In 2019 alone, 2,659 seniors died from Alzheimer's disease in Alabama and according to data from the Centers for Disease Control, it's the sixth leading cause of death in the state. Alabama has the third-highest death rate from Alzheimer's in the United States. By 2025, the number of seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer's in Alabama is projected to grow by 14.6% from 96,000 in 2020 to 110,000. Currently, 6.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and this number is expected to increase to 13 million by 2050.
Memory care facilities provide those living with Alzheimer's and dementia with care that is tailored to their unique needs. Memory care can take place in its own facility or as part of a designated wing of another residential care community. Staff members of memory care units or facilities undergo specialized training in caring for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
This guide will cover the cost of memory care in Alabama, financial assistance options for paying for memory care, free memory care resources in the state, and a directory of memory care facilities in Alabama.
Because of the specialized staff training and resources required to provide high-quality memory care, memory care typically costs more than other types of residential care. On average, memory care will cost 20-30% more than assisted living.
To calculate memory care costs, we added 25% to the assisted living costs reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
In Alabama, the average cost of memory care is $4,379, which is over $1,000 less than the national average of $5,625. Communities in Alabama charge a similar amount to those in Georgia ($4,419) and Mississippi ($4,375). However, the average costs of memory care are higher in Florida and Tennessee at $5,000 and $5,131, respectively.
The costs of memory care vary across the state of Alabama. Seniors residing in the capital city of Montgomery pay an average of $4,375, while those in the coastal city of Mobile pay around $4,404 per month. The most affordable options can be found in Dothan ($2,688) and Gadsden ($3,504). Anniston is the highest-cost option at an average of $5,964 each month.
In Alabama. Medicaid covers some of the costs of memory care through its Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program. Services that are covered by Medicaid include meals, transport, case management and personal care. The number of services offered to seniors is dependent on the severity of their care requirements. The aim of this program is to avoid or delay nursing home placement by providing the required services in a residential community or home setting.
SAIL Waiver Program
The State of Alabama Independent Living Medicaid Waiver Program (SAIL) aids seniors with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The program covers the cost of in-home care services and thereby helps delay the move to a nursing home facility. It's operated by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services. A range of care services is offered, including personal emergency response systems, personal care, case management, medical supplies and assistive technology. All services must be supplied by a Medicaid-certified home care agency.
Medicaid eligibility is based on several factors, including age, income and disability status. Income levels can't exceed $2,523 per month for individuals and $5,046 for couples. Single households have an asset limit of $2,000; for two-person households with both persons applying, the limit is $4,000.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Alabama
family size | annual income limits | asset limits |
---|---|---|
Single Person | $30,276 | $2,000 |
Two-Person Household (Single Applicant) | $30,276 (for applicant) | $2,000 for applicant & $137,400 for non-applicant |
Two-Person Household (Dual Applicants) | $60,552 | $4,000 ($2,000 per applicant) |
In order to qualify for Medicaid in Alabama, seniors must meet certain additional requirements. These include being a citizen or legal resident of the United States and currently residing in Alabama. Seniors must be at least 65 years of age or be disabled. Applicants will need to provide proof of citizenship, age and income.
Eligibility requirements:
In addition, applicants must provide the following documents:
Seniors and their loved ones who require assistance navigating the complex application process have several options in Alabama. The Alabama Medicaid Office and the Alabama Department of Senior Services both provide telephonic and in-person assistance.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
Alabama Medicaid | 800-362-1504 | Agents are available by phone Monday through Friday during normal business hours. These agents will guide seniors and their caregivers through the Medicaid application process. Alternatively, seniors can request an in-person appointment. |
Alabama Department of Senior Services | 800-243-5463 | Operators are available throughout the week to help seniors determine if they're eligible for Medicaid and guide them through the process of applying. |
Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover the cost of Memory Care. Most Memory Care Facilities are considered to be "social settings," so Medicare does not cover the cost incurred in these facilities. The only exception to that is if you are receiving memory care services in a Nursing Home. While this situation is much less common, Medicare would sometimes cover the cost, depending on a number of circumstances.
That being said, Medicare does still cover qualified doctor visits, medications, etc., as it would if you were still at home, but it will not cover the cost of care received at the Memory Care Facility.
