Lovely weather, first-rate health care, and a diverse fusion of cultures are a few qualities that draw people to Atlanta, also called ATL. This bustling yet darling Southern city is also home to world-class memory care facilities for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Memory care facilities provide a secure haven with specially trained staff and therapeutic activity programs for residents with cognitive impairments. A Place for Mom partners with 20 memory care facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Atlanta. Half of these communities are stand-alone memory care facilities, which means they exclusively accommodate residents with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.
We’ve fashioned this guide to help families throughout every stage of finding memory care for a loved one in Atlanta. Using proprietary data from our partnered Atlanta memory care communities, we highlight specific information about the costs, amenities, and types of services available in these communities. We also outline different ways to pay for memory care units in Atlanta, laws and regulations for memory care facilities in Georgia, and what you can expect to find from Atlanta memory care facilities.
I am glad that A place for mom connected me with Summerset Assistant living. They are a very caring community and has caring staff and they are located within miles of restaurants, shopping center and...
My name is [name removed] when I found out about this place this place is such a great place to live from the Front Desk staff. It is great from the sales. It is great everybody at this place together as a...
There was a shortage of help so often mom had to stay in bed all weekend. And their van was broken the whole time she was there so they never went anywhere. The facility was sold and that was difficult to...
Very well maintained, clean & safe for a 95- yr old. Some are lively & friendly. Some are moody. Good care, but not always predictable. Have to repeatedly ask for some services, like help with hair/nails, ...
Very experienced staff that has continually worked at sunrise for many years -solid programming -very convenient location. Good size rooms and nice common areas.
I'd say it used to be better (last year) and now the quality has decreased significantly. There's currently no director, they haven't found an appropriate suitor since the last one left in February and none...
Their staff is super caring and patient with their elderly care. Cannot say enough about their patience and compassion for everyone there. Biggest issue is cleaning. I have complained a few times about their...
There just something about a smaller place. The staff is awesome it's great to see the same people for do many years. The care is truly heartwarming it feel like home. Older community but it's kept well.
The mission of Presbyterian Village was important to me in making my decision to move here. I am so happy to be able to live independently in a comfortable home located within an 80 acre wildlife sanctuary...
the people at the front are very nice and welcoming and nice i had a great time visiting also the staff are very helpful. everyone is super happy and joyful and i live this place, will be back very soon
My Mothers journey was a long one and unfortunately she did not prepare for the last years as well as one might hope. Due to this I had to be very resourceful with care options and still trying to get the...
Wesley woods is a lovely place with caring staff and a beautiful location. No bad things to say. I wish they had long term space at the time we needed it.
For the most part, we are very happy with Peachtree Creek Memory Care for a mom. We find the staff to be warm, caring, and engaging. The residents are involved with activities for most of the day, which has...
It starts with [name removed]- but it’s the way the staff cares for my mom, her day and her needs that sets them apart. They are happy and rooting for my mom - what she needs for the day, her progress, and...
The Coventry Place has a wonderful selection for my uncle, he is getting acquainted with new friends and enjoying his independence. It’s been a pleasure working with the team and having him be in a space...
It is always clean. Sometimes, no one is at the front desk or they do not greet me and ask me to sign in which concerns me about the renters safety and security. There are many healthy, ever changing options...
Staff are caring, respectful, helpful, and friendly. The food is good, but not worth the price for a guest. The menu is rarely accurate. If I call and leave a particular staff member a message. I would say I...
The staff and administration are very friendly and helpful. The communication is great and they keep the family informed of any issues, questions, etc. The staff seem to have a genuine interest and concern...
My aunt has been bed bound since February. The first facility she went to after leaving the hospital didn't really encourage her to get out of her room, they just left her in her room. With Charter, my aunt...
I think it is a good place, there are activities daily and group participation There are several performers that entertain the residents. The staff are very involved with the residence. it is very relax and...
The staff treat the residents like family. They are very caring and go above and beyond of their regular duties. It's a small facility but the staff treats the residents like family. When my mom is there I...
My wife and I lived for two months before we had to leave because I required emergency open heart surgery. We enjoyed living here. The food was well-prepared and plentiful. We were also able to participate...
What our family likes the most about the King's Bridge Retirement community is the staff team. The staff members there are outstanding. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this...
All categories get a 5! My loved one has been very content there. I have been very pleased with his care and the staff I have interacted with!! I am very happy with the placement.
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Atlanta community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
The cost of memory care at our in-network Atlanta communities averages around $4,500 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022 proprietary data.[01] This amount factors in the cost of room and boards, care costs, and potential fees for pets, parking, and medication administration.
Memory care facilities must provide additional resources, such as round-the-clock supervision, additional staff training, and additional security features. These extra services usually make memory care pricier than assisted or independent living and are typically included in the monthly rate.
When touring different memory care facilities, you may hear some communities start their pricing at a baseline cost. This is essentially a memory care facility’s starting cost before any extra fees or services are added in. You can take a look at the average starting cost of memory care facilities in Atlanta and surrounding areas below.
Paying for memory care can seem like an impossible feat at first, but it’s attainable with planning. Part of this entails becoming familiar with what financial resources may be available, including both public and private sources of funding. Since many families utilize a combination of private and public payment methods, we highlight several examples of both types that may be able to help pay for memory care in Atlanta.
The availability of private funds differs from family to family. In many cases, these payment methods come from personal savings, retirement income, and investment returns from stocks, bonds, etc. These can all be used to pay for an Atlanta memory care facility, and some families look to these resources before diving into public funding options like Medicare and Medicaid.
While those are among the most common forms of private pay methods, there may be additional assets you may be able to leverage as a means to pay for memory care. You can explore how to use these different types of assets below.
Federal benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can provide some financial support for veterans and their families. Some benefits, like Aid and Attendance, provide supplemental monthly income that can be used to pay for long-term care costs of memory care. VA benefits can be a huge financial relief for veterans and families, but many often find the VA benefits system tricky.
Atlanta is chock-full of local Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), which can help veterans and their families apply for and access benefits that can be put towards memory care costs. VSOs are an invaluable resource to make sure veterans don’t miss out on any benefits they may be eligible for. You can reach out to one of the VSOs located in the Atlanta Regional Office below.
Number of veterans who live in Atlanta
Around 22% of Atlanta veterans are age 75 and older.
Resources for Atlanta veterans
Georgia Department of Veterans Service – Atlanta locations
Phone: 404-656-2300
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Georgia Directory
Post 12164-Buckhead Atlanta
384 Woodward Way NW
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: 404-219-9389
Regional Disabled American Veterans (DAV) office
1700 Clairmont Road
Decatur, GA 30033
Phone: 404-929-5956
Atlanta Veterans Field Service Office
205 Jesse Hill, Jr. Drive, Suite 460
Atlanta. GA 30334
Phone: 404-656-5940
American Legion Post 140 Buckhead
3905 Powers Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone: 404-219-9389
Email: service@post140buckhead.com
AMVETS Post 9-1-1 Atlanta
3011 Campbellton Road SW
Atlanta, GA 30311
Phone: 404-349-1964
Blinded Veterans Association – Atlanta chapter
Phone: 404-771-6724
Georgia’s Medicaid program covers some services provided in a memory care facility in Atlanta, but it can’t be used for room and board expenses. Eligible seniors may qualify for a Medicaid waiver program, which helps provide an alternative to nursing home placement. You can learn more about Georgia’s Medicaid waivers that can be used for a memory care facility below.
Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE) benefits seniors age 65+ who need a nursing home level of care but can receive services within their community setting or from home. A person must be eligible for Medicaid to qualify and meet the following criteria:[03]
You can apply by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging, which can help you get started with an eligibility screening. If you’re approved, a SOURCE staff member will perform an assessment to become familiar with your loved one’s needs and develop an appropriate care plan. Before getting started, make sure you have proof of income, assets, and citizenship on hand.
