According to the Alzheimer's Association, an estimated 190,000 seniors aged 65 and older in Michigan are living with Alzheimer's disease. By 2025, that number is expected to rise to 220,000, an increase of 15.8%. In 2019, 4,467 seniors died from Alzheimer's disease in the state, resulting in a 171.4% increase since 2000.
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 Michigan, financial assistance options for paying for memory care, free memory care resources in the state, and a directory of memory care facilities in Michigan.
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 provide an idea of memory care costs in Michigan, we've added 25% to assisted living costs reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
Michigan's memory care costs are the lowest in its immediate region. At $5,313 per month, the average cost in the state is over $300 less than the national average. Indiana is just slightly more expensive at $5,354 monthly, while in Illinois, seniors pay $5,610 per month. Ohio and Wisconsin carry the highest average costs in the area at $5,794 and $5,750 per month, respectively.
The cost of memory care in Michigan varies depending on where a senior lives in the state. Seniors in Battle Creek pay $4,250 per month, while in Detroit and Lansing, the cost is closer to the state average at $5,269 and $5,391. In Grand Rapids and Monroe, costs are above both state and national averages at $6,035 and $6,313 per month.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services oversees the state's Medicaid program, which provides free health insurance to low-income seniors and other individuals in need. While regular Medicaid doesn't provide coverage for memory care services, there is a waiver program that amends what's covered to include extra services to save on costs.
MI Choice Waiver Program
The MI Choice waiver helps seniors who aren't residing in a nursing facility to access services that are provided by memory care and assisted living facilities, including personal care and emergency call systems. This waiver doesn't cover the cost of room and board for seniors, though, so those in residential memory care need to use their own funds to cover those expenses.
Seniors who wish to apply for Medicaid in Michigan are subject to maximum income and asset limits. Any person, whether applying alone or with a spouse, is limited to earning no more than $2,523 per month, or $30,276 annually. Assets are limited to $2,000 for the applicant, or $3,000 when both spouses in a two-person household apply together. Those who are married but applying for coverage alone are subject to the $2,000 asset limit, while their spouse can retain as much as $137,400 in countable assets.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Michigan
family size | annual income limits | asset limits |
---|---|---|
Single Person | $30,276 | $2,000 |
Two-Person Household (Single Applicant) | $30,276 for applicant only | $2,000 for applicant & $137,400 for non-applicant |
Two-Person Household (Dual Applicants) | $30,276 per spouse | $3,000 |
In addition to the income limits in place for Michigan's Medicaid program, seniors also must:
There are programs available in Michigan to provide assistance with applying for Medicaid.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
Medicaid Planning Assistance | Online | Medicaid Planning Assistance provides up-to-date, detailed information about Medicaid eligibility for each state. Michigan seniors can use this trusted information to determine which programs they may be eligible for and how Medicaid counts income and assets. |
Michigan Legal Help | Contact Online | Michigan Legal Help is for seniors who receive Medicaid or Medicare benefits, offering assistance with the application process and help with filing claims or appeals. |
Michigan Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program | 877-999-6442 | Michigan's Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program exists to answer questions about Medicaid, Medicare and other insurance policies. This agency also offers advocacy services for those who have issues with their insurance providers. |
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 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
Adults of any age diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another dementia disorder and elderly persons aged 55 or older with:
Residents Who May Be Admitted Older adults and people with:
Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted Those who:
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.
Seniors in Michigan who are living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia can access a variety of resources, including support groups.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
Developmental Disability Supportive Services Program | 800-272-3900 | This program provides help in understanding the signs of Alzheimer's disease in seniors living with developmental disabilities. Its services include screenings, behavioral consultations and education for agencies and caregivers. |
Area Agencies on Aging | Contact local agency | Area Agencies on Aging offer a variety of services, including assistance in locating long-term care, filing insurance claims, dietary counseling and accessing financial aid for health care and other services. |
Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center | 734-936-8803 | The Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center provides free programs and workshops for caregivers and seniors with dementia. These programs are designed to help work through the transition to memory care and reduce the stress associated with a dementia diagnosis. |
Reliance Community Care Partners | 616-956-9440 | Reliance Community Care Partners is a nonprofit case management organization that helps seniors with disabilities. It works directly with seniors and their care providers, government agencies and insurance providers to coordinate care and ensure seniors' needs are being met. |
Long-Term Care Ombudsman | 866-485-9393 | The Long Term Care Ombudsman accepts, reviews and resolves complaints about long-term care facilities in the state. |
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) |