Memory Care in Nevada

Table of Contents

Memory Care in Nevada

Table of Contents

• The Cost of Memory Care in Nevada
• Nevada Medicaid Programs for Memory Care
• Can You Use Medicare To Pay for Memory Care in Nevada?
• More Ways To Pay for Memory Care in Nevada
• Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Nevada
• Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Nevada
• Nevada 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 Nevada and 2 other cities in Nevada.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Memory Care in Nevada

Inflation has led to rising memory care costs across the United States. Thankfully, Nevada had only a modest 4.5% increase from 2022 to 2023, less than the average U.S. price increase of 10.4%. In 2024, Nevada's costs are projected to rise from $4,474 to $4,712.

Seniors residing in California and Utah communities also saw small increases of 3.5% and 4%, respectively. Older adults in Arizona experienced a 15% increase in monthly costs, while those in Oregon faced a whopping 31% price increase, with costs projected to rise further in 2024 from $7,501 to $7,944. 

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

When hunting for a long-term care community in Nevada, consider how the level of care can impact monthly costs. Independent living is the most cost-effective option for older adults, with an average rate of $2,463, while assisted living costs around $3,716 every month. This option includes maintenance-free living paired with 24-hour assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing and grooming. Memory care offers more specialized support for those with dementia and averages $4,474 monthly. 

Medicaid in Nevada doesn't cover the costs of memory care in an assisted living or memory care facility. There is a Home and Community Based Waiver for the Frail Elderly available that may cover some of the costs and make memory care more affordable. 

• Who Is Eligible: To receive Medicaid in Nevada, applicants must meet financial and medical guidelines. In addition, they're required to be U.S. citizens or legal residents and reside in Nevada.
• How To Apply: Seniors can apply for Medicaid through their local Division of Welfare and Support Services. Applications can be done online or in person.

Home and Community Based Waiver for the Frail Elderly

This waiver provides nonmedical support for qualifying seniors who live in a state-approved residential care facility. Applicants must require care services beyond those assisted living facilities normally offer, and the senior must be at risk of nursing home placement. The waiver doesn't cover room and board. Services that may be covered include case management, augmented personal care, nonmedical transport and some therapies.

• Who Is Eligible: Applicants must be 65 or over and at risk of nursing home placement. Seniors are required to qualify for Medicaid coverage. Services covered will be determined depending on the requirements of the applicant.
• How To Apply: Applicants must complete a community-based care referral form and submit it to their nearest ADSD Regional Office.

Medicaid Eligibility for Seniors in Nevada

Seniors in Nevada must meet strict income guidelines to qualify for Medicaid coverage. Single applicants have an annual income limit of $30,276, and their married counterparts are limited to $60,552 per year. Assets can't exceed $2,000 for single applicants or $4,000 for dual applicants. 

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Nevada

There are additional requirements that seniors must meet to receive Medicaid in Nevada. With the application, seniors should hand in the following documents to show they meet all the requirements:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency
• Birth certificate (include a translation if the document is not in English)
• Proof of income
• Proof of current address
• Bank statement for the past 60 months
• Insurance policies
• Burial arrangements
• Power of attorney 
• Any other documents the applicant believes will support their case

How To Get Help Applying for Medicaid in Nevada

There are programs and organizations in Nevada to assist seniors and their loved ones in 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

Facility-based memory care providers fall under the regulatory umbrella of the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Licensure and Certification. Known as residential facilities for groups, these facilities are inspected and monitored by the bureau for compliance, as well as to investigate complaints. The bureau publishes guidelines for care and standards for facility operation to ensure a high degree of compliance with state laws for memory care. All residential facilities for groups must provide written statements of basic costs, optional services and refund policies.

Facility Scope of Care

Residential facilities for groups are limited to providing nonmedical care for residents, apart from emergency care that staff members have been trained to administer as needed. Residents with an illness or an injury that is expected to last less than 14 days may be cared for in the facility. Longer expected terms of illness or injury may require admission to a hospital or transfer to a nursing care facility.

Staff may assist residents with activities of daily living and other non-skilled tasks, such as lift assistance and companionship. Memory care facilities must provide a regular program of activities that address the residents' gross motor skills, social relationships and interactions, sensory enhancement activities and outdoor access.

Admission Requirements

Memory care facilities in Nevada can admit a diverse range of residents, but not everyone is eligible for this type of care. The table below gives an overview of admission requirements for facility-based memory care in Nevada.

Residents Who May Be Admitted

Older adults and people with:

• Dementia or other cognitive conditions
• Developmental disabilities
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Physical mobility limitations who can move unassisted from an unsafe area to safety in under four minutes

Residents Who May NOT Be Admitted

Those Who:

• Are bed-bound
• Are unable to move even with one-person assistance
• Require 24-hour nursing care
• Have contractures
• Have pressure ulcers
• Have diabetes
• Have unmanageable incontinence

Care Plan Requirements

Facility administrators must develop a care plan on admission of the resident to the facility. Continuing assessments must be made to determine whether the resident's needs are changing. Care plans must be kept up to date with input from licensed health practitioners, whose advice must be followed.

Medication Management Requirements

Residents who are able to self-administer medications may do so. Non-licensed staff may assist with administration after completing a 16-hour course. Facility staff are prohibited from administering injections, though they may prepare prefilled syringes for residents' self-administration. Injections and other invasive treatments may only be administered by licensed RNs, LVNs or other nursing staff acting within their scope of practice.

Facility Requirements

Facilities may provide private or shared rooms with a maximum of three occupants. Units may be shared only by mutual consent. At least one toilet and sink is required for every four residents, and a shower or bathtub is required for every six residents.

Staffing Requirements

Residential facilities for groups must have at least one staff member who is awake and able to respond to residents' needs at all times. Staff members must be at least 18 years old and have completed at least two hours of training in dementia care before starting. Within three months, staff members must complete an annual eight-hour certification course. Administrators must meet the standards of staff caregivers and have a minimum of three years' experience working in licensed facilities.

Medicaid Policy

Nevada Medicaid does not specifically cover the cost of memory care. Two waiver programs, Personal Care Services (PCS) and Home and Community Based Waiver for the Frail Elderly (HCBW-FE), may help seniors manage the cost of memory care.

Reporting Abuse

Suspected cases of elder abuse may be reported to law enforcement, or by contacting the Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) via its online abuse reporting form. The division may be reached by phone at 888-729-0571, or by mailing the administration office at:

Aging and Disability Services Division Administrative Office 3416 Goni Road, Suite D-132 Carson City, NV 89706

In Nevada, 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 Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada, 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 Nevada, 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 Nevada, 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.

Social Security Offices

In the city of Nevada, 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 Nevada, 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 Nevada, 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 Nevada, 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 2/10/2022. 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.