I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Marietta, GA
There are 7,865 seniors aged 65 and over in Marietta as reported in the 2020 U.S. Census, and these older residents make up a relatively high percentage of the total population when compared to nearby Atlanta. As part of Cobb County, Marietta is considered to be very tax-friendly for retirees by SmartAsset. Social Security income has no state tax taken out, and there are large deductions for all other retirement income. Seniors who are part-time Georgians can still benefit greatly from the retirement exclusion rules. More good tax-related news for homeowners in particular is that Cobb County has one of the lowest effective property tax rates in the state, saving residents 28% compared to those in nearby Atlanta and Fulton County overall.
Marietta’s WellStar Kennestone Hospital is ranked in the top 50 nationwide for rehabilitation and shows high performance in heart surgery, kidney failure, knee replacement, stroke and diabetes. Furthermore, the cost of health care in Marietta is 9.2% cheaper than the U.S. average.
With all of the above plus a senior-friendly climate that boasts more sunny days and warmer winters than the national average, Marietta is a great location for seniors who are receiving home care in the Atlanta region.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Marietta, GA
The two main forms of in-home care are similarly priced in Marietta according to the Genworth Financial 2020 Cost of Care Survey with under $50 per month separating them. Home care has an average cost of $4,147 per month for seniors in Marietta and includes help with daily tasks, light chores and food preparation, whereas home health care averages $4,195 per month and provides limited medical services in the home. These monthly figures, as well as those provided below, are based on 44 hours of care each week. Seniors who only need a few hours of daily or weekly care can expect to pay less than half the given average.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
In-home care services in Marietta cost approximately $96 to $143 per month more than average for Georgia depending on the level of care needed. The average American pays more, however, with averages of $4,481 and $4,576 at the national level. Athens and Gainesville are relatively close geographically but provide little or no savings compared to Marietta. Further south in Macon, seniors pay some of the lowest home care rates in Georgia at $3,569 per month for both levels of care.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
From a financial standpoint, assisted living is the most similar type of long-term care when put next to in-home services. In Marietta, it’s marginally more affordable to choose assisted living at $4,000 per month, and this level of care offers 24/7 staffing. Adult day care costs less than one-third of the average for home care, approximately $1,300 per month, and nursing home care is considerably more expensive than all other options at $6,950 per month.
Note: Data for Marietta was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Atlanta, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Marietta, GA
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Marietta, GA.
Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Marietta, GA
Cobb County Senior Services
What You Should Know
Residents of Marietta and the wider Cobb County region can access many free and low-cost programs and resources via Senior Services. This department is staffed by knowledgeable employees and volunteers who help locals get the care and services they need. Seniors who wish to remain independent at home may be eligible for in-home personal care, respite and adult day care. Caregivers and family members who are unsure of how to assist their loved one should contact Cobb County Senior Services for a one-on-one assessment that involves the creation of a long-term care plan.
The main office in Marietta also has an assistive technology lab where staff can demonstrate and explain how these devices may be of use. Care Managers employed by the county can provide unbiased advice on federal, state and local funding sources for in-home care, such as Medicaid waivers. In most cases, the county prefers to help residents via home care services if their condition allows them to do so safely.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must be a current resident of Cobb County aged 60 years or older. Some programs have additional eligibility guidelines, such as income, disability status and the level of care the individual needs.
How to Get Started
Seniors, family members and caregivers can email [email protected] or call (770) 528-5364 during regular weekday business hours to begin the process and ask about what’s available.
Senior Centers in Marietta and Austell
What You Should Know
Marietta and nearby Austell each have large, well-kept senior centers that are open to Cobb County residents aged 60 and over. There are another five networked centers throughout the county, and residents can choose whichever facility suits them. Door-to-door transportation can be arranged at no cost for eligible seniors.
Senior center visitors can get to know others over lunch, live music, activities and games, and there are regular group outings in the region. Schedules are available online, and the Facebook page gives locals a chance to find out about any special events or important information for the community.
Who Is Eligible?
The Senior Centers are available to Cobb County residents aged 60 and over (55+ in some cases). However, county and center staff assess new members based on their individual circumstances and their need for services. Eligibility for door-to-door transportation is generally based on disability status and other limitations.
How to Get Started
Before visiting one of the centers, it’s advised to call ahead to schedule a meeting with staff as they’ll need to assess the eligibility of new members. The Marietta Neighborhood Center can be reached at (770) 528-5355, and the Austell Neighborhood Center can be reached at (770) 819-3200.
Meals on Wheels and Senior Transportation/Paratransit
What You Should Know
Cobb County helps seniors and people with disabilities by delivering nutritious meals and providing transportation around the city. The menu for Meals on Wheels is developed with the help of a registered dietitian, and a large team of volunteers makes the deliveries each week. Seniors with cats and dogs can also ask for a weekly supply of pet food at no cost.
There are multiple transportation programs available, including paratransit services, which are provided based on different eligibility requirements. Transportation vouchers and other free programs help locals stay connected by visiting one of the many local senior centers, for example, as well as medical offices and shopping malls.
Who Is Eligible?
Seniors who would like to receive Meals on Wheels and transportation services via one of these programs must be aged 60+ and/or assessed with a disability that presents a barrier to alternatives.
How to Get Started
Applications for service and requests for more information should be directed to (770) 528-5364.
City of Marietta Housing Rehabilitation Program
What You Should Know
Seniors who meet income limits and other requirements may be eligible for a grant of up to $10,000 to complete repairs, replacements and accessibility modifications in the home. Funds can be used for heating and cooling systems, insulation, weatherization, electrical work, roofing, plumbing and more.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must have lived in the home for at least three years as their primary residence and be aged 62+ or disabled. Additionally, this grant program is prioritized for low-income residents based on federal income limits.
How to Get Started
The City of Marietta Community Development Division can be contacted by telephone at (770) 794-5437.
Empowerline
What You Should Know
This free telephone hotline helps residents of the Atlanta metro area, including Marietta and Cobb County, by creating a central location to find health and human services. It’s managed by the statewide Aging and Disability Resource Connection and contains thousands of free and low-cost services from nonprofits and government agencies that can help seniors remain in their own home for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can browse the directory of resources, search for specific details on providers or contact Empowerline staff by phone and live chat.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility requirements vary based on the service or resource requested. At a minimum, applicants for most services should be a resident of Cobb County or the Atlanta metro region and aged 60 or older.
How to Get Started
The helpline can be reached at (404) 463-3333, and the website also has a live chat feature.