Memory Care in Michigan

Table of Contents

Memory Care in Michigan

Table of Contents

• The Cost of Memory Care in Michigan
• Michigan Medicaid Programs for Memory Care
• Can You Use Medicare To Pay for Memory Care in Michigan?
• More Ways To Pay for Memory Care in Michigan
• Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Michigan
• Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Michigan
• Michigan 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 Michigan and 56 other cities in Michigan.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Memory Care in Michigan

Memory care costs increased from $4,510 to $5,452 in Michigan from 2022 to 2023, a significant rise highlighting the importance of factoring future inflation into expenses. Nearby states saw notable increases in care costs, too, with prices jumping 6% in Indiana and 11% in Ohio. Costs also rose by $463‬ in Wisconsin and $462 in Illinois, compared to a $506 (10.5%) increase nationwide.

Additional price increases are expected in 2024, based on trends. Memory care costs will climb a further 12% in Michigan and 11.5% in Wisconsin, compared to an 8% jump in the national average.

Memory Care Costs in Michigan's Top Cities

Memory care prices across several large cities in Michigan reveal significant differences. For example, the cost of care is substantially lower than average at $4,200 in Warren and $4,428 in Sterling Heights, offering savings of up to $1,252. However, care costs $5,565 in Detroit, just above the state norm, and is $1,181 more expensive in Grand Rapids. As such, seniors may want to select their hometown carefully before committing to long-term care.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

Memory care offers the highest level of support for seniors with Alzheimer's, but it's also the most costly of Michigan's main types of care, averaging $5,452. Assisted living is $4,111, as operational costs such as staffing are generally lower. Independent living is designed to provide maximum autonomy for active seniors, resulting in an even lower price of $2,515. The latter services could work for seniors with only mild memory loss until symptoms progress.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services oversees the state's Medicaid program, which provides free health insurance to low-income seniors and other individuals in need. While regular Medicaid doesn't provide coverage for memory care services, there is a waiver program that amends what's covered to include extra services to save on costs. 

• Who Is Eligible: Seniors aged 65 and older who meet the state's Medicaid income limits.
• How To Apply: Applications can be submitted by visiting a DHS county office or calling (800) 803-7174.

MI Choice Waiver Program

The MI Choice waiver helps seniors who aren't residing in a nursing facility to access services that are provided by memory care and assisted living facilities, including personal care and emergency call systems. This waiver doesn't cover the cost of room and board for seniors, though, so those in residential memory care need to use their own funds to cover those expenses. 

• Who Is Eligible: To qualify for the MI Choice waiver, seniors must be at least 65 years of age and meet the medical or functional criteria for nursing care. Additionally, seniors must be financially eligible for Medicaid.
• How To Apply: Seniors can contact their nearest community agency to start the application process.

Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors in Michigan

Seniors who wish to apply for Medicaid in Michigan are subject to maximum income and asset limits. Any person, whether applying alone or with a spouse, is limited to earning no more than $2,523 per month, or $30,276 annually. Assets are limited to $2,000 for the applicant, or $3,000 when both spouses in a two-person household apply together. Those who are married but applying for coverage alone are subject to the $2,000 asset limit, while their spouse can retain as much as $137,400 in countable assets.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Michigan

In addition to the income limits in place for Michigan's Medicaid program, seniors also must:

• Be a full-time Michigan resident
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Have a valid Social Security number or be willing to apply for one

How To Get Help Applying for Medicaid in Michigan

There are programs available in Michigan to provide assistance with applying for Medicaid. 

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 Michigan, assisted living facilities are licensed as homes for the aged (HFA) or adult foster care (AFC) homes. Any adult may receive AFC services, whereas HFAs are licensed for those aged 55 and older. Most adult foster care facilities have 20 or fewer residents, and most homes for the aged have 21 or more.

Individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias may receive memory care in either an AFC or HFA, and both types of facilities must provide a certain set of services and accommodations as described in the licensing rules and statutes for each category of facility.

