Memory Care in Arkansas

Table of Contents

Memory Care in Arkansas

Table of Contents

• The Cost of Memory Care in Arkansas
• Arkansas Medicaid Programs for Memory Care
• How To Get Help Applying for Medicaid in Arkansas
• Can You Use Medicare To Pay for Memory Care in Arkansas?
• More Ways To Pay for Memory Care in Arkansas
• Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Arkansas
• Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Arkansas
• Arkansas COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care Facilities

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When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered cost information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of Memory Care in Arkansas and 6 other cities in Arkansas.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Memory Care in Arkansas

Unlike most states, Arkansas only experienced a slight increase of 3% in memory care prices in 2023, compared to 10.5% on average nationwide. However, trends suggest a more significant jump of 6.5% is still on the horizon for 2024. Memory care rose to $5,115 in Tennessee and $4,679 in Mississippi. While Kentucky saw an 11.5% jump in care costs in 2023, prices could fall 1.5% in 2024. Costs in Oklahoma soared by 18.5% in 2023 and may rise a further 9% in 2024, making it important for families to plan their budgets before choosing it as a hometown.

Memory Care Costs in Arkansas's Top Cities

Prices vary considerably throughout Arkansas, and memory care can be more expensive than average in many cities. Fort Smith, for example, is one of the least affordable locations, with care costing nearly $3,000 more than average at $7,885. In contrast, memory care is only $3,250 in Hot Springs, and prices average $4,983 in Rogers, just below the state norm. At $5,384, care is only slightly more expensive than average in Little Rock.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

Senior living prices range from a low of $2,764 for independent living to a high of $5,056 for memory care. This price difference primarily reflects the cost of hiring qualified caregivers with additional training and providing services, such as meal preparation and health assessments. Assisted living, averaging $3,840, also provides a higher level of care than independent living but offers less specialized support.

Medicaid does not directly cover the costs of memory care services in Arkansas; however, the Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver Program covers some of these costs for eligible seniors. 

• Who Is Eligible: Applicants must be 65 years or older and residents of Arkansas. They must meet financial guidelines and be U.S. citizens or legal residents.
• How To Apply: Seniors can contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services to begin the application process.

Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver Program

The Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver Program helps Arkansas seniors cover some of their assisted living or memory care costs. Seniors must require an intermediate level of care and the program should delay or avoid the need to move to nursing home care. Services covered by the waiver include social and recreational activities, physical and cognitive therapies, personal care, housekeeping and limited nursing. It also covers prescription drugs and medication administration. The waiver doesn't cover room and board.

• Who Is Eligible: The waiver is open to all Arkansas residents aged 65 and over who require the level of care offered in an assisted living facility. All residents under 65 and over 21 who meet certain disability criteria may also apply. 
• How To Apply: Applicants can contact their local DHS County Office or the Choices in Living Resource Center to start the application process.

Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors in Arkansas

To qualify for Medicaid in Arkansas, seniors must meet certain income and medical restrictions. Medicaid regulations require that single applicants earn $18,075 per year or less and have $2,000 or less in countable assets. Married couples are limited to $24,353 in annual income and may have up to $3,000 in assets. 

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Arkansas

Additional requirements for Medicaid include:

• Seniors must meet certain medical requirements
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents

Seniors must also provide the following documents:

• Proof of income
• Proof of current address
• Birth certificate
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident status
• Copies of burial arrangements
• Current insurance policies
• Title deeds to any property owned

Caregivers and seniors have access to multiple options when seeking assistance in applying for Medicaid in Arkansas.

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:

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Depending on the policy details, long-term care insurance may be used to pay for memory care services. It's best to sign up for a policy early, as coverage will likely be denied if one already has long-term care needs. More information about the intricacies of long-term care insurance can be found at longtermcare.acl.gov.
• Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow some homeowners to take out a loan as an advance from the eventual sale of their primary residence. This can be a good way to fund memory care in the short-term, but the loans will need to be paid back after the sale of the home. The most commonly used type of reverse mortgages for seniors is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the only reverse mortgage insured by the federal government.
• Veterans Benefits: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs that veterans and their spouses may use to cover health care needs such as memory care. More information about these programs can be found on the VA website.

Memory Care Regulation

In the state of Arkansas, specialized units that are designed to provide care services for seniors with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia are known as Alzheimer's special care units (ASCUs). Both assisted living and nursing facilities can house ASCUs. Per state regulations, ASCUs must be housed in a separate and distinct unit from the rest of the facility.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Services, Office of Long Term Care is responsible for licensing and regulating these facilities. To operate, a facility must offer assisted living services for at least three adult residents on a 24-hour basis.

All ALFs are required to renew their licenses on an annual basis. A comprehensive survey is conducted by the Office of Long Term care every 18 months, which may be planned or unannounced.

Facility Scope of Care

All ALFs are staffed by 24-hour caregivers to respond to residents' immediate needs and assist with activities of daily living. Facilities should offer mobility assistance, grooming, bathing, dressing and incontinence care, as well as medication assistance. Along with providing personal care services, facilities must host social and recreational activities for residents, and provide supportive services such as housekeeping and transportation to appointments. ALFs are also required to provide residents with three balanced meals, snacks and fluids each day. Additionally, facilities with ASCUs must offer services and programming specific to the needs of memory care residents.

Admissions Requirements

A wide range of residents are eligible for admission to an ASCU, but there may be restrictions. This table acts as a guideline for the types of residents who may or may not be granted admission.

