Memory Care in Delaware

Table of Contents

Memory Care in Delaware

Table of Contents

• The Cost of Memory Care in Delaware
• Delaware Medicaid Programs for Memory Care
• Can You Use Medicare To Pay for Memory Care in Delaware?
• More Ways To Pay for Memory Care in Delaware
• Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Delaware
• Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Delaware
• Delaware 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 Delaware and 3 other cities in Delaware.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Memory Care in Delaware

Inflation affected the affordability of many types of care in Delaware, including memory care, increasing its cost by 39% in 2023 — a much more substantial jump than the 10.5% national average. Surrounding states also experienced price increases, with costs jumping to $5,489 in Maryland and $5,201 in Pennsylvania. The cost of memory care increased by 23% in New York, but trends suggest prices may remain stable into 2024. New Jersey was the only state to see costs drop by 11.5%, but projections forecast a 8% increase in 2024, making it essential for families to plan care accordingly.

Memory Care Costs in Delaware's Top Cities

Comparing care costs across the cities of Delaware shows much variance, with some seniors paying substantially more depending on where they live in the state. Prices average $5,760 in Newark, just below the state norm, whereas care is slightly more expensive in Dover and Wilmington at $6,646 and $6,764, respectively. Just over the border, Philadelphia, PA, offers significant savings, as memory care averages just $4,918 in this city.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

The cost of different types of care varies significantly in Delaware. Memory care averages $6,049, which is expected given that caregivers need specialized dementia training and experience, and communities require extra security and safety features. Assisted living is cheaper at $4,587 but still costs much more than independent living, averaging $3,472. However, this lower price reflects the comparative lack of personal care and amenities available in most independent living communities.

Delaware's Medicaid program doesn't cover memory care in assisted living communities and there aren't any available waivers, but the Diamond State Health Plan - Plus does cover some of the costs associated with this type of care. Personal care services, case management, cognitive services, community transition services and transportation are some of the expenses that might be covered for those who are eligible.

This program can certainly be used to pay for many of the companion services needed, but it won't cover room and board at a nursing facility.

• Who Is Eligible: Applicants must first qualify for Medicaid, be over 65 years old and have medical documentation supporting the need for nursing care. There are income caps and asset limits as well, capped at 250% of the federal benefit rate and $2,000 in assets. 
• How To Apply: For the Diamond State Health Plan - Plus, people can visit their local State Service Center or call the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance at (800) 996-9969.

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

Assisted living facilities that provide memory care are licensed by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Long Term Care Residents Protection. The division is responsible for monitoring compliance with federal and state regulations governing long-term care facilities, as well as performing annual surveys and unscheduled inspections. DLTCRP staff also respond to incidents and complaints regarding quality of life, quality of care and violations of residents' rights in assisted living facilities.

An ALF that offers special services, such as memory care, must provide a disclosure document that details the facility's:

• Philosophy of care
• Population served
• Admission and discharge criteria and processes
• Assessment, care planning and implementation procedures
• Staffing and training policies
• Resident activities
• Nutrition and hydration services
• Policy regarding wandering
• Psychosocial services
• Safe storage plan for medication
• Costs

Facility Scope of Care

Assisted living facilities in Delaware provide housing, supervision, personalized assistance and health care and supportive services for individuals who need help with activities of daily living. Facilities must ensure that each resident's care plan is implemented properly and provide all required personal services, arrange access to necessary health care and social services and facilitate or arrange opportunities for leisure activities and social interaction. Residents may receive care from licensed hospice programs and home health care agencies, with prior approval from the ALF's director.

Admissions Requirements

Licensed assisted living facilities in Delaware may accept adults and elderly individuals with a range of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The following table offers an overview of the conditions and circumstances that determine whether an individual may be admitted or continue receiving memory care in an assisted living facility, based on the applicable rules and regulations.

