know your loved one best.
It’s pretty standard for residents to feel homesick or confused at first. Bring familiar things like photos, a favorite blanket, or snacks. Some folks settle in quickly, but others need a few weeks to get comfortable.
Long-term care needs never stay the same. Families should schedule regular meetings with the care team to review the current care plan.
Usually, these reviews happen every 90 days. But honestly, if something feels off, there’s no reason to wait that long.
Watch for new mobility problems, shifts in cognitive function, or medical complications—those are big signals that care needs to change. If the facility doesn’t adjust services to match, families have to step up and push for updates.
Sometimes, a facility just can’t provide what a resident needs anymore. For example, someone with advanced dementia in assisted living may need to move to a memory care unit.
If a resident needs more medical attention, they might have to transfer to a skilled nursing facility. These transitions aren’t easy, but they’re sometimes necessary.
It’s a good idea for families to write down their concerns and ask for care plan changes in writing. If things still aren’t getting fixed, they can reach out to the facility administrator or Georgia’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
If you’re comparing long-term care options in Atlanta, our team at Sadie G. Mays can walk you through the next steps. Reach out to discuss your family’s situation.
When should we start looking for long-term care in Atlanta?
Ideally, start as soon as your loved one’s doctor or hospital team mentions that going home may not be safe. Many Atlanta families begin during or right after a hospital stay, so there’s time to compare facilities instead of choosing in a rush.
What’s the difference between rehab and long-term care in a nursing home?
Rehab (skilled nursing/short-term care) is focused on recovery after an illness, surgery, or hospital stay and is often covered by Medicare for a limited time. Long-term care is ongoing support with daily activities and chronic health needs when your loved one is unlikely to return home safely.
How do I know if my loved one needs a nursing home instead of assisted living?
Assisted living works best for seniors who need help with some daily tasks but don’t require 24/7 nursing care. A nursing home is more appropriate when your loved one has complex medical needs, frequent falls, significant mobility issues, or dementia symptoms that make unsupervised living unsafe.
How can I check if an Atlanta nursing home is licensed and safe?
Use the Georgia Department of Community Health’s facility search to confirm licensing and inspections, and Medicare’s Care Compare to review ratings and survey results. You can also contact the Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman for help understanding complaints, resident rights, or concerns about a specific facility.
How far should we be willing to drive to visit a nursing home in Atlanta?
Choose a location close enough that key family members can visit regularly—weekly or more often when possible. For many Atlanta families, that means balancing convenience (drive time, traffic, parking) with the facility’s quality, hospital access, and the safety and comfort of the surrounding neighborhood.
Who can help us understand the costs of Medicare and Medicaid for long-term care in Georgia?
Hospital social workers, discharge planners, and admissions teams at nursing homes can explain general options. For detailed guidance, connect with Georgia’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection, Medicaid offices, or a qualified elder law or benefits professional. Always confirm rules with current state and federal sources.
Can we move our loved one if the first nursing home isn’t the right fit?
Yes. Placement in a nursing home is not always permanent. If needs change or the fit isn’t right, families can explore other licensed facilities, discuss options with the care team, and plan a safe transfer while maintaining continuity of medical care and medications.