Talk to a local advisor for free
As the fifth-largest city in the state, Tuscaloosa, Alabama is home to nearly 12,000 seniors ages 65 and older. An absence of social security taxes and a low cost of living make this an attractive location for seniors looking to make their retirement dollars stretch further. Winters are also short and mild here, and local cultural sites such as Moundville Archaeological Park and Lake Lurleen State Park provide plenty of ways to enjoy the warmer weather. Tuscaloosa is home to several colleges including the University of Alabama, where seniors can regularly enjoy the theater and other events hosted there. Downtown Tuscaloosa also offers eclectic shopping, outdoor dining as well as a number of places listed on the National Historic Register such as the Battle-Friedman House and Carson Place.
If you find that you need some level of help with basic activities as you age, but you like the idea of remaining as independent as possible, assisted living may be your best long-term care choice. Per the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, Tuscaloosa’s average monthly price for assisted living care is $3,150, which is lower than both state and national averages.
The following overview of assisted living in Tuscaloosa includes a comparison of costs for such care across various Alabama cities. It also notes some of the senior support programs active in the area.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Alabama. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
The average monthly price for assisted living in Tuscaloosa is $3,150.
Tuscaloosa is significantly cheaper than most places in the U.S. for assisted living. In addition to being 10% cheaper than the Alabama average of $3,503, it’s also 30% cheaper than the national average of $4,500.
At $2,150, Dothan is a full $1,000 cheaper than Tuscaloosa, but the great majority of other Alabama cities are more expensive. Montgomery, at $3,500 a month, and Mobile, at $3,523 a month, are very close to the state average and roughly $350 more expensive than Tuscaloosa monthly. Average prices break the $4,000 mark in some of Alabama’s larger cities, including Birmingham, where seniors pay $4,028 a month, and Auburn, where they pay $4,298 a month. According to Genworth’s data, the state’s highest prices are in Anniston at $4,771 a month.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Alabama.
| Area Agency on Aging of Western Alabama | (205) 333-2990 | Designated in 1973 as the Area Agency on Aging for West Alabama, AAA WA provides information, services and programs that support seniors and their loved ones, ensuring they live their most independent, fulfilling lives. Access to the many benefits and services tailored to the needs of seniors is available here through counseling as well as by phone. Advocacy, insurance counseling and information about employment opportunities are offered, as is help attaining free or low-cost medication to those who qualify. AAA WA offers a number of health promotion classes, including A Matter of Balance and the Stress Busting Program for Caregivers. Seniors can find information about fun events via the online Event calendar as well as a listing of local senior centers and their offered programs and activities. |
| Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center | (205) 554-2000 | The Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center (TVAMC) is situated on a 125-acre campus with 25 buildings that provide a full spectrum of care services to senior veterans and their loved ones. A dental clinic, mental health and pharmacy are available on-site, as are specialized forms of care including geriatrics, neurology, radiology and speech pathology. Targeted programs include the Women Veterans Program, offering care specifically tailored for women. There is also the Whole Health for Life Program, whose sessions help empower veterans to see their care needs from a more holistic, self-empowered perspective. |
| FOCUS on Senior Citizens of Tuscaloosa County | (205) 553-3133 | Providing a variety of activities to meet the needs of senior residents ages 50 and older, FOCUS on Senior Citizens of Tuscaloosa County offers volunteer opportunities and meals as well as many activities that are both fun and fulfilling. The Senior Center has exercise programs, dancing lessons, a singing group and more. The FOCUS Transportation Department helps seniors who need rides by offering curbside service to medical appointments, shopping and grocery trips. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, which connects seniors with meaningful volunteer positions, is available at FOCUS, as is the Foster Grandparent Program, which lets seniors mentor students at local daycare centers and elementary schools. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Tuscaloosa area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
