Financial Help For Dementia Patients

Financial Assistance By Source

Medicare

Unfortunately, Medicare provides limited assistance for the costs incurred by families for Alzheimers and dementia care. Medicares benefits are strictly for medical needs and so much of providing care to individual with Alzheimers or dementia is non-medical in nature. Supervision, assistance with dressing, bathing or eating, transportation are all time-consuming activities but are non-medical in nature and therefore Medicare does not provide coverage or financial assistance. To be clear, in-home care and memory care are not paid for by Medicare.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance policies, as a rule, do not offer areas of coverage that Medicare does not cover. Instead, Medicare Supplemental Insurance simply helps with co-payments. Therefore, unfortunately, these policies offer little additional assistance over Medicare.

Having said that, Medicare does provide help with diagnostic procedures, prescriptions and some assistance as these conditions progress and needs become more severe. Read a complete analysis of Medicares dementia benefits.

Some Good News

Medicaid

Did You Know?

Veterans Programs

State Programs

Finding these programs can be a challenge. It is recommended that one begin by contacting their local Area Agency on Aging . Typically, AAAs are county-specific. One can locate their AAA here.

Other Sources and Options

Reducing The Risk Of Getting Dementia

Only 34% of UK adults think its possible to reduce their risk of dementia. Health and care professionals can promote evidence-based messages to middle-aged adults to help reduce their risk of getting dementia.

Working alongside other professionals and public health teams, health and care professionals can influence population-level impact by carrying out whole-system approaches to encourage people of all ages and stages of life to:

• be more physically active
• be socially active
• control diabetes and high blood pressure

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for dementia and can double an individuals risk, because it causes narrowing of blood vessels in the heart and brain, and oxidative stress, which damages the brain.

The Lancet Commission on the Prevention and management of dementia: a priority for public health published in July 2017, identifies risk factors that, if eliminated, might prevent more than a third of cases of dementia. This report notes a link between hearing loss and the risk of developing dementia. Work is underway to understand more about this relationship and whether wearing hearing aids can reduce risk in people with hearing loss.

A report by the World Health Organization has also highlighted that engaging in the arts may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Documents For Families And Patients To Prepare

Without prepared legal documents, certain decisions about care and end of life planning cant be carried out. Each document has its own importance in protecting the patient, their wishes, their safety, and their estate. Its also helpful for family members to have these documents prepared in order to make decisions easier and to help avoid conflict.

Driving Contract

The loss of independence can be extremely difficult for those living with dementia or Alzheimers. A driving contract is one way to ease the transition once a patient goes from being able to drive, to losing the ability to do so safely. A contract will help the patient understand that they may eventually need to give up driving. It will also help to explain this in the future, reminding patient that they themself agreed to the stipulations.

Power of Attorney

When getting affairs in order, assigning a power of attorney is a vital step in the process. A power of attorney is someone designated as being responsible for a persons wellbeing. However, as long as a person is of sound mind, they are the final word in their decision making. Assigning a power of attorney is a way to be sure your wishes are carried out just in case youre unable to communicate them. This includes health care directives, financial decisions, and legal needs.

Last Will and Testament

Guardianship/Conservatorship

Living Trust

Living Will/ Advanced Directive

Legal Planning Resources

• The Alzheimers Association Resources on Legal Planning

Also Check: How Many Stages Of Dementia Is It

Cost Of Adult Day Care Centres

Adult day care centres are designed to support people living with dementia and other older Australians. They offer a care solution for people who may be supported at home overnight but require some assistance during the day or people who are socially isolated. Typically, adult day care centres provide care, meals, and activities for people who attend. They range from highly medically supported with several health staff on site, to more focused on social and recreational services.

Adult day care can be a great option for people living with dementia whose primary carers need a break or to work during the day. They provide multiple benefits, including social interaction, enjoyable and stimulating activities, and appropriate physical exercise. All of these can delay cognitive decline and slow the progression of dementia.

Many adult day care centres in Australia will require a referral from My Aged Care. Sometimes, a referral from a GP or a social worker will also be needed to get a spot in the centre.

The cost of adult day care varies widely depending on state, provider, and the level of care provided. More affordable options are available through charities and council-run services. Most people living with dementia will also qualify for government assistance.

Paying For Dementia Care With Personal Assets

Most families cover the cost of memory care with personal assets. A senior may have saved for retirement throughout their career, or they may have a pension. Adult children also frequently contribute to a parents cost of care. Some assets typically used to fund the cost of memory care include:

• Savings accounts

Read Also: Is Itching A Sign Of Alzheimer’s

Benefits For People Affected By Dementia Benefits For People Affected By Dementia

If you are living with dementia, or caring for someone with the condition, you may be eligible for some benefits if dementia affects your ability to work, or if you have extra costs because of it.