Residents Who May Be Admitted To and Retained in ALFs:

Seniors and adults who:

• Require lodging, meals and assistance with personal care, medication administration and activities of daily living
• Suffer from stable chronic illnesses
• Have physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Have controlled behavioral issues
• Require intermittent or short-term nursing care for no longer than 90 days

Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted or Must Be Discharged:

Individuals who:

• Require skilled testing, treatments or monitoring
• Require monitoring of an unstable or chronic medical condition
• Are bedridden for longer than 14 days
• Are dependent on a ventilator
• Wander in excess of the facility staff's supervisory abilities
• Pose a threat to themselves or other residents
• Exhibit socially inappropriate or unmanageable behavior

Care Plan Requirements

Prospective ALF residents must have a medical evaluation and RN assessment completed 30 days before admission, and a reassessment must be conducted within 30 days of move-in. Based on these assessments, a service plan must be developed to meet the individual's care needs. This plan should detail the services to be provided and address all aspects of their care, including:

• Nutrition and hydration
• Personal care
• Psychosocial and emotional care
• Licensed nursing services
• Rehabilitative services
• Interpretive services
• Assistive technology
• Durable medical equipment
• Environmental services

Medication Management Requirements

The rules regarding ALF staff providing assistance with medication self-administration are contained in the state Board of Nursing regulations. The rules require that within 30 days of a new resident's admission, an RN must assess their ability to self-administer medication and determine whether they need assistance. An RN must also conduct regular reviews to ensure that medications have been received, are properly labeled and stored and are not causing any adverse side effects. Only aides who have passed an exam may assist residents with self-administering medications.

Facility Requirements

Delaware assisted living facilities, including those that offer memory care, may offer private rooms, as well as shared rooms for no more than two residents. Private rooms must provide at least 100 square feet of living space, and shared rooms must offer 80 square feet of living space per resident. Facilities may feature private bathrooms accessed from individual resident rooms or shared bathrooms that serve no more than four residents. If in-unit bathrooms do not contain a tub or shower, such facilities must be provided in a readily accessible location. ALFs must provide residents with in-unit kitchen facilities or access to a central kitchen. State regulations stipulate that facilities providing memory care must detail any specialized physical environment and design features in their disclosure documents.

Staffing Requirements

ALFs in Delaware must have a sufficient number of trained staff on duty to provide adequate care for all residents. Staff employed by facilities that offer memory care must be properly trained and hold appropriate certifications and licenses to ensure the needs of residents are met.

Delaware regulations include minimum requirements for ALF management staff, based on the size of the facility.

• Facilities with up to 24 beds may employ a part-time administrator and must have an RN director of nursing on duty for 20 hours per week, at a minimum.
• Facilities with 25 or more beds must have a full-time administrator and RN director of nursing.

Newly hired care staff must receive a comprehensive orientation on state-mandated topics, which include residents' rights, the health and psychosocial needs of residents being served, infection control, first aid and the facility's fire, life safety and emergency disaster plans. Staff members must also receive at least 12 hours of ongoing training annually.

Medicaid Policy

Delaware Medicaid administers the Diamond State Health Plan – Plus, a managed long-term care entitlement program that covers services in assisted living facilities for eligible state residents, including those who require memory care.

Reporting Abuse

Concerned parties can report witnessed or suspected abuse, exploitation or neglect of an assisted living facility resident by calling the Division of Health Care Quality's 24-hour, toll-free report line at 877-453-0012. Alternatively, individuals may complete and submit an online complaint form.

In Delaware, 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 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 Delaware 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.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Elderly individuals in Delaware, living independently or in elderly care homes, can avail of numerous local financial support opportunities. These aid options help reduce in-home or long-term care costs and connect them to valuable community resources.

Food Assistance Programs

In Delaware, 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 Delaware, 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.

Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors

Elderly residents of Delaware with certain income brackets have access to local aid for prescription medication expenses. They might also be eligible for health coverage and other programs providing complimentary or reduced-cost healthcare services.

Home Repair and Modifications

In Delaware, 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 Delaware, 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.

Social Security Offices

In Delaware, 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware, 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 2/3/2022. 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.