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Known affectionately by locals as “Magic City,” Birmingham is widely considered to be one of the best-kept secrets in the South due to its affordability, diversity, thriving job market, natural beauty, and burgeoning culture scene. Birmingham’s cost of living is 14% below the national average, and the price of groceries, healthcare, and transportation are also more affordable than other similarly sized Alabama cities like Mobile, Montgomery, and Huntsville .
Please note that the term “nursing home” is often used interchangeably with assisted living, memory care, and other senior housing options. By definition, a nursing home is a skilled nursing facility for individuals with serious, debilitating short- or long-term health issues that require 24-hour medical care. Even the best nursing homes in Birmingham may not be right for seniors who don’t require round-the-clock care.
A Place for Mom does not partner with nursing homes. But we do partner with 10 assisted living and memory care communities within a 10-mile radius of the city center of Birmingham. Three of these partner facilities offer on-site skilled nursing.
In this guide, you’ll find details about the average cost of care, payment options, services, activities, laws and regulations, and other information related to the senior community in the Birmingham area.
Types of care available in Birmingham, AL
My parents moved into Kirkwood by the River 9 years ago and I've NEVER had a complaint about anything. This is the best run and kindest retirement place anyone could ever find. The entire staff are kind, thoughtful, patient and courteous. A wonderful place in a great setting with Christian beliefs and attitude!!
There have been some issues with the billing but I'm having a meeting with them this week to get that resolved. Based on our experience I would recommend them.
The facility is pretty nice, I think some things could be upgraded. But mom is very pleased. The staff is very friendly and quick to address any issues we have. They do housekeeping often and her room is very clean. The food is good, mom is happy with it. Communication with the family is very good. They do have transportation for appointments and dining, which is great. I would recommend them to friends and family.
235 Inverness Center Dr, Birmingham, AL 35242
She is very happy there - she enjoys the activities, the people and the food. Very positive! The staff members were very helpful and accommodating - the meals were very good and, although I did not meet a...
Danberry at Inverness reflects a complete break from the conventions of ordinary senior living communities by embracing a distinctive philosophy focused on celebrating life with style. Here, you will find every convenience and amenity imaginable for active adults over 55, including a full...
6328 Farley Ln, Birmingham, AL 35242
Moved my mother & stepdad into Assisted Living in [date removed]. This facility is a bit higher end and the rates reflect that. IF you have a couple to share a room, the rate becomes more "do-able". This...
There's beauty in new beginnings - and a thrill in knowing the possibilities they bring. Just like the metamorphosis of a butterfly, nature has a way of showing us there are wonders to be celebrated in all of life's stages - and now that you've worked hard, it's time to enjoy. Senior living at...
700 Corporate Ridge, Birmingham, AL 35242
I liked everything about the community and would highly recommend it. We picked this community because it was one level, clean, and reasonably priced for that area.
Proveer at Grande View provides the Hoover and Shelby County communities with vibrant, upscale and modern senior living.The word “proveer” means to provide. With Proveer at Grande View, that is their purpose. The staff at Proveer has dedicated themselves to understanding the needs of seniors who...
400 University Park Drive, Homewood, AL 35209
It just felt right. Everyone was very nice and it had what we were looking for. Also word of mouth...we heard good things from friends
Come see if our continuing care retirement community, or CCRC, is the right fit for you and your family. Here you’ll have independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing all on one campus. So if you or your spouse need more care later, you’ll have the lifestyle you want and...
300 Royal Tower Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
Everything is great except they can be really slow with important maintenence requests such as the AC. Overall is it a great place, especially for our price point.
Elite Senior Living Center located in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama and provides independent living where residents receive the memory care that they need. Our community provides seniors with a great place to call home. Those who are visiting residents of this community will find that...
451 Liberty Parkway, Vestavia, AL 35242
Our objective was to find a place for my 95 year old mother with the type of dementia that still allowed her to think rationally, but was incapable of retaining any new information, even during a brief...
THE NEW DESIGN OF CARE, LIFE AND STYLELongleaf Liberty Park is taking a fresh, local approach to senior living, service and care. We've taken every detail into consideration to elevate expectations of what assisted living and memory care should be. Our modern welcoming spaces match our forward...
2435 Columbiana Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
It's a nice place to stay for retirement! But they need to improve their meals for the Elderly! Some say the meals are crappy and are not well balanced! Lots of sandwiches with hardly no veggies, that are...
From the moment you walk through the door, you will experience the difference that is Chateau Vestavia. Family owned and locally operated, we are a part of the beautiful Vestavia Hills community. Our caring professional staff is committed to making this the most worry-free time of your life. We...
570 Southland Dr, Hoover, AL 35226
We were attracted to them because of the high ratings online. Definitely will recommend!! Staff and Nurses were of the highest quality and cost was a bargain. Best of the 4 places my sister stayed at. She...
Briar Glenn Alzheimer's Special Care Center is an assisted living community located in Hoover, Jefferson County, Alabama, providing residents with a safe place to call home. Those dealing with dementia or Alzheimer's are welcome in this community. The city of Hoover has much to offer to residents...
2634 Valleydale Rd, Birmingham, AL 35244
We had to make the difficult decision to move my family member. Lakeview has been such a blessing for her and our family. We met with [name removed], the "PR" person, and felt an instant connection. She has...
Lakeview Estates, a Phoenix Senior Living community, offers premier senior living services with superior personalized care and luxury-style accommodations with a comfortable, small-town feel. From the moment you enter Lakeview Estates, it will become clear that our goal is to instill purpose and...
3776 Crosshaven Drive, Birmingham, AL 35223
We have only been here a couple of weeks, this has been the most friendly facility we have looked at. The entire staff seem to be happy and friendly as well, answering questions that may or may not be their...
Newly Renovated!!Nestled within a serene neighborhood, The Brook is a haven of compassionate care and comfort for our cherished residents. Here, we prioritize individual well-being and offer personalized support that allows residents to maintain their independence while receiving the assistance...
3850 Galleria Woods Dr, Birmingham, AL 35244
From the first time that I visited Galleria Woods, I knew that it was the place for me! I love my Garden Home and the privacy that it gives me overlooking the Cahaba River. I enjoy my walks up to the "Big...
It’s not downsizing your home; it’s upsizing your possibilities. Located on 20 wooded acres in Birmingham’s prestigious Riverchase area, our continuing care retirement community (CCRC) gives you a maintenance-free lifestyle with the retirement you deserve. Our community has a full continuum...
2366 Old Springville Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215
My mother in law is happy there and that makes all the difference. Twice they have noticed and issue that needed medical attention that we could not see. They are very inclusive.
Lease by October 29 and get $1,000 off your rent for the first three months. THAT’S A SAVINGS OF $3,000!*We are continuing to admit new Residents, where possible and appropriate, to help residents and families in need. We will do all we can to help those who are in need of our services now and...
285 West Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, AL 35209
I wanted to write a review for the Regency Retirement Village and share our experience. We planned an out-of-state move with my mother-in-law of 90 years. This was a very tough move for us to make but we...
Regency Retirement Village is a graciously appointed residential community designed to meet the needs of seniors. The beautiful facility offers affordable independent and assisted living. Our apartments are some of the finest in Birmingham with studios, one and two bedroom suites. We are located...
3605 Ratliff Road, Birmingham, AL 35210
We chose Kirkwood by the River because of the convenient location for me and it was a relatively good price compared to some others we looked at. She had a 1 bedroom and it was about 600 square feet. The...
Kirkwood by the River was founded as a nonprofit in 1980 by Independent Presbyterian Church to offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Medicare Rehabilitation. Set on 120 acres on the Cahaba River, Kirkwood by the River feels miles away from the...