We know that understanding which benefits you may be entitled to and how to claim can be a stressful experience. If you’d like dementia support, please call our support line on .

S To Get Approved For Financial Assistance

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Guard Against Financial Abuse And Fraud

People with Alzheimers may be victims of financial abuse or scams by dishonest people. Sometimes, the person behind the scam is a friend or family member. Telephone, email, or in-person scams can take many forms, such as:

• Phony offers of prizes or home or auto repairs
• Insurance scams
• Health scams such as ads for unproven memory aids

Look for signs that the person with Alzheimers may be a victim of financial abuse or fraud:

• There are signatures on checks or other papers dont look like the persons signature.
• The persons will has been changed without permission.
• The persons home is sold, and he or she did not agree to sell it.
• The person has signed legal papers without knowing what the papers mean.
• Things that belong to you or the person with Alzheimers, such as clothes or jewelry, are missing from the home.

If you think a person with Alzheimers may be the victim of a scam, contact your local police department. You can also contact the State consumer protection office or Area Agency on Aging office.

Veterans Benefits For Dementia Care

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a variety of benefits that can help senior veterans cover the cost of care. VA health care programs offer medical benefits that may include services beneficial for people experiencing dementia or cognitive decline. The VA may provide ongoing assistance for eligible veterans from the time of a dementia diagnosis through the diseases terminal stage.

The VA offers a number of different programs that can help cover memory care costs, including those listed below.

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Apply For An Alzheimers Care Grant

Financial help for seniors can include food assistance, transportation, and help topay medical bills. There is also help available for care beyondbasic necessities. Three groups in the U.S. offer financial aid to people with Alzheimers and their families. The most common grant is for respite care. Respite care grants give informal caregivers time off to relax and recharge. Grant recipients are matched with home health aids, adult day care, or assisted living. Grants cover both short-term and year-long help.

• The Alzheimers Association administers respite care grants through local chapters. Respite Grant Program. Use AAsfind your local chapter page to connect with a chapter in your area.
• The Alzheimers Foundation of America also funds Family Respite Care Grants. AFA partners with local organizations to pay for a temporary care in-home or at a facility. Applications can be submitted through anAFA member organization.
• In addition to these big-name organizations, the nonprofitHilarity for Charity sponsors respite care. Founded by actor-comedian Seth Rogen and his wife Lauren Miller Rogen, the group partners with Home Instead Senior Care to provide in-home support for people with dementia. More information on thegrant program can be found here.

Options To Pay For Alzheimers And Dementia Care

According to the 2019 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, prices for both in-home and facility long-term care are skyrocketing, which is making paying for it more challenging.

That said, if you have the luxury of planning well in advance of a loved ones diagnosis, meeting with an experienced financial advisor can help prepare you for long-term care expenses, immediately and down the road, including home and hospice care. They can help you map out an overall financial plan and help you make the best informed decision for your situation.

Suzanna Lam, a certified public account and retirement specialist, says her father-in-law suffers from dementia but did not invest in long-term care before his diagnosis. Due to this, his children pay $4,000 a month in cash to cover in-home care 12 hours a day. Due to lack of financial education, none of his six professional children knew about long-term care insurance and how the costs would impact them financially until it hit them, she says.

Here are payment options that can make it an easier pill to swallow.

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The Cost Of Memory Care In California

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.

The average cost of assisted living in California is $4,500 per month. This is almost $450 higher than the national monthly average of $4,051, but on par with neighboring Oregon where the cost is $4,499 per month. The average costs in the adjacent states of Arizona and Nevada are considerably lower at $3,750 and $3,400 per month, respectively. Presuming that memory care costs 25% more than assisted living, on average, seniors in California can expect to pay approximately $5,625 per month for residential memory care.

The cost of assisted living varies greatly across California, depending on the specific facility and its location within the state. For example, the average monthly cost in Los Angeles and Sacramento is $4,500, and its somewhat higher in San Francisco and San Diego at $4,750 per month. In San Jose, the price jumps to $5,853, which is the highest monthly cost of assisted living in the state. It is important to remember that these are average costs for assisted living, and memory care may cost an additional $1,000-$2,000 per month.

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Alzheimers Resource Locator Tool

Our websites database contains information on over 300 programs that provide financial assistance or reduce the cost of caring for the elderly. Many of these programs are specifically applicable to those suffering from Alzheimers, dementia or other related memory disorders. One can search specifically for programs relevant to them by entering their demographic information into our Resource Locator Tool.