Facility Scope of Care

Residents in Michigan’s homes for the aged and adult foster care homes may receive intermediate or temporary nursing care, but these facilities aren’t licensed for full-time nursing. Facilities offering memory care must provide a written description of their overall philosophy, assessments, care plans, staff training and other issues related to Alzheimer’s.

HFA and AFC facilities are required to provide:

• Housing and meals, supervised personal care and protection
• Staffing that’s appropriate and qualified to handle the facility’s needs
• Activities that are appropriate for people with various physical, social and behavioral needs

Admissions Requirements

Homes for the aged and adult foster care facilities in Michigan have different purposes and treatment options, and the policy for admission is based largely on those factors. See below for a general outline, and request the admission policy in writing from individual facilities.

Residents Who May Be Admitted

Adults of any age diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another dementia disorder and elderly persons aged 55 or older with:

Residents Who May Be Admitted Older adults and people with:

• Alzheimer’s or other dementias
• Physical disabilities
• Mental health needs
• Behavioral issues that can be managed

Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted Those who:

• Require continuous nursing care
• Are determined as a risk to self, other people and/or property
• Have behavioral issues that are unmanageable by the facility

Care Plan Requirements

Licensed facilities in Michigan are required to conduct assessments on potential residents before they’re admitted, which are then used to form a personalized care plan. This plan must incorporate the physical and cognitive needs of the individual, and it must clearly describe the amount of care and services needed, as well as the itemized costs.

Residents and their family members or designated representatives can be involved in the formulation of the plan, which must be updated at least annually, and the facility is required to maintain and produce copies upon request.

Medication Management Requirements

Medication, dietary supplements and special medical procedures must be prescribed by a physician or dentist, and kept in the original container in a secure location. Residents are generally permitted to administer their own medication, often with supervision from staff, unless otherwise stated by a health care professional. According to Michigan’s medication management requirements, the supervisory staff member is responsible for making sure the resident takes the correct medication at the dosage and timing indicated by a licensed physician or dentist.

Facility Requirements

All facilities must have a maximum of four beds per room, one sink and toilet for every eight residents on each floor and one bath or shower for every 15 residents. There are no regulations requiring an HFA or AFC to provide an environment specifically for people with dementia. However, as noted in the facility scope of care section, any facility that offers memory care services is required to fulfill the particular needs of residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. As a result, it’s advisable to ask whether a facility does provide memory care.

Staffing Requirements

Michigan’s regulations require that all homes for the aged and adult foster care facilities have an administrator who is responsible for facility operations. Facilities must also have one staff member on duty for each shift to serve as the resident care supervisor, who’s responsible for maintaining the respectful and kind treatment of residents, as well as their safety during an emergency situation.

There is no minimum ratio of staff to residents, although facilities are required to have an adequate number of sufficiently trained staff on duty and awake at all times.

Medicaid Policy

Michigan Medicaid doesn’t directly cover the costs of homes for the aged or adult foster care facilities. However, the Michigan Medicaid State Plan does cover the cost of personal care services received by enrolled members, such as assistance with bathing or mobility issues. Preventive services aimed at delaying placement in a home are also available through the Medicaid MI Choice waiver, but room and board costs aren’t covered.

Reporting Abuse

Complaints related to Michigan’s homes for the aged and adult foster care facilities are processed by the Bureau of Community and Health Systems. Individuals can submit a report using the online complaint form, print and mail a paper form to the Complaint Intake Unit or call (866) 856-0126. Reports must allege that a facility is in violation of state regulations, which are available to view online. In the case of alleged serious criminal activity, rather than a breach of regulations, contact the police and file a report.

In Michigan, 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 Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan, 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 Michigan, 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.

Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors

Elderly residents of Michigan 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 Michigan, 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 Michigan, 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 Engagement

In Michigan, 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 Michigan, 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 Michigan, 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 Michigan, 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 Michigan, 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 2/8/2022. 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.