In addition to the state programs mentioned above, those looking for resources to finance memory care may consider:
In Alabama, memory care services are provided in specialty care assisted living facilities, which are assisted living facilities that accommodate residents with severe cognitive impairments. These facilities are licensed by the Alabama Department of Public Health and certified by the Board of Health. They are monitored through random inspections by the Board of Health, and they must renew their licenses on an annual basis.
Prior to admission, specialty care assisted living facilities must screen prospective residents to evaluate their clinical history, mental status, physical function and behavioral health. Facilities must provide assistance with the activities of daily living, health monitoring and services and medication services. These facilities are also required to implement a daily activity program to meet residents' individual needs and provide general observation and health supervision to track changes in health condition, or physical or cognitive abilities.
While specialty care assisted living facilities may admit a wide range of residents, there are certain restrictions as well. The below table gives an overview of admission requirements.
Residents Who May Be Admitted
Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted
Those who:
Within 30 days prior to admission, a prospective resident must have a medical examination conducted by a physician, and a plan of care must be developed by the facility, the client and if appropriate, the client's sponsor. Each resident is given an annual physical exam and monthly assessments by the facility that identifies changes to their weight and ability to self-administer medication. Additionally, comprehensive assessments must be completed for residents who experience a decline in health status or behavior, significant weight loss, two or more falls in a 30-day period, adverse reactions to prescribed medications, harmful behavior or an accident that results in an injury.
A resident may keep, manage or self-administer their own medications if they have a physician's order, or they may receive assistance with self-administration by any assisted living facility staff member. Medications that are managed and kept in custody by the facility must be unit-dose packaged.
A resident in a specialty care assisted living facility who is unable to self-administer medications may have medications administered only by an RN, a physician or an LPN who is currently licensed in Alabama.
Units in specialty care assisted living facilities may be single or double occupancy. Bathrooms and bathing facilities may be shared, and there must be at least one bathtub or shower for every eight residents and one toilet and sink for every six residents. Facilities must have a secure perimeter to safely accommodate residents who may wander. Exterior doors must have either panic hardware or electrically controlled door hardware, and locks on exterior doors must be electrically locked or electrically delayed-egress locking devices.
Specialty care assisted living facilities must have an administrator, a medical director, at least one RN, a unit coordinator and a staff of personal care providers. Minimum staffing levels depend on the size of the facility and the time of day, but there must be at least two staff members on duty at all times. If necessary, the facility must exceed minimum staffing requirements to ensure residents' needs are met.
There must be at least one CPR-certified staff member on-site at all times, and facilities with an AED machine must have a staff member who has up-to-date certification from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross in AED utilization.
Alabama doesn't provide public funding for specialty care assisted living facilities through Medicaid or non-Medicaid programs.
Anyone who has a concern or complaint regarding a resident's quality of care or treatment in a specialty care assisted living facility should contact the state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman office. Complaints can be filed in writing, over the phone or in person by contacting the local Area Agency on Aging office.
Seniors and their loved ones in Alabama will find a variety of resources to provide information, support and assistance as needed.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
The Alzheimer Family Program | 205- 934-2178 | The Alzheimer Family Program, run by the Heersink School of Medicine at the University of Alabama, supplies educational materials to seniors and caregivers. These include information on common behavioral changes and how to cope with them. In addition, the program runs support groups and organizes community awareness events. |
The Alzheimer's Association Alabama Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Alzheimer's Association Alabama Chapter has local offices located throughout the state. These offices advocate on behalf of seniors and host fundraising events for research programs. The organization runs educational workshops and support groups. |
Alzheimer's of Central Alabama | 205-871-7970 | This is a local nonprofit organization that provides support for seniors and their families. It runs a 24/7 helpline to assist caregivers and links them to any services they may need. The organization provides Project Lifesaver bracelets for seniors who are at risk of wandering. Additionally, it offers support groups and weekly information emails. |
Alzheimer's Resource Center | 334-702-2273 | The Alzheimer's Resource Center provides information and support to seniors and their caregivers to help them cope with the challenges of memory loss. It raises money for research programs and runs educational workshops for family members. The center hosts support groups for seniors throughout the state. |
Mental Health Association in Morgan County | 256-353-1160 | The Mental Health Association in Morgan County runs a number of programs to assist seniors and their families. It hosts weekly support groups and regular educational lectures. The association runs a Music and Memory program that has been shown to improve the quality of life of seniors with Alzheimer's and to reduce agitation. |