Increased Community Services Program
Eligibility: If a Maryland resident needs special care and has been residing in a care facility for more than three months, then they are eligible for this program. Applicants must meet the countable asset restrictions as well as income restrictions. As a general guideline, an applicant’s monthly income must not go over their nursing home expenses.
What Is Memory Care
In the popular imagination, dementia is memory loss. The reality is much more complex. Dementia is a group of diseases, each with its own prognosis and symptoms. The common theme of all forms of dementia, regardless of the specific diagnosis, is that dementia steadily erodes cognitive functioning. This means that a persons ability to remember things, to think clearly, to plan and execute daily tasks, and even to talk may steadily decline.
Over time, this can make it unsafe for a person to live alone. They might forget to turn off the stove, or mistakenly believe that a family member is a dangerous intruder. People with dementia may also struggle with simple tasks such as getting dressed and bathing. As the disease progresses, some people with dementia develop mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression. They may even have hallucinations or delusions. Some wander off, and then dont know how to get home.
The painful reality of dementia is heartbreaking, but ignoring it wont make it go away. Family members must know what awaits them. Even the most dedicated and loving caregiver may be unable to provide sufficient support as dementia spirals.
Memory care offers help. Traditional memory care communities keep seniors safe, supported, and cared for. Most memory care facilities offer 24/7 supervision in a secure unit, ensuring that your loved one is safe. Some additional features of memory care include:
The Cost Of Memory Care In Maryland
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.
Taking into account the additional expense of memory care on top of traditional nursing services, we’ve added 25% to the costs found in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey to estimate the cost of memory care in Maryland.
The average senior in Maryland pays $6,560 per month for memory care, which is more than $1,000 above the U.S. average. The cost here is lower than in Washington, D.C., and Delaware, where seniors pay $7,435 and $7,494 per month, respectively, but significantly higher than in neighboring Pennsylvania, which carries an average cost of $5,125.
Keep in mind that even within the state, factors such as location, quality of care and access to government programs can impact care. In cities such as Baltimore, Cumberland, Hagerstown and Salisbury, average costs range from $5,788 to $6,560 per month.
Don’t Miss: Why Do Dementia Patients Yell Out
Request A Personalized Home Care Service Consultation
If you want to know how best to maintain your independence or that of your loved one, request anin-home care service evaluation. A trained professional from ComForCare Home Care will visit the home for apersonalized home care consultation.
During Your Personalized Home Care Visit We Will:
- Check for potential fall risks with suggestions for simple fixes
- Look at the living space with your loved one’s specific concerns in mind
- Review medical history, medications, any other needs or concerns
- Evaluate balance and ease of movement throughout the home
- Recommend any necessary home safety devices that assist in overall comfort and safety such ashandrails and shower chairs
- Offer support and understanding, with flexible services that can help
Are You Ready To Consider Independent Livingtake Our Quiz
Recommended Reading: How To Get Help For Family Member With Dementia
How To Know If Youre Eligible For Medicaid In Maryland
Medicaid eligibility is based on several factors, including income levels. Income eligibility may change based on the type of coverage needed. For example, a senior who needs Nursing Home placement is always covered provided that their income after paying for Medicare premiums and a possible spousal monthly income allowance is less than the cost of care. For seniors applying for Medicaid waivers, the monthly income limit is $2,523 per month, per person applying.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Maryland
Type of Medicaid
$2,523 per applicant per month
$2,000 per applicant & $137,400 per nonapplicant $3,000 if both applying
Asset limits dont include a seniors home and furnishings or a personal vehicle. In addition to these requirements, seniors may also have a functional needs assessment to determine eligibility for specific waiver programs. Other eligibility requirements include:
- Permanent residence in Maryland
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status
- Aged 65 or older or disabled
Alzheimers And Dementia In
A person with Alzheimers/Dementia will gradually begin the process of losing independence as their disease progresses. In time, they will no longer able to do many of the things they once did before the onset of the disease. Attending to the needs of clients that are suffering from memory loss and other complications presented by dementing illnesses is very different than other types of in-home care and requires specialized training. Our experienced team has undergone thorough training and is certified in Dementia and Alzheimers care by the Alzheimers Association.
Read Also: How To Determine If Someone Has Alzheimer’s
The Lifestyle That Suits You On And Off Campus
Stay cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and always cozy and dry, because when youre on campus, everything you need Bistro, Pub, library, fine arts studio, fitness center, underground parking garage, health center, and more is close at hand and contained inside one spacious building. Variety abounds, too. Attend an educational lecture or art show and be sure to invite a friend our flexible dining program offers you and your guests a choice of four different venues. Its also easy to visit a friend or spouse in the health center, which is just a quick elevator ride away.
As for yardwork, housecleaning, cooking, home repairs we take care of all that for you. Our staff is knowledgeable, responsive and, above all, friendly. You dont have to spend time waiting for repairmen to show up at your door. Instead, swing your door closed and go wherever you like, without worry.
In the greater Columbia community, audit classes at Howard Community College enjoy aquatics at Columbia Swim Center attend live music concerts, festivals, movies, dinner theater, plays, exhibits enjoy lakefront activities , biking, parks, nature trails borrow a book from the county library system visit 200 retails shops at the Columbia Mall sample the fare at multiple restaurants, and grocery shop at one of several grocery giants, including Whole Foods.
Benefits Of A Memory Care Community
Family caregiving can be exhausting. Memory care offers a break. Moreover, memory care typically provides more activities, better socialization, and a fuller life than a family caregiver can. Thats because memory care blends numerous activities all under one roof. Theres no need to plan or drive. And because memory care communities are designed to be safe places, theres no need to fear that your loved one might wander off.
Some of the benefits of memory care include:
- Less anxiety. Your loved one will spend their days doing activities that are fun and tailored to their specific needs, which can help with anxiety.
- Relief from boredom.
- A chance to make new friends.
- Relief for caregivers. Caregiving is exhausting work. In memory care, your loved one gets exceptional care while you get a chance to live your own life.
- A slower progression. Better nutrition, more physical activity, and more chances to exercise the brain can all help slow the progression of dementia. The right combination of activities builds upon and uses the skills your loved one still has without making them feel self-conscious about the skills they have lost.
- Support for families. Loving someone with dementia is difficult. Most communities offer support groups and many offer additional resources, such as a care coordinator and regular updates for family members.
Recommended Reading: What Is Alzheimer’s Disease And Dementia
What Makes Memory Care At The Kensington Different From Other Facilities
Although we understand the debilitating patterns of Alzheimers and dementia, we are continually seeking ways to capitalize on residents strengths, despite deteriorating recall. We help residents and families find ways to enjoy the beauty of special times, even if only moments. We honor the past, savor the present, and look toward making the times that lie ahead manageable, comfortable and ultimately, peaceful.
To that end, we provide your loved one the following:
In addition to providing what we consider the essential care described above, we also believe in the power of creating appropriate care environments. Our desire to deliver this differentiated care led to The Kensington Falls Church designing the innovative neighborhoods concept that takes into consideration the degree of memory loss a resident is experiencing.
This approach allows each resident to receive a spectrum of relevant and appropriate care. We offer two neighborhoods where memory care residents call home. Each of which is committed exclusively to residents who need memory care.
Memory Care Waiver Programs In Maryland
How to Apply
Community First Choice
Learn more and apply online at MDHealthConnection.
Seniors who are at risk of nursing home placement may qualify for the Community First Choice waiver program. Program services include assistive technologies, nurse monitoring and personal assistance services that are delivered at home or in an Assisted Living Facility. Care is self-directed and based on functional needs for those who qualify.
Community Options Waiver
Learn more about your options at a .
The Community Options Waiver provides financial assistance to seniors who might otherwise qualify for nursing home placement but prefer to live in the community. Assisted Living Facility placements are available, but not all Assisted Living Communities participate in the program. Waiting lists may impact eligibility in some parts of the state.
Increased Community Services Program
Learn more about this program at a .
Seniors who already live in a Nursing Home may be able to transition back to the community with the Increased Community Services Program. It’s designed to help seniors gain access to long-term supports delivered at home or in an Assisted Living Community. Some of the services covered include personal care assistance and medical alert systems.
You May Like: Is There Treatment For Lewy Body Dementia
The Connections Neighborhood Provides
- Fully secured environment to maximize safety.
- Intimate, home-like living spaces to foster calm and comfort.
- Porches, patios, and garden areas to enable residents to enjoy fresh air and sunshine freely.
- Pets welcome to provide unconditional love.
- Wander management technology to monitor resident whereabouts.
Are You Caring For A Loved One
Every day as a caregiver you experience joys and challenges. All caregivers benefit through: practical guidance, emotional support and as needed: connection with skilled providers. In Montgomery County there are helpful supports available through government, non-profit organizations and private businesses.
Caregiver support is a vital part of our community.
Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services : Knowledgeable County professionals help seniors and their caregivers with a wide range of topics and advice. Staff listen, recommend local resources around the County, and help with program applications when needed. Calls are answered directly by a trained staff person. If specialists are busy, your wait on hold should be less than 30 seconds. You can also choose to leave a message for a call-back within one business day.
Hours are Monday Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For the convenience of caregivers who may not be able to call during the work day staff take calls until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Bilingual staff and translator services available.
Recommended Reading: Is There A Test For Alzheimer’s
Admission To A Maryland Memory Care Home
The Department of Health in Maryland requires memory care communities to state the services they provide and admission requirements to check whether the facilities are able to accommodate the needs of a memory care resident.
A person with skin ulcers and on ventilator support may not be admitted to a community. In addition to this, if an applicant requires constant care from a licensed medical professional due to a chronic condition, has health risks that cannot be easily managed, or communicable disease, they may be barred from admission. Similarly, any person who is a danger to themselves and others and may also be refused admission.
However, different Maryland memory care communities may offer special considerations depending on your loved one’s condition. That is why it is best to contact the facility that caught your eye and schedule a visit.
Top 10 Dementia And Memory Care Facilities In Maryland
Holbrock Estates At Sherwood Drive is a dementia care community in Upper Marlboro, MD located in Prince George’s county that provides care for every dementia stage. Holbrock Estates At Sherwood Drive has a capacity of 5 secure dementia care units. Holbrock Estates At Sherwood Drive is located at 9403 Sherwood Drive in the 20772 zip code and offers its residents independence-centered care plans, activities tailored to dementia and a home-like community structure.
1,224 Dementia Care & Memory Care in Maryland
SeniorLivingNearMe.org offers free assistance in finding local assisted living facilities, memory care homes, dementia care homes, Alzheimer’s care facilities, 55+ and 62+ senior living communities, nursing homes, retirement homes, residential care facilities, board and care homes, adult foster care, continuing care retirement communities and other senior housing options.
Recommended Reading: Do You Die From Lewy Body Dementia
Warning Signs Home Care For Dementia Patients Isnt Working
Theres currently no cure for dementia. Some older adults age at home successfully for years or even decades with moderate dementia, relying on family caregivers for support. But its important to keep in mind that dementia is unpredictable, and care needs could change suddenly.
Also, dont forget that caregiver needs and abilities may change as well. Poor caregiver health is one of the most common reasons older adults with dementia move to memory care.
If dementia progresses to the point where any of the three must-haves safety precautions, health care, and stimulation cant be met, or the caregivers emotional or physical health is at risk, memory care may be needed. Exploring options early can help prevent stress and worry when the time comes for a change.
Contact our Senior Living Advisors if caring for a parent with dementia at home has become overwhelming, or if you believe your loved one isnt receiving the necessary resources to slow cognitive decline. Our senior living experts can provide more information about respite options, professional Alzheimers home care, or memory care in your area.
Caring For A Parent With Dementia At Home: 3 Must
Seniors with dementia can remain in their homes or with family caregivers longer if they have proper education and resources, according to the Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimers Treatment Center.
In a Johns Hopkins study, about 300 elderly adults with dementia and their family caregivers received monthly consultations on home care for dementia patients from professionally qualified teams, as well as referrals and counseling on health, nutrition, activities, and more. A similar number of participants did not receive these resources. The families who had help stayed in their homes an average of 9 1/2 months longer. Self-rated quality of life for elderly adults and family caregivers in this group rose significantly during the study.
Before choosing to provide Alzheimers home care for a loved one, consider your ability to offer these three things that Johns Hopkins researchers noted were vital for success.
Safety precautions. Seniors with dementia often experience disorientation and begin to wander. A fall may result in hospitalization or immediate need for a long-term care facility. Safety needs change as dementia progresses:
Health care. Regular medical treatment and appropriately administered medication can help loved ones age at home longer. But some health conditions when coupled with dementia present real challenges. Consider these example health concerns when determining whether you can care for a dementia patient at home:
Read Also: Are Hallucinations A Symptom Of Alzheimer’s
How Much Does Memory Care Cost In Maryland
The average cost of memory care per month in Maryland is $5,926. The states most expensive place for memory care is Cumberland, where memory care costs $6,368 per month. The least expensive city for memory care is Hagerstown, for about $5,595 monthly. In the Baltimore area, including the states second-largest city Columbia, memory care costs $5,742 per month.
Did You Know?
If you live in northern Maryland, its possible to find more affordable memory care out-of-state in Pennsylvania, where average costs are $4,969 per month. Delaware, Virginia, and West Virginia all average higher memory care costs than Maryland. Washington D.C. is much more expensive than its neighbors, at an average monthly cost of $8,429.
| Region / City |