Medlock Gardens Senior Living

Overview of Medlock Gardens Senior Living

Forty-two beds on Medlock Road, 1.2 miles from the center of Decatur. Medlock Gardens Senior Living’s Walk Score of 77 means it is one of the more walkable assisted living addresses in Georgia; most errands are manageable on foot, and the surrounding neighborhood has real density. Serita Buchanan administers the facility, which has been running for 12 years.

A full-time licensed nurse is on-site at the address. The grounds have a rose garden and a full-service salon. It is not pet-friendly.

Medlock Gardens holds a Personal Care Home license from Georgia’s Department of Community Health, which regulates these facilities on a separate track from the federal CMS system. Medicare and Medicaid don’t apply here; placement is on private terms under state licensing. State inspections have historically touched on fire-safety systems.

At 42 beds, this is a small community. That scale tends to mean less institutional distance and more visibility for individual residents..

Medlock Gardens is a compact, walkable, state-licensed assisted living option in central Decatur, suited to families who want a small personal-care setting close to the city’s amenities and aren’t depending on CMS-administered benefits.

By The Numbers

Community insights.

Bed count Info A smaller, more intimate setting that may offer a quieter environment and closer staff-resident interactions. 42 Rank #550 / 661Bed count — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 550th out of 661 homes we track in Georgia for bed count. Shows this facility's certified or reported bed count compared to other Georgia facilities. Larger communities may offer more amenities, programs, and on-site services for residents and families.Communities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings cover every community we track in Georgia that reports data for that category. Communities without available data are excluded, so the pool size varies from metric to metric.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.

Smaller home · May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.

Years of operating Info A community with a solid operating history and experience delivering ongoing care. This is the number of years in operation under current management. Rank #184 / 671Years in operation — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 184th out of 671 homes we track in Georgia for years in operation. Shows how long this facility has been in operation compared to other Georgia facilities. Longer operating histories may benefit residents, families, and staff.Communities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings cover every community we track in Georgia that reports data for that category. Communities without available data are excluded, so the pool size varies from metric to metric.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
12 years
Walk Score Info Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk. Rank #33 / 838Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 33rd out of 838 homes we track in Georgia for walk score. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average walk score across Georgia facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Communities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings cover every community we track in Georgia that reports data for that category. Communities without available data are excluded, so the pool size varies from metric to metric.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
77 / 100

About this community

License Details

Facility TypePersonal Care Home
IssuanceMarch 2, 2014
CountyDekalb

Ownership & Operating Entity

Medlock Gardens Senior Living is administered by Serita Buchanan.

Contact Information

Contact Medlock Gardens Senior Living

Inspection History

In Georgia, the Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division conducts unannounced inspections to ensure facilities adhere to state health and safety requirements.

Since 2017 · 9 years of data These figures come from state-published and/or federal inspection records. The period covered can vary depending on document availability. 6 deficiencies 15 inspections

Inspection Scorecard Info This scorecard compares key inspection, deficiency, and complaint metrics at this facility against the Georgia state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.

Since 2017 vs. Georgia state average
Overall vs. GA average 0 Worse No metrics in this bucket. 2 Better Metrics better than Georgia average:
• Total deficiencies (76% below)
• Deficiencies per inspection (69% below)

Deficiencies Info Deficiencies are formal regulatory issues recorded during state inspections.

This FacilityGA Averagevs. GA Avg
Total deficiencies Info Formal regulatory issues recorded by inspectors across all inspection types. 625 This facility has 76% fewer total deficiencies than a typical Georgia assisted living residence (6 vs. GA avg 25).↓ 76% better
Deficiencies per inspection Info Average deficiencies per inspection. 0.41.27 This facility has 69% fewer deficiencies per inspection than a typical Georgia assisted living residence (0.4 vs. GA avg 1.27).↓ 69% better

Inspections Info State inspections evaluate whether the facility meets health and safety standards.

This FacilityGA Averagevs. GA Avg
Total inspections Info Combined count of all inspections conducted at this facility. 1516 This facility has had 6% fewer total inspections than the Georgia average (15 vs. GA avg 16). More inspections can mean more regulatory scrutiny rather than worse care.↓ 6% fewer

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed

Places of interest near Medlock Gardens Senior Living

Address 1.2 miles from city center Info Estimated distance in miles from Decatur's city center to Medlock Gardens Senior Living's address, calculated via Google Maps.

