Caregiving can be a major role on its own – taking on the duties of ADL (activities of daily living) assistance, medication reminders, and 24-hour monitoring. But caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia brings on a whole new set of issues.
And because of such intensive responsibilities, many family members find that a memory care center is the best solution for their loved one.
Designed specifically for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, memory care centers cater their communities to best suit the needs of those with memory loss. They offer programs and activities created for residents with dementia; staff are specially trained to handle issues specific to those with memory loss; and the communities are often laid out in a way that’s easily navigable, with extra security for those who may tend to wander.
WHAT IT COSTS
Because memory care centers are so hands-on and heavily monitored, they generally cost more than a standard assisted living community. Costs are dependent on a number of different variables, including community size and location, in addition to how comprehensive the needs of your loved one may be.
Prices vary per state; in general, however, the cost of memory care ranges between $3,500 and $8,000, with the national average at $5,000.
HOW TO PAY FOR IT
Don’t let the price tag deter you from looking further into memory care. Though it can be costly, there are ways to reasonably budget for the expenses.
- Life Insurance: your loved one can sell their life insurance policy to a third party. That third party will pay the current value of the policy and, in turn, pay out the monthly premiums. They will then receive the death benefits upon your loved one’s passing.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: this insurance can also be used to cover the costs of memory care if your loved one has invested in it.
- Home Equity: if your loved one owns a home, you may be able to sell it, rent it out, or take out a reverse mortgage.
- VA Benefits: Aid & Attendance benefits, which are available to the veterans and their survivors who qualify, can be received in addition to pension. Benefits can be used if an individual is bedridden, has limited eyesight, needs assistance with ADLs, or lives in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity. This may reduce the cost of long-term care by up to $2,266 each month.
- Private Pay: of course, if you and your family are able to afford the expenses out of pocket, private pay is the simplest and most straightforward way to offer payment.