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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.
Michigan’s assisted living facilities have an average cost of $4,000 per month, according to the 2019 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, which is $51 below the nationwide average. Memory care services generally cost 25% more than assisted living, which raises the expected cost of memory care in Michigan to $5,000 per month.
The cost of care in a facility is also greatly influenced by its location in Michigan. For example, the average cost for assisted living in Jackson is $3,000 per month, and this climbs to $5,300 per month just 55 miles away in Monroe. Detroit’s monthly cost is above average at $4,625, while Grand Rapids and Lansing are more in line with Michigan’s average at $4,240 and $4,000, respectively. However, it’s important to remember that memory care in Michigan is generally at least $1,000 per month more expensive than the prices quoted for assisted living.
Michigan Medicaid has a waiver program, MI Choice, which allows the state to direct more funding toward seniors who aren’t living in a nursing facility. The purpose of this waiver is to prevent nursing home placement by providing the necessary care and services in the individual’s own home, an adult day health care center or other residential setting. MI Choice covers the cost of personal care, such as hygiene and mobility assistance, but doesn’t pay for room and board. Residents who are currently in a nursing facility can receive assistance with transitioning back to their home, an assisted living facility or elsewhere in the community.
Residents who receive federal benefits through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may also receive additional monthly payments via the Optional State Supplement program administered by Michigan’s Department of Human Services. The OSS payment levels are based on the applicant’s marital status, living arrangement and countable income. As of 2020, the maximum supplement for an individual living in a home for the aged is $179.30 per month. This payment is intended to help pay for the cost of personal care services. The OSS also includes a monthly allowance for incidental costs.
In addition to the state programs mentioned above, those looking for resources to finance memory care may consider:
In Michigan, assisted living facilities are licensed as homes for the aged (HFA) or adult foster care (AFC) homes. Any adult may receive AFC services, whereas HFAs are licensed for those aged 55 and older. Most adult foster care facilities have 20 or fewer residents, and most homes for the aged have 21 or more.
Individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias may receive memory care in either an AFC or HFA, and both types of facilities must provide a certain set of services and accommodations as described in the licensing rules and statutes for each category of facility.
Residents in Michigan’s homes for the aged and adult foster care homes may receive intermediate or temporary nursing care, but these facilities aren’t licensed for full-time nursing. Facilities offering memory care must provide a written description of their overall philosophy, assessments, care plans, staff training and other issues related to Alzheimer’s.
HFA and AFC facilities are required to provide:
Homes for the aged and adult foster care facilities in Michigan have different purposes and treatment options, and the policy for admission is based largely on those factors. See below for a general outline, and request the admission policy in writing from individual facilities.
Residents Who May Be Admitted | Older adults and people with:
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Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted | Those who:
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Licensed facilities in Michigan are required to conduct assessments on potential residents before they’re admitted, which are then used to form a personalized care plan. This plan must incorporate the physical and cognitive needs of the individual, and it must clearly describe the amount of care and services needed, as well as the itemized costs.
Residents and their family members or designated representatives can be involved in the formulation of the plan, which must be updated at least annually, and the facility is required to maintain and produce copies upon request.
Medication, dietary supplements and special medical procedures must be prescribed by a physician or dentist, and kept in the original container in a secure location. Residents are generally permitted to administer their own medication, often with supervision from staff, unless otherwise stated by a health care professional. According to Michigan’s medication management requirements, the supervisory staff member is responsible for making sure the resident takes the correct medication at the dosage and timing indicated by a licensed physician or dentist.
All facilities must have a maximum of four beds per room, one sink and toilet for every eight residents on each floor and one bath or shower for every 15 residents. There are no regulations requiring an HFA or AFC to provide an environment specifically for people with dementia. However, as noted in the facility scope of care section, any facility that offers memory care services is required to fulfill the particular needs of residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. As a result, it’s advisable to ask whether a facility does provide memory care.
Michigan’s regulations require that all homes for the aged and adult foster care facilities have an administrator who is responsible for facility operations. Facilities must also have one staff member on duty for each shift to serve as the resident care supervisor, who’s responsible for maintaining the respectful and kind treatment of residents, as well as their safety during an emergency situation.
There is no minimum ratio of staff to residents, although facilities are required to have an adequate number of sufficiently trained staff on duty and awake at all times.
Michigan Medicaid doesn’t directly cover the costs of homes for the aged or adult foster care facilities. However, the Michigan Medicaid State Plan does cover the cost of personal care services received by enrolled members, such as assistance with bathing or mobility issues. Preventive services aimed at delaying placement in a home are also available through the Medicaid MI Choice waiver, but room and board costs aren’t covered.
Complaints related to Michigan’s homes for the aged and adult foster care facilities are processed by the Bureau of Community and Health Systems. Individuals can submit a report using the online complaint form, print and mail a paper form to the Complaint Intake Unit or call (866) 856-0126. Reports must allege that a facility is in violation of state regulations, which are available to view online. In the case of alleged serious criminal activity, rather than a breach of regulations, contact the police and file a report.
Resource | Contact | Description |
Dementia & Disabilities Supportive Services Program | (800) 272-3900 | The DDSSP provides free education to caregivers on topics related to dementia, including local resources, and in-home consultations on managing behavioral issues. |
Respite Care Scholarships | (800) 272-3900 | Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s may be eligible for respite scholarships to cover the cost of day programs, in-home and overnight care. |
Area Agency on Aging | See website for regional contacts | Local agencies around Michigan help seniors and caregivers via education and community services, such as nutrition, wellness and in-home care. Staff can give advice on insurance and long-term care. |
Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center | (734) 936-8803 | The MADC offers free programs for individuals with cognitive impairments and their caregivers that are aimed at reducing stress among family members. |
Nursing Facility Transition Services | (616) 954-1573 | Current nursing facility residents may be eligible for free assistance in transitioning to their own home or elsewhere in the community. Reliance Community Care Partners provides these services with funding from Michigan DHHS. |