Memory Care in Mississippi

Table of Contents

Memory Care in Mississippi

Table of Contents

• The Cost of Memory Care in Mississippi
• Mississippi Medicaid Programs for Memory Care
• Can You Use Medicare To Pay for Memory Care in Mississippi?
• More Ways To Pay for Memory Care in Mississippi
• Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Mississippi
• Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Mississippi
• Mississippi 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 Mississippi and 7 other cities in Mississippi.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Memory Care in Mississippi

Changes in memory care costs affect areas differently. Mississippi saw an increase of 7% from 2022 to 2023, while national rates increased by 10.5%. Louisiana saw a decrease of about 5.5%. Other surrounding states had increases of varying rates. Arkansas had the smallest increase at 3%, Alabama increased by 8% and Tennessee had the largest increase at 21.5%.

Projected rates for 2024 show an increase for Mississippi to $4,931, which is a 5.5% increase. The national average is expected to hit $5,792 by 2024. Preparing for those increases helps seniors manage the rising costs of the care they need.

Memory Care Costs in Mississippi's Top Cities

The location within Mississippi can affect memory care pricing. Holly Springs is one of the most affordable locations, coming in significantly lower than the state average at $3,347. Many cities are similar to the state average, including Biloxi at $4,600 and Gulfport, which averages $4,850. Starkville has a significantly higher average of $5,875 per month. Seniors might find a better fit for their budgets by looking at different cities within Mississippi.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

Mississippi seniors have several care options with varying services and costs. The lowest-price option is independent living, with an average rate of $3,096 per month. Assisted living costs more, averaging $3,996, due to the support residents receive for daily care and personal tasks. Seniors with dementia might choose memory care, with an average cost of $4,679, to receive specialized dementia care. It's important to consider individual needs, preferences and budgets to choose the appropriate care.

Medicaid is a national health insurance program that helps low-income seniors pay for long-term care and health care in Mississippi. There are two state waiver programs that help seniors cover the cost of memory care, the Assisted Living Wavier (ALW) and the Elderly and Disabled Waiver (EDW).

Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)

The ALW helps seniors pay for personal care received in an assisted living community. Services covered under the waiver program include case management, attendant care, personal care, homemaker services, medication oversight, transportation, social activities and skilled nursing.

• Who Is Eligible: Individuals must be at least 65 and older or 21 and older if disabled. All applicants must need assistance with activities of daily living and meet the Medicaid income requirements or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

• How To Apply: Applicants may apply through the Mississippi Medicaid website or by calling the Office of Eligibility at (800) 421-2408.

Elderly and Disabled Waiver

The Elderly and Disabled Waiver pays for various medical and personal services provided at home and within the community. The waiver covers many of the same services covered by the ALW, including meals, transportation, case management, housekeeping and personal care. It also covers physical and speech therapy and care for the early stages of hearing loss.

• Who Is Eligible: The Elderly and Disabled Waiver is limited to individuals aged 21 and older who are permanent residents in the state. They must meet the same requirements as all Medicaid applicants and must be assessed to receive a nursing home level of care.

• How To Apply: To apply for the waiver, individuals should contact the Mississippi Access to Care Network at (844) 822-4622.

Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors in Mississippi

Income eligibility limits for seniors in Mississippi are $30,276 for a single applicant and $60,552 for a two-person household with both seniors applying. If one applicant remains in the home, they may receive an additional needs allowance and have higher asset limits to prevent poverty. The asset limit for a single applicant is $4,000; for a two-person household, the asset limit is $8,000 or $4,000 for each spouse.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Mississippi

Seniors must meet additional eligibility requirements to receive benefits. They must:

• Be 65 years of age or older
• Require nursing home level of care
• Be a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident or a legal alien

How To Get Help Applying for Medicaid in Mississippi

Seniors applying for Medicaid in Mississippi can contact one of the following agencies for answers to the most popular questions involving the program. They may also provide assistance in applying for coverage and help with making changes to Medicaid accounts.

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 categorized as personal care homes, which are licensed and regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health. The state sets minimum standards of operation and ensures that facilities are certified for Medicaid and Medicare programs, and in compliance with federal standards. Licensed facilities receive regular inspections and evaluations from the state.

Personal care homes that are exclusive to memory care, or have a separate wing for this purpose, must follow additional rules and regulations. These facilities are designated as having an Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia Care Unit (A/D Unit), and this term will be included in its certificate of licensure.

Facility Scope of Care

Personal care homes must provide food, shelter, basic housekeeping and laundry services. These facilities must also assist residents in performing their activities of daily living (ADLs), such as assistance with walking, transferring to and from a wheelchair and other mobility issues, as well as eating, grooming and hygiene. Residents must be provided with daily therapeutic activities, such as those focused on memory, exercise and other research-based methods of improving the quality of life for people with cognitive issues.

Personal care homes must also provide:

• Varied leisure activities appropriate for different ages, cultures and lifestyles
• Creative and spiritual pursuits
• Small and large group activities
• Transport for medical purposes

Admissions Requirements

Licensed facilities that are permitted to serve residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia can set their own requirements for admission, but there are some minimum standards in place. If a person has already been admitted and then becomes ineligible, they may be permitted to stay if consent is given and it's approved by a physician.

Residents Who May Be Admitted

Older adults and people who:

• Require domiciliary care (e.g., assistance with ADLs)
• Have Alzheimer's or other dementia
• Need nonmedical services and/or temporary skilled nursing

Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted

Those who need:

• Long-term or permanent medical care
• To be restrained and/or are a threat to self, others or facility
• Assistance evacuating and/or descending stairs in an emergency if the facility doesn't meet ANSI standards

Care Plan Requirements

Individuals who are being admitted to a personal care home in Mississippi must be medically assessed by a licensed physician. In the case of memory care, the individual must also be assessed by a licensed practitioner who is qualified to make determinations based on the individual's cognitive and other abilities.

Care plans must be thorough, individualized and specific as to the desired treatment goals and outcomes. This plan should contain an itemized list of services and charges, including any additional costs that are expected, and must be reviewed quarterly for its effectiveness. Family members must be given a chance to be involved in the creation and updating of the care plan.

Medication Management Requirements

Staff must follow strict guidelines and controls to ensure the safekeeping and proper use of medication. All medication, prescription or otherwise, must be ordered by a physician and can only be administered by licensed personnel. Residents can self-administer with prompting and basic assistance from staff, unless otherwise indicated by a physician. Personal care homes that are licensed to serve residents with Alzheimer's and dementia must have a secure area for the storage of medication for residents unable to self-administer.

Facility Requirements

Resident bedrooms can house a maximum of four people and must be at or above ground level and have an operable exterior window. An appropriate bed, clean linens and basic furniture must be provided, as well as storage space. Bedrooms must have at least 80 square feet of usable space per bed. Facilities must have a minimum ratio of 1:12 bathtubs or showers per resident and 1:6 toilets per resident for each floor. If laundry services aren't provided for residents, they must have access to laundry facilities. Personal care homes with over 15 residents must have a Food Service Permit from the state.

Staffing Requirements

Personnel must be verified against the state abuse registry and receive a satisfactory criminal background check and health screening. There is a minimum ratio of 1:15 direct care employees per resident during the day and 1:25 at night, and all staff included in the count must be awake and on duty. In addition, a licensed nurse must be present for at least eight hours per day.

Facilities that offer memory care services must be able to provide a minimum of three hours per day of nursing care for each resident, and there must be a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse on duty at all times. Personal care homes with a small Alzheimer's unit must have at least two staff members on duty at all times, regardless of the number of residents.

Medicaid Policy

Mississippi Medicaid covers personal care and various other services received in assisted living facilities, but it doesn't cover room and board. Medicaid members who are eligible for the waivers outlined in this guide can benefit from additional coverage. Personal care homes are regularly evaluated by the state to ensure that suitable care is provided to residents, in compliance with federal Medicaid regulations.

Reporting Abuse

The Mississippi State Department of Health is responsible for managing complaints about personal care homes and certain other facilities. Anyone can submit a report, and do so anonymously if they wish, by using the online complaint form or by calling 800-227-7308 during regular business hours.

In Mississippi, 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 Living

In Mississippi, local initiatives offer financial support to seniors with low income residing in community living spaces. These resources are crucial in assisting elderly individuals to manage the costs of long-term care services.

Food Assistance Programs

In Mississippi, 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 Mississippi, 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 Mississippi, 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.

Medicaid Resources

Grasping Medicaid complexities, particularly for the elderly, can be daunting. A wealth of resources in Mississippi provide insights into Medicaid options, waiver programs, and qualification criteria, aiding seniors in obtaining suitable health care benefits.

Senior Centers

In Mississippi, 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.

Social Security Offices

In Mississippi, 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 Mississippi, 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 Mississippi, 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 Mississippi, 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.