Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in Maine, according to data from the CDC. In 2019 alone, 544 elderly residents of Maine died from Alzheimer's. According to the Alzheimer's Association, 29,000 seniors in the state are currently diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other dementia-related disorders, and this number is predicted to increase by 20.7% to 35,000 by the year 2025. There are more than 6 million seniors with Alzheimer's in the United States.
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 Maine, financial assistance options for paying for memory care, free memory care resources in the state and a directory of memory care facilities in Maine.
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.
We calculated the cost of memory care by adding 25% to the assisted living costs reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
The average monthly cost of memory care in Maine is $7,331. This is significantly more than the national median of $5,625. Communities in Maine, on average, charge slightly less than those in New Hampshire ($7,566). Seniors living in Vermont and New York pay less on average for memory care at $6,563 and $5,725, respectively.
Data is only available for three cities in Maine, but the costs vary greatly between the three areas. Seniors residing in the popular city of Portland can expect to pay around $8,156 per month for memory care. The most affordable option can be found in Bangor, where memory care costs an estimated $5,938 each month. Communities in Lewiston charge around $6,855.
Medicaid in Maine (MaineCare) does not cover the costs of memory care services in an assisted living environment. However, the Elderly and Adults with Disabilities Waiver may be able to cover some of the costs. Seniors do have to qualify for Medicaid to apply for the waiver.
Elderly and Adults with Disabilities Waiver
The Elderly and Adults with Disabilities Waiver aims to prevent or delay admission to a nursing home and enable seniors to continue living in a community setting. The waiver doesn't pay for room and board, but it does cover some of the expenses associated with memory care in an assisted living facility. Some of the services covered include personal care services, assistive technologies, some skilled nursing care, case management and nonmedical transportation. Physical, occupational and speech therapy services may be covered if required.
Seniors must meet certain income requirements to be eligible for MaineCare. Income limits are $2,523 per month for single applicants and $5,046 for married couples if both spouses are applying. Single applicants may own assets amounting to $10,000, and married couples are allowed up to $15,000 in assets.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Maine
family size | annual income limits | asset limits |
---|---|---|
Single Person | $30,276 | $10,000 |
Two-Person Household (Single Applicant) | $30,276 | $10,000 for applicant, $137,400 for non-applicant |
Two-Person Household (Dual Applicants) | $60,552 | $15,000 |
There are certain other requirements to be eligible for MaineCare. Seniors must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, and they must currently reside in Maine.
Some of the documents required to apply for MaineCare include:
In Maine, caregivers and seniors have access to services that can help them apply for Medicaid.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
Legal Services for the Elderly | 800-750-5353 | Legal Services for the Elderly offers free legal services to low-income seniors in the state. It provides legal advice regarding Medicaid and can assist seniors in following the application process. |
Area Agencies on Aging | 877-353-3771 | There are five Area Agencies on Aging located in Maine. Agents can guide seniors through the Medicaid application process and help seniors determine if they're eligible for Medicaid. |
MaineCare Healthcare Assistance | 855-797-4357 | MaineCare Healthcare Assistance has a step-by-step guide on its website to help seniors through the application process. In addition, it runs a helpline to answer questions and help those requiring additional assistance. |
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, seniors looking for resources to finance memory care may consider:
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensing and Certification, is responsible for licensing and overseeing assisted housing facilities that offer memory care. The DLC conducts periodic licensing and safety code inspections and responds to complaints. In Maine, memory care services may be offered in assisted living programs (ALPs), Level IV residential care facilities (RCFs) and private nonmedical institutions (PNI), which may contain a separate, secured memory care unit. The state has specific licensing requirements for memory care units to ensure that residents receive personalized care in an environment that promotes their quality of life, dignity and independence.
The services offered by ALP, RCF and PNI facilities must include assistance with activities of daily living, meals, recreational and social activities, care management and supervision, medication management and nursing services. Memory care units are also required to provide appropriate weekly therapeutic activities that may lessen residents' anxiety, restlessness and wandering, aid their eating and sleeping patterns, improve their cooperation and socialization and delay the deterioration of cognitive skills. Activities must be chosen according to the needs of each resident and incorporated into their personal care plan.
ALPs, RCFs and PNIs in Maine may admit individuals with a wide range of care needs and conditions, including those with memory loss, Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Facilities that provide memory care must have a written policy in place regarding preadmission screening and procedures for the admission and discharge of residents. State regulations place certain admission and discharge restrictions on memory care units, as shown in the following table.
