Lenbrook is a continuing care retirement community in northeast Atlanta
Lenbrook is located in the Buckhead area of Atlanta and operates as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). This means it offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care on the same campus, so residents can move between levels of care without changing locations. The community is privately operated and requires an entrance fee plus monthly costs.
Lenbrook has been in operation since 1974 and serves older adults who want to remain in Atlanta while having access to increasing levels of support as their needs change. The community is not subsidized by government programs, so costs are paid out of pocket, through long-term care insurance, or by family members.
Key Takeaways
- Lenbrook is a private continuing care community in Buckhead that offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing on one campus.
- Residents pay an entrance fee (which varies by unit type and market conditions) plus monthly service fees for housing, meals, and activities.
- Medicaid does not cover the entrance fee at Lenbrook, though some residents may use Medicaid for nursing care costs after spending down assets.
- The community requires a financial assessment and health screening before admission, and entrance fees are typically not refundable.
- You can contact Lenbrook directly to request a tour, pricing information, and details about current availability.
What entrance fees and monthly costs typically cover
Lenbrook charges an entrance fee when you move in, which secures your right to housing and access to the community's services. This fee varies depending on the size and type of unit you choose (studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom) and market conditions at the time of entry. Monthly fees then cover housing, utilities, meals in the dining room, activities, transportation, and basic maintenance.
Additional costs may explore for services beyond the base package, such as extra meals, housekeeping, laundry, or higher levels of care (assisted living or nursing). You should ask Lenbrook for a full fee schedule and a written explanation of what is and is not included in the monthly cost. Many communities also charge a community fee or capital contribution that is separate from the entrance fee.
Because Lenbrook is private, costs are not subsidized. You will need to verify current pricing directly with the community, as fees change and vary by unit type. The community can tell you whether any entrance fees are refundable (some are partially refundable under certain conditions, others are not).
How Medicaid and insurance interact with Lenbrook costs
Medicaid does not pay Lenbrook's entrance fee or the independent living monthly service charge. However, if you move to Lenbrook's assisted living or skilled nursing section and meet your state's Medicaid rules, Georgia Medicaid may cover some or all of the nursing care costs after you have spent down your assets to the Medicaid limit.
This is called "spending down" — you use your own money to pay Lenbrook until your remaining assets fall below Georgia's Medicaid threshold (currently $2,000 for a single person, though this can change). Once you may have access to, Medicaid covers the nursing care portion of your bill, though Lenbrook may still charge you a personal needs allowance or facility fee.
Long-term care insurance policies sometimes cover CCRC entrance fees and monthly costs if the policy was written to do so. You should review your policy or contact your insurance agent to confirm what Lenbrook services are covered. Medicare does not pay for independent or assisted living; it covers only skilled nursing care for a limited time after a hospital stay.
The admission process and what you need to provide
Lenbrook requires a financial assessment before admission to confirm you can pay the entrance fee and ongoing monthly costs. You will need to provide proof of income, bank statements, investment statements, and sometimes a credit report. The community also requires a health screening, which may include a medical history, current medications, and sometimes a physical examination or cognitive assessment.
You will be asked to sign a residency agreement that outlines the terms of your stay, what happens if you need to move to a higher level of care, and the community's policies on refunds, transfers, and discharge. Read this agreement carefully or have an attorney review it before signing, as it is a binding contract.
The community may also require references from your physician or other healthcare providers. Some CCRCs ask for a letter of recommendation from a current resident or family member, though this is less common. Lenbrook can tell you the full list of documents and information they need when you contact them about moving in.
Independent living, assisted living, and nursing care on one campus
Lenbrook's structure as a CCRC means you can start in independent living (where you manage your own household) and move to assisted living (where staff help with bathing, dressing, medications, and meals) or skilled nursing (where you receive medical care and nursing supervision) without leaving the community. This continuity is one reason many people choose a CCRC over moving between separate facilities.
When you move from one level of care to another, your monthly costs typically increase to reflect the additional services. Your entrance fee usually transfers with you, though some communities adjust it based on the new level of care. You should ask Lenbrook in advance how transfers work, what the cost difference is, and whether you can return to independent living if your health improves.
The skilled nursing section at Lenbrook is licensed by the state and must meet Georgia's regulations for nursing homes. This means it has registered nurses on staff, follows medication management protocols, and is subject to state inspections. You can look up Lenbrook's nursing home inspection reports on the Georgia Department of Community Health website.
How to contact Lenbrook and what to ask during a tour
You can reach Lenbrook by phone or by visiting the community in person. A tour lets you see the units, dining areas, activities, and care facilities, and meet staff members. During a tour, ask about current availability, pricing for the unit type you are interested in, what the entrance fee covers, whether any portion is refundable, and what happens if you need to leave.
Ask about the community's experience with Medicaid residents, how the transition to assisted living or nursing care works, what activities and outings are offered, and how the community handles medical emergencies. Request a written fee schedule and a copy of the residency agreement so you can review it at home. Many people find it helpful to tour more than one community before deciding.
If you are considering Lenbrook with limited funds, ask whether the community has any financial information programs or whether they work with residents who plan to use Medicaid for nursing care later. Some CCRCs are more experienced than others in helping residents transition to Medicaid coverage.
Understanding the CCRC model and long-term planning
A continuing care retirement community is designed for people who want to plan ahead for aging in place. You pay a large entrance fee upfront in exchange for the right to housing and access to care for the rest of your life (or for as long as you live there). This model works well if you have the funds available and want to avoid moving multiple times as your care needs increase.
The trade-off is that entrance fees are usually not refundable or only partially refundable if you leave early or pass away. You should understand this before committing. Some people view the entrance fee as a way to find housing and care; others see it as a significant financial commitment that ties up assets. Both perspectives are valid, and the right choice depends on your financial situation and preferences.
If you are exploring Lenbrook, also look at other retirement communities in Atlanta to compare costs, care levels, and community culture. The decision to move to a CCRC is personal and financial, and you should take time to gather information and talk with current residents if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lenbrook take Medicaid?
Lenbrook does not accept Medicaid for independent or assisted living. However, Georgia Medicaid may cover skilled nursing care costs if you meet income and asset limits after spending down your savings. Contact Lenbrook directly to ask about their experience with Medicaid residents and what the process looks like.
What is the entrance fee at Lenbrook?
Entrance fees vary by unit type and current market conditions. You will need to contact Lenbrook directly for current pricing. Ask whether the fee is refundable, partially refundable, or non-refundable, and what happens to it if you move to a higher level of care or leave the community.
Can I tour Lenbrook before deciding?
Yes. Lenbrook welcomes tours and can show you independent living units, common areas, dining facilities, and care sections. Tours are a good way to meet staff, ask questions, and get a feel for the community. There is no charge to tour.
What if I need nursing care later?
As a CCRC, Lenbrook allows you to move from independent living to assisted living or skilled nursing without leaving the community. Your monthly costs will increase, but you stay in the same location. Ask during your tour how the transition process works and what the cost difference is.
Is there financial help if I run out of money?
Lenbrook is a private community and does not subsidize costs. However, if you need nursing care and meet Georgia Medicaid rules, Medicaid may cover nursing costs after you spend down your assets. Some CCRCs have benevolence funds or work with residents on payment plans, so it is worth asking.