10 Best Independent Living Communities in Birmingham, AL

Once you’ve decided on the community you’d like to live in, the next step is figuring out payment options.

Fortunately, there are several ways to pay for your stay. These include private payment options and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Unlike assisted living, however, independent living doesn’t accept Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance. Although you won’t be able to use Medicaid or Medicare to pay for your home, you may find that Medicaid or Medicare will cover the costs of potential in-home care services that you may need. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about your payment options.

There are no laws and regulations for independent living communities in Alabama, only for assisted living facilities. There’s also no set list of of requirements to live in an independent facility or community in Alabama, but there are some common requirements that we see throughout the state:

• Most residents must be at least 55 years old. Age requirements might be higher at different facilities.
• Health is a crucial factor for independent living facilities or communities. These are facilities designed with people who are in good health and are able to care for themselves.
• Background checks are common in Alabama when applying to live in an independent facility or community. This is to ensure that residents are not a threat to the safety of other residents.
• Residents must not have active substance abuse issues.

Alabama Department of Public Health
201 Monroe St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: 1-800-252-1818
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Birmingham independent living communities

Birmingham suggests that all persons follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance when it comes to protecting themselves and others from the contraction and spreading of COVID-19. To protect yourself, you’re encouraged to do the following activities:

• Wash your hands often and cover your face when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home and avoid public contact if you’re feeling ill.
• Avoid contact with others who feel ill.
• Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
• Avoid large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.
• Isolate, if recommended.

You can find a test-to-treat site near you by clicking here. You can also learn more about Alabama’s COVID-19 guidance here.

Independent living in Birmingham is for senior adults seeking a community where they can socialize and live a hassle-free life. Seniors will be surrounded by great Southern cuisine, beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, plus access to excellent healthcare services.

Great Value

The average cost of an independent living facility in Birmingham is around 17% less than the national average, according to A Place for Mom’s data. Despite this, you still get many perks from independent living here. These include social activities and outings, home maintenance and repair, nutritious meals and snacks, laundry services, and housekeeping.

Combination of Care

You will find that the independent living facilities in Birmingham tend to either be standalone communities (roughly 50%) or part of a larger entity, such as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), a form of long-term care that allow seniors to first move into a community in independent or assisted living and then transition into memory care if needed. Other independent living communities in Birmingham offer facilities for independent living, assisted living, and memory care on the same premises but aren’t designated as CCRCs.

Health care for seniors in Birmingham

Birmingham is home to two highly ranked hospitals as well as a host of other medical facilities and senior-specific clinics.

Transportation for seniors in Birmingham

Due to Birmingham’s layout and spread, most residents use cars as their main mode of transportation. Although there is public transportation available, it’s not as robust as the options in other major cities.

Fortunately, Jefferson County’s Senior Services Division oversees a transportation service called ClasTran. ClasTran provides essential transportation for seniors residing in senior centers in Brighton, Center Point, Clay, Exeter-Fairfax, Fairfield, Forestdale, Hoover, Hueytown, Leeds, Edgewater, Sylvan Springs, Hopewell, Midfield, Morris and Tarrant Monday through Friday.

MAX Transit offers paratransit door-to-door services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. The cost is $2.50 per ride. SilverRide another door-to-door transit for seniors. Much like MAX Transit, all drivers have been trained to assist people with mobility issues. UberASSIST is Uber’s ride-sharing service that is specifically for individuals with disabilities.

Birmingham has a walk score of 33, which means getting around on foot is not a great option. This is a score out of 100 calculated based on a city’s public density, walking routes, public transit options, and bike infrastructure.