Eldercare Financial Assistance Locator

Read Also: Alzheimer’s Association Of South Florida

Could I Receive Financial Support

Make sure you’re receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to. You may be entitled to disability benefit: either Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance depending on your age. These aren’t means-tested so your income and savings won’t be taken into account.

If you live alone you can apply for a 25% reduction on your Council Tax bill. Or, if you live with someone else, they may be entitled to a 25% discount on their Council Tax bill because of your dementia. As your dementia progresses, they may be entitled to a further 25% reduction.

If you have a carer they may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance. However, if they claim it, any income-related benefits you receive, such as Pension Credit, may be reduced.

What Is The Specialized Dementia Care Program

The Specialized Dementia Care Program is for a person with dementia who can no longer live at home and needs state-funding to help pay for long-term care services in a facility. Learn more about alternatives if the person is not eligible for Medicaid.

Offered through the Department of Social and Health Services , a person with dementia receives a package of specialized dementia care services while living at an Assisted Living Facility. Learn more about what an Assisted Living Facility is.

The goal of the program is to help a person with dementia maintain the highest possible quality of life and physical health while living with the losses typical of dementia.

Also Check: How Do People Get Dementia

Advance Health Care Directives For People With Dementia

Advance directives for health care are documents that communicate a persons health care wishes. Advance directives go into effect after the person no longer can make decisions on their own. In most cases, these documents must be prepared while the person is legally able to execute them. Health care directives may include the following:

A durable power of attorney for health care designates a person, sometimes called an agent or proxy, to make health care decisions when the person with dementia can no longer do so.

A living will records a person’s wishes for medical treatment near the end of life or if the person is permanently unconscious and cannot make decisions about emergency treatment.

A do not resuscitate order, or DNR, instructs health care professionals not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if a person’s heart stops or if he or she stops breathing. A DNR order is signed by a doctor and put in a person’s medical chart.

Benefits For People With Dementia

You may have extra expenses, such as paying for help at home, so it’s important to make sure you’re receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to.

These include:

• Attendance Allowance for those over State Pension age who need help at home you can claim Attendance Allowance regardless of your income and savings
• Personal Independence Payment for those under State Pension age who need help at home

If you get Attendance Allowance, you may also be entitled to other benefits, such as:

Also Check: How To Check If Someone Has Dementia

Whats Included In Cost Of Dementia Care

There are various costs associated with dementia care, including:

• Doctors appointments related to diagnosis and treatment
• Physical therapy or other medical support
• Prescription medications prescribed to slow the progress of the disease
• Medical equipment that becomes necessary as the disease progresses
• Personal care supplies
• Care provided at home or in a community setting
• Safety upgrades at home, like handrails

These costs are variable and depend on your individual needs and journey, so you may have more or fewer costs to consider.

Where Can I Get Help With Legal And Financial Planning

Health care providers cannot act as legal or financial advisers, but they can encourage planning discussions between patients and their families. Doctors can also guide patients, families, the care team, attorneys, and judges regarding the patient’s ability to make decisions. Discussing advance care planning decisions with a doctor is free through Medicare during the annual wellness visit. Private health insurance may also cover these discussions.

An elder law attorney helps older adults and their families interpret state laws, plan how wishes will be carried out, understand financial options, and learn how to preserve financial assets.

Its a good idea to ask about a lawyers fees before making an appointment. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the American Bar Association can help families find qualified attorneys. Also, a local bar association can help identify free legal aid options. See the resources at the end of this article for more information.

Geriatric care managers are trained social workers or nurses who can help people with dementia and their families. Read more about geriatric care managers.

Also Check: What Does Sundowner Mean In Dementia

Alzheimers Disease Programs Initiative

The Alzheimers Disease Programs Initiative was formed by merging ACLs two separate state and community dementia programs, ADSSP and ADI-SSS . ADPI has three components, which are designed to bring dementia-capable home and community-based services and supports to individuals living with ADRD and their caregivers:

• Cooperative agreement/grants funding states, communities and Tribal entities for the development and implementation of dementia-capable person-centered HCBS and supports, as well as partnerships with public and private entities to identify and address the unique needs of persons with ADRD and their caregivers
• Cooperative agreement/grant funding in support of the National Alzheimers Call Center and
• Contract to fund the activities of the National Alzheimers and Dementia Resource Center .

• Create state-wide, person-centered, dementia-capable home and community-based service systems
• Translate and implement evidence-based supportive services for persons living with ADRD and their caregivers at the community level
• Work with public and private entities to identify and address the special needs of persons living with ADRD and their caregivers and
• Offer direct services and supports to persons living with ADRD and their caregivers.