How To Access Financial Help for Dementia Patients

When it comes to dementia, the costs can add up. Care costs may include prescriptions, medical bills, medical equipment, supplies, assisted living, memory care, and creating a safe environment. Finances shouldn’t prevent a patient from receiving the best care; thankfully, there are financial help options for dementia patients.

In many cases, dementia care is paid for by multiple sources instead of just one. Another thing to remember is that the needs of someone living with dementia will naturally change as the disease progresses, and costs will vary depending on where you live.

Read below to find the best ways to access financial help for dementia patients and advice on navigating the application process for these programs.

Government Assistance Programs

Government programs for financial help can provide income support or care services. Social Security and Social Security Disability Income fall into this category.

Medicare

Medicare is the primary type of insurance for adults over 65, but there may be limitations on what Medicare can cover. When it comes to dementia patients, Medicare usually doesn’t cover long-term care. However, it may help with doctors’ visits, short-term or respite care, and maybe up to 100 days of nursing home care. Medicare Part D does cover prescriptions.

Medicare Advantage plans are also available, which may cover extra services for those with chronic conditions such as dementia. These extra services can include home modifications and the addition of emergency response systems.

Medicaid

Medicaid provides insurance coverage based on financial income; you should contact your state’s Medicaid office for more information and to see if you qualify. For dementia patients, Medicaid may at least partially cover long-term care costs like medication management, medical exams, and case management, but the base cost of assisted living would not.  

Medicaid has a program specifically for family members who will provide in-home care for dementia patients: the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Service Waivers. These waivers are offered through state Medicaid programs and may include coverage for services like case management, respite care, home health aide, etc.

Veteran’s Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may provide long-term coverage for dementia patients. Eligibility requirements include being a veteran or spouse of a veteran.

The VA Aid and Attendance benefits is one of these programs. To qualify, dementia patients need a veteran’s pension. Patients would also have to meet at least one requirement: needing assistance with daily tasks, being a patient in a nursing home, having limited eyesight, or needing to stay in bed for a large part of the day.

There are a few ways to apply for Aid and Attendance benefits. You can physically mail a completed form to the pension management center in your state or apply for these benefits in person at your local VA office; this form is the 21-2680. Have the dementia patient’s doctor fill out the examination information section of this form. 

On this form, you should include things like a doctor’s report, a detailed overview of a typical day, and a breakdown of how dementia has impacted your ability to do everyday tasks. If a dementia patient is already in a nursing home, they’d have to fill out another form that requests the nursing home information, the 21-0779.

Another financial help the VA can provide is Home Improvement/Structural Alterations, which pays for improvements that make dementia patients’ homes safer. You can find out more on the VA’s website.

State Non-Medicaid Programs

In some states, there are government programs that are specifically dedicated to dementia care. Unlike Medicaid, eligibility would not necessarily depend on income. You should contact two state offices for more information: your state’s department/agencies of aging and your state’s Department of Health and Social Services, or DHS.

Tax Credits

If you are the caretaker of a parent with dementia, you should look into the tax credit for the elderly or disabled. This credit can range from $3,750 to $7,500. You can find information about this on the IRS website. 

Non-Profit Organizations

It’s worth looking into the local Alzheimer’s Association chapters and local departments of aging to see if they have programs or grants to help families with the costs of dementia care. They can also point you towards the best local resources and assistance options.

The Alzheimers Association and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America provide grants for respite care. Applications for the AFA grants can be sent through an AFA member organization.

Another organization is Hilarity For Charity, a nonprofit founded by actor Seth Rogan. This nonprofit offers the Home Care Grant, which includes two grants for in-home care. The first grant offers 50 free hours of in-home care to be used within three months. The second grant provides 25 hours of free in-home care per week for six months. Applications for both can be submitted through Home Instead’s website.  

Long-Term Care

Employers may offer long-term care insurance policies. Younger individuals are encouraged to buy policies because costs might be lower. Purchasing a policy is still a potential option for dementia patients, but qualification may depend on the person’s health.

Navigating the Application Process

All of the financial help options may have different application requirements. But there are ways to prepare for the whole process. For instance, gather financial documents that could be necessary. These may include:

• Social Security
• Insurance policies
• Retirement or pension
• Power of attorney
• Bank accounts
• Monthly bills
• Mortgage
• Personal assets

You’ll need to follow your state’s guidelines for most of the financial help options listed above.

You’ll consider the cost when choosing the best memory care possible for you or your loved one. Solterra Senior Living offers some of the best long-term care available. Amongst the many amenities available for our residents, we accept Medicaid, provide affordable living, and offer financial assistance for dementia patients. 

If you have any questions about financial help for dementia patients or would like to schedule a tour of one of our communities, please contact us. We are happy to answer any questions, soothe any concerns you might have, and show off our fabulous community.