Affording Memory Care: How Medicaid Can Help Cover the Costs

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than six million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of dementia. Many times, seniors with dementia continue living at home with some assistance from family members or professional caregivers. There are times, however, when a senior living with memory loss might benefit from additional or more specialized care. 

As scientists’ understanding of dementia and memory loss has increased, the types of care available to families has also improved and expanded. Although some specialized memory care options can be more expensive, many individuals are able to rely partly on Medicaid for memory care costs. Choosing a memory care community in a Medicaid-certified assisted living community like the Mission at Agua Fria means that you can use Medicaid to help pay for your care. 

Below, we’ll discuss some of the memory care options out there as well as how Medicaid helps cover some of the costs.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is long-term, focused, specialized care for people living with memory loss. Many of the services provided in memory care communities are the same as those provided in assisted living, such as assistance with activities of daily living and personal care, meals, and social and recreational activities. Two important differences between assisted living and memory care, though, are that memory care communities incorporate additional environmental security measures and provide specialized activities and therapies focused on cognitive enrichment.

Residents in memory care communities thrive in a more structured environment with staff who receive additional training to address unique issues that come with working with people who have dementia. An emphasis on routine helps many residents feel more comfortable and secure as they go about their day. In addition, staff is able to provide extra support when needed, even accompanying residents to meals and more throughout their day. Access to staff 24 hours a day as well as a personal emergency call response system in every room provides peace of mind to both residents and families.

Memory Care Options

Although many senior living options are available, including assisted living and independent living, according to a report from the National Investment Center for Senior Housing & Care, memory care is the fastest-growing sector in the senior housing market by far. As the need for memory care continues to grow, families now have several different memory care options available to them. Some offer more short-term help when caregivers need respite, while others are long-term in either an assisted living community or a stand-alone memory care residential center. Depending on the individual needs of your family, the following are some options you might consider:

1. Adult day care centers – These stand-alone centers focus on extra enrichment activities and safe supervision and are available to families on a drop-in basis. Families who are caring for loved ones in their home often find these centers useful if they need a temporary break or respite care. 
2. Assisted living communities – Some assisted living communities, like the Mission at Agua Fria, also offer specialized memory care. If your loved one needs some assistance with activities of daily living, but can still maintain a certain level of independence and does not require regular medical care, this type of community is a wonderful option. Since seniors are able to live in the community, they have access to supportive staff day and night. All the benefits of assisted living are available to them, with the added bonus of cognitive therapies and activities. It’s important to note that not all assisted living communities specialize in memory care, so it’s important to find one that offers specific programs.
3. Custodial care – Sometimes, seniors living with dementia also have other medical needs that require regular medical care beyond what is available in assisted living (e.g., dialysis). For these seniors, custodial care provides 24-hour supervision in a skilled nursing environment. As with assisted living communities, you should make sure to find a place that has a dedicated memory care unit specifically designed for people with dementia. 
4. In-home care – Especially in the early stages of memory loss, many seniors choose to continue living in their own home or moving in with family members for extra support. Many services are available nationwide that have trained care providers who can come to your home and engage in memory-enhancing activities with your loved one. Some families pair these services with other forms of assistance like Meals on Wheels.

What Costs Does Medicaid Cover?

When using Medicaid for memory care, it’s important to know what services are eligible for coverage. Although room and board is not covered, many other relevant medical costs are. Since each state government is individually responsible for administering the Medicaid program for their residents, Medicaid benefits and requirements vary from state to state. You can find a Medicaid planner for your state of residence using this helpful free service from the American Council on Aging. Your Medicaid planner can help you determine eligibility requirements and benefits specific to your state.

What Memory Care Services Does Medicaid Cover?

When your application for Medicaid is approved, you will be assigned a case manager. Your case manager will be a valuable resource to ensure you receive all the benefits for which you are eligible. The following are some general memory care services that Medicaid funds can help cover: 

• Adult day care programs and health services – drop-in, adult day care programs that provide therapy and supervision 
• Cognitive rehabilitation – such as the cognitive therapy activities at the Mission at Agua Fria memory care community that include art, music, and color therapy as well as cognitive games 
• Educational activities – many memory care communities have classes that provide education and training to help the recipient better understand medication management, proper nutrition, etc., to support their wellness
• Support services – for family caregivers, some respite care, family support, and personal assistance costs are covered
• Home health services – for families who choose to receive care in their home, some in-home medical care, therapy, and assistance are covered
• Meals on Wheels – or similar home delivery meal program
• Dental services – costs of up to $1000 per year

In addition, if your loved one needs occupational or physical therapy, assistance with activities of daily living or medication management, those might be eligible for coverage as well. Again, be sure to discuss your individual situation with your case manager to make sure you are receiving all possible benefits.

Because the Mission at Agua Fria is Medicaid-certified, you can use Medicaid for memory care costs in our community. We can apply your Medicaid benefits directly to your costs. One of our missions is to make sure our excellent senior living options are an affordable reality. In addition to Medicaid, many families use a combination of personal savings, Veterans’ Benefits, long-term care insurance, and other assets to cover the costs of memory care. If you have questions about financial solutions or just want to learn more about us or schedule a tour, please contact us today. We can’t wait to meet you!