Memory Care in Idaho

Table of Contents

Memory Care in Idaho

Table of Contents

• The Cost of Memory Care in Idaho
• Idaho Medicaid Programs for Memory Care
• Can You Use Medicare to Pay for Memory Care in Idaho?
• More Ways to Pay for Memory Care in Idaho
• Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Idaho
• Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Idaho
• Idaho COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care Facilities

When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered cost information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of Memory Care in Idaho and 8 other cities in Idaho.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Memory Care in Idaho

Memory care prices rose from $4,255 to $5,170 in Idaho in 2023 due to inflation, bringing expenses close to the $5,369 national average, while prices in adjacent states also fluctuated. Although care costs decreased by nearly 3.5% in Montana, they increased in most other locations, jumping to $6,893 in Washington and $6,020 in Wyoming. Costs in Oregon soared 30.8% higher.

Careful planning is essential for families with loved ones needing memory care, as trends suggest prices will rise further in 2024. Average costs may increase another 5.9% in Oregon and hit $7,981 in Washington.

Memory Care Costs in Idaho's Top Cities

When comparing cities across Idaho, memory care prices vary considerably, which may prompt seniors to consider moving to more economical locations in the state. Average expenses are lowest in Twin Falls and Nampa at $4,100 and $4,210, respectively. Memory care is more expensive in Idaho's capital city, Boise, at $5,525 — also higher than the state average. However, Coeur d'Alene is one of the most costly locations, averaging $6,463.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

Senior living prices start at $2,840 for independent living, increasing steadily based on the amount of care individuals require. Assisted living costs $4,388, while memory care averages $5,170, typically due to the higher staff-to-resident ratio, specialized training and adherence to strict health and safety regulations necessary in these communities. However, seniors with early-stage dementia may not need this intensive level of care initially, so other services may be more affordable.

In Idaho, Medicaid covers some of the services provided in a memory care or assisted living facility. These benefits are available to seniors over the age of 65 who require assistance with daily living tasks due to dementia, Alzheimer's, chronic illness, or disability. Services covered by Medicaid in a home- or community-based setting include limited skilled nursing, behavioral management, nonmedical transportation and specialized medical equipment.

• Who Is Eligible: Applicants must be over the age of 65 or have a diagnosed disability that requires long-term care. They must live in Idaho and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. In addition, they are required to meet specific income and medical guidelines.
• How to Apply: Seniors can apply online, in person or by phone or mail submission through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Idaho Aged & Disabled Waiver

The Idaho Aged & Disabled Waiver program gives seniors an alternative to nursing home placement and assists in covering some of the home or community-based living costs. Seniors must require a nursing home level of care to qualify for the waiver. However, the program does not cover room and board. Some of the services it does cover include personal care attendants, case management, chore assistance, homemaker services, medication reminders and medical equipment. 

• Who Is Eligible: Seniors must be 65 years or older and require nursing home level care to qualify for the waiver. Additionally, they must reside in Idaho and qualify for Medicaid coverage.
• How to Apply: To apply, seniors need to contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare by calling (800) 926-2588.

Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors in Idaho

To qualify for Medicaid long-term care coverage, seniors must meet certain medical and financial requirements. The 2022 income limit for individual applicants is $30,516 per year, and couples are limited to an annual income of $60,792. Assets are limited to $2,000 for single applicants and $4,000 for married couples if both spouses are applying.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Idaho

Additional requirements for eligibility include:

• Being a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Must reside in Idaho
• Being 65 years and older or having a disability 

Information that must be provided at the time of application includes:

• Proof of citizenship or legal resident status
• Social security number
• Birth certificate
• Copies of burial arrangements
• Proof of income
• Proof of current address
• A comprehensive list of assets
• Title deeds for any property owned
• Power of attorney

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid in Idaho

The following organizations can assist seniors and their family members in applying for Medicaid.

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:

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Depending on the policy details, long-term care insurance may be used to pay for memory care services. It's best to sign up for a policy early, as coverage will likely be denied if one already has long-term care needs. More information about the intricacies of long-term care insurance can be found at longtermcare.acl.gov.
• Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow some homeowners to take out a loan as an advance from the eventual sale of their primary residence. This can be a good way to fund memory care in the short-term, but the loans will need to be paid back after the sale of the home. The most commonly used type of reverse mortgages for seniors is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the only reverse mortgage insured by the federal government.
• Veterans Benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs that veterans and their spouses may use to cover health care needs such as memory care. More information about these programs can be found on the VA website.

Memory Care Regulation

Memory care facilities in Idaho are regulated as residential care facilities for the elderly by the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare. The department has the authority to license, inspect and regulate all facilities in the state that provide memory care services in a residential care setting. The department conducts both scheduled and surprise inspections to enforce health and safety guidelines for licensed facilities.

Facility Scope of Care

Residential care facilities in Idaho are allowed by the state to provide non-medical care consistent with the needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other adults with disabilities. Beyond that, licensed staff at memory care facilities can administer medications within their scope of practice, such as registered nurses administering insulin injections. Trained staff members may assist residents with managing catheters, colostomies, incontinence issues and other daily needs.

Facility caregivers may also assist residents with activities of daily living and other needs unrelated to medical issues. Permitted activities include providing transportation off-site, meal preparation and physically and mentally stimulating group activities.

