Atlanta at a Glance
Atlanta Nursing Home Market Overview
Critical Quality Divide
Atlanta has a severe quality divide: 40% of facilities (8 of 20) are one-star rated—among the highest concentrations of poor-quality facilities in any major U.S. city. This means careful selection is absolutely critical.
AVOID the 8 one-star facilities at all costs. Focus exclusively on the 6 facilities with 4-5 star ratings.
Atlanta's nursing home market presents a tale of two extremes. While the city has 3 excellent five-star facilities (William Breman Jewish Home, Lenbrook, Terraces at Peachtree Hills Place), 40% of Atlanta homes are one-star rated—the kind of severe quality problems seen in Chicago and Los Angeles.
The good news: Atlanta's three five-star facilities are among the Southeast's finest, and world-class healthcare infrastructure (Emory, Grady, Piedmont) supports excellent medical coordination. The challenge is avoiding the 8 facilities where safety and quality are serious concerns.
Market Characteristics
- •Severe Quality Divide: 40% one-star vs 30% with 4-5 stars
- •3 Five-Star Facilities: William Breman, Lenbrook, Terraces at Peachtree Hills Place
- •Smaller Market: Only 20 facilities for metro area of 6+ million
- •World-Class Healthcare: Emory, Grady Memorial, Piedmont, Northside
- •CDC Headquarters: Atlanta's public health leadership influences infection control standards
- •Selection Critical: With 40% one-star facilities, wrong choice carries significant risk
Atlanta Nursing Home Costs (2025)
Cost Comparison
Near-National Pricing
Atlanta's $311/day average is just 2% above the national median ($305/day), saving families money compared to expensive coastal markets. However, Atlanta costs are 7% above the Georgia state average.
Financial Planning Strategies
1. Georgia Medicaid
Georgia's Medicaid program covers nursing home care for eligible residents. Income limit is approximately $2,829/month for individuals (2025). Medicaid acceptance varies significantly—confirm before admission, especially at five-star facilities.
2. Long-Term Care Insurance
With Atlanta's $311/day costs, long-term care insurance providing $200-250/day can cover 64-80% of semi-private room expenses. This is especially valuable for securing beds at Atlanta's limited high-quality facilities.
3. Veterans Benefits
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for Aid & Attendance benefits up to $2,431/month (2025), covering 63-78% of Atlanta nursing home costs. Atlanta VA Medical Center coordinates with area nursing homes.
4. Spend-Down Planning
Work with a Georgia elder law attorney to structure assets for Medicaid eligibility while protecting savings. Georgia has a 5-year lookback period. Given Atlanta's limited high-quality options, plan early to secure preferred facilities.
Atlanta Quality Analysis
The 40% Problem
8 of 20 Atlanta facilities (40%) are one-star rated—one of the highest concentrations of poor-quality nursing homes in any major city. These facilities have serious deficiencies in staffing, health inspections, and quality measures.
Atlanta families must be extremely selective. Tour only facilities with 4-5 star ratings. Do not consider one-star or two-star facilities unless there are absolutely no alternatives.
Star Rating Distribution
What This Means
- ✓3 Excellent Five-Star Options: William Breman, Lenbrook, Terraces at Peachtree Hills Place provide elite care
- ✓30% High-Quality Rate: 6 of 20 facilities earn 4-5 stars—genuine quality options exist
- ✗40% Are One-Star: 8 facilities have serious quality deficiencies—avoid entirely
- ✗Limited Middle Ground: Only 2 three-star facilities (10%)—market is polarized between excellent and poor
Key Quality Indicators
Staffing Data
RN hours per resident per day
Review staffing data for individual facilities on Medicare.gov
Inspection Results
Health & safety citations
Our database shows zero major deficiency citations across Atlanta facilities
Atlanta's Top-Rated Nursing Homes
Critical Recommendation: Tour ALL 6 facilities with 4-5 star ratings. With 40% of Atlanta facilities rated one-star, limiting your search to high-quality options is essential for safety and quality of care.
Five-Star Facilities (3)
The William Breman Jewish Home
3150 Howell Mill Road NW
Atlanta's premier five-star facility, operated by the Marcus Jewish Community Center. Comprehensive skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitation services with exceptional staffing ratios. Strong community connections and cultural programming. Accepts residents of all faiths and backgrounds.