Formally known as the Community Care Services Program (CCSP), the Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program also makes it possible for eligible seniors to receive services in a community setting rather than a nursing home. To qualify, seniors must meet the following requirements:[04]
You can apply for this waiver program by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging. You’ll want to make sure you have the following available beforehand:[04]
It’s worth noting you can only participate in one Medicaid waiver program at once. Both SOURCE and the Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program provide services that include the following:
You’ll need to be enrolled in Medicaid to apply for any of the state’s Medicaid waiver programs. You can apply for Medicaid online using the Georgia Gateway website. In-person applications can also be completed at your local Division of Family and Children Services office.
Medicaid resources
Division of Family and Children Services
Find a location near you
Area Agency on Aging
Atlanta Regional Commission Aging Division
229 Peachtree St., NE, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-463-3333
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors age 65+ and people with disabilities that is aimed at helping with medical- and health-related costs specifically. Because of this, it doesn’t pay for the cost of living in a memory care community in Atlanta.
Any memory care costs related to custodial care, such as room and board or personal care support, aren’t considered Medicare-approved expenses. Some short-term health costs and preventative services that can be paid for by Medicare include the following:[05]
Certain memory care-related costs and services may qualify for Medicare coverage for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. These include cognitive assessments, medications, and care planning support services for patients and caregivers.
There’s often a lot of confusion surrounding what is and isn’t covered by Medicare. The Georgia State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) has free Medicare counseling services to guide seniors through Medicare coverages, find a plan that fits their needs, and even identify financial assistance resources to lower out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare resources in Atlanta
Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Aging Services
2 Peachtree St., NW., 33rd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-657-5258
Georgia State Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
Medicare assistance
Phone: 866-552-4464, ext. 4
In Georgia, stand-alone memory care facilities and assisted living communities with specialized memory-care units are licensed and regulated by the Georgia Department of Community Health’s Healthcare Facility Regulation Division (HFRD). The HFRD is also in charge of inspecting facilities. You can access inspection reports, license verifications, and facility listings on its website.
All facilities have to comply with the state’s rules and regulations for assisted living communities, which include the following:
Atlanta assisted living facilities with specialized memory care units must meet a few extra requirements on matters such as community design, admission requirements, and staff training. You can browse through some of the criteria in place for Atlanta memory care facilities below.
Assisted living communities in Georgia can’t admit residents who require skilled nursing care, are bedridden, or have care needs that can’t be met at the facility. Additionally, prospective residents must meet special requirements to be admitted to a memory care center, which includes completing a physical examination within 30 days of admission. This report must be able to confirm the following:[06]
Memory care centers must conduct an assessment of residents after admission to determine their care needs. The post-admission assessment should identify elements such as the following:[06]
All residents in a memory care center should receive a direct care plan that’s reviewed and signed by all participating direct care staff. Residents’ families are also encouraged to participate in developing a care plan, when possible, to factor in personal and family history. These care plans should be reassessed quarterly and updated as needed to reflect any changes in a resident’s needs.
Certain safety measures need to be met in a building’s physical design to make sure memory care residents can safely live within a community. Memory care facilities must provide multipurpose common spaces for dining and group activities, as well as the following:[06]
Just as assisted living communities are required to provide residents with social activities, memory care centers must provide activities that promote the following:[06]
Memory care centers must be properly staffed to make sure the unique needs of each resident can be met. At a minimum, the following requirements must be provided by memory care centers:[06]
All memory care center staff should receive initial and annual training. Memory care centers are required to preserve all documentation for all training sessions that details the course content, attendance rosters, and instructor qualifications.
All direct care staff in an assisted living facility must receive an initial orientation within the first 30 days that goes over matters such as general infection control practices, emergency preparedness, and recognizing physical or cognitive changes in residents.