Residents Who May Be Admitted

Older adults and people who:

• Have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia
• Are found to be in need of a higher level of care following their facility assessment
• Have mental health conditions
• Have existing developmental or physical disabilities
• Have suffered traumatic brain injuries

Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted

Those who:

• Cannot get out of bed or evacuate on their own
• Are not independently mobile or are not capable of evacuating the facility within three minutes without assistance
• Are not capable of understanding and responding to staff members
• Have a feeding or intravenous tube
• Do not have control of their bowel or bladder
• Have a communicable disease that could threaten the health and safety of staff and residents
• Have a mental illness, intellectual disability, dementia or addiction that requires higher care or attention than what the facility can provide
• Have dietary regimens a facility cannot readily meet
• Require physical restraints
• Exhibit violent behavior
• Require nursing services than cannot be provided by a certified home health agency on a temporary basis

Care Plan Requirements

Prior to moving in, prospective residents must be assessed to determine the level of care and services they need, and a personalized care plan drawn up to meet their needs. Reassessments are required to be conducted on an annual basis, or more frequently if a resident's needs or condition changes. Residents must also sign a compliance agreement that outlines how the facility will respond in situations or conditions involving risk.

Medication Management Requirements

Residents of CBRFs are permitted to administer their own medications, unless they have been found incompetent to do so by their physician. When necessary, medications may be administered or their administration directed by a registered nurse, nurse practitioner or pharmacist. Certain medications, including nebulizers, injectables and those administered rectally or vaginally, must always be administered by a nurse.

Facility Requirements

All apartment units in an ALF must be large enough for residents to carry out daily functions and activities, such as sleeping, dressing, personal hygiene, eating food and entertaining visitors, and must be accessible for residents who use a wheelchair or other mobility aid. Bathroom and kitchen areas must be separate from other living areas, and the unit must include a small refrigerator and microwave oven. For resident safety, each room must feature a lockable door and 24-hour call system. In a Level I facility, there can be no more than two residents residing in a single unit. All units in Level II facilities are single-occupancy, with exceptions made for married couples, and adults who have requested to reside together.

ASCUs must be located in a separate unit of an ALF that is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of memory care residents.

Staffing Requirements

In Arkansas, ALFs are required to have enough personnel on-site at any given time to adequately support the health and safety of its residents. Staffing ratios for ASCUs are based on the number of residents in the ASCU only, not the ALF as a whole. Both Level I and Level II ALFs must have at least one full-time administrator, on-site manager or responsible staff member available and awake 24 hours per day. Level II ALFs must also be staffed with at least one registered nurse, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants and a consulting pharmacist. Personal care aides may also be employed to provide direct care services.

When hired, all ALF staff must be trained on topics such as building safety, emergency protocols, incident reporting and the residents' bill of rights. Staff members are required to complete further training within the first six months of their employment on topics such as medication assistance and monitoring, dementia and cognitive impairment, communication skills and disability sensitivity. Six hours of ongoing education are required on an annual basis.

In addition to general ALF training requirements, dementia care staff must undergo 30 hours of training on subjects including facility policies, the treatment of dementia, stages of Alzheimer's disease and behavior management. Staff must also complete two hours of in-service training each quarter on an ongoing basis, covering topics such as therapies, environmental modifications and developments in the field.

Medicaid Policy

Arkansas' State Medicaid plan covers the cost of personal care services for seniors, whether those services are provided in an individual's own home or a residential care setting. Services in ALFs are covered under the Living Choices Assisted Living waiver program, as long as the facility is licensed as a Level II facility.

Reporting Abuse

Family members of residents or anyone concerned about the abuse or neglect of residents in an ALF should contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Office of Long Term Care. Complaints can be submitted via phone, fax, email or letter. Investigations are confidential and can be made anonymously, though a name, address and phone number or email address is needed if an individual wishes to be contacted when the investigation is complete.

The Arkansas Long Term Ombudsman Program is also available to assist residents and their family members.

In Arkansas, there is an abundance of resources designed to assist seniors throughout their retirement. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on a range of local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the care services they offer for easy browsing.

Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging in Arkansas is a crucial asset for retired individuals, providing advice on financial assistance, home-based care, and planning for extended care. It also connects seniors and their caregivers with local resources.

Cash Assistance Programs

Financial assistance initiatives exist in Arkansas to help seniors with low income sustain their home living. These initiatives provide tax reductions, discounts on crucial services, and aid for home temperature regulation costs.

Food Assistance Programs

In Arkansas, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.

Free Used Medical Equipment

In Arkansas, several organizations are tackling the high cost of new medical devices. They collect lightly used equipment such as wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, distributing them to local elderly and those requiring assistance.

Home Repair and Modifications

In Arkansas, a variety of programs exist to support seniors and those with disabilities in funding home improvements and repairs. These initiatives, providing grants or loans, feature different eligibility criteria tailored for retired individuals.

Legal Resources

In Arkansas, there are several organizations offering cost-effective or free legal aid to senior citizens. They provide advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills, and power of attorney. Some also champion the rights of the elderly in long-term care establishments.

Senior Centers

In Arkansas, elderly individuals find a community hub in senior centers, offering a range of recreational pursuits, events, and essential resources. These centers also provide health programs, dietary advice, and support for issues related to senior living.

Senior Engagement

In Arkansas, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.

Social Security Offices

In the city of Arkansas, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.

Tax Assistance

In Arkansas, a variety of tax assistance options exist for seniors and people with disabilities. These encompass possible medical cost exemptions, property tax cuts, and other tax alleviation measures.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

In Arkansas, there are establishments ready to assist seniors with limited income facing challenges with home upkeep expenses, such as energy and utility bills. Emergency financial support might be available for individuals threatened with utility disconnection due to outstanding payments.

Veteran's Services

In Arkansas, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/2/2022. 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.

*Note: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.