According to data from the Alzheimer's Association, 980 seniors in Utah died from Alzheimer's-related causes in 2019 alone. This data shows a 186.5% increase in Alzheimer's deaths since 2000. In 2020, there were 34,000 seniors living with Alzheimer's in the state, and this number is projected to increase by 23.5% to 42,000 by the year 2025. It is currently the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the CDC predicts that the number of people affected by dementia-related disorders will double 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 Utah, financial assistance options for paying for memory care, free memory care resources in the state, and a directory of memory care facilities in Utah.
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 calculate the cost of memory care, we added 25% to the assisted living cost as reported by the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
Memory care in Utah costs an average of $4,375 per month, which is almost $1,000 less than the national median of $5,625. Communities in Utah generally charge lower fees than those in the neighboring states of Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming, where the average costs are $5,000, $5,938 and $5,211, respectively. Prices are similar across the border in Nevada, where the average senior pays $4,688 for memory care.
Costs of memory care are fairly similar throughout Utah, with the most expensive option being Provo at $4,619 and the most affordable option being Logan, which is $494 cheaper per month at $4,125. Seniors in the state capital of Salt Lake City pay around $4,138, while those in the southern border city of St. George pay $4,375 each month.
Medicaid does not cover the costs of memory care in Utah. However, seniors can apply for the New Choices Waiver Program, which may cover some of the expenses incurred in a residential memory care program. To apply for the waiver, seniors will first need to qualify for Medicaid coverage.
New Choices Waiver Program
The program pays for some of the care services provided in assisted living facilities and other residential communities. The program aims to ensure seniors receive the care services they need without living in a nursing home. Services covered by the program include rehabilitation services, personal care, behavioral therapies, specialized medical equipment and nonmedical transport. The waiver doesn't cover room and board expenses.
Applicants must demonstrate that they meet certain financial, medical and residential requirements to qualify for Medicaid in Utah. Single applicants are limited to an annual income of $30,276, and married applicants have a yearly income limit of $60,552 ($30,276 per spouse). The asset limits are $2,000 for single applicants and $4,000 for married couples.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Utah
family size | annual income limits | asset limits |
---|---|---|
Single Person | $30,276 | $2,000 |
Two-Person Household (Single Applicant) | $30,276 | $2,000 for the applicant, $137,400 for the non-applicant spouse |
Two-Person Household (Dual Applicants) | $60,552 | $4,000 |
To apply for Medicaid, seniors must provide the following documents to prove that they meet the specified requirements:
The Utah Department of Health offers online, telephonic and in-person assistance to people applying for Medicaid in Utah.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
Utah Department of Health Medicaid | 801-538-6155 | The Utah Department of Health Medicaid section runs a helpline, and agents are available throughout the working week to guide applicants through the process. Otherwise, seniors can request an in-person appointment or follow the online instructions. |
American Council on Aging | Online Information | The American Council on Aging provides online information to help seniors and their caregivers find out if they're eligible for Medicaid. In addition, it connects seniors to Medicaid planners in their local area. |
Hearings Unit | Online Information | The Hearings Unit assists seniors who've had their Medicaid application or claims denied. It provides impartial judgments and may be able to get Medicaid decisions reversed. |
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 the state of Utah, residential facilities that offer care services to seniors are known as assisted living facilities (ALFs). Depending on the level of care provided to its residents, an ALF is either classified as a Type I or Type II facility. ALFs can be further classified as large, small or limited capacity facilities, depending on the number of residents they can accommodate. Only Type II ALFs are permitted to admit residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
Both Type I and Type II ALFs are licensed by the Department of Health, Facility Licensing and Certification. All ALFs must renew their license to operate on an annual basis. The state’s Office of Long Term Care conducts a comprehensive survey of ALFs every 18 months. These inspections may be planned or unannounced.
Both Type I and Type II ALFs are required to provide residents with personal care services, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, scheduled activities and assistance with medication administration. The facility must provide residents with three daily meals and snacks. Staff members are also required to coordinate medical services and dental care for residents. While not required, facilities may provide nursing services, such as assessments, health monitoring and routine tasks.
In addition to these services, Type II ALFs must also provide a high level of assistance with daily living tasks, including bathing, dressing and toileting, as well as daily supervision and nursing services. Facilities are required to have individual service plans for each resident, detailing their specific nursing care, medication and support needs to help promote their independence. Staff members must be available on-site 24 hours a day.
While ALFs are able to serve a wide range of residents, there are some restrictions to those who may be admitted. The table below serves as a guideline for the types of residents who may or may not be admitted to a facility in Utah.
Residents Who May Be Admitted
Older adults and people with:
Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted
Those who:
Prior to moving into an ALF, seniors are required to have an assessment to determine their condition and care needs. A licensed health care professional must review and sign this assessment. Within seven days of admission, the facility must develop a personalized care plan for each new resident that supports their unique cognitive, medical, physical and social needs. The plan must outline the services that will be provided, how often they will be provided and who will provide them. Residents are permitted to arrange their own personal care and medical care providers with an outside agency if they wish. Follow-up assessments must be conducted at least every six months, and service plans can be updated as needed.
There are four types of medication administration assistance permitted at ALFs in Utah: residents can self-administer medications; self-administer medications with minor assistance, including reminders and opening containers; have a family member administer medications or have a facility staff member administer medications. A licensed health care professional conducts an assessment on each resident to determine which of these types of assistance is best suited to their needs. All medications must be reviewed every six months by a licensed pharmacist or health care professional.
In Utah, all ALFs are required to provide separate living units for each resident. Up to two residents are permitted to share a unit if they both express that they wish to do so in writing. Each unit must have a space for living and sleeping, as well as a bathroom. Units may also offer a kitchen area. Facilities must offer apartment-style units for Medicaid waiver program participants.
Type I ALFs must have at least one toilet and sink on each level of the facility for every six residents and at least one bathtub or shower for every ten residents. If resident units in Type II ALFs do not offer a private bathroom, the facility must provide a toilet and sink for every four residents and a bathtub or shower for every ten residents. Showers must be able to accommodate residents and wheelchairs.
If a facility offers a memory care unit, it must be secure and have an emergency evacuation plan in place.
Facility licenses are valid for a period of two years. The department conducts surveys of ALFs when possible or in the event that a formal complaint is filed.
Type I ALFs are required to have a full-time administrator on staff to recruit, employ and train the facility’s care staff. The facility must also employ direct staff to provide personal care services to residents, as well as a licensed nurse to provide health monitoring and care coordination. A registered nurse must be available for residents who require assistance with medication management. While there are no minimum staff to resident ratios, a facility must have an adequate number of staff members on-site 24 hours a day to care for the needs of its residents.
Type II ALFs must also have an administrator on staff to manage the facility’s staffing and training. Additional staffing requirements include certified nursing aides to provide personal care services and a licensed nurse for health monitoring and delegating tasks. There are no minimum ratios, though at least one certified nursing aide must be on-site 24 hours a day, and a registered nurse must be available to provide assistance and care as needed. If the facility offers memory care services, at least one staff member with Alzheimer’s and dementia training must be present at all times.
Both types of facilities require their employees to go through an orientation to familiarize themselves with specifics of their job description, ethics, residents’ rights, emergency plans and the facility’s policies and procedures. Staff members must also complete in-service training that’s specifically tailored to their job duties, which may include nutrition and meal preparation, housekeeping, personal and social care, medication assistance, first aid and accident prevention.
Adult residential services in ALFs are covered by the state of Utah under the Medicaid New Choices 1915(c) Waiver program. While the state does not provide a Supplemental Security Income payment to cover services in ALFs, residents may receive family supplementation to help cover the costs of room and board.
Residents’ family members or anyone who has a concern with a situation of abuse or neglect in an ALF should immediately contact the Utah Adult Protective Services’ abuse hotline at 800-371-7897 or make a report online.
Concerned individuals may also register a complaint with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO).
Utah seniors and their loved ones have access to numerous support systems and programs that cater to the specific needs of those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementia-related disorders.
resource | contact | description |
---|---|---|
Living Well Utah | Online Information Only | Living Well Utah is an online initiative run by the Utah Department of Health. Seniors and their caregivers can browse the website to find out about the state's Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Program, local support groups and clinical research trials. |
University of Utah Health Care Center for Alzheimer's Care | 801-585-7575 | The University of Utah Health Care Center for Alzheimer's Care provides education resources and programs pertaining to the management of memory loss disorders. The center gives seniors access to clinical research trials and provides comprehensive medical care and treatment plans. |
Alzheimer's Association Utah Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Alzheimer's Association Utah Chapter is a nonprofit organization run by volunteers. The organization has support programs and educational workshops for seniors and family members. In addition, it advocates on behalf of seniors and hosts fundraising events to support research projects. |
Music and Memory | 801-746-4334 x113 | The Jewish Family Services runs the Music and Memory program for seniors in Utah. The program creates personalized music playlists and provides an iPod for the senior to use when listening to the music. The playlist is designed to spark memories and help promote a calming environment. |
Memory Matters Utah and Nevada | 435-319-0407 | The Memory Matters program aims to reduce loneliness and increase the quality of life of seniors with memory loss disorders. It runs support groups, activity clubs, social events and education programs for seniors and their caregivers. |
Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/15/2022. 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) |