Residents Who May Be Admitted
Adults and seniors who:
Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted or May Be Discharged
Individuals who:
Memory care unit residents who exhibit symptoms of dementia but were not formally diagnosed must receive a diagnostic evaluation within 45 days of admission. Care plans must be developed for each new resident detailing specific services, therapies and treatments that will be provided to promote their self-care abilities, encourage independence and maintain their dignity and privacy while ensuring their safety and comfort and taking their preferred manner of living into consideration. ALP residents must be reassessed every six months, while residents of RCFs and PNIs must be reassessed every 12 months.
Residents of licensed facilities must be evaluated upon admission to determine whether they can self-administer medications or need assistance. Staff in memory care units may provide medication administration assistance to residents. They may read medication labels for residents, check dosages and remove prescribed dosages from a container, observe while residents take their medications and maintain medication records. Unlicensed staff members who have completed a DLC-approved training program may administer certain medications that require injection.
Maine regulations stipulate that memory care units should provide a safe environment that enhances the quality of life of residents and reduces agitation, tension and behavior problems. Memory care units in ALFs must feature individual apartments with a kitchen or kitchenette, a bathroom and a living area. RCFs and PNIs may offer private and shared rooms for a maximum of two occupants. In addition to meeting specific facility requirements, memory care units must also provide:
State-licensed ALPs, level IV RCFs and PNIs must employ an administrator who holds an appropriate professional license to oversee day-to-day operations. Level IV RCFs and PNIs must also employ or contract with a registered nurse to observe resident signs and symptoms, recommend staff training and make regular reviews of resident and medication records. Level IV facilities with more than 10 beds must also contract with a pharmacist to perform quarterly consultations, at a minimum.
There are no minimum staff ratios required in assisted living programs. Level IV RCF and PNI facilities with fewer than 10 beds must have one responsible staff member awake and on duty at all times, while those with 10 beds or more must have two awake staff members on duty around the clock. Additionally, facilities with 10 or more beds must maintain minimum direct care staff-to-resident ratios of 1:12 on day shifts, 1:18 during evening shifts and 1:30 on overnight shifts.
Memory care units in licensed Maine facilities must employ staff who have received specialized dementia care training. Facilities are required to have sufficient staff on duty during the day, evening and overnight shifts to meet the needs of residents and provide the services outlined in their care plans.
New memory care unit staff members must complete 16 hours of combined classroom and clinical orientation on specific topics pertaining to dementia care. In addition to an overview of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, an orientation must cover communication basics, activity-focused care, creating a therapeutic environment and dealing with difficult behavior and family issues.
The Maine state Medicaid plan offers the Elderly and Adults with Disabilities Waiver, which may help eligible seniors pay for a variety of services in licensed facilities that provide memory care.
Anyone who has concerns about the neglect or abuse of a resident or the living conditions in a Maine memory care unit may file a complaint with the Division of Licensing and Certification. Complaints may be made by emailing the division at dlrs.complaint@maine.gov, calling 800-383-2441 or completing a complaint form.
Staff of the Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program are also authorized to investigate complaints and may be reached by calling 800-499-0229.
Seniors and their caregivers have access to free resources that provide information and support to help them as they deal with the changes that accompany memory loss.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
Alzheimer's Association Maine Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Alzheimer's Association Maine Chapter runs support groups for seniors and caregivers throughout the state. It hosts regular education programs to help caregivers understand and work with the challenges that accompany memory loss. The organization hosts regular events to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and raise funds for research projects. |
Area Agencies on Aging | 877-353-3771 | There are five Area Agencies on Aging in Maine. These agencies link seniors and caregivers with services such as long-term care facilities, support groups and wellness programs in the local area. |
Healthy Living for ME | 800-620-6036 | Healthy Living for ME is a nonprofit organization that provides educational programs and workshops to help seniors and their caregivers understand chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's. |
Lunder-Dineen Health Education Alliance of Maine | 207-805-7709 | The Lunder-Dineen Program aims to improve health care for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia-related disorders across the state. It provides educational resources and workshops for health care teams and caregivers. In addition, it advocates on behalf of seniors for a better understanding of the needs of seniors with memory loss. |
Memory Cafes in Maine | Various location | There are a number of memory care cafes located all around the state of Maine. These cafes offer a place where seniors with memory loss disorders can socialize with other seniors with similar conditions. Each cafe offers unique activities and some include meal options. |
Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/8/2022. 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 |
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) |