Calculate Travel Distance to Medlock Gardens Senior Living

Add your location

Address

Compare Independent Living around Decatur

Info below is compiled from the GA Dept. of Community Health (DCH), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
A named contact for the facility. Hover the name to see their role — Administrator (state administrator of record or facility-provided administrator), Nursing Director, Medical Director, or Staff. The most authoritative available is shown.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Total count of deficiencies (cited regulatory issues) recorded in the selected reporting period. Read alongside inspection counts for context.
The average number of deficiencies this facility receives each time it's inspected, calculated as total deficiencies ÷ total inspections. A lower number suggests more consistent compliance with safety and care standards.
The Holbrook Decatur
IL
AL
MC
Decatur
129
Facility 129
GA AVG 87
Rank #99 / 661
Yes
67
Facility 67
GA AVG 41
Rank #123 / 838
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
6
Facility 6
GA AVG 14
Rank #453 / 671
-Fratina Boatman18
4
Facility 4
GA AVG 21
Rank #185 / 480
0.2
Facility 0.2
GA AVG 1.3
Rank #110 / 480
Coventry Place
IL
AL
RC
Decatur
75
Facility 75
GA AVG 87
Rank #348 / 661
Yes
73
Facility 73
GA AVG 41
Rank #58 / 838
-
22
Facility 22
GA AVG 14
Rank #131 / 671
-Mr. Michael Cress24
41
Facility 41
GA AVG 21
Rank #429 / 480
1.7
Facility 1.7
GA AVG 1.3
Rank #390 / 480
The Waterford at Decatur
IL
MC
Decatur
70
Facility 70
GA AVG 87
Rank #388 / 661
No
43
Facility 43
GA AVG 41
Rank #395 / 838
Private Studio / Shared Apartment
1
Facility 1
GA AVG 14
Rank #644 / 671
A-Todd Barker4
0
Facility 0
GA AVG 21
Rank #1 / 480
0.0
Facility 0.0
GA AVG 1.3
Rank #1 / 480
The Montclair
IL
AL
MC
NH
RC
Lake Decatur
45
Facility 45
GA AVG 87
Rank #535 / 661
No
53
Facility 53
GA AVG 41
Rank #275 / 838
-
11
Facility 11
GA AVG 14
Rank #216 / 671
-Juanita Gichana6
5
Facility 5
GA AVG 21
Rank #213 / 480
0.8
Facility 0.8
GA AVG 1.3
Rank #265 / 480
Medlock Gardens Senior Living
IL
Decatur
42
Facility 42
GA AVG 87
Rank #550 / 661
Yes
77
Facility 77
GA AVG 41
Rank #33 / 838
-
12
Facility 12
GA AVG 14
Rank #184 / 671
-Serita Buchanan15
6
Facility 6
GA AVG 21
Rank #231 / 480
0.4
Facility 0.4
GA AVG 1.3
Rank #163 / 480

Financial Assistance for
Independent Living in Georgia

Medlock Gardens Senior Living is located in Decatur, Georgia.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in Georgia.

Get Financial aid guidance

Community Care Services Program

Georgia Medicaid CCSP

Age 65+ or disabled
General Georgia resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
GA

High rural demand; waitlists possible.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Adult day care (~$75/day) Respite (240 hours/year) Meals

Respite Care Program

Georgia NFCSP Respite

Age Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia)
General Georgia resident.
Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits Not applicable.
GA

Focus on metro and rural balance.

Benefits
In-home aide (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$75/day) Facility stay (up to 5 days)

Home and Community Services (HCS)

Georgia Home and Community Services (Non-Medicaid)

Age 60+
General Georgia resident, functionally impaired, at risk of nursing home placement.
Income Limits (2025) No strict limit; prioritizes ~$41,000/year; cost-sharing for higher incomes.
Asset Limits Not specified; need-based.
GA

Non-Medicaid; AAA-managed.

Benefits
Personal care (4-6 hours/day) Homemaker Adult day care ($80/day) Respite (~5 days/year)

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Georgia Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General Georgia resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI).
Asset Limits $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
GA

Three tiers; entitlement benefit.

Benefits
Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

Georgia Medicaid PACE

Age 55+
General Georgia resident, nursing home-level care need, safe with PACE support.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
GA

Limited areas (e.g., Macon, Augusta).

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Medical care Meals Transportation Therapy

SOURCE (Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment)

Georgia Medicaid SOURCE Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General Georgia resident, Medicaid-eligible, frail but not necessarily nursing home-level.
Income Limits (2025) ~$914/month (SSI level); QIT allowed.
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
GA

Enhanced primary care model; statewide via 12 sites.

Benefits
Personal care (4-6 hours/day) Case management Adult day health ($80/day) Respite (limited)

Optional State Supplementation (OSS)

Georgia Optional State Supplementation

Age 65+ or disabled
General Georgia resident, in approved facility, low-income/SSI recipient.
Income Limits (2025) ~$1,004/month including SSI
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
GA

~$20-$489/month based on facility type.

Benefits
Cash (~$20-$489/month) for room/board in personal care homes

Frequently Asked Questions about Medlock Gardens Senior Living

Is Medlock Gardens Senior Living in a walkable area?

Medlock Gardens Senior Living has a walk score of 77. Very walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot, and many essentials are within a short walk.

How long has Medlock Gardens Senior Living been in business?

Medlock Gardens Senior Living has been operating for approximately 12 years, based on available licensing and registration records.

Are pets allowed at Medlock Gardens Senior Living?

Yes, Medlock Gardens Senior Living allows residents to bring their pets.

What is the best email address for Medlock Gardens Senior Living?

The team at Medlock Gardens Senior Living can be reached at neke@medlockgardens.com.

Who is the administrator of Medlock Gardens Senior Living?

Serita Buchanan is the administrator of Medlock Gardens Senior Living.

How many beds does Medlock Gardens Senior Living have?

Medlock Gardens Senior Living has 42 beds.

Has Medlock Gardens Senior Living had any deficiencies?

Medlock Gardens Senior Living has had 6 reported deficiencies according to records from Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH).

Guides for Better Senior Living

Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area

Don’t Wait Too Long: 7 Red Flag Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living Now

The True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025 – And How Families Are Paying For It

Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance