[Last updated May 28, 2024]
While mild cognitive impairment is a normal part of aging, significant memory loss can interfere with a senior’s ability to perform normal, everyday tasks around the home. Having an aging loved one diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be a real game-changer for the entire family. Thankfully, numerous memory care options are available to ensure the safety and comfort of seniors with cognitive impairments. Read on to learn more about what memory care is, the different settings, and what to expect when paying for professional memory care services.
What is memory care?
People with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia may experience symptoms that make living alone unsafe. Some symptoms include forgetfulness, confusion, disorientation, agitation, and wandering. Memory care is a specialized form of care intended to support and assist individuals with dementia in order to ensure their safety and well-being while improving their quality of life.
Memory care services can be provided in various settings, including the home, stand-alone memory care communities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Each setting offers different levels of care and support, depending on the individual’s needs and preferences.
Memory care communities and dedicated memory care areas in assisted living and nursing homes offer a safe and structured environment for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s to receive specialized care and support. They also provide 24-hour supervision and increased security to prevent wandering. These communities are staffed with trained and compassionate professionals who understand the unique challenges accompanying memory loss, enabling them to provide the necessary assistance to help residents maintain their dignity and quality of life.
As with other senior care options, residents can receive personalized assistance with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and meal preparation. Specialized memory care services may include cognitive therapy and activities to stimulate memory and promote cognitive function.
Many home care providers now offer memory care services as an alternative to facility-based care, making it ideal for families who prefer to keep their loved ones close by. While that’s an admirable goal, many patients with progressive memory loss eventually require around-the-clock supervision in a secure environment to ensure their safety and comfort.
Qualifying for memory care services
To qualify for memory care services, an individual typically needs to have a diagnosis of a cognitive impairment, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Memory care is suited for individuals with these diagnoses who require assistance with ADLs and IADLs in a structured and supportive environment.
The ideal candidate for memory care services is anyone experiencing cognitive decline who may have difficulty completing everyday tasks independently and safely. Individuals with other medical conditions that affect memory and cognitive function may also benefit from memory care services.
How much does memory care cost?
The cost of memory care can vary widely depending on the setting and level of care required. Due to the specialized care and services provided, stand-alone memory care communities tend to be more expensive than other senior living options, such as assisted living facilities, CCRCs, nursing homes, and home care.
Memory care costs can range widely, depending on the location, amenities, and level of care provided, but it can be several thousand dollars per month. The national median cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing home is over $8,000 a month, with private rooms costing even more. Some memory care facilities may also charge additional fees for specialized services, such as medication management or transportation.
Memory care payment options
While memory care can benefit individuals experiencing cognitive decline in many ways, paying for it can be a concern. There are several options for paying for memory care services.
Medicare
While Medicare does not typically pay for long-term care services, it may cover some medically necessary services provided in a memory care facility, such as skilled nursing care or rehabilitation therapy. Speak with a Medicare representative to determine what services are covered and if there are any applicable limitations.
Medicaid
Medicaid may cover memory care services for eligible individuals with limited income and assets. Because each state manages its own Medicaid program, you should check with your state Medicaid office to determine eligibility and coverage.
Veterans benefits
Military Veterans and their spouses may be eligible for memory care benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits may include the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides financial assistance for qualifying Veterans needing long-term care services.
Long-term care insurance
Long-term care insurance policies may help cover the cost of memory care services. It’s essential to check with the insurance provider to determine what services are covered and if there are any applicable limitations.
Private pay
Some individuals choose to pay for memory care services out of pocket, using savings or retirement income. Others may sell their homes to cover the cost of care. While this option gives individuals more control over their care and services, it can be costly, depending on the level of care needed.
Alternate funding sources
Individuals can sometimes use alternate funding sources, such as loans, grants, scholarships, or charitable organizations, to help cover the cost of memory care services. Be sure to explore all available options to determine the best solution for your or your loved one’s needs.
Final thoughts about memory care
Memory care is a specialized form of care that supports and assists individuals with cognitive impairment. As one possible setting, memory care communities offer a safe and structured environment where residents can receive personalized care and support tailored to their specific needs.
Qualifying for memory care services typically requires a diagnosis of cognitive impairment and a need for assistance with ADLs. While memory care costs can vary depending on the setting and level of care needed, various payment options, including long-term care insurance, Medicaid, VA benefits, private pay, and alternate funding sources, can help cover the cost of care.
No matter which setting you choose, memory care services can provide peace of mind for the entire family, knowing their loved one is receiving the care and support they need to maintain their dignity and quality of life.