- • Atlanta's largest five-star facility (96 beds)
- • Nonprofit operation with mission-driven care
- • West Midtown location - easy highway access
- • Accepts all residents regardless of religion/background
Lenbrook
3747 Peachtree Road NE
Prestigious five-star continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in the heart of Buckhead. Part of a comprehensive campus offering independent living through skilled nursing. Premium location with access to Atlanta's finest dining, shopping, and cultural amenities.
- • Part of CCRC for continuity of care
- • Buckhead's premier location
- • Mid-size (60 beds) for personalized attention
- • Proximity to Piedmont, Northside hospitals
The Terraces at Peachtree Hills Place
229 Peachtree Hills Avenue NE
Atlanta's most intimate five-star facility with just 25 beds. Boutique-style nursing home in the upscale Peachtree Hills neighborhood. Exceptional staff-to-resident ratios and highly personalized care. Ideal for families prioritizing small, high-touch environments.
- • Smallest five-star facility (25 beds) - intimate setting
- • Exceptional staff-to-resident ratios
- • Peachtree Hills - quiet, upscale neighborhood
- • Maximum personalization
Four-Star Facilities (3)
A.G. Rhodes Home Wesley Woods
1819 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta's largest four-star facility adjacent to Emory University. Nonprofit operation with strong ties to Emory Healthcare for coordinated medical care. Druid Hills location offers tree-lined streets and proximity to CDC headquarters.
- • Largest four-star option (150 beds)
- • Adjacent to Emory - seamless medical coordination
- • Nonprofit operation, mission-driven
PruittHealth - Virginia Park
1000 Briarcliff Road NE
Part of the Southeast-based PruittHealth chain, this four-star facility serves the trendy Virginia Highland neighborhood. Large facility (128 beds) with comprehensive services and proximity to Emory, Piedmont hospitals.
- • Virginia Highland - walkable, vibrant neighborhood
- • Large facility (128 beds) with full services
- • Chain operation with standardized protocols
Parkside at Budd Terrace
1833 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta's largest high-quality facility with 250 beds near Emory University. Large scale provides comprehensive services, extensive amenities, and specialized care units. Ideal for families prioritizing resources and service breadth over intimate size.
- • Largest facility (250 beds) - most comprehensive services
- • Near Emory for medical coordination
- • Specialized care units for diverse needs
Nursing Homes by Atlanta Neighborhood
Atlanta's 20 nursing homes are concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Given the severe quality divide, focus your search on neighborhoods with high-quality facilities:
Buckhead
Home to Lenbrook (5 stars, 60 beds), Atlanta's most prestigious neighborhood offers upscale amenities, fine dining, high-end shopping, and proximity to Piedmont and Northside hospitals. The gold standard for luxury senior living.
Peachtree Hills
The Terraces at Peachtree Hills Place (5 stars, 25 beds) offers Atlanta's most intimate five-star setting. Quiet residential neighborhood between Buckhead and Midtown with tree-lined streets and upscale character.
West Midtown
William Breman Jewish Home (5 stars, 96 beds) serves the growing West Midtown area near Georgia Tech. Easy highway access via I-75/I-85. Trendy neighborhood with restaurants, breweries, and Atlanta BeltLine access.
Druid Hills / Emory
A.G. Rhodes Wesley Woods (4 stars, 150 beds) and Parkside at Budd Terrace (4 stars, 250 beds) both sit adjacent to Emory University. Seamless medical coordination with Emory Healthcare. Historic neighborhood with CDC headquarters nearby.
Virginia Highland / Morningside
PruittHealth Virginia Park (4 stars, 128 beds) serves Atlanta's trendy intown neighborhoods. Walkable area with restaurants, shops, and Piedmont Park nearby. Easy access to Piedmont Hospital and Emory.
Consider Surrounding Areas
With only 6 high-quality facilities in Atlanta proper, expand your search to nearby areas:
- •Marietta/Cobb County: 15-20 minutes northwest with more options
- •Roswell/Alpharetta (North Fulton): Affluent northern suburbs, 20-30 minutes
- •Decatur (DeKalb County): 10-15 minutes east, progressive community
Georgia Medicaid & Financial Assistance
Georgia Medicaid covers nursing home care for eligible residents. With Atlanta's $113,515 annual costs, Medicaid planning is essential for most families.
Georgia Medicaid Eligibility (2025)
- Primary residence (up to $713,000 equity in 2025)
- One vehicle
- Personal belongings and household items
- Prepaid funeral/burial arrangements
Application Process
- 1.Gather Documentation
Income records, asset statements, medical records, proof of Georgia residency, Social Security card
- 2.Apply Online or In-Person
Apply at Gateway.GA.gov or contact Georgia Division of Family & Children Services at 1-877-423-4746
- 3.Medical Assessment
Georgia conducts a nursing facility level of care determination through a health assessment
- 4.Facility Acceptance
Confirm the facility accepts Georgia Medicaid before admission. High-quality facilities may have limited Medicaid beds
Spend-Down Planning
Most families don't naturally qualify for Medicaid due to asset limits. Strategic planning can protect savings while achieving eligibility:
- • 5-Year Lookback: Georgia reviews asset transfers made within 5 years before application
- • Medicaid Trusts: Irrevocable trusts can protect assets if established more than 5 years before care need
- • Spousal Protections: Community spouse can keep approximately $148,620 in assets (2025)
- • Elder Law Attorney: Critical for navigating Georgia's Medicaid rules and avoiding penalties
Veterans Benefits
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for additional assistance beyond Georgia Medicaid:
How to Choose an Atlanta Nursing Home
Atlanta-Specific Strategy
With 40% of Atlanta facilities rated one-star, your selection strategy must be strict:
- 1.Tour ONLY 4-5 Star Facilities: All 6 high-quality homes (3 five-star, 3 four-star)
- 2.NEVER Consider One-Star Facilities: 8 facilities with serious quality deficiencies—avoid entirely
- 3.Expand Geographic Search: Include Marietta, Roswell, Decatur for more high-quality options
- 4.Plan Early: Only 6 high-quality facilities means competition for beds is intense
Essential Tour Questions
Staffing & Care Quality
- • What is the RN-to-resident ratio on each shift?
- • What's your nurse turnover rate? (Below 30% is excellent, above 60% is concerning)
- • How do you handle emergency situations? Which hospitals? (Emory, Grady, Piedmont, Northside?)
- • Do you have specialized dementia care units?
Safety & Inspection History
- • What was your most recent health inspection score?
- • Have you had any immediate jeopardy citations in the past 3 years?
- • What is your infection control protocol? (Especially important with CDC in Atlanta)
- • How do you prevent and respond to abuse or neglect allegations?
Financial & Admission
- • Do you accept Georgia Medicaid? What percentage of residents are Medicaid vs private pay?
- • What's your current waiting list for admission?
- • What is the monthly all-in cost including care levels?
- • What happens if funds run out—do you accept Medicaid spend-down?
Red Flags to Watch For
- 🚩One-star or two-star rating: With 6 high-quality options, there's no reason to accept poor quality
- 🚩Facility won't let you tour unannounced: Quality facilities welcome drop-in visits
- 🚩Strong odors: Urine or fecal smells indicate inadequate care
- 🚩Residents look unkempt or distressed: Poor grooming suggests staffing shortages
- 🚩Staff seems rushed or stressed: Indication of understaffing
- 🚩Can't provide staffing numbers: Transparency is critical
Find Atlanta's Best Nursing Homes
Search all 20 Atlanta facilities. Focus on the 6 with 4-5 star ratings for quality care.
Search Facilities NowAdditional Resources
Understanding Star Ratings
Learn what CMS star ratings mean and how to use them effectively
Staffing: The #1 Quality Predictor
Why RN hours and turnover rates matter more than anything else
Facility Tour Checklist
Essential questions and observations for your facility tours
More City Guides
Comprehensive guides for other major U.S. cities
Data Sources: This guide uses 2025 CMS Medicare data, Genworth Cost of Care Survey (2024), U.S. Census Bureau demographics, and Georgia Department of Community Health licensing information. Star ratings and facility information reflect the most recent CMS data available.
Disclaimer: This guide provides educational information only and should not replace professional medical or legal advice. Facility ratings and costs change over time—always verify current information directly with facilities and on Medicare.gov before making decisions.