Senior Living Apartments in Birmingham, AL

Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance programs don’t cover senior apartment communities. This is because they do not provide care. However, Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance may help seniors pay for medically necessary in-home care services in their apartments. But there are other benefits that can help you shoulder the cost of senior apartments.

In this guide, you can explore private pay, housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicare/Medicaid resources for seniors.

To be eligible for senior apartments in Birmingham, individuals have to meet age requirements (generally 55+). These apartments are often designed for people on fixed incomes, and income requirements vary by community.

The application process may involve a credit check. Some communities may also require a criminal background check and a rental history check. While not typically designed for those with medical or physical disabilities, senior apartments must comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). This means they must make reasonable accommodations for residents with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

In Alabama, senior apartments aren’t required to be licensed, but they must comply with state, federal, city, and county housing laws. Under the Fair Housing Act, senior apartments are prohibited from discriminating against applicants or residents based on legally protected characteristics, including age and ability. Furthermore, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with emotional support animals, such as the Fair Housing Act mandates, even if their properties have a no-pet policy.

The state of Alabama has a Landlord and Tenant Act outlining landlord and tenant responsibilities. Landlords are required by this act to keep their properties in a habitable condition, including the following:

• Provide adequate heating, cooling, and ventilation.
• Ensure the property is free of hazards.
• Promptly address any necessary repairs or maintenance issues

Birmingham specifically has various building codes and ordinances that landlords must follow to ensure the safety of their tenants. Smoke detectors, fire alarms, emergency lighting, and other safety features may be required.

HUD-mandated federal regulations govern the Section 8 housing program in Birmingham. Landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers must follow HUD regulations regarding the rental property’s quality, safety, and maintenance as part of the program. These regulations include housing quality standards, rent reasonability, lease requirements, and non-discrimination requirements.

Multiple agencies, such as aging and health departments, may regulate facilities in some states. A thorough examination of the state website for all public reports, such as inspection reports, regulations, and resources, is important.

Alabama Department of Public Health contact information

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 senior apartments

COVID-19 regulations can vary by facility. In general, the state encourages people to take reasonable precautions to protect others.

Senior apartments are a low-maintenance living option for active and independent seniors, with an average monthly cost of $1,518.^[01] These apartments do not provide health care or daily assistance, but they often include amenities such as paid utilities, home upkeep and repairs, and security.

Senior apartments often offer plentiful amenities and community-building opportunities:

• Arts and crafts center
• Fireplaces
• Fitness center
• Game room
• Movie or theater room
• Private patio, deck, or balcony
• Raised garden beds
• Swimming pool

Apartments designed for seniors typically offer accessibility features such as elevators and wide doorways, and senior apartments often allow pets, though individuals should contact their desired facility for specific details.

Residents of senior apartments in Birmingham will enjoy easy access to beautiful outdoor spaces, delicious Southern culinary delights, and nearby highly ranked health care.

Health care for seniors in Birmingham

Birmingham is home to an abundance of health care options for seniors, including highly regarded hospitals focused on geriatric care and several specialty clinics. Review the top-rated hospitals and clinics in Birmingham below.

Transportation for seniors in Birmingham

Birmingham is a mostly car-dependent city. While there are some walkable areas, most residents own cars. Public transportation is available in Birmingham, but it’s not as extensive or widely used as in other cities.

To help fill that gap, Birmingham launched a transportation pilot program with Via to provide accessible vehicles for riders with disabilities and affordable shared rides for seniors at a flat fee of $1.50. The program is open 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday.

The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) operates MAX Transit, which offers fixed-route buses for 60 cents per ride for passengers who are 65 or older. The BJCTA also offers two programs for individuals with disabilities, including a door-to-door paratransit service for $1.25 per ride and a by-appointment option for seniors and people with disabilities for $3 per ride.

The Jefferson County Senior Services Division partners with ClasTran to provide round-trip transportation services to senior centers Monday through Friday (except holidays). Areas served include the following: Brighton, Center Point, Clay, Exeter-Fairfax, Fairfield, Forestdale, Hoover, Hueytown, Leeds, Edgewater, Sylvan Springs, Hopewell, Midfield, Morris, and Tarrant. These transportation services are available for field trips and daily center pickup and drop-off for those who are 60 and older.

Birmingham’s walk, bike, and transit scores provided below can be useful for active seniors to consider. They’re based on the city’s public density, walking routes, public transportation options, biking trails, and other factors. The scores are out of 100 and can help you find walkable neighborhoods.