According to research from the Alzheimer's Association, 19,000 Delaware residents aged 65 and older are currently living with dementia. The number of seniors suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related forms of memory impairment is expected to reach 23,000 by 2025 — an increase of 21%. Memory loss disorders are the sixth-leading cause of death in Delaware, and one in three senior deaths in the U.S. are dementia-related. Nationally, over 5 million American seniors have received a dementia diagnosis, and the CDC estimates that this figure will almost triple to 14 million by 2060.
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 Delaware, financial assistance options for paying for memory care, free memory care resources in the state, and a directory of memory care facilities in Delaware.
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 predict the cost of memory care, we've taken the cost of assisted living reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey and added 25%. Individual assisted living facilities may cost slightly less or more, depending on factors such as quality of care, location and demand.
Delaware is considerably more expensive than the rest of the nation when it comes to the cost of memory care. The national average is $5,625 per month, while the average expense in Delaware for memory care is about $7,494. Neighboring states have lower average costs as well. Pennsylvania residents pay $5,125 on average, and the price is higher for Maryland residents at $6,560.
In Dover, the cost for memory care is slightly more than the state's average at $7,591. Prices for cities in surrounding states also vary. Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, PA are much higher than the national average at $7,435 and $7,106, respectively. Baltimore, MD's memory care costs are slightly more than the U.S. average at $5,938.
Delaware's Medicaid program doesn't cover memory care in assisted living communities and there aren't any available waivers, but the Diamond State Health Plan - Plus does cover some of the costs associated with this type of care. Personal care services, case management, cognitive services, community transition services and transportation are some of the expenses that might be covered for those who are eligible.
This program can certainly be used to pay for many of the companion services needed, but it won't cover room and board at a nursing facility.
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:
Assisted living facilities that provide memory care are licensed by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Long Term Care Residents Protection. The division is responsible for monitoring compliance with federal and state regulations governing long-term care facilities, as well as performing annual surveys and unscheduled inspections. DLTCRP staff also respond to incidents and complaints regarding quality of life, quality of care and violations of residents' rights in assisted living facilities.
An ALF that offers special services, such as memory care, must provide a disclosure document that details the facility's:
Assisted living facilities in Delaware provide housing, supervision, personalized assistance and health care and supportive services for individuals who need help with activities of daily living. Facilities must ensure that each resident's care plan is implemented properly and provide all required personal services, arrange access to necessary health care and social services and facilitate or arrange opportunities for leisure activities and social interaction. Residents may receive care from licensed hospice programs and home health care agencies, with prior approval from the ALF's director.
Licensed assisted living facilities in Delaware may accept adults and elderly individuals with a range of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The following table offers an overview of the conditions and circumstances that determine whether an individual may be admitted or continue receiving memory care in an assisted living facility, based on the applicable rules and regulations.
Residents Who May Be Admitted To and Retained in ALFs:
Seniors and adults who:
Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted or Must Be Discharged:
Individuals who:
Prospective ALF residents must have a medical evaluation and RN assessment completed 30 days before admission, and a reassessment must be conducted within 30 days of move-in. Based on these assessments, a service plan must be developed to meet the individual's care needs. This plan should detail the services to be provided and address all aspects of their care, including:
The rules regarding ALF staff providing assistance with medication self-administration are contained in the state Board of Nursing regulations. The rules require that within 30 days of a new resident's admission, an RN must assess their ability to self-administer medication and determine whether they need assistance. An RN must also conduct regular reviews to ensure that medications have been received, are properly labeled and stored and are not causing any adverse side effects. Only aides who have passed an exam may assist residents with self-administering medications.
Delaware assisted living facilities, including those that offer memory care, may offer private rooms, as well as shared rooms for no more than two residents. Private rooms must provide at least 100 square feet of living space, and shared rooms must offer 80 square feet of living space per resident. Facilities may feature private bathrooms accessed from individual resident rooms or shared bathrooms that serve no more than four residents. If in-unit bathrooms do not contain a tub or shower, such facilities must be provided in a readily accessible location. ALFs must provide residents with in-unit kitchen facilities or access to a central kitchen. State regulations stipulate that facilities providing memory care must detail any specialized physical environment and design features in their disclosure documents.
ALFs in Delaware must have a sufficient number of trained staff on duty to provide adequate care for all residents. Staff employed by facilities that offer memory care must be properly trained and hold appropriate certifications and licenses to ensure the needs of residents are met.
Delaware regulations include minimum requirements for ALF management staff, based on the size of the facility.
Newly hired care staff must receive a comprehensive orientation on state-mandated topics, which include residents' rights, the health and psychosocial needs of residents being served, infection control, first aid and the facility's fire, life safety and emergency disaster plans. Staff members must also receive at least 12 hours of ongoing training annually.
Delaware Medicaid administers the Diamond State Health Plan – Plus, a managed long-term care entitlement program that covers services in assisted living facilities for eligible state residents, including those who require memory care.
Concerned parties can report witnessed or suspected abuse, exploitation or neglect of an assisted living facility resident by calling the Division of Health Care Quality's 24-hour, toll-free report line at 877-453-0012. Alternatively, individuals may complete and submit an online complaint form.
There is plenty of assistance available for Delaware residents through community programs and charitable organizations. For further assistance, contact the organizations listed below.
resource | contact | description |
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Memory Cafe | Online | Those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's Disease and their families can meet in a friendly environment and enjoy activities tailored to those with cognitive decline. |
Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. Elder Law Program | Online | The Elder Law program offers free legal aid to families looking to handle matters of guardianship, medical power of attorney, Social Security and Medicaid rights. |
Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center | Online | The Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center assists seniors looking to enroll in programs such as Medicaid and provides additional resources that include counseling and education. |
Alzheimer's Association - Delaware Valley Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Alzheimer's Association is a charitable organization that provides education, support materials and advocacy services to seniors suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia. It offers a toll-free helpline that can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
Alzheimer's Impact Movement - Delaware | Online | Alzheimer's Impact Movement is an organization that works with lawmakers to enact new legislation that protects seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Its goal is to increase research funding and monetary aid for those impacted by these conditions. |
Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/3/2022. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your Memory Care Facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.
question | answer |
---|---|
Am I allowed to visit my loved one in person? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Is my loved one required to quarantine after I visit him or her? | No |
Am I required to wear a mask if I visit my loved one in person? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Are visitors screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Are residents allowed to leave the facility at-will? | Yes |
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave required to quarantine when they get back? | No (Conditions Apply) |
Are staff members and contractors checked for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Are staff members and contractors tested for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Do staff members have to regularly screen residents for COVID-19 symptoms? | Yes |
Do staff members have to regularly check residents for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
Do staff members have to regularly test residents for COVID-19? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |