Columbus, Georgia: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask
Columbus is located in western Georgia. The Chattahoochee Riverwalk is a long promenade for walking or biking along the Chattahoochee River. Overlooking the river, the National Civil War Naval Museum displays the remains of 19th-century warships. The Coca-Cola Space Science Center is home to an immersive theater and an observatory. To the east, the Columbus Museum shows American artwork and regional history exhibits. With a population of 197,485, Columbus is the third-largest growing city and was voted the fourth-best city to live in Georgia.
About Skilled Nursing in Columbus, GA
Skilled nursing is the type of care often needed to address chronic medical conditions. Typical skilled nursing care includes catheter care, injections, IV therapy, wound care, monitoring of medical equipment or vital signs, various types of therapy, and more
The Poulation of Columbus is 197,485 with 13.0% of the residents of Columbus being 65 or older. For seniors living in Columbus, life can be very relaxing. But as seniors get older, they may need more care at some point. They may require assistance with day to day activities. A nursing home is not the only senior care and housing option. An adult care home may be a great fit for your loved one. Adult care homes provide an ideal living situation for a senior who can no longer manage their health and safety at home, and may need care.
Skilled Nursing Facilities are licensed to provide 24/7 living arrangements with additional care. Operators must be licensed in their state and participate in on-going training. Staff must have hands-on experience providing care for the population they intend to serve, as well as on-going training. Each operator may employ additional caregivers to support the care of residents.
Considerations when Looking for Care in Columbus
On average, the hottest month of the year in Columbus is July, specifically mid to late July has an average high of 89°F and a low of 78°F. The coolest month of the year in Columbus is December with temperatures ranging below freezing to a low of 25°. The beautiful city has a population of around 150,000, with 13.6% residents aged 65 and above. There are more than 30 Adult Care residences within 20 miles, some of which are residential care homes due to size.
Skilled Nursing Facility Communities near Columbus, Georgia
Parkwood Health Care Facility
Phenix City, Alabama 36867
Canterbury Health Care Facility
Phenix City, Alabama 36869
Arabella Health & Wellness Of Phenix City
Phenix City, Alabama 36867
Spring Harbor At Green Island
Columbus, Georgia 31904
River Towne Center
Columbus, Georgia 31909
Ridgecrest Rehab & Skilled Nursing Center
Columbus, Georgia 31909
Orchard View Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Ctr
Columbus, Georgia 31904
Oak View Home, Inc
Waverly Hall, Georgia 31831
Muscogee Manor & Rehabilitation Ctr
Columbus, Georgia 31907
Magnolia Manor Of Columbus Nursing Center – East
Columbus, Georgia 31904
Cities near Columbus
- Montgomery, AL – 11 miles west of Columbus (Population: 198,665)
- Atlanta, GA – 36 miles North of Columbus (Population: 496,461)
- Macon GA – 24 miles south of Columbus (Polulation: 153,095 )
- Marietta GA – 30 miles north of Columbus (Population: 61,497)
Pricing How to Pay For Skilled Nursing
Paying for Senior Living and Care will vary depending on a few factors. For instance, the level of care needed; the income and savings of the resident; the state and location of the community; or if the resident is a veteran. In the United States there are over 400 programs that may offer some monetary relief for senior care, but often the majority of costs are covered by private funds and family assistance. These funds come from our Federal, State, and Local Governments.
It is important to take your time when exploring payment and coverage options.
Private pay – YES:
- Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.
Medicare -MAYBE:
Medicare will TYPICALLY cover Skilled Nursing (SNF) care ONLY under these factors:
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
- The person has Medicare Part A, and has available days left in their benefit period. The person has a qualified hospital stay. (3 consecutive midnights or more)
- The individual must enter SNF within 30 days of leaving the hospital.
- The person’s doctor has ordered inpatient services at a skilled nursing facility.
- The individual must need and receive the skilled care daily. The care provided must be care that the person can only receive in a SNF.
- The person needs skilled services because of an ongoing condition or a new condition that started while in a SNF for treatment of an ongoing condition.
- The skilled services must be reasonable and necessary for the treatment of the condition.
- You must receive the care in a Medicare certified SNF.
Medicaid – MAYBE:
Medicaid can be a payer source if the patient needs both care and has a financial hardship based on the individual state criteria. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government; and national guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines. Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program. Each state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
- Skilled nursing falls under Medicaid’s Nursing Facility Services.
- People who are eligible for Medicaid must meet the state criteria for skilled nursing care.
- The state of residency must abide by federal law and regulations when setting their skilled nursing care requirements.
- The patient meets the state guidelines for income and asset limits.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.For a clearer understanding on coverage contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:
Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.
- Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.
Questions to ask a skilled nursing facility
- Is the facility licensed?
- Has the facility’s license ever been revoked?
- Is the facility Medicare/Medicaid certified?
- What types of insurance is accepted?
- Are all specific medical needs able to be met?
- What services are offered?
- What is the rate for basic care?
- Are any reviews available to be seen by the public?
- Are protocols in place to ensure healthy, balanced meals?
- What if an individual has specific dietary restrictions, can they be met at the facility?
Additional questions and inquiries to ask skilled nursing facilities
- What should a new resident (patient) bring with them?
- What is the difference between skilled nursing and assisted living?
- What happens in case of an emergency?
- Can the family pet visit the resident?
- What is the level of privacy?
- What are the available social activities?
- What is the hours for family visits?
- Can patients request special meals for dietary needs?
- Are skilled nursing facilities connected to hospitals?
- How big are the rooms?
- What are the training requirements of skilled nurses?
Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Columbus
Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Campus
710 Center St, Columbus, GA 31901
Piedmont Columbus Regional – Northside
100 Frist Ct, Columbus, GA 31909
St. Francis-Emory Healthcare
2122 Manchester Expy, Columbus, GA 31904
Resources and Links – Georgia
Georgia DHS Division of Aging Services – The Georgia Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Aging Services (DAS) supports the larger goals of DHS by assisting older individuals, at-risk adults, persons with disabilities, their families, and caregivers to achieve safe, healthy, independent, and self-reliant lives.
Georgia Adult Protective Services – APS provides protection from exploitation abuse or neglect for individuals, 18 years and older with a disability and 65 and older regardless of a disability, living in the community who, because of physical or mental limitations, are unable to act in their best interest.
Georgia SHIP – Help Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries sort through the complexities of Medicare and related-health insurance concerns.
Georgia Senior Legal Aid – Statewide legal services program for seniors sixty and over. Attorneys provide advice, brief services and referrals.
Capitol Ombudsman Program – A principal function of the Ombudsman Program is to investigate and work to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of long-term care residents.
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.
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