All direct care staff who work in a memory care center, regardless of their role, must complete 4 hours of dementia-specific orientation within their first 30 days of employment. This orientation specifically covers the following topics:[06]
Additionally, memory care staff must complete an annual 8 hours of dementia-specific training, as well as 16 hours of specialized training that include subjects such as those listed below:[06]
Georgia doesn’t currently have COVID-19 regulations in place for memory care communities, but facilities will likely have their own policies in place to protect staff and residents. You can find general guidance for long-term care facilities on the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) website, but it’s always a good idea to check with an Atlanta memory care facility directly before visiting.
Atlanta has lifted most of its emergency COVID-19 restrictions, but city officials encourage residents to continue following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the following:
Vaccinations. Everyone should stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, especially people who are immunocompromised.
Quarantining. People should self-isolate for at least five days if they test positive for COVID-19 and follow the CDC guidelines on when to end isolation.
CDC guidelines. The CDC recommends getting tested if you have symptoms, were exposed to COVID-19, or will be in contact with someone at risk of getting very sick.
Masking. People should consider wearing a mask when visiting people with a higher risk for severe illness, and some communities may require them in public indoor spaces.
Atlanta memory care communities range from comforting homelike settings to luxurious high-rise buildings. About half of our in-network memory care facilities exclusively cater to residents with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, while others may offer other types of care like assisted living and/or independent living.[01]
No matter your preference, you’ll find that memory care facilities in Atlanta offer a perfect balance of Southern hospitality, safety, and specialized programs for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Elegant entrances with charming walkways and lavish lobbies set the tone for most Atlanta memory care facilities. Delightful common areas await inside where residents can enjoy gathering for meals, activities, or simply unwinding. Some memory care facilities are adorned with modern fixtures, and others with homelike décor. Outside, many communities feature manicured grounds with covered seating and walking paths.
Some communities even offer upscale amenities, such as outdoor pools, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and home theaters for movies. Memory care units in Atlanta come in a variety of floor plans, with private and semi-private living options available at most. Over half of our partnered Atlanta memory care facilities include kitchenettes, and the majority are wheelchair-accessible with well-lit bathrooms and grab bars available.
A wide range of top-tier services can be found at Atlanta memory care facilities. You can expect all memory care facilities in Atlanta to have round-the-clock awake staff available to make sure your loved one’s safety needs are accounted for at all times. Additionally, all of our partner Atlanta memory care facilities have visiting occupational, speech, and physical therapists available, and several also have a visiting nurse.
Meals are provided at many of our partnered memory care facilities, with dining options ranging from restaurant-style and anytime dining to room service. More than half of our in-network memory care facilities offer the convenience of grocery shopping or help with errands. On-site beautician services, housekeeping, and personal laundry are available at most of our partnered memory care communities.
Most of our partnered memory care facilities have an on-site activity director to coordinate regular activities for residents. This often includes a mix of social activities and dementia-specific programs. You can expect therapeutic activities, such as reminiscence programs and sensory-based programs, to be available at most Atlanta memory care facilities. These are designed specifically to help residents express themselves and explore happy memories.
At several of our partnered communities, stretching classes, yoga, and tai chi are favorite activities that encourage residents to use their motor skills and stay active. Most communities also offer educational activities that include cooking classes, art classes, and trivia games. Additionally, many memory care facilities hold gatherings to celebrate birthdays and holidays, and several also host dances and outdoor festivities like BBQs and picnics.
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Number of seniors over the age of 75 currently living in Atlanta
Mean retirement income for Atlanta seniors age 60 and older
Percentage of Atlanta seniors age 65+ with a disability
Access to premium health care is among Atlanta’s many attractive qualities. Several hospitals are nationally ranked in a variety of specialties that include cancer and neurology. Explore a few of Atlanta’s top hospitals below.
