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Do Dementia Patients Pay for Care?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Some dementia patients do pay for their care, but those on a low income can receive financial help to cover their care costs through Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. Veterans and their immediate relatives may be eligible to receive additional benefits from the Veterans Administration to cover the cost of in-home care or time in a memory care facility.
Seniors whose income puts them above the limit for Medicaid in their state may be able to take advantage of a spend-down program to become eligible for Medicaid. These programs allow seniors to deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses from their income, reducing their on-paper income for the purposes of eligibility assessments.
Tax Deductions and Credits Can Help Seniors Afford Their Care
Senior tax credits and deductions can be a valuable source of financial support for older adults. These credits are available to all seniors, not only those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Seniors can spend these funds on anything they wish, including dementia care expenses and room and board in assisted living facilities. The AARP offers a Senior Tax Aide program to help seniors better understand their taxes and what credits or rebates they may be eligible to receive.
Some States Have Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs
In addition to the state and federal Medicaid programs, some states offer non-Medicaid assistance programs that may have wider eligibility criteria. Seniors can contact their state’s Area Agency on Aging for advice and information about state programs. The Alzheimer’s Association also offers free, impartial support for seniors living with dementia and their loved ones, including advice for caregivers and information about the long-term care options and community care services available for seniors.