4941 Montevallo Rd, Birmingham, AL 35210
I placed my mom here for respite care and received great service. She was provided great care by the staff. She has dementia and the staff were skilled with dealing with dementia patients. Thanks to [name...
A Life Plan, commonly referred to as a Continuing Care Retirement Community, St. Martin’s in the Pines offers a comprehensive range of care to support seniors through all stages of living. Accommodations include restaurant-style dining, gated beautiful grounds, community garden, daily activities,...
4000 Greenwood Drive, Hoover, AL 35216
This community was very nice and the people were very friendly however, I needed my aunt in a community where they gathered and there were more gathering places at another community. The people were very...
Real Service At the heart of Country Cottage is CareSteps, an individualized service plan designed to solve the real, day-to-day issues that have threatened to destroy the independence you've worked so hard to achieve. CareSteps assures that you'll receive the right amount of help at the right...
3141 Old Columbiana Rd, Birmingham, AL 35226
I can't say enough great things about South Haven. I had to move my father from Chicago due to his severe dementia and into Skilled Nursing. I looked around and yes, there are places are that much...
2500 River Haven Drive, Birmingham, AL 35244
Golden LivingCenter is the best for rehabilitation. The staff is friendly and really helpful. They really do provide very good care. The only problem I had with them is that they sometimes have issues with...
Have you suddenly found yourself looking for a nursing home? We know it isn't an easy task. There is so much information to learn and so many decisions to make. Whatever your specific needs, our goal is to provide compassionate care in a clean, comfortable setting where you will feel at home. We...
1409 Thompson Circle, Gardendale, AL 35071
Covenant Place was excellent, mom really liked it and I think she would have been happy here. The only issue was that it was about an hour away from me so I would not have been able to visit as often. Also,...
1409 Thompson Circle, Gardendale, AL 35071
Covenant Place was excellent, mom really liked it and I think she would have been happy here. The only issue was that it was about an hour away from me so I would not have been able to visit as often. Also,...
1424 Montclair Rd, Birmingham, AL 35210
My mom is doing great as a resident in the community. She enjoys the meals and the activities are good. She has been happy so far and the staff are good with the care and good at giving my updates where it...
39 Hanover Circle S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Greenbriar on Hanover is a lovely community. My mother is very happy here. The staff is very nice. The community is kept organized and cleaned. One thing i really like is that the meals are delicious. I...
39 Hanover Circle S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Greenbriar on Hanover is a lovely community. My mother is very happy here. The staff is very nice. The community is kept organized and cleaned. One thing i really like is that the meals are delicious. I...
2831 Highland Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
My loved one has recently moved into this community and so far everything is going well for him there. The staff have been very friendly and I am comfortable with the quality of care they are providing him....
2728 10th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205
On behalf of our team of caregivers and support staff, thank you for considering our healthcare center. We offer a full range of medical services to meet the individual needs of our residents, including short-term rehabilitative services and long-term skilled care. Working with the resident’s...
According to data from Genworth, the average cost of a nursing home facility in Birmingham is $4,028.[02] Based on A Place for Mom’s proprietary data from our partner communities, the average cost of an assisted living facility in the Birmingham area is $4,276 per month and $4,103 per month for memory care.[03] This figure includes housing, meals, associated fees, and add-on services. The cost of senior care facilities and service can vary greatly by location, floor plan, layout, level of care provided, and additional services.
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Long-term care can be expensive, often requiring a combination of private funds and some level of public assistance to pay for care. More often than not, that public assistance will come in the form of Medicaid, as Medicare pays for very little of skilled nursing home care, assisted living, or memory care. Medicare is more geared toward medical expenses, not custodial care, which is the type of service generally provided at senior care facilities.
While skilled financial planning has long been key to paying for senior care, there are plenty of other options available to ensure that you or your loved one gets the care they require in their later years. Here’s a quick breakdown of all the resources available to seniors and their families to cover the costs of nursing home care, assisted living, or memory care in the Birmingham area.