Emory University Hospital ranks as the one of the best hospitals in Atlanta and Georgia. It’s rated among the top 50 hospitals in the country in specialties ranging from cancer, diabetes, and geriatrics to neurology and neurosurgery. This acclaimed acute and medical teaching hospital features a nationally recognized Integrated Memory Care Clinic (IMCC), which provides dementia-sensitive primary care services to patients with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
Atlanta Neurology is part of the Emory Healthcare System and is located on the Emory St. Joseph campus. It’s one of Atlanta’s first private neurology clinics and specializes in diseases or conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Atlanta Neurology provides wide-ranging services that include thorough neurological exams, EEG tests that record electrical activity in the brain, and several advanced diagnostic imaging techniques and brain scans.
Piedmont Atlanta consistently ranks as one of the top hospitals in Atlanta. This acute care hospital has 24-hour emergency care and major medical services available that include cancer care, transplant medicine, and neurology services. Piedmont Atlanta has comprehensive neurology treatments for conditions such as strokes, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Alzheimer’s disease. It also offers access to one of the top-ranking cardiology programs in Georgia.
Caregivers and loved ones can breathe a sigh of relief knowing complimentary transportation is available at over 75% of our partnered Atlanta memory care facilities.[01] This convenient service makes sure your loved one can safely get to and from the places they need to be, like medical appointments or other errands.
Visiting a loved one in an Atlanta memory care facility can be a piece of cake for residents’ family and friends. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is one of the largest public transit systems in the country, with countless rail lines and bus routes that operate daily. MARTA’s Red and Gold rail lines travel directly to and from the Airport Station, which is located in the Domestic Terminal at Jackson-Hartsfield. MARTA also operates the Atlanta Streetcar, which loops around the city’s popular downtown area.
While 95% of our in-network Atlanta memory care communities have on-site activities, the city is also jam-packed with accessible activities that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. Take a peek at just a few of the city’s popular attractions among both residents and visitors.
Fox Theatre has been a historic symbol of Atlanta’s arts and culture scene for more than 90 years. This regal venue hosts countless live performances ranging from Broadway and comedy shows to year-round tours. Fox Theatre also offers the following accommodations:
A beloved destination for grandkids, the Center for Puppetry Arts has dazzling performances, a hands-on museum, and engaging workshops for everyone to enjoy. The treasured venue also boasts measures to promote inclusivity, such as providing sensory-friendly programming, adaptive art supplies, and noise-reducing headphones.
Zoo Atlanta has a range of accommodations, such as sensory bags, quiet areas, and weighted lap pads, to make it a sensory-inclusive space. Individuals with disabilities can bring their trained service animals along, which can include both dogs and miniature horses that help perform specific tasks. Zoo Atlanta also has the following adaptations for guests with hearing or visual impairments:
Immerse yourself in one of the largest aquariums in the world, right here in Atlanta. Georgia Aquarium features a sensory room for visitors who experience sensitivity to noise and other stimulation, and it also makes the following accommodations for guests with limited mobility or hearing and visual impairments:
Legacy Ridge at Peachtree, Presbyterian Village of Austell and Canterfield of Kennesaw are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Atlanta, GA. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Atlanta is $4,342 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American community survey.
Georgia Division of Aging Services. Apply for service options using resources in a community environment (SOURCE).
Georgia Division of Aging Services. Apply for Elderly and disabled waiver program.
Medicare. Parts of Medicare.
Rules and regulations for assisted living communities, Georgia Department of Community Health Healthcare Facility Regulation Division § 111-8-63 (2021).
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American community survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 60 years and over in the United States (S0102) [Data set]. American community survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data set]. American community survey.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American community survey.
Georgia Division of Aging Services. Apply for service options using resources in a community environment (SOURCE).
Georgia Division of Aging Services. Apply for Elderly and disabled waiver program.
Medicare. Parts of Medicare.
Rules and regulations for assisted living communities, Georgia Department of Community Health Healthcare Facility Regulation Division § 111-8-63 (2021).
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American community survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 60 years and over in the United States (S0102) [Data set]. American community survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data set]. American community survey.