Admission Requirements

All licensed memory care facilities in Idaho must develop a written admissions policy that goes over the specific purpose, quantity and characteristics of the services provided by the facility. Included in the written statement must be an explanation of:

• Any restrictions imposed by the facility management’s philosophical or religious reasons
• Limitations on staff services imposed by gender
• Disclosure of any residents who are registered as sex offenders

Residents Who May Be Admitted

Residents may be admitted when all of their vital needs can be met by the facility’s staff and equipment. Common conditions among new admissions to memory care facilities include:

• Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
• Physical limitations, including limitations on mobility
• Developmental disabilities
• HIV/AIDS
• Traumatic brain injury
• Age-related conditions that require assistance with activities of daily living

Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted

Residents who require care beyond the scope of the facility, including those who:

• Need continuous IV or TPN therapy
• Require nursing services for longer than 30 days
• Have had a gastrostomy tube, arterial-venous (AV) shunts, or supra-pubic catheter inserted within the previous 21 days
• Must be confined by restraints, not including locking wheelchairs
• Are in a comatose state, other than hospice care admissions where a doctor has assessed a likely end of life within 14 to 30 days
• Have a stage III or IV pressure ulcer or other open wound that is not visibly improving
• Have a tracheotomy or other complex medical device necessary for life
• Are currently in the active phase of a MRSA infection
• Have behavioral issues not compatible with other residents of the facility
• Are not capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency

Care Plan Requirements

Facilities providing memory care must develop and maintain a written care plan for all new admissions. The care plan must include the identity of any outside agency that helped develop it, as well as the identities of any authorized parties who have decision-making authority for the resident. Care notes must be included in the plan that go over needed treatments, medical office visit schedule and physical or mental therapy needs.

Medication Management Requirements

Facilities may keep and dispense medications in accordance with Idaho standards for pharmacy medication management. All prescription medications stored onsite must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist and kept in a secure and locked container. Nurses on staff may prepare blister packs of medication for residents and assist with taking them within the scope of nursing care. Residents who are capable of self-management may do so, but in all cases facilities are required to log and report missed doses of prescribed medications.

Facility Requirements

All facilities providing memory care in the state of Idaho must obtain and display a current license issued by the state. Rooms may be private or contain a maximum of two residents. Facilities must have at least one toilet for every six residents and one shower with an ADA-accessible bathtub for every eight residents. Bathrooms must be accessible without having to pass through a private room. All common areas of a facility must be accessible to wheelchair traffic, and fixtures in bathrooms must be equipped with grab bars and other safety devices. Shared closet spaces must have internal dividers and a door that closes. Every resident must have access to an emergency call system that is in proper working order.

Staffing Requirements

Facilities licensed for 15 or fewer residents must have at least one staff member present at all times who can assist residents as needed, including those identified as needing night care. Larger facilities must have a staff member who is awake and able to respond immediately 24 hours a day.

Medicaid Policy

Idaho Medicaid can pay for some of the costs related to residential care in a nursing care home or adult day care. Medicaid does not directly pay for the costs of memory care in Idaho, though several waivers are available for seniors who need help managing their activities. One waiver, the HCBS Aged & Disabled Medicaid Waiver, pays for services and other support for seniors in an adult foster home. Another waiver, the Medicare Medicaid Coordinated Plan (MMCP), is open to seniors who are “dual-eligible” for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Reporting Abuse

Suspected cases of senior abuse or neglect can be reported to law enforcement or online via the Idaho Adult Protective Services online reporting tool. APS is a division of the Idaho Commission on Aging, which may be reached by phone at 877-471-2777, or by mail at:

6305 W. Overland Rd. Ste. 110 Boise, Idaho 83709

In Idaho, there is an abundance of resources designed to assist seniors throughout their retirement. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on a range of local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the care services they offer for easy browsing.

Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging in is a crucial asset for retired individuals, providing advice on financial assistance, home-based care, and planning for extended care. It also connects seniors and their caregivers with local resources.

Cash Assistance Programs

Financial assistance initiatives exist in Idaho to help seniors with low income sustain their home living. These initiatives provide tax reductions, discounts on crucial services, and aid for home temperature regulation costs.

Food Assistance Programs

In Idaho, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.

Free Used Medical Equipment

In Idaho, several organizations are tackling the high cost of new medical devices. They collect lightly used equipment such as wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, distributing them to local elderly and those requiring assistance.

Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors

Elderly residents of Idaho with certain income brackets have access to local aid for prescription medication expenses. They might also be eligible for health coverage and other programs providing complimentary or reduced-cost healthcare services.

Home Repair and Modifications

In Idaho, a variety of programs exist to support seniors and those with disabilities in funding home improvements and repairs. These initiatives, providing grants or loans, feature different eligibility criteria tailored for retired individuals.

Senior Centers

In Idaho, elderly individuals find a community hub in senior centers, offering a range of recreational pursuits, events, and essential resources. These centers also provide health programs, dietary advice, and support for issues related to senior living.

Senior Engagement

In Idaho, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.

Social Security Offices

In Idaho, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.

Tax Assistance

In Idaho, a variety of tax assistance options exist for seniors and people with disabilities. These encompass possible medical cost exemptions, property tax cuts, and other tax alleviation measures.

Veteran's Services

In Idaho, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/7/2022. 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.

*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.