It isn’t uncommon for seniors to pull funds from multiple personal resources to cover the costs of senior care facilities like nursing homes, assisted living, or memory care. Of all the potential personal resources, long-term care insurance can certainly help offset the costs. If you or your family member have such a policy, schedule time with a financial professional to review the details to understand exactly what’s covered in the plan.
Apart from long-term care insurance, many seniors use a combination of savings, pensions, Social Security benefits, inheritance, distributions from a retirement account, income generated from investments, as well as any number of the following:
All nursing homes and other senior care facilities in the state of Alabama must be licensed by the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Health Provider Standards prior to operation. It’s all in an effort to provide a safe and healthy environment that meets the quality of care and services standards for residents set by the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which regulates nursing homes, assisted living communities, memory care facilities, etc. Fail to comply with or meet these standards and any government funding received by these facilities could be cut.
In Alabama, the standards include:
Also, nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and memory care facilities are all subject to regular and periodic inspections by either the Alabama Department of Public Health or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Inspectors evaluate the facilities to determine whether they’re in compliance with state and federal standards. All inspection reports are available to the public through the Alabama Department of Public Health’s website.
201 Monroe St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: 1-800-252-1818
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
While Alabama may have loosened its masking, social distancing, and safety restrictions, the Alabama Nursing Home Association does recommend that nursing homes and senior care facilities follow COVID-19 guidelines set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Visitors will be subject to COVID-19 screenings prior to entry. They may also be required to wear a mask while on the premises. For more information on the guidelines for Alabama, please refer to the state’s guidelines.
Vaccinations. Workers can receive religious and medical exemptions, but vaccinations are strongly recommended.
Facility cleanliness. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces is strongly encouraged.
Social distancing. All employees and visitors are urged to maintain 6 feet of separation whenever possible.
Moving into a senior care facility can be a difficult decision – for seniors and their family members alike. Not only are you trying to determine if the time is right to move into such an environment but find a facility that suits the wants, needs, and lifestyle of the individual. While a tall order, it’s one that Birmingham can certainly meet. The city is home to more than a few options in the area of senior care.
While A Place for Mom does not partner with nursing homes, it does partner with five facilities that offer a “combo” of senior care, with independent living, assisted living, and memory care options all within the same community. Two other partner communities offer assisted living and memory care options, while the others are strictly memory care or assisted living.
Healthcare services provided by these facilities will generally vary but often include the likes of medication management, diabetic care, rehabilitation care, ambulatory care, incontinence care, oxygen care, memory care, and palliative care. In fact, all our community partners provide on-site nursing, and the majority have a doctor on call.
Seniors and their families can also find facilities that provide anxiety, aggression, and agitation care for seniors who experience these symptoms as part of their dementia at memory care facilities. In the 10-mile market radius of Birmingham, one of our partner facilities is a standalone memory care facility and one is a combination independent living/memory care facility. There are also two partner facilities in our network that are combination assisted living and memory care providers.
Much like health care services, the facility amenities will vary greatly from one location to the next. Seniors and their families may find that the facility has an on-site beauty salon, TV lounge, library, central fireplace, meeting rooms, enclosed courtyard, and even a bar, pub, or cafe. They will also offer a number of meal options, including kosher, vegetarian, low-sodium diets, and other special diets. Rooms and apartments will be wheelchair accessible, air conditioned, and cable-ready.
Because senior care facilities want to enrich the lives of their residents, it isn’t uncommon for the facilities to offer a wide array of activities that meet a variety of interests and lifestyles. Again, these will vary from facility to facility but often include on-site devotional activities, pet-focused programs, group outings to area attractions, live musical performances, cooking classes, art classes, trivia nights, movie nights, fitness classes, yoga, barbeques, holiday parties, and so on.
If seniors and their families still can’t find a facility in Birmingham that meets the wants, needs, and lifestyle of your loved one, the 25-mile surrounding area does offer a number of options – another 10 facilities in our partner network, in fact. These, too, come in a range of senior care options, with most being a combination of independent living, assisted living, and memory care units. You’ll also find standalone memory care and assisted living facilities. Each one will have a variety of different services, amenities, and activities to offer residents.
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Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Birmingham population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Birmingham has many healthcare providers for its aging population – chief among them being the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, which is currently ranked 36th in the nation for Geriatrics . It’s also ranked 20th in the nation for Rehabilitation and 10th in the nation for Rheumatology.
Part of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, UAB Geriatrics Clinic specializes in comprehensive medical care for older adults, including preventive care, memory evaluations, chronic illness management, and end-of-life care.
Though other specialties are available, Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham is regionally known for its cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer programs.
Birmingham VA Healthcare System offers a variety of programs, services, and resources for veterans, including community-based outpatient clinics in several locations throughout the Birmingham area.
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center is another area hospital known for its cardiology and orthopedics programs. It also specializes in women’s health services.
Grandview Medical Center is known for its cancer center, heart and vascular center, and orthopedics program.
Princeton Baptist Medical Center is known for its cancer center, orthopedics program, and neurology and neurosurgery program.
While services vary from one facility to the next, almost all senior care and assisted living communities in Birmingham offer some level of transportation to their residents. These transportation services are usually arranged by the staff for the purposes of medical appointments, social outings, and other local events and activities. Should a resident require specialized transportation services, these, too, will often be arranged by the staff. Arrangements can be made for a wheelchair-accessible van or medical transport vehicle.
MAX Transit, which is part of the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), operates a range of public transportation services in the Birmingham area that serve the senior community, including fixed-route bus services, paratransit services for individuals with disabilities, and vintage trolley services in the downtown district. BJCTA also offers a vanpool service for group outings.
The Birmingham Regional Paratransit Consortium (ClasTran) is a nonprofit organization that provides specialized transportation services for individuals with disabilities who live in the Birmingham area. Rides are subsidized, costing $4 for one-way travel and $8 for round trips.
Thanks to the fine work of the activity directors, almost all senior care and assisted living facilities offer an array of on-site entertainment opportunities for residents. Our community partners in the Birmingham area regularly schedule live musical performances, art classes, devotional services, and fitness classes — among a host of other activities.
For seniors who’d like to get out into the community, group outings are also made available. Depending on the weather, a trip to the Market at Pepper Place, Birmingham’s farmers market, wouldn’t be out of the question. Nor would a trip to the Birmingham Zoo or the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, where seniors not only stroll the walking paths and take in the views but participate in a variety of events. Each spring, for example, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens holds the Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival, while winter brings the annual 16-foot tall poinsettia tree made of 300 individual poinsettias.
If seniors are more interested in the historical side of Birmingham, there’s always the option to visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute or Civil Rights National Monument. Then, venture off to Kelly Ingram Park, or check out the A.G. Gaston Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and those who marched alongside him met. Those with a more artistic eye (or ear) may find the Birmingham Museum of Art or a show at the Historic Alabama Theatre of interest.
Other options include:
Danberry at Inverness, Gardens of Pelham and Monark Grove Greystone are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Birmingham, AL. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Birmingham is 4,227 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Extra Storage Space. (2022, December). 16 things to know about Birmingham.https://www.extraspace.com/blog/moving/city-guides/things-to-know-about-living-in-birmingham/
Genworth. (2021). Cost of long term care by state [Data Set]. Cost of care report.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Alabama Medicaid. (n.d.) Institutional Medicaid. Alabama Medicaid. https://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/3.0_Apply/3.2_Qualifying/3.2.4_Medicaid_Nursing_Home.aspx
Medicare. (n.d.). Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care. Medicare.gov https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/skilled-nursing-facility-snf-care
Best Hospitals Ranking. (n.d.). University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. US News & World Report. https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/al/university-of-alabama-hospital-at-birmingham-6530304/